If you love Maine Coon Cats, you might be interested in breeding them. However, Maine Coon Cat breeding is not something that one jumps into overnight. There are a number of things to consider.

First and foremost, it is not advisable to breed just any Maine Coon Cat. Most good breeders agree that only titled Maine Coon Cat's should be bred, keeping the pedigrees incredibly pure. Breeders also work to breed out certain genetic disorders that are common to the Maine Coon.

Also note that while Maine Coon Cats sell for a fairly hefty price - $600 to $1000 for 12 week old kittens - a lot of money is invested into them as well. For example, you will need to take the kittens to the veterinarian, at least once, before they are sold. You may need to pay for genetic testing as well to make sure that the kittens do not have any problems.

Obviously, you must care for the queens and the studs, ensuring that they maintain good health as well. While there is still a profit to be made, in most cases, you should note that you will not get rich breeding these cats - and you may not make a full time living at it either.

Even if you have titled queens and studs, you aren't ready to jump into breeding. A good breeder will have numerous cat shows under their belts, and they will be highly knowledgeable when it comes to the breed. Current top breeders suggest gleaning as much information as possible and even asking a current top breeder to mentor you - first with shows, and second with breeding.

The worst thing that you can do is to become what is known as a BYB, or Backyard Breeder. These breeders are looked down upon by the top breeders. BYB's commonly don't know enough about the breed, and they often ignore titles. BYB's often do not take the care and caution that top breeders take when it comes to caring for the cats. When all is said and done, most BYB's are forced to sell their kittens at a very low price, and rarely earn much profit, if any.

The environment where the kittens are raised is highly important. These are sociable cats, and therefore, people prefer kittens that have been raised inside of the home, around humans and possibly other pets. This means you need enough room inside of your home for the kittens to roam and play, and to be a part of your life. If you have more than one stud, they often must be kept separate from the females, so that they don't mate with their sisters or mothers.

Before you start breeding Maine Coon Cats, make sure that you talk with another top breeder and get advice from them. Also, make sure that you have joined the appropriate associations, that you have shown Maine Coon Cats, that you have  room in your home for the queen, the stud, and a litter of kittens, and that you have considerable knowledge where they are concerned.

If you are thinking about getting a Maine Coon Cat, you need to be fully aware of the cost. The first cost that you will experience is the cost of the kitten. If the parents are titled, the Maine Coon kitten will cost anywhere from $600 to $1000. If the parents are not titled, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400. Adult Maine Coon's, who are not titled, cost anywhere from $100 to $200.

First, make sure that you can afford a Maine Coon Cat. This does not refer to the cost of buying the kitten - this refers to the cost of lifelong care for the animal. First, he needs to see his veterinarian every year for a checkup. An emergency fund also needs to be set up to pay the vet in the event that the animal gets sick. Despite how healthy and strong Maine Coon Cats are, they do still get ill, just like any other animal.

Maine Coon's thrive on special diets designed for their breed. Therefore, it isn't just a question of purchasing food; it is a question of purchasing the right food. Obviously, this food is usually a great deal more expensive than regular food.

Your Maine Coon needs a bed to call his own, with bedding. He also needs a variety of toys to play with. He isn't just having fun - he is staying in good shape. Toys are vital to his overall good health. He will need cat treats to help keep his teeth and gums in good shape, and also to provide extra vitamins and minerals that he needs. Your vet may prescribe additional vitamins as well.

Your Maine Coon needs a good brush, which will need to be replaced about every six months. He will also need medicated shampoo to control fleas, as well as medication to keep the fleas and ticks off of him. He will also need a harness and leash if you will be taking him outdoors.

It is a good idea to invest in a cat tree. Maine Coons are not as adept as climbing up as other breeds of cats, but they will enjoy a well-designed cat tree that allows them to go up - without having to go straight up. They will also be happy with the various hiding places in the cat tree. These cat trees can be expensive.

You will need an animal carrier. Because Maine Coons grow to be large animals, it needs to be one that can accommodate his size. If you don't travel much, don't assume that you won't need the carrier. First, you will need it to take him back and forth to the veterinarian's office. The animal carrier will also come in handy when it isn't safe for the cat to be in the house - such as when you bomb for bugs or steam clean the carpet.

Obviously, you will need a litter box. You can purchase expensive litter boxes or cheap litter boxes, but one thing is certain. All plastic litter boxes have to be thrown out at some point. The plastic often absorbs the odor, and it does become unbearable to live with after a certain point. You will also need fresh litter for the litter box. Litter can be cheap or expensive - but if you don't want to smell anything, you will be willing to pay for the higher quality litter.

