What You Need to Know about Maine Coon Breeders

So you have your heart set this year on getting your very first Maine Coon kitten.  You have done your research and decided that this is the perfect cat for both you and your family.  Great, so what should you do next?  Many people have no idea where to start looking for Maine Coon Breeders.  While this animal is a very popular breed some regions of the country simply don’t have people who raise these animals.  But even if you do have Maine Coon Breeders in your area, you are going to have to do your homework when it comes to finding the right one.  There are many people who raise these cats for pleasure and profit. But there are a few that are simply just after the money.  So let’s take a look at some things that you should look when choosing where you get your new animal from.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Lots of Questions

Many people feel like they are asking too many questions.  But when it comes to the health of your new animal, asking more questions is always a good thing.  One of the first questions to ask is how long have you been in the business?  They should be able to provide you with a number of years and a litter count.  If the person you are dealing with is legitimate they will also be able to provide you with picture of past litters.  Second, you should always ask for references.  This is a great way to judge just how many healthy animals they have produced and how many have got sick and died.  Another great question to ask is who is their Vet?  By calling and chatting with their Vet you will be getting a professional opinion on the breeder.  Finally, you should always ask to see the animal in person before putting down any money.  There are a lot of scams out there so make sure to protect yourself.

Choose Someone Who Raises Their Animals Inside Their Home

When someone raises their animals at home it gives the cats a better overall personality.  They are more socialized and having been hand raised they are often less nervous.  You wouldn’t want to bring a cat into your home that has been raised in a kennel because they simply lack the skills needed to be thriving adults.  A lot of time and money may be needed to correct negative behaviors if the animals have been isolated from humans.

Follow these simple tips and you will surely find the right person to purchase your new pet from.  Just remember to always ask questions and make sure you see the animal in person before handing over any money.

Image via Richcoon’s Florimon at Flickr.com