Maine Coons are a popular cat breed, and for good reason! They’re known for their impressive size and friendly personalities, making them a wonderful pet to have around the house.
So, you’re looking for a Maine Coon for sale in Oregon? There are a few things you should keep in mind as you look for a kitten. It’s important to consider the breeder’s reputation, health testing practices, and the cattery’s overall policies. Responsible breeders will always put the health and well-being of their cats first.
This guide will cover everything you need to know, including how to verify a cattery and what health guarantees to look for, so you can find a healthy and happy Maine Coon companion.
Reputable catteries in Oregon: Verification and what to look for
If you’re planning to buy a Maine Coon kitten from a breeder, it’s important to do your homework and make sure you’re working with a reputable cattery.
Importance of cattery registration
Check to see if the cattery is registered with an organization like The International Cat Association (TICA). For example, Crystal Star is the only TICA-registered cattery using that name. (There are scammers out there, so be careful!) You can check the TICA website to confirm that the cattery is registered.
Registration helps ensure that breeders are sticking to certain standards.
Questions to ask breeders
When you’re talking with breeders, ask about their health testing protocols for their breeding cats. Are they testing for HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease), SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus), and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)?
Also, be sure to ask about the kitten vaccination and deworming schedules. For example, Nacoonzi cattery deworms their kittens twice and provides the first FVRCP kitten shot.
Health and temperament: Prioritizing well-being
When buying a Maine Coon, it’s important to find a breeder who prioritizes the health and temperament of their cats.
Health testing and guarantees
Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing and health screenings to make sure their cats are as healthy as possible. For example, Nacoonzi performs HCM testing through ECHO cardiograms, tests for FeLV, and relies on Optimal Selection for genetic testing.
Be sure to ask about any health guarantees the breeder offers and what those guarantees cover.
Temperament and socialization
Kittens raised in a home, with lots of interaction with people, are more likely to develop good temperaments. Crystal Star, for example, raises kittens in a family home.
Socialization is crucial for a well-adjusted cat, so be sure to ask your breeder about their socialization practices.
Cattery policies and kitten availability
If you’re planning to visit a cattery, keep in mind that many breeders have rules about when and how you can visit to protect the health of their kittens. For example, Crystal Star has a closed cattery and strict policies about visits. Visitors must be at least 8 weeks old, wash their hands, and leave their own pets at home.
Also, some catteries ask for a deposit before you can view the kittens in person. If in-person visits are limited, you can ask if the cattery can share pictures, videos, or even a live Zoom call, as Crystal Star does.
Kittens are usually available around 12 weeks old. Be sure to ask about adoption fees and what’s included. For example, Nacoonzi kittens come with a microchip, harness, leash, blanket, grooming tools, toys, and vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Maine Coon cost in Oregon?
The price of a Maine Coon in Oregon can vary quite a bit depending on the breeder, the cat’s pedigree, and whether it’s intended as a pet or for showing/breeding. You can generally expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to $3500 or even more for a Maine Coon kitten from a reputable breeder in Oregon.
What is the lifespan of a Maine Coon cat?
Maine Coons are generally healthy cats with a good lifespan. On average, you can expect a Maine Coon to live between 10 and 13 years. With proper care, a good diet, and regular vet checkups, some Maine Coons can even live longer, reaching 15 years or more.
What is the average cost of a Maine Coon cat?
Across the US, the average cost of a Maine Coon kitten from a reputable breeder typically falls between $1000 and $2000. However, prices can be higher for cats with exceptional pedigrees, specific coat colors, or those intended for show or breeding purposes.
What two breeds make a Maine Coon?
The exact origins of the Maine Coon are shrouded in a bit of mystery and legend, but the most widely accepted theory is that they are the result of crosses between domestic shorthair cats and longhaired breeds that were brought over to North America by European sailors. Some believe these longhaired breeds could have included Norwegian Forest Cats or Siberian cats.
Wrapping Up
Bringing a Maine Coon kitten home to Oregon takes some planning and research. To find the perfect cat for your family, start by looking for a reputable breeder who prioritizes health and temperament.
Before you commit, be sure to check the cattery’s registration and ask lots of questions about health testing and policies.
By following these steps, you’ll have a better chance of finding a healthy, happy Maine Coon companion to love for many years to come.