Again, before you spend the money to purchase the Maine Coon, understand that this is not the only cost. Maine Coon's live to be between 15 and 21 years, and that's how long you can expect to have ongoing expenses.

There is always common health issues associated with any breed of animal. For Maine Coon Cats, one of those health problems is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which is often shortened to Cardiomyopathy, and abbreviated as HCM.

HCM can be inherited, but it can also be developed without inheritance, although most reported cases are through inheritance.  HCM is a disease that causes the left ventricle of the heart to thicken and stiffen. This eventually leads to heart failure, and may also cause aortic thrombeoembolism.

In most cases, your breeder will give you a health guarantee or statement. Ideally, they will have had the parents tested to ensure that they do not have a mutation of the gene that determines the presence or development of this disease.

If they tell you that the 12 week old kitten has been tested, and tested negative, don't believe it. HCM can only be detected with cardiac ultrasound, and cannot be detected in a cat younger than one year. Testing is recommended between the ages of one and seven years.

How big is the HCM problem? It's fairly big, but is currently being bred out by responsible breeders. Of all of the Maine Coons tested for HCM, about one third of them tested positive. Responsible breeders have their studs and dams tested, before breeding, and it is recommended that any Maine Coon that tests positive for the mutated gene not be used for breeding purposes.

As mentioned earlier, genetics isn't the only way that a Maine Coon can develop HCM. It can also be caused by a deficiency in taurine, which is an organic acid that makes up the majority of stomach bile. It is the only known sulfonic acid that occurs naturally in the body. 

Once this was discovered, however, pet food manufacturers started adding taurine to cat food, which has made non-genetically inherited HCM quite rare. In the event that a Maine Coon does develop taurine related HCM, it is cured by adding taurine rich food to the diet. However, HCM that is genetically inherited cannot be cured. This is why responsible breeders have their animals tested, and do not breed those that have the mutated gene.

When you get your Maine Coon kitten, make sure that you ask your breeder about HCM. They should be very open in discussing this with you, and should be knowledgeable about the disease. Ask them whether or not their own animals have been tested, and ask to see documentation of that testing. If for some reason they refuse to show you documentation, the chances are good that the animals either tested positive, or were never tested at all.

The presence of the mutated gene does not mean that a cat should be destroyed, or that it cannot make a good pet or be shown. It simply means that you and your veterinarian need to be aware that it is there, and that you should be on the lookout for eventual heart failure. It also means that you shouldn't breed the Maine Coon.

You've just brought your Maine Coon Kitten home. Isn't he adorable? Hopefully, he is running here and there, checking out his new digs. Hopefully, he is being curious about everything around him - and hopefully, he is talking to you and you are listening.

It is important to remember that you've just taken this little kitten away from everything that it knows - including its mother, and the human being that it recognizes as it's ?second mother' (the breeder). This isn't said to make you feel bad. It is said so that you work harder to make your new kitten feel at home. Remember that Maine Coons are very social animals, and the mother, the siblings, and the human that they have just left behind meant something to them.

Therefore, you must give your Maine Coon kitten extra love and attention for a while, until he has had time to stop missing those other loved ones and to form a bond with you.

Let's start with his sleeping arrangements. Remember that he has been sleeping near his mother for all of his life. He has also been able to pile up with the other kittens in the litter for comfort and warmth. If you pay attention to a litter, you will notice that certain members of the litter are always on the top of the pile, while others are always at the bottom. Which pile position did your new kitten hold? Try to arrange his sleeping quarters so that he gets the sense that he is still in or on that pile.

Just as a warm water bottle and a tick-tock clock wrapped in a towel soothe a new puppy, they will also soothe your new kitten. Make sure that the water bottle is also wrapped up, so that it doesn't develop a hole in the middle of the night.

Did you make it through the first night? Great! Now, your new kitten needs to visit his new veterinarian. He will need to be spayed or neutered, have a general checkup, have genetic testing if this has not already been performed, have vaccinations, and be treated for fleas and ticks - even though he probably doesn't have any yet. Be sure to ask questions concerning your Maine Coon Kittens health and general care while you are there.

Ask your breeder what type of food the kitten has been eating, and make sure that you supply the same food, even if you plan to change it later. Again, let him get used to his new life before you start making those small changes. Also, pay attention to the toys that were provided to the litter by the breeder, and try to purchase similar toys. Also, look at the litter box and the type of litter being used, and again, provide the same thing if you can.

