The PURRFECT Blog

Bringing home a Maine Coon kitten is an exciting decision, but choosing the right breeder is just as important as choosing the right kitten. As a breeder, I actually encourage families to ask lots of questions. An ethical breeder should welcome them. Here are ten questions I believe every prospective Maine Coon owner should ask before placing a deposit. Are the Parents Health Tested? Ask what health testing has been performed on the breeding cats. Responsible breeders use he

If you've been exploring different Maine Coon breeders, you've probably noticed that every breeder has their own philosophy for raising kittens. At Aspen Maine Coons, we've made a very intentional choice. Every one of our home raised Maine Coon kittens is born and raised inside our home. People often ask why, and the answer is simple. Because we believe the first weeks of a kitten's life are some of the most important. Why Home Raised Maine Coon Kittens Thrive From the day th

The countdown is on! This weekend, Aspen Maine Coons will be traveling to Cat Fest in Colorado Springs with one very special young man... Gandolf! After a wonderful experience at our recent TICA cat show, we're excited to continue learning, meeting fellow cat lovers, and sharing our passion for the incredible Maine Coon breed. Why We Attend Cat Shows People often ask why breeders spend their weekends at cat shows. The answer is simple. Every show is an opportunity to learn.

One of the hardest questions I get asked is: "Why are you keeping that kitten instead of selling it?" The honest answer? Because every once in a while, a kitten comes along that has the potential to shape the future of Aspen Maine Coons. Every Kitten Is Special I love every kitten born here. Every litter has its own personalities, funny moments, and milestones. But occasionally, one kitten makes me stop and think... "This one might help improve my breeding program." That's

One of the funniest parts of being a Maine Coon breeder is that people often think I have a crystal ball. I wish I did! Believe me, it would make my job much easier. Here are just a few things I get asked all the time... "Can you tell me if my kitten will be a boy or a girl?" Not before they're born! Until those kittens arrive, Mother Nature is keeping that secret. Even after birth, there are moments when I find myself saying, "Let's check one more time!" Tiny newborn kitten

When people see fluffy kittens playing or beautiful adult Maine Coons stretched across my living room, it's easy to think breeding is all joy and cuddles. There are certainly plenty of those moments. But some of my greatest lessons have come during the hardest days. Breeding has taught me that experience isn't measured by the number of litters you've raised. It's measured by how willing you are to keep learning. Every Litter Teaches Me Something One lesson I've learned is tha

When people ask what makes Aspen Maine Coons different, they often expect a simple answer. Maybe it's our beautiful cats. Maybe it's our in-home cattery. Maybe it's the health testing. The truth is, it's all of those things working together. Over the years, one lesson has become clearer than ever: responsible breeding isn't about checking boxes. It's about continually learning, asking questions, and making thoughtful decisions that benefit both the cats and the families who l

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "Why do you spend your weekends taking your cats to shows?" After spending a weekend at the Aurora TICA Cat Show, I can honestly say that every show teaches me something new. While ribbons are always exciting, the greatest rewards are the education, friendships, and experience that help me become a better breeder. Meet Gandolf This show belonged to Gandolf, one of our young Maine Coons. As a Longhair Kitten, Gandolf competed in si

People often imagine that breeding Maine Coons is simply waiting for adorable kittens to arrive. The reality couldn't be more different. When one of my queens goes into labor, everything else in my life comes to a stop. Work can wait. Household chores can wait. Sleep usually has to wait too. For me, bringing kittens into the world is one of the greatest privileges—and one of the biggest responsibilities—I will ever have. Every Birth Is Different No two deliveries are ever the

People often ask me how I became a Maine Coon breeder. The truth is, I never set out to become one. Like so many of my kitten families, I simply fell in love with the breed. What started as an admiration for their beauty quickly became a passion for everything they represent—their intelligence, gentle personalities, playful nature, and the incredible bonds they form with their families. The more I learned about Maine Coons, the more I realized responsible breeding was about s

Choosing a Maine Coon kitten is about much more than finding a beautiful cat. Behind every healthy kitten should be a breeder committed to protecting the breed's future through responsible health testing. At Aspen Maine Coons, health testing isn't an optional step—it's the foundation of every breeding decision we make. Beautiful Isn't Enough A gorgeous coat, striking eyes, and a friendly personality are all wonderful qualities, but they don't tell the whole story. Responsible

Special Announcement: Aspen Maine Coons will be participating in the Aurora, Colorado, TICA Cat Show on June 20-21, and we're excited to continue learning more about the breed we love. Many people assume cat shows are simply beauty contests. While beautiful cats certainly attend, responsible breeders know that cat shows are about much more than appearance. For us, showing our Maine Coons is part of our commitment to preserving, improving, and learning about the breed. What Is

When people first hear about Maine Coons, they often focus on one thing: size. It's true that Maine Coons are among the largest domestic cat breeds in the world, but their impressive stature is only a small part of what makes them so special. At Aspen Maine Coons, we often tell prospective families that the size of a Maine Coon may catch your attention, but it's their personality that steals your heart. More Than a Large Cat A fully grown Maine Coon can be significantly large

One of the most common questions we receive at Aspen Maine Coons is, "Do you have kittens available right now?" While we love connecting families with their future companions, the truth is that responsible breeding does not always produce a constant supply of kittens. In fact, periods with few or even no available kittens often indicate that a breeder is prioritizing the health and well-being of their cats rather than maximizing production. Quality Over Quantity Ethical Maine

When most people hear the words "cat show," they picture cats sitting quietly in decorated cages while judges walk by and hand out ribbons. The reality is much more exciting. This weekend, Aspen Maine Coons will be attending a TICA (The International Cat Association) cat show with Gandolf, one of our young Maine Coons. As we prepare for the event, we thought it would be fun to explain exactly what happens at a cat show and why so many breeders enjoy participating. If you've n

Special Announcement: Aspen Maine Coons will be participating in the Aurora, Colorado TICA Cat Show on June 20-21, and we're excited to continue learning more about the breed we love. Many people assume cat shows are simply beauty contests. While beautiful cats certainly attend, responsible breeders know that cat shows are about much more than appearance. For us, showing our Maine Coons is part of our commitment to preserving, improving, and learning about the breed. What Is

When families begin searching for a cat, they often want a companion that is affectionate, adaptable, and able to fit comfortably into a busy household. Maine Coons have earned a reputation as one of the best family cat breeds because of their gentle personalities, intelligence, and ability to bond with people of all ages. While every cat is an individual, Maine Coons consistently stand out for their calm and social nature. Gentle Temperament Makes a Difference Maine Coons ar

When searching for a Maine Coon kitten, it's easy to focus on coat color, size, and appearance. However, one of the most important factors separating responsible breeders from casual breeders is health testing. Ethical breeders invest significant time and resources into screening their breeding cats to help reduce the risk of inherited health conditions and improve the long-term health of future generations. Understanding what health testing is and why it matters can help fam

Bringing home a Maine Coon kitten is an exciting milestone. After weeks of anticipation, your new family member finally arrives. While most kittens adjust beautifully, the first week is a major transition. Everything is new, including the sights, sounds, smells, people, and routines. Understanding what to expect can help both you and your kitten settle into a successful start together. The First Day Can Be Overwhelming Even the most confident kitten may be a little cautious w

Many people first discover the Maine Coon breed at a cat show. Walking into a show hall filled with magnificent cats, experienced breeders, and passionate enthusiasts can be an exciting experience for anyone considering adding a Maine Coon to their family. Organizations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) host cat shows throughout the country, allowing breeders to showcase their cats while educating the public about various breeds. If you've never attended a cat