Hi there

After months of deciding on a companion for my lovely 3yr old Flatcoated Retriever boy I came up with a cat, a Maine Coon! I almost had one of these 18yrs ago then got bought a siamese .

I have been to see a litter and have reserved a lovely little red boy (well he's very pale ginger really almost cream) the kittens all look healthy , are clean , the house is clean but Id say slightly underweight in my opinion, the breeder now has them on a dry kitten food. The kittens are just 8wks old and I think the breeder was wanting me to take the kitten with me on my last visit but i said id rather wait till he was a bit sturdier etc.... (I also had in mind I had seen on Maine Coon breeders sites they didnt usually let their kittens go till around 13wks)

I did querie this with the breeder who said that was just because some breeders like to vaccinate the kittens whilst with them but said I could do that.
she hasnt mentioned papers at all and Im now suspecting they probably arent going to be registered ! (not a huge problem as only a pet for me)

Im now having reservations since this breeder is only a hobby breeder and doesnt seem to have much knowledge of the breed, I have seen both parents of the kittens and they are nice and look to be what I consider typical Maine coons although I am no expert!

Im very annoyed at myself for not looking into this more before going to see a litter , I have left a deposit on this kitten and do want him but am thinking I should have gone to a proper breeder show person.
Id also be interested to see if anyone can send me a picture of an 8wk old Maine coon so I can compare with what I have seen, I would have thought the kittens would have been a bit bigger

Considering Maine Coons DO have health problems I would be wary of this breeder. I would expect a promise of HCM tested kittens with full vaccinations, aged 13 weeks, fully registered & happy & healthy to come home with you for £350/375. If she's asking a lot off you & not doing vaccs & letting them go early then you may need to reconsider.

8 week old Maine Coons wouldn't be very big at all. Have a look on Home Page & see what is available in your area & talk to breeders on there who will know (or should) alot about the breed to advise you. All breeders are hobby breeders but they should be looking out for the welfare of the kittens & the breed & to look out for the welfare of the breed they should know the breed standard & may even show cats in order to aim for it.

If you have pictures of mum, dad, aunt or kittens I would be happy to look at their type for you if that is a concern.

Hi rupert12,

I can't comment on Maine Coons, as I only have experience with Norwegian Forest Cats. However, eight week old kittens aren't big at all. I wouldn't take a kitten less than 13 weeks old -- a few extra weeks with mum and siblings do wonders for their socialisation. The GCCF's Code of Ethics recommends all kittens are rehomed at at least 13 weeks and have their vaccinations. Your kitten's not going to be destined for the show bench, but you want to make sure you're getting a Maine Coon!

And seconded the point about HCM. Have the parents been tested, too?

Here're some pictures of Maine Coon kittens at various ages (including eight weeks) I found via Google. I can't comment on type, but should give you an idea: Maine Coon kitten pictures about their upbringing

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Proud mum to Njord and Skadi, my two beautiful NFCs

Hi A Maine Coon will be great with your dog they love retreveing games

I would be very carefull with this breeder though, if your not happy it may be best to walk away, very hard I know, but you might be in for alot of heartbreak. At the very least wait untill the kitten has had its vacinations & is a bit bigger so it can jump out of the way of your dog if it needs to.

The Maine Coon Cat club site is a good place to look for a kitten or maybe if you dont have anymore cats maybe you could get a neuter off a breeder or even a rescue cat the club has a rescue page to.

We a waiting for our Baby Paws he will be 11 weeks old on tuesday for some reason I cant get his 8 week old picture here put here is a link to another post with some pics.

Good luck you will love the breed

Count down on to baby paws arrival

I concur with what is said above. I am not a MC breeder but this person you have reserved the kitten off isn't a "hobby breeder" but a back yard breeder - probably breeding off cats on the non-active list - walk away is my advice. Visit one of the Maine Coon Club websites and look up some of the registered breeders.

It doesn't matter if you are not going to show your pet MC - he/she should still have his registration papers and pedigree and most importantly his vaccinations!

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Kaz

For kittens, joy is for the asking and smiles are for the giving

Hi All

Thanks very much for your replies and know you are all right in what you are saying! I wish id not gone to look at this litter now

Im just deciding what to say to the seller now, I realise i will lose my deposit but like you say, if I want a MC should be choosing from a reputable breeder.

Any one know of anyone reputable in the Cheshire Area that may be having kittens in next few months ?

Many Thanks

How about these little cuties. Maine Coon, They are all 7 1/2 weeks old.

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Awwww I want one and i want one now!

Look on here!
Cheshire, Cumbria & Lancs
Also check out the Merseyside/Lancs area.

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Kaz

For kittens, joy is for the asking and smiles are for the giving

they look so cute i like the little guy in the last picture though they are all gorgeous.