How big can Maine coons get? Local breeder said up to 30 lbs. Coon cat page said 20 lbs tops. How would you test for hip displaysia and cardio-whatever? Is it normal to carge extra for a kitten if the buyer wants to breed it? I don't want to breed but the breeder mentioned this and I thought it was odd. I have never bought a cat. All my cats over the years have been rescues or adoptions. What kinds of questions should I ask? Both mama and papa cats are show champions with papers.any help would be nice thank you. Julia Shattuck

-- Anonymous, November 17, 1999

Answers

Maine Coons are a very large, natural, healthy breed. 30 pounds would certainly be at the outside range for this cat. 20 pds is probably a very good size (but not fat) as well. Breeders should be looking to enhance the breed and the lines, not necessarily get the largest cat ever... The test for hip displasia and cardio myopathy are done at certain vets. The hip test is an x-ray and the film is sent to OFA or another lab and they check for the position and depth of the leg bone in the hip socket. OFA then certifies the condition of the hips to be "fair, good, or excellent" Size may have some relevance and some lines may have a predisposition. It does not kill the cat by any means, but does affect their long term activity. There are many web sites that can give you more info on this important topic. Your next question relates to the heart test. Again, done by specific vets who know what to look for, the walls of the heart and valves are measured. A thickening or thinning of the walls is indicitave of a problem. This test should be done regularly as the cat grows, and probably not before 1 yr of age as the heart changes with age.This can affect the longevity of your animal. Breeders are very concerned about these 2 health issues. Beyond these however, the breed is a very healthy animal, not prone to breathing or other ailments. Most breeders would not sell a breeding cat to someone who is not already involved in the breed. Because the pedigree of the potential mate is important from health, how closely related and what lines develop what, a breeder would want to work very closely and have considerable say on who the cat is bred to if mentoring a newbie. A breeding or show cat is going to cost more because this is the best of their breeding program, and the cat can produce potential income for the buyer of the animal.(but breeding is a labor of love, not to make money if you are taking the care etc of the cats) However, the difference between a show, breeder and pet quality kitten may not be readily visable to a casual buyer. When you look for a kitten, you want to see the cattery. How are the cats cared for/ Are they social, caged, healthy? Do they have the look and color you are interested in? Does the cat come with a health guarantee? Have they had all their shots? Is there a written contract that outlines the breeder and buyer responsibility? If you can no longer keep the cat, does the breeder want the cat back? Most do, as these are our babies, and their safety comes first. Kittens are typically not released until at least 12-15 weeks, so don't worry. They stay kittens for a very long time. It is impirtant for the kittens to stay wiht the mom, and get theie socialization skills established befor going to a new home. These cats get along well with kids and dogs. Look up Maine Coons on the web, and go to MCBFA or TICA or CFA to get more info on the breed. It is truly a wonderful breed, and if you get one, it will be a loving playful member of your family. We love our mc's and you will too. Good luck, Farrell

-- Anonymous, November 24, 1999