Maine Coon FAQ

We're a small, TICA-registered, in-home cattery in Grand Island, Nebraska. Our kittens are raised on the couch with us, not in kennels. Our plan is one litter per girl per year, so every kitten gets plenty of attention.

All our cats see the vet at least every 3 months, and every kitten has at least 2 vet visits before going home. You're welcome to meet your kitten before they come home with you. Every kitten comes with a health guarantee, and we stay in constant contact after they go home.

Big! Simba is about 30% larger than our girls, even though he's a few months younger.

• Length: 19 to 30 inches from nose to base of tail
• Females: 8 to 14 inches tall, 15 to 20 pounds
• Males: 10 to 16 inches tall, 25 to 30 pounds
• Full size: 3 to 5 years
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years with a good diet, exercise and regular checkups

Weight varies with diet, exercise and lifestyle.

Nala is! Polydactyl means extra toes. It's a natural Maine Coon trait that goes back to the breed's roots, and it doesn't hurt them one bit. Nala's kittens may be polydactyl too. You can request a polydactyl kitten, but we can't guarantee one, because nature decides.

Known as the "gentle giants," Maine Coons are friendly, intelligent and sociable. They get along with children and other pets and adapt to different environments, from busy apartments to quiet homes. They form deep bonds with their families and are affectionate and loyal. Some prefer to cuddle and be right on top of you and in everything you do. Others prefer to be very close and next to you, with inquisitive actions to help complete a project or solve a puzzle.

They can be funny, friendly and entertaining. Our kitties love to chase a laser light and bouncy balls. Bounce the ball and watch 'em follow, bounce and pounce right along with it. Amara will drop the balls down the basement steps, chase them, then bring them back to the top to do it all over again. Pom balls make the best toys to play fetch with. And the zoomies, around and around, will have you sitting back with your feet up so you don't get caught in the line of traffic!

Very! A cute little purr to catch your attention or a nice loud, long yowl when you're not paying attention will have you trained in no time. These kitties enjoy talking back and watching you work, making sure it's done correctly. When you need sound advice or problem solving, or need to know the squirrels are getting too close, a Maine Coon chirp will keep you updated.

Our Simba is quick to let you know when it's bedtime and you're staying up too late. A nice long, loud yowl is his way of making sure you get enough sleep and snuggle in for the night, and he'll keep reminding you until you make the right choice: turn off the TV and follow.

• Say hello: Reach out by Email, Facebook, or the Contact Form. Tell us about your home, your other pets, and what you're hoping for.
• Fill out an application: We'll send you a short application so we can get to know you and make sure every kitten lands in a great home.
• Place a deposit: Your deposit holds your spot in line and is applied to your kitten's total. Deposits are refundable if we don't produce a kitten in the expected time.
• Wait patiently: The hard part! We share pictures as the kittens grow, so you can watch their personalities come out. Fair warning: clients are legally permitted to call just to talk about whiskers.
• Pick your kitten: Picks go in the order deposits are placed for that litter. When the babies turn 6 weeks old, we start with 1st-round pick, and we're happy to talk on the phone and help you decide.

Yes! Once you've placed a deposit, you're welcome to visit by appointment after the kittens are 6 weeks old. Waiting until then keeps the babies healthy while their immune systems grow.

Those extra weeks with mom matter. She teaches them litter box habits and gentle play, and it gives us time to help them grow up and make sure everyone is perfectly healthy before they go home.

Kittens get their 8 and 12 week shots before going home, and you'll receive all vet records from our vet. Once home, set up visits with your own vet. If you're local, you're welcome to keep using ours.

You've got options! Pick up your kitten here in Grand Island, meet us partway, or have them flown to you with a flight nanny. We can arrange delivery worldwide. Travel and flight costs are covered by the new kitten parent.

We take care of the basics so you don't have to:

• Food for the whole first month
• Litter and a litter box, first fill-up included
• A cat bed
• Toys, we even take care of that
• Vet records and their health guarantee

Why Do We Do This?

Leaving the only home you've ever known is a lot to take in at 12 weeks old, but the basics should stay the same. Familiar smells, like their food, their bed, even what their litter box looks like and how their fresh litter smells, make the transition so much easier.

Keep It Simple

Your new baby wants your love and attention. There's no need to go out and buy all the toys and all the stands. A delivery cardboard box, or a few of them for mazes and tunnels, is a favorite.

Never. We require that you never declaw your kitty. Weekly nail trims and a good scratching post keep those mittens ready for action, and let them know the action isn't on the furniture!

Cat Tree & Scratching Post

Kitties like to explore and watch. A cat tree lets them get up high to survey the area and be on the hunt for the next unsuspecting friend. Put it in the room you're always in, or by a window so they can keep an eye on the outdoor nature channel.

Brushing

Maine Coons have long hair, so brush them every couple of days, if not once a day, to keep knots and tangles out. Keep the brush handy on the couch while you watch TV or talk with friends. A few simple strokes make a difference.

Nail Trims

We trim nails once a week and play with their paws all the time, so the babies learn early that nail day is just part of life. It's quick and easy to learn: a quick clip of the white, sharp tip.

Baths

These babies love water! A bath every 6 months or so keeps a stinky kitty fresh. Use a little soap and lots of rinsing to get all the bubbles out.

Interactive toys help satisfy their hunting instincts:

• Feather wands are perfect to swing around, chase and catch.
• Puzzle toys give them problem solving with a yummy treat at the end.
• Laser pointers let them chase a silly dot. Let them catch the dot at the end so they don't get frustrated, and NEVER point the light at their eyes.
• Pom, crinkle and bouncy balls keep your kitty moving, a great workout to stay in shape.