What is the best source of information for starting to breed top-quality Maine Coons?

-- Anonymous, August 08, 1999

Answers

I am sure you have good intentions, but your question worries me! Becoming a cat breeder is a tremendous amount of work and involves a great deal of cost, not to mention occasional heartbreaks with ill or dead kittens and even the sadness of having to let kittens go to their new homes. I can honestly say that I do not know a conscientious cat breeder who makes more money from their business than it costs them to run it, but these people are really the "cream of the crop" and they breed cats much more from love of their breed than for money. Anyone with an expectation of making money from this type of business tends to make me think of "backyard breeders" and "puppy mills". Now, please don't get upset....If you are a great cat lover you will understand this reaction. You do not say how much experience you have with cats in general or whether you have been showing cats. Assuming that you have not been involved as an exhibitor, my biggest recommendation would be to go to a LOT of cat shows in your area and to meet with breeders to discuss your interest. I think you may want to start by getting an alter or two and showing them for a year or so. This will give you a tremendous experience, lots of fun, let you meet wonderful people, LEARN, LEARN, LEARN, but also give you a good idea of how expensive this proposition can be! Some websites to check are those of the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), or The International Cat Association (TICA). Good luck.

-- Anonymous, August 10, 1999

The Maine Coon Heritage Site at http://bowen1.home.mindspring.com/mchs/home.htm has information on pedigrees, and links to lots of other Maine Coon health and breeding related sites. A good place to get started researching. There is a lot more to be considered in planning a breeding program than choosing some pretty cats!

-- Anonymous, September 16, 1999

i've been breeding maine coons since 1988 and believe me, i'm still learning new things. one of the biggest problems i've had is being too trustful of other people. in the beginning, and even here lately, i've been "burned horribly" by a few breeders. don't ever depend on another breeder to give good advice on starting a cattery. do alot of research yourself. when people call me for information, i always tell them exactly how everything is. i also send photos of my cattery, in and out, so they can feel assured that i'm not a kitten mill, but just someone that loves these "gentle giants". and try to establish something different than your average breeder. i special- ize in vans with and without odd-eyes. either way, it's great fun. don't expect to make any money at it though, you're lucky if they pay for themselves. you have to enjoy what you do.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2000