FAQ + Great Information

Question 1

Are you a legitimate breeder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dashing Coons is TICA-registered, listed on the TICA breeder directory, publicly present on official social media platforms, and available for live video verification. We strongly encourage buyers to verify any breeder before sending deposits. We welcome live video calls so you can see your kitten in real time.

Question 2

How can I verify Dashing Coons before sending a deposit?

Accepted Answer

We recommend three steps: (1) Confirm our TICA registration. (2) Confirm our official social media pages match our brand. (3) Schedule a live video call or in-person visit. We do not pressure buyers. We prefer educated, confident families.

Question 3

What are red flags of kitten scams?

Accepted Answer

Be cautious of: prices that seem too good to be true, refusal to do live video, requests for gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers, high-pressure tactics, and full payment demanded before verification. We will never refuse reasonable verification requests.

Question 4

Are your kittens TICA registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dashing Coons is a TICA-registered cattery, and our kittens are placed with proper documentation consistent with TICA registration practices.

Question 5

What paperwork do I receive?

Accepted Answer

You will receive: a written sales agreement, health and vaccination records, and registration documentation. Pet kittens may have registration documents released after proof of spay/neuter, depending on placement terms.

Question 6

Why do some breeders release papers after spay/neuter?

Accepted Answer

This protects bloodlines and prevents accidental breeding. It is standard practice in many ethical programs, but due to the issue of stunting growth we do not spay or neuter.

Question 7

Do you genetically test your breeding cats?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our breeding cats are genetically tested through UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Testing helps reduce inherited risk and supports responsible pairing decisions.

Question 8

What genetic conditions are important in Maine Coons?

Accepted Answer

Commonly referenced inherited risks include HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) and SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy). DNA testing reduces risk for known mutations, but no genetic test eliminates all possible disease risk. Ethical breeding combines genetic testing, selection, and veterinary oversight.

Question 9

Do kittens receive veterinary exams before going home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All kittens go home vet checked, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, and with documented health records. We also recommend a veterinary exam within 48 to 72 hours after pickup to establish care and activate health guarantees.

Question 10

What vaccines will my kitten have?

Accepted Answer

Kittens follow veterinary core vaccine guidelines, typically including FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Rabies (based on age and law), and FeLV (based on age/risk). Our kittens do not leave until they have received at least two FVRCP vaccinations. Your veterinarian will continue boosters as needed.

Question 11

How are your kittens raised?

Accepted Answer

Our kittens are raised inside our home, not in outdoor kennel facilities. They receive daily hands-on handling, early social exposure, household stimulation, and structured interaction. The sensitive socialization window in kittens occurs very early (approximately 2 to 9 weeks), and we prioritize positive experiences during that time.

Question 12

What is Maine Coon temperament like?

Accepted Answer

Maine Coons are known as gentle giants. They are typically affectionate, social, confident, and adaptable. Temperament comes from both genetics and early environment — we prioritize both.

Question 13

What is a polydactyl Maine Coon?

Accepted Answer

A polydactyl cat has extra toes. In Maine Coons, this trait is accepted and can vary in expression — from subtle extra toes to large mitten-style paws. Approximately 50% of our kittens are polydactyl.

Question 14

Is polydactylism harmful?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. Most polydactyl cats live normal lives. Extra toes mean extra nails, so routine nail trimming is important.

Question 15

What is a smoke Maine Coon?

Accepted Answer

Smoke refers to lighter silver roots with darker tipping, creating dramatic contrast when the coat moves. We specialize in black smoke, blue smoke, tortie smoke, and smoke with white.

Question 16

Will my smoke kitten change as they grow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Smoke contrast often becomes more pronounced as kittens mature. Young kittens may show ghost markings, and full adult coat develops over time. Maine Coons mature slowly — both in coat and size.

Question 17

When do your kittens go home?

Accepted Answer

Our typical go-home window is 10 to 12 weeks of age. We send kittens home once they meet readiness milestones: fully weaned, eating consistently, litterbox trained, stable weight, vet cleared, and age-appropriate vaccines completed. If a kitten would benefit from additional time, we will hold longer. Health always comes first.

Question 18

Do you offer delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We place kittens throughout Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, the Midwest, and nationwide.

Question 19

What are your delivery options?

Accepted Answer

Free delivery within approximately 4 hours of Southern Illinois. Complimentary halfway meet-ups for many Midwest placements. Expanded free delivery radius when multiple deliveries align. Nationwide delivery available. For distances exceeding approximately 5 hours, a reasonable travel fee may apply to cover fuel, lodging, or flights.

Question 20

How are kittens kept safe during travel?

Accepted Answer

Secure carrier, climate-controlled travel, no sedation unless veterinarian advised, and careful planning to reduce stress.

Question 21

Why are your kittens $3,000 to $4,000?

Accepted Answer

Premium pricing reflects TICA registration, UC Davis genetic testing, veterinary preventive care, in-home socialization, ethical breeding practices, smoke and polydactyl specialization, and ongoing breeder support. We do not mass produce kittens.

Question 22

What is included in the price?

Accepted Answer

TICA documentation process, vet exam, vaccination records, written sales agreement, health guarantee, and lifetime breeder support.

Question 23

How does the reservation process work?

Accepted Answer

Inquiry, then live video verification (optional), then deposit to reserve, then ongoing updates, then pickup or delivery. Reservations are first-come, first-served.

Question 24

Are deposits refundable?

Accepted Answer

Deposits are nonrefundable. If something happens to the kitten before delivery we will refund in that situation, and we do ensure your kitten is healthy before going home.

Question 25

Are breeding rights available?

Accepted Answer

Yes — to approved programs only, for a small additional fee. Breeding placements require alignment with responsible breeding standards, health testing expectations, and ethical practices. Pet placements are standard unless otherwise agreed upon.

Question 26

Do you offer support after placement?

Accepted Answer

We remain available to our families for the life of the cat. Whether you have questions about nutrition, grooming, growth expectations, health, or behavior — we are here.

Question 27

What is your re-homing policy?

Accepted Answer

If a family can no longer keep their cat, we require communication with us first. Responsible breeding includes lifetime placement accountability. We do not support surrendering to shelters without breeder involvement.

Trust, Legitimacy and Scam Prevention

TICA Registration and Papers

Health and Genetic Testing

Vaccinations and Preventive Care

Socialization and Temperament

Polydactyl Maine Coons

Smoke Coat Development

Go-Home Age

Delivery and Travel

Pricing and Value

Reservations and Deposits

Breeding Rights

Lifetime Support

We Are Happy to Help