Maine Coon Kitten Buyer Guide (2026)
Cost • Health Testing • Avoiding Scams • Temperament • Grooming • Bringing Your Kitten Home
If you’re researching Maine Coon kittens, you’ve probably noticed two things right away:
the prices are all over the place, and
everyone online claims to be “ethical” while giving completely different advice.
This guide is my “put it all in one place rag tag” resource built for real buyers who want a healthy, well raised Maine Coon and don’t want to get played by scams, misleading listings, or vague breeder answers.
Quick note: I’m writing this from the perspective of a breeder who cares about health, structure, and the long term well being of the cats not just making a quick sale.
Table of Contents
What Maine Coons really cost (and why)
How to tell if a breeder is legit
Health testing you should expect
Temperament: what they’re actually like
Grooming, shedding, and mats
Size, growth timeline, and “when they stop growing”
What you should get in a contract
How to prepare your home
Frequently asked questions
What Maine Coons really cost and why
When people ask “How much does a Maine Coon cost?” what they really mean is:
“What price range is normal and what’s a red flag?”
Typical price ranges
Pricing varies by region, pedigree, demand, and what’s included (testing, registration, vaccines, support, etc.). In general:
Pet-quality kittens from established breeders: usually mid-to-high thousands roughly $2500 to $6000
Breeding rights / show prospects: higher (because the risk + investment is higher) many breeders will charge double the pet price for breeding rights.
“Too cheap to be true” listings: often missing basics (or flat out scams). I would say anything less than $2000 is something to be wary of.
Why ethical breeders cost more
Ethical breeding isn’t just “cute kittens.” It’s:
health testing and responsible selection of breeding cats
proper nutrition and vet care from pregnancy through go home
daily socialization (the part people don’t see)
clean, controlled environments (and yes, that costs money)
standing behind your kitten after it goes home (health guarantees)
If you want a simple rule:
If the price is dramatically below the market, assume something important is missing until proven otherwise.
A few links for additional reading on the subject:
How to tell if a breeder is legit
This section alone can save you from heartbreak.
Green flags
A legit breeder can clearly explain:
what health testing they do and why
what the kitten comes with (vaccines, registration, contract, support)
their go home age and why they chose it
what socialization looks like in their home/cattery
their policies on deposits, refunds, and rehoming
Red flags (walk away)
“No contract, but trust me.”
Pressuring you to pay immediately or using sketchy payment methods
Refusing to show proof of ownership of photos/video
Won’t do video calls
“Rare color” hype with zero discussion of health or temperament
Shipping talk before questions are answered
My favorite buyer test
Ask: “Can you show me the parents and explain what health testing they’ve had?”
The answer tells you everything.
LEGIT BREEDER CHECKLIST (SAVE THIS)
Verification
☐ Live video call showing kitten(s)
☐ Parents shown (or explained clearly)
Health
☐ Health testing explained clearly
☐ Proof of testing provided
☐ Vaccines/deworming provided in writing
☐ Vet exam window after pickup recommended/required
Contract + Deposit
☐ Contract sent before final payment
☐ Health guarantee + return policy included
☐ Deposit terms written and clear
☐ Pet vs breeding rights stated
Payment + Pressure
☐ Invoice/receipt provided
☐ No weird payment methods (gift cards/crypto/wire only)
Video Check
☐ Kitten alert/curious (age appropriate)
☐ Eyes/nose look clean
☐ Environment looks sanitary
AUTO-WALK AWAY
☐ Refuses live verification
☐ No contract / contract after payment
☐ Too cheap price + urgency + excuse
☐ Out of the country
☐ Really poor English
Health testing you should expect
Let’s keep it simple: there’s a difference between ‘a vet visit’ and actual health testing.
Common tests buyers ask about
Depending on lines and breeder practices, you’ll often see:
HCM screening (heart disease)
Hip evaluation (common concern in large breeds)
Genetic tests (breed relevant panels depending on lines)
A reputable breeder should be able to show results or explain exactly what they do and don’t test for and why.
What I tell buyers
A breeder doesn’t have to be perfect to be legitimate but they do need to be:
transparent
consistent
willing to show proof
willing to educate, not evade
Temperament: what they’re actually like
Maine Coons are often described as “dog like,” but here’s the honest version:
Many are social and follow you around
They’re usually curious and confident
They often want to be near you (not always on you)
They can be talkative some more than others
Your kitten’s personality depends heavily on early socialization
If you want a cuddly lap cat 24/7: tell the breeder that.
Grooming, shedding, and mats
Yes, they shed. Yes, you need a routine. No, it doesn’t have to be miserable.
The simple grooming routine
2–4 brush sessions per week (more during seasonal coat changes)
focus on friction areas: armpits, belly, behind ears, pants, collar area
start young so grooming becomes normal
Mats: what causes them
Mats happen from:
friction + humidity + undercoat + missed brushing
“cottony” kitten coats transitioning to adult coats
collars/harnesses rubbing
cats who groom but don’t fully de tangle
If mats are a concern, your best tool is consistency not panic shaving.
Size, growth timeline, and when they stop growing
Maine Coons are slow-growing compared to many breeds.
What to expect
They typically keep maturing for years, not months. Can grow till the age of five years old.
“Big” looks different depending on bone structure, sex, and lineage
A healthy Maine Coon is not the same thing as an overweight cat
If you want a kitten because you saw a viral “25 lb Maine Coon,” I strongly recommend prioritizing structure and health over internet hype.
What you should get in a contract
A solid breeder contract protects you and the kitten.
Basics you should expect
kitten identification (description)
spay/neuter terms (if pet only)
health guarantee details (and what’s required to keep it valid)
return policy / rehoming terms (this matters more than people realize)
what happens if something unexpected comes up
If a breeder refuses a contract entirely, that’s usually not a good sign.
✅ Internal link:
How to prepare your home
Supplies that make life easier
large litter box (or two)
high quality food the breeder recommends transitioning from
brush + comb + nail trimmers
tall, sturdy cat tree (Maine Coons love vertical space)
toys that encourage confidence and play
The first 72 hours
keep the space calm and contained
let your kitten acclimate before giving full house access
don’t force cuddles let curiosity lead
Work with me
If you’re looking for a Maine Coon and you value health, structure, and a breeder who stays involved after go home, you’re my kind of person.
How my process works:
Application (so I understand what you want and what fits your home)
Waitlist options (if applicable)
Updates, photos/videos, and support through pickup day and beyond
Frequently asked questions
Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?
No breed is truly hypoallergenic. Some people tolerate certain cats better than others, but it’s not a guarantee.
Do Maine Coons shed a lot?
They do shed, and seasonal coat changes can be intense. A simple routine prevents most problems.
What’s the biggest scam warning sign?
Rushing payment while avoiding proof especially refusing a real time video call or refusing to verify the kitten is in their possession.
What questions should I ask a breeder?
Ask about health testing, go home age, socialization, contract terms, and what support looks like after you bring the kitten home.
When can a kitten go home?
Many reputable breeders wait until kittens are developmentally ready (not just “old enough to eat”). Always ask what age and why.