Maine Coon FAQ | Health Testing, Pricing, Delivery & More — Dashing Coons

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

We personally travel with every kitten — complimentary delivery for most of the United States. Our base locations are Wood River, Illinois and Ballwin, Missouri (near St. Louis). For families in the Midwest, we often deliver directly to your home. For longer distances — Alabama, Utah, Texas, Tennessee, and beyond — we discuss ground or flight nanny options on a case-by-case basis. You are always welcome to pick up in person.

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

How much do your kittens cost?

Accepted Answer

Our kittens start at $3,500. Final price depends on the individual kitten — traits like coat color, sex, structure, and whether breeding rights are included all factor in. Polydactyl and non-polydactyl kittens are priced the same because we consider extra toes a feature, not a premium. Pricing reflects TICA registration, UC Davis genetic testing, full veterinary care, in-home socialization, and lifetime 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. Kittens sold with breeding rights receive the same full UC Davis genetic panel as our breeding cats.

Question 23

How does the reservation process work?

Accepted Answer

Reach out by text at (618) 973-6926, then an optional live video call so you can see your kitten in real time, then a $1,000 deposit to officially reserve your spot. That deposit is applied toward your total — it is the first payment, not an added fee. It also activates your written health guarantee. Payment is processed through Intuit QuickBooks. Reservations are first-come, first-served — first deposit, first pick.

Question 24

Are deposits refundable?

Accepted Answer

The $1,000 deposit is non-refundable if you change your mind — it is what makes your reservation real and holds your kitten off the market. That said, if something happens to the kitten before go-home, we will make it right. We do not send a kitten home unless they are healthy and ready, and your health guarantee is active from the moment your deposit is placed.

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.

Question 28

What should I buy before bringing my Maine Coon kitten home?

Accepted Answer

We recommend having these ready before pickup: a large litter box (Maine Coons outgrow standard boxes quickly — a 40-gallon storage tub works well), unscented clumping litter, a tall sturdy cat tree with a window perch, horizontal and vertical scratching posts, a filtered water fountain, high-quality wet food (ask us what your kitten has been eating so you can continue the same diet), a wide-tooth comb or slicker brush for grooming, a carrier with a soft blanket inside, and interactive wand toys. We send every family home with a care guide and are happy to answer questions about setup before your kitten arrives.

Question 29

How do I join the waitlist or reserve a kitten?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to text us at (618) 973-6926 or fill out the inquiry form on our Contact page. Tell us what you are looking for — color, sex, personality, timing, and whether you are interested in pet placement or breeding rights. Once we confirm a good match, a $1,000 deposit reserves your spot. That deposit is applied toward your total and activates your written health guarantee — payment is processed through Intuit QuickBooks. We walk you through every step — no pressure, no rush.

Question 30

Can I reserve a kitten from a future litter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We maintain a waitlist for upcoming litters. Families on the waitlist receive first pick when kittens are born and ready for selection. Reach out through our contact form or text us to get on the list for a specific pairing or litter.

Question 31

What makes European Maine Coons different from American Maine Coons?

Accepted Answer

European Maine Coons are the same breed but developed along more extreme lines by breeders in Russia, Ukraine, and Scandinavia. They tend to have a wilder, more dramatic appearance: taller ears with more pronounced lynx tufts, higher cheekbones, a squarer and more powerful muzzle, heavier bone structure, and larger overall size. Males from top European lines commonly reach 18–25 pounds at full maturity. American Maine Coons have a softer, more moderate look. At Dashing Coons, we specialize exclusively in authentic European bloodlines imported from Russia and Ukraine.

Maine Coon Kitten FAQ

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

What to Buy Before Your Kitten Comes Home

How to Join the Waitlist

European Maine Coons

We Are Happy to Help