Buying a kitten

The Northern Maine Coon Breeder’s Ring strongly recommends that you purchase your kitten from a breeder registered with a reputable cat club. All our breeders register their kittens with the General Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). This is to protect you and your kitten.

Quick Links on this page :

• Choosing a Kitten    Visiting a Breeder   Collecting your Kitten  
•                           
•   Arriving Home     Kittens Diet 

Choosing a Kitten

First you need to decide if you want a pet only or do you wish to show your pet. Then whether you want a boy or girl, both are equally affectionate but males tend to be larger. Either should be neutered between 5 to 9 months or on the advice of your breeder. If you wish to breed, and this should  not to be undertaken with out some detailed knowledge of the breed, discuss this with your breeder. Most breeders aim to promote the breed characteristics and temperament. Be aware that little money, if any, is made from a litter of kittens once stud fees, feeding, heating, vet fees and advertising is paid. Also expect to pay a little more for a potential show cat and substantially more for a kitten with the potential for breeding quality kittens.

All members of the Northern Breeder’s Ring will give advice on showing your kitten and help if you are considering breeding.

Visiting a breeder

*Finally there should be no yellow staining under the tail (sign of diahorrea).

Collecting your kitten

Try to arrange to collect your kitten at a weekend or when you have a few days off,  this will allow you plenty of time to settle the kitten and start the bonding process.

Your breeder will explain what will be needed to settle your kitten into it’s new home, if you already have a pet at home then your breeder will be able to explain the best way to settle the newcomer into the household. The breeders on this site are always happy to give advice and love to hear how their kittens are settling in. Its a good idea to bring a blanket or similar item with your resident pets scent on, this will transfer the scent of your pet onto the kitten whilst travelling, it will help your pet with integration.

These are the documents you should receive as demanded by the GCCF:

These documents are optional but advisable :

*A list of the foods eaten by your kitten and worming details.                                *Document with conditions of sale, which depends on whether or not the kitten is sold as 

  pet only or for breeding, which you may be asked to sign.

 Arriving Home

When you arrive home, ensure the house is secure, it is advisable to settle the kitten in the one room with it’s bed, litter tray, water and food so that it gets used to it’s new environment. It is very important the kitten is aware where it’s litter, water and food is.  Handle gently, take the kitten from the basket and show it the water and litter tray, before letting it explore its new surroundings.

At first the kitten may be a little nervous, loud noise may frighten it, so it is important the children understand the need to keep quiet. Babies and toddlers are best in another room until the kitten has gained a little confidence.

If another animal already lives in the house, introductions are best left until the next day when the kitten will feel more secure. Your breeder will be able to advise you of a settling in regime.

Dependent on the age and type of pet you have at home the settling in can take a little time you need to be patient and take your time, kittens tend to be accepted quiet quickly.

Feeding Your Kitten

Your kitten will sleep often, this is when it grows and recharges it’s batteries try not to keep disturbing it for your pleasure.

Any changes to the breeder's recommendation should be made gradually to prevent a stomach upset. A varied diet will prevent boredom, food fads ("my cat only eats fresh chicken" etc.) and ensure good health.

Poor diets can cause health problems, keeping your cat active will help with appetite.

Because kittens have tiny stomachs they need small, regular frequent meals when young. At three months they require four meals a day, gradually increasing in size and reducing in frequency until they are eating two meals a day, at about a year old.

1. Tinned Pet Food.

Tinned foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet, but certain foods can be very rich and can cause stomach upset, try and vary your cats diet so it doesn’t get bored and picky, any change should be done slowly.

2. Dried Pet Foods.

Dried foods are a complete food, some cats will prefer this to tinned, Breed specific foods are available. Maine Coon 31 is specifically made as large kibbles to promote chewing and help promote strong clean teeth and digestion in adults.

3. Fresh Meat.

Chicken, lamb and beef.

Must be cooked to kill parasites and bacteria, your breeder will be able to advise

4. Fresh Fish.

Must be cooked. White fish is especially good, but feeding too much of certain types, such as tuna, can cause a serious Vitamin E deficiency. Avoid too many prawns as these can cause stomach infection

5. Milk .

Do not give normal milk to kittens/adults. Use a cat milk or ask your breeder.

6. Always take your breeders advice re feeding and type of foods your kitten has been used to, try not to over feed as a fat cat is an unhealthy cat and may develop ailments in later life.

Fresh Water should be available at all times and litter trays should be cleaned regularly.