We recently lost our 12 year old cream tabby Maine Coon because of kidney failure. We miss him and have decided to get another Maine Coon. I found a breeder close to where I live who specializes in silvers and currently has kittens. We had already decided we want a silver. Now, I'm told by another breeder that she doesn't breed silvers because they seem to have a lot of health problems such as cardiomyopathy and that they don't get the size of the typical Maine Coon. Is this true? I have never heard this before and would be interested in knowing if any breeders out there can confirm this. I'm wondering if she told us this so that we would pick one of her kittens. She had a red male w/white and two brown females. We told her we were looking for silver.

Linda

-- Anonymous, June 07, 1999

Answers

I have heard that some people feel that a cat with dominant silver genes will not develop into one of the ultra jumbo Coons, but I have never heard that the cat will not be within the breed standards (which vary, depending who you ask). I have heard as a corollary that a cat with brown genes dominant is likelier to achieve extra-large size. I must add the disclaimer that I don't know if this is true or not--just What I Heard--and I've seen photos of some HUGE silvers. Never heard that silvers had poor health---one breeder I know says she used to breed Birmans and that Maine Coons are extremely healthy and have fewer problems in comparison, and she's working with a mix of reds, silvers, and browns. If it's a concern, talk to the breeder with the silvers about your concerns and visit the kittens as they grow up. A professional, responsible breeder will answer your questions in detail and welcome your visits to the kittens (arranged for mutual convenience, natch).

-- Anonymous, June 07, 1999

I have never heard of any different or additional health problems from silver Maine Coons. I think that may be an answer from a breeder who doesn't have any silvers to sell you! Regarding the size issue, I have seen some very large silvers (TICA's 2nd place INTERNATIONAL cat is a silver MC this year). Any MC which is altered will always get larger than a whole cat. If you really want a large cat, check out the size of its parents as this is often a good indicator... allowing, of course, that the parents will be whole cats and therefore not likely to be as big as its fixed offspring will become. Overall, I would recommend that you look around for other breeders than the one you've talked to. Afterall, you are bringing something into your life which will be with you for (hopefully) many years.....a few months delay to find the right breeder and the right cat is worth the investment. Check out the CFA and TICA websites for breeders in your area.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 1999

I am not aware of any particular health problems inherent to silver Maine Coons. I am the proud owner of a two year old silver mackerel with white male. Just look around more, go to some cat shows in your area and talk to some breeders. Our kitty's breeder lives in Alabama and has become a good friend, providing good advice after the sale. That is what you want from a breeder-a good, quality kitten and to build a good rapport before, during and after the sale. Good luck!

-- Anonymous, June 18, 1999