Questions to Ask a Maine Coon Breeder Before You Commit to a Kitten

Robin Chatmas
Jan 9
3 min read

Choosing a Maine Coon kitten is an exciting decision, but it’s also a long-term commitment. These cats often live 12–15 years or more, which means the choices made before adoption matter greatly.

A responsible breeder welcomes questions. In fact, thoughtful questions signal that a buyer is prepared, informed, and invested in the kitten's well-being.

Use the questions below to guide your conversation and ensure you’re choosing a breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and ethical standards.

Are You Registered and Licensed?

Beyond breed registration, responsible breeders comply with state and local regulations. This provides an additional layer of accountability and oversight for animal welfare.

For example, at Aspen Maine Coons, our cattery is registered and licensed with the State of Colorado under the PACFA (Pet Animal Care Facilities Act) Division. This licensing requires adherence to specific standards for animal care, housing, sanitation, and record-keeping.

Buyers should feel comfortable asking whether a breeder is licensed where required and what standards they follow. Responsible breeders welcome this transparency, as it reflects their commitment to ethical practices and the well-being of their cats.

2. What Health Testing Has Been Completed on the Parents?

This is one of the most important questions you can ask.

A responsible Maine Coon breeder should be able to explain:

Which genetic tests have been performed
Whether breeding cats have undergone echocardiograms
Whether hip X-rays have been completed
How often is testing updated

Health testing should be specific, documented, and transparent. Vague answers or avoidance are red flags.

At Aspen Maine Coons, health testing does not stop with a single evaluation. Our breeding cats undergo ongoing health monitoring, including echocardiograms and hip X-rays performed every two years, in accordance with our health standards. All records are maintained on file and are available upon request.

3. Can I See Health Records?

Ethical breeders keep organized health records and are willing to share them upon request.

You should expect:

Clear documentation of genetic testing
Results from physical evaluations
An explanation of what the results mean

Transparency builds trust and reflects confidence in the breeding program.

4. How Are Kittens Raised?

Early environment plays a major role in temperament.

Ask:

Are kittens raised in the home?
Are they exposed to everyday household sounds?
Do they receive regular human interaction?

Kittens raised in a home environment tend to grow into more confident, adaptable companions.

5. How Do You Prioritize Temperament?

Maine Coons are known for their gentle, emotionally balanced personalities, but their temperament must be protected through responsible breeding.

A good breeder will:

Select breeding cats with stable, calm dispositions
Avoid breeding anxious or aggressive temperaments
Talk openly about personality traits in their lines

Temperament matters just as much as appearance.

6. How Often Are Queens Bred?

Responsible breeders do not overbreed their cats.

This question helps you understand whether:

Queens are given adequate recovery time
Litters are planned intentionally
The breeder prioritizes the well-being of their cats

Ethical breeding is never rushed or driven by demand alone.

7. Are Your Cats Registered?

Registration with a recognized association, such as TICA, helps verify lineage and adherence to breed standards.

Ask:

Which organization are the cats registered with
Whether registration papers are provided

Registration alone does not guarantee quality, but it adds an important layer of accountability.

All Aspen Maine Coons cats are registered with TICA (The International Cat Association). Registration helps verify lineage, supports responsible breeding practices, and ensures adherence to established breed standards.

8. What Support Do You Offer After Adoption?

A responsible breeder’s role doesn’t end when the kitten goes home.

Look for breeders who:

Remain available for questions
Offer guidance on nutrition and care
Genuinely care about the long-term well-being of their kittens

Ongoing support reflects a breeder’s commitment to their cats and their families.

9. What Questions Do You Ask Buyers?

This may be the most revealing question of all.

Responsible breeders ask buyers questions, too. They want to ensure their kittens are going to homes that are prepared, loving, and informed.

A breeder who doesn’t ask questions may not be invested in long-term outcomes.

Final Thoughts

The right breeder will welcome thoughtful questions and answer them openly. Choosing a Maine Coon is not just about selecting a kitten, but about choosing the program that shaped that kitten from the beginning.

An informed buyer and a responsible breeder form the best partnership — one built on transparency, trust, and shared respect for the breed.