Hold your kitten a lot, and talk to him. Pet him, scratch his ears, and play with him. All of these things combined will make it much easier for him to transition from his birth home to your home.

Take a look at the claws on your Maine Coon kitten. They are certainly sharp, aren't they? Have you noticed your kitten using his scratch pad lately? You can bet he is sharpening those claws to a fine point. On the other hand, he may be using your furniture for that purpose - and possibly using your skin as well. Should you get him de-clawed?

De-clawing is a controversial topic among cat lovers, including Maine Coon Cat owners. Some are for it, while others are dead set against it. Who is right? Who is wrong? You don't want your furniture shredded, but is it fair to the Maine Coon?

The first order of business, before even making a decision, is to look at the written agreement that you have with your breeder. Breeders often have stipulations in the written agreement that forbid you to have the cat de-clawed. They also often have other stipulations, such as ensuring that the animal is spayed or neutered, and that he or she is kept indoors. Did you already agree to never have your Maine Coon de-clawed? If so, don't do it. Instead, find alternatives to de-clawing.

If there is nothing in the agreement that pertains to de-clawing, you still have a decision to make. The chances are good that your Maine Coon is already twelve weeks old (3 months). This is usually the cut-off age for many veterinarians for de-clawing. They often don't want to do it past this age, because the base of the claw is no longer cartilage - it has become bone, and this could cause the animal a great deal of pain after the surgery.

Many people report that their cat's attitude and personality changes after de-clawing. The cat becomes less trusting - and even unhappy in some cases. This attitude change may or may not pass, and you have to determine whether or not it is worth the risk. Most true animal lover's will advise against de-clawing, because they do consider it to be an inhumane - unnecessary - act.

There are alternatives to de-clawing. First, purchase special nail clippers for your cat. These are specially designed clippers, so make sure that you get the ones designed for cats. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to use them properly, so that you aren't hurting the animal.

Next, purchase some vinyl caps. These are sold online and in pet stores. They come in colors, and there is a clear version as well. These are simply glued onto your cat's nails. He still gets the joy of scratching the furniture or the scratching post - but without the damage. These typically last for four to six weeks, depending on how much your cat scratches. When they fall off, you simply replace them.

Again, de-clawing is a serious matter that could have life long consequences. Make sure that you've carefully considered the options, and if possible, try the nail caps first. If you do want to de-claw the Maine Coon, however, note that this may have a negative effect in shows.

Your Maine Coon Cat is special. This is evident from the price that you paid for him to the fact that he is sociable to the point of behaving more like a dog than a cat. Because he is special, you want to be sure that you feed him the way that he needs to be fed, and that you are feeding him the right things.

First, let's discuss water. Fresh water should be made available to your Maine Coon Cat at all times - otherwise, it won't be long before he learns how to lift the lid on the toilet, or how to turn on faucet on the kitchen sink. He is perfectly capable of turning that faucet on, and since he's been paying attention, and he knows that this is where the water comes from, he will do it if other water is not available to him. He will not, however, turn the water off when he is finished.

While fresh water should always be available, food should not. Free feeding is highly discouraged for Maine Coon Cats. Most cat breeds eat what their body requires, and then they walk away from the food bowl - regardless of how much food is still in it. Maine Coon Cats do not. They will eat until the food is gone - like dogs do. If you free feed, it won't be long before your precious kitty has a weighty issue.

Dry cat food is recommended for Maine Coon Cats. In fact, if you shop for your cat food online, you can find food that is designed especially for Maine Coon's. You can even ask your pet store or veterinarian to order special food for you. You can also feed the cat the brands in the stores, that are not specialized, but you will find that your Maine Coon enjoys greater health, and has a longer life, if you feed him food designed especially for his breed.

Your Maine Coon Cat won't enjoy eating alone. He is highly sociable, and wants to have company when he dines. Since you will need to feed him three to four times a day, it is a good habit to start feeding him when you eat your own meals. Obviously, he isn't going to eat on the table, but he will enjoy a bowl of kibble that is placed on the floor, near your chair at the dining table.

Aside from food and water, you should discuss treats with your veterinarian. Most vets will suggest that you purchase tartar control treats, since Maine Coon Cats are subject to gum disease. He may also suggest other treats that will give him additional vitamins and nutrients. Don't be surprised if your vet also prescribes an additional vitamin for your Maine Coon.

Don't over feed your Maine Coon - whether you are feeding him his regular food or treats. Ask your veterinarian what the proper amount is for each meal, and stick with it. Never - under any circumstances - allow your Maine Coon to eat food that is meant for human consumption. This isn't good for them, and can cause a myriad of problems.

