What to ask a Maine Coon breeder?

What to Ask a Maine Coon Breeder (Before You Fall in Love With the Kitten)

Let me tell you something I see all the time.

People fall in love with a Maine Coon kitten first and ask questions later. I get it. They’re fluffy, charming, and somehow already look like they know they’re special. But if there’s one thing I wish every future Maine Coon parent would do, it’s this:

Ask the right questions before you commit.

Not to interrogate a breeder but to protect yourself, the kitten, and the breed as a whole.

So I’m going to walk you through this from my perspective: what I believe you should be asking a Maine Coon breeder, why those questions matter, and what the answers should generally sound like if you’re dealing with someone reputable.

Start With Health (Always)

This is where every conversation should begin.

A responsible Maine Coon breeder should be comfortable talking about health testing not vague, not defensive, and not “my cats have never had a problem.”

You should feel confident asking about genetic testing for known Maine Coon conditions, routine veterinary care, vaccination schedules, and whether kittens receive health checks before going home. If a breeder can’t clearly explain this or avoids the topic, that’s a sign to pause.

Health isn’t just a selling point it’s the foundation of ethical breeding.

Ask About the Parents (And Expect Real Answers)

The parents tell you a lot about the kittens.

Ask what the mother and father are like temperament wise, how often the queen is bred, and whether the parents live in the home, a breeding set up or in cages. A reputable breeder should know their cats inside and out and be proud to talk about them.

If you’re not allowed to see photos, videos, or at least have a detailed conversation about the parents, that’s a red flag.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask About Pricing

This one makes people uncomfortable but it shouldn’t.

Ask what the price includes. Vaccines? Vet visits? Health guarantees? Registration? Support after adoption? A responsible breeder can break this down without hesitation.

If the only selling point is that the kitten is “cheap” or the breeder avoids explaining the cost, that usually means something important is missing behind the scenes.

Contracts Matter (And You Should Read Them)

A reputable Maine Coon breeder should provide a written contract no exceptions.

Ask about health guarantees, spay/neuter terms, and what happens if something goes wrong. Contracts aren’t about control; they’re about accountability and protection for everyone involved.

If there’s no contract, or you’re told “you don’t really need one,” take that as your sign to walk away.

Ask How Kittens Are Raised

This question tells you more than almost any other.

Ask where the kittens are raised, how they’re socialized, and what they’re exposed to before going home. Maine Coons are known for their personalities, but that doesn’t happen by accident it’s built through daily interaction and care.

In my cattery, kittens are raised in the home in a full kitten suit. They are handled every single day from an early age and are part of normal household life.

They experience regular baths and grooming so those routines are never scary. They hear the vacuum while I clean, learn that normal household noise is not something to fear, and grow up confident in a busy environment.

They are also gradually and safely introduced to other animals. My kittens interact with my Border Collie-Sadie and my Airedale-Charlie, learning calm, respectful behavior around dogs. As they grow, they are introduced to some of my older cats, helping them develop proper feline social skills.

Kittens have access to cat trees, multiple types of toys, and plenty of space to climb, explore, and burn energy. They even get familiar with modern litter setups, including a robot litter box, so transitions to new homes are easier.

A breeder who truly invests in temperament will happily explain their process.

Support After Pickup Is a Big Deal

This is one many people don’t think to ask, but they absolutely should.

Does the breeder offer support after your kitten comes home?
Can you reach out with questions? Will they still be there in six months or a year?

I always tell my kitten parents that I am here for the life of the cat.

If you are at the vet and something does not feel clear, call me.
If your cat is acting a little off at home, call me.
If your cat is being adorable and you just want to share, call me.

I genuinely stay invested in my kittens long after they leave. I love receiving updates, photos, and little stories as they grow up and live their lives with their families.

Ethical breeders do not disappear once the kitten goes home.
We stay connected because we care deeply about where our kittens end up and about the people who love them.

Trust the Conversation, Not Just the Answers

Here’s my honest advice: pay attention to how the breeder makes you feel.

Do they welcome questions? Do they educate rather than pressure? Do they seem genuinely invested in matching kittens to the right homes or are they just trying to close a sale?

I have been told many times, “Wow, I can’t believe you said that.”

Most often, it’s in response to me saying:

“I am genuinely happy to help you, even if you don’t choose one of my kittens. If you have questions, I’m here. And if one of my kittens isn’t the right fit for you, that is completely okay.”

For me, this has never been about making a sale. It’s about making sure the right kitten ends up in the right home and that people feel supported while making such an important decision.

Ethical breeding is rooted in education, honesty, and respect for both the cats and the families considering them. Sometimes that means guiding someone toward a different breeder or even a different breed altogether, and that is still a win in my book.

The right breeder wants informed buyers. If asking questions feels “annoying” or rushed, that tells you everything you need to know.

Final Thoughts (From Me to You)

Choosing a Maine Coon breeder isn’t just about finding a kitten it’s about choosing the person who shaped that kitten’s first weeks of life.

The right questions protect you.
The right breeder welcomes them.

And if you ever feel unsure, trust that instinct it’s usually right.

A Maine Coon is a long term commitment “With excellent care, many live 16 to 18 years, and some even reach their early 20s.”. Asking thoughtful questions is the first step in doing right by them.