Determining that you want a Maine Coon Cat and knowing what to look for when selecting one is just half of the battle. You have to actually find one! Many people who are interested in owning a Maine Coon Cat simply have no idea as to where to start looking for one.

Cat shows are the ticket in most cases. Many people who show their cats also breed them. This is a good way to find a good, responsible Maine Coon Breeder. However, you can expect to pay a great deal for the kittens - between $600 and $1000 for a 12 week old kitten.

There are other options; however, if you do not currently attend cat shows, or there are no cat shows held in your area, there are online resources to help you find a breeder nearby. One such resource is the Fancier's Breeder Referral List, located at http://www.breedlist.com/breeders/mai_ac.html. Note that this list only covers the United States and Canada.

You might also consider a Maine Coon Cat Rescue organization. There are many rescue organizations located around the world. In the United States, the Maine Coon Rescue Organization is a national organization, which means that they list details and pictures about Maine Coons in need of good homes around the country.

Most rescues don't actually keep the cats, such as animal shelters do. Instead, they have loving foster parents who will care for and love the cats until a permanent home can be found. You can find adult cats, as well as kittens, through the rescue, and you will find that you pay considerably less for them. In the United States, try checking the listings at the Maine Coon Rescue (MCR) at http://mainecoonrescue.com/.

There are two other options. You can put in a call to your local animal shelter, and tell them what you are looking for. They will call you if a Maine Coon comes into the shelter, and is suitable for adoption. This is usually the cheapest way to adopt a Maine Coon, but in most cases, information on the pedigree will not be available. Therefore, this is not a good option if you plan to show the animal or breed it.

Your absolute last option - and many believe it should not even be considered - is to find a BYB, or Backyard Breeder. These are not considered top breeders, and often run the equivalent of a puppy mill. You will get the animal for a much lower price, but the breeder most likely did not use care when breeding the cats, and likely did not ensure that he or she did not breed animals that have genetic disorders. In most cases, a BYB will also not have the kittens tested for genetic disorders.

You can find a good breeder, if you look. Again, they are located all over the world. The cost, however, may be a huge consideration for you. Do not seek out a ?cheap cat' if it means that the animal has not been well cared for or properly bred.

While inbreeding does usually pass or create genetic problems, genetic problems can occur within Maine Coon Cats regardless of whether or not inbreeding has taken place. Here are some problems that are specific to Maine Coon Cats.

Hip Dysplasia a problem that most breeders are trying to breed out. They do this by having their studs and dams tested for potential hip Dysplasia, and then only mating normal to normal. This, unfortunately, doesn't always breed out the disorder, giving researchers the idea that hip Dysplasia can skip numerous generations.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is also a genetic disorder, which can cause the left ventricle of the heart to thicken and stiffen. This leads to heart failure. Maine Coons can be tested for this disorder between the ages of 1 and 7 years.

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a condition where cysts exist in the kidneys, which can eventually lead to renal kidney failure. This condition can be detected at a very young age, even though the problem won't have an impact until later in life.

Patellar Luxation is a condition where the knee cap moves and locks, causing pain. It can generally be moved back into place easily enough, and if the case is serious and very painful, surgery can correct it. Top breeders feel that a cat that has Petellar Luxation should not be bred.

White Linked Deafness is associated to white colored animals, but a great deal of research is still needed. This problem is serious to the point where all white cats are required to be checked by the vet for deafness before they can be entered into any shows.

Other common, but not serious genetic problems include Polydactyl, Color Point Colors, and Rex. While none of these problems are harmful, breeders try to avoid them - especially polydactyl, which mean that the cat has an extra toe.

While there are breeders who do not have a problem with inbreeding or line breeding, many breeders try to avoid this, and use outcross breeding instead, where the two animals that are being mated are the same breed, but come from different blood lines. Some agree with line breeding, but do not agree with inbreeding.

If you use line breeding or inbreeding, you are advised to eventually use outcross breeding at some point. It is believed that each generation of inbreeds get weaker and have more health problems, including genetic problems.

If you are purchasing a Maine Coon kitten, it is important that you know what breeding method the breeder used, and obtain a written guarantee concerning the health of the kitten. Also, visit your veterinarian right away for genetic testing, to ensure that it is not genetically disposed to the serious health problems. Some breeders will have already had these tests done, and will provide you with documentation.

Note that a kitten that does have a genetic disorder, or the potential for a genetic disorder, can still live a long, full life, and can still love, be loved, and participate in shows. However, that cat should not be used for breeding purposes.

With all of that long, thick fur, you may have questions regarding what is required from you in terms of grooming the Maine Coon Cat. The answer to this question largely depends on whether or not you show your Maine Coon.

If you do not show your Maine Coon, the great news is that very little is required from you when it comes to grooming. Your beautiful Maine Coon is very hygienic, and pretty much takes care of his own grooming. You will find that he usually does a fantastic job - that is fur is clean, tangle free, and that he does not smell.

If you do not show your Maine Coon, there are only four things that you must do, on a regular basis. The first is to brush the Maine Coon once a week. This cuts down on the amount of fur that will be flying around your home, as well as the amount of fur going down his throat, which later comes back up as disgusting hairballs.

You should keep an eye on the overall health of your Maine Coon's teeth as well. Gum disease is common in Maine Coon's, and will need treatment from a veterinarian. Give him tarter control cat treats, but also visually look at his teeth and gums from time to time just to be sure that everything is okay.

You must keep your Maine Coon free of ticks and fleas. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, this usually isn't a problem. However, if you have other animals, such as dogs that go in and out of the house regularly, it could become a problem. If you see signs of fleas or ticks, take your Maine Coon to the vet, and have him prescribe treatment. This usually entails bathing with medicated shampoo.

The last thing is optional. You might want to keep your Maine Coon's claws trimmed. This will make the ends of the claws a bit blunter - and therefore less lethal. You will find that you don't get scratched as often, and even that your furniture fairs better. Make sure that kitty has a scratching post to help smooth the ends after you clip his nails.

If you will be showing your Maine Coon Cat, there is a great deal more work involved. Fortunately, that work only comes in preparation for a show, and is not a daily thing, in most cases.

Before a show, your Maine Coon will need a bath. Maine Coon showers have various bathing techniques, all designed to make the fur look clean, well-groomed, and healthy. Of course, the Maine Coon will be clean, well-groomed, and healthy without the bath as well - but not quite good enough for showing. After bathing, the Maine Coon is then blown dry with a hair dryer, has his nails clipped, his face wiped, he is brushed, and has his ears cleaned up as well.

Again, unless you are going to show your Maine Coon Cat, you don't have to worry about grooming, other than the four general tasks mentioned earlier. Your Maine Coon will take perfect hygienic care of himself.

In the pet world you will hear lots of people talking about training their pets. They might train their pets to do tricks, to use a litter box, or to walk on a leash. But if you own a Maine Coon Cat, you can bet that your cat is talking to other animals about training you - not you training him. That's right - when you have a Maine Coon, you are not the owner - you are the owned, and you must therefore be trained.

First, your Maine Coon will set a sleeping schedule for you. He does this by paying attention to your habits. He notes the time that you usually go to bed, and the time that you usually wake up. In the future, if you do not go to bed or wake up at your usual time, he will not tolerate it. He will nag you about going to bed - and he will torture you until you get up. You will learn to stick to the bedtime schedule, or pay the consequences.

You will learn that your Maine Coon wants his breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack served at a specific time each day. After watching you, he knows where the food is kept, and he expects you to follow the same ritual at each meal. He will help you if he deems it necessary - but you must stick to his dining schedule and rituals.

Your Maine Coon is very diligent in his duty of making sure that you are doing everything that you are supposed to do. This means that he hates closed doors, and expects to have access to you at any time of the day or night - so that he can check up on what you are doing. Your activities will be monitored, and your friends will be thoroughly inspected. When you shower, he will want to test the water to make sure that it is perfect, and watch you bath to ensure that you wash behind your ears. Don't try to escape his dutiful attention.

Your Maine Coon must teach you how to walk with him, using a leash and harness. It is important that you learn the proper use of the leash and harness, so that he enjoys his walks. He expects to be invited on these walks on a regular basis.

There is a variety of other types of training that you will need. Much of this training will be determined after your Maine Coon has a chance to make up the rules. For example, you will be trained that toilet paper should never be left on easy to reach toilet paper holders. If you fail to learn this lesson, you will find beds of toilet paper on the floor beneath the empty roll. You may also find that kitty has toilet papered your house. You must learn the rules.

A definite part of your training will entail space. You will learn that anything that you do must include space for your Maine Coon. If you are sitting down watching television, you must do so in a chair that allows room for him. If you are washing dishes, there needs to be space on the counter for the Maine Coon to supervise - and to test the water. Just remember - you don't own a Maine Coon Cat. He owns you!