Excited Cats advocates for adopting before shopping, though we fully understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder. So, we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally visited or investigated all of the breeders below. We have put the top-recommended all in one place for you to get in touch and make the best decision for you. Learn more about our stance and how to choose the right breeder here.
Who wouldn’t want to bring home an adorable Maine Coon kitten?! They’re famous for their large size, gorgeous looks, and sweet and gentle dispositions. They are frequently referred to as the dogs of the cat world, so if you love cats and dogs, you can’t go wrong with the Maine Coon.
If you’re in the market for one of these remarkable cats and live in Canada, we’ve got your back. Below, we’ll look at where some of the best breeders are so you can make this dream a reality.
Maine Coon Breeders in Canada
A Maine Coon breeder must be responsible and reputable since you want to bring a healthy and well-adjusted kitten home, but you do not want to support a kitten mill (yes, they exist).
We’ve given you some links to follow that should help you find an available cat through a Maine Coon breeder:
- Registered Maine Coon Breeders – This is a list of breeders from several provinces that are registered with The International Cat Association (TICA).
- Maine Coon Canada – This Facebook group has strict rules regarding who can join and post, which should help weed out the bad breeders.
- Petfinder for Kittens and Cats Near Me – Petfinder gives you the option of adopting cats and kittens. Tap in your postal code, and it will locate Maine Coons that are closest to your location.
- Kijiji – You can use Kijiji but be sure to research the breeder before handing over your money.
If you can’t locate a breeder nearby, you’ll want to find one that can ship your kitten or cat directly to you. There aren’t any websites that provide an entire list of these specific listings for Canada, so do an online search for breeders willing to ship their cats within the country and do your research on the breeder. Ensure the breeder can provide you with the type of registration papers, health guarantees, and genetic reports proving their good standing.
How Much Does a Maine Coon Kitten Cost?
This will depend on the breeder and their location. You can expect to pay about $800 to $2,000 for a pet cat and $2,000 to $4,000 if you plan to use your cat for show or breeding purposes (which will mean paying extra). The price can also depend on the color and “quality” of the kitten. You should also account for shipping costs if you need your cat delivered to your location.
Maine Coons are expensive because breeders have many costs that need to be covered, including paying for vet appointments and procedures for all of their cats. If you decide to adopt a rescued Maine Coon, you’ll just need to pay the adoption fee, which can range from $75 to $150, regardless of the breed. It’s not as likely you’ll find a purebred Maine Coon at a rescue organization, but a Maine Coon mix is the next best thing.
Things to Ask a Maine Coon Breeder
When you’ve found a good Maine Coon breeder, you should be prepared to ask many questions. Not only will this ensure you’ll be well-informed about your new cat, but it will also help you determine if you have found a good breeder.
- Are the parents certified: This means the breeder has had their cats checked for genetic conditions their breed can be predisposed to inherit, such as hip dysplasia. A good breeder will have their cats certified and be upfront about any conditions.
- References: Ask for their references and if they belong to any cat associations.
- Recommendations: You can ask to speak to people who purchased a kitten from them previously.
- Veterinarian visits: How many times has the kitten been to the vet? Has the cat had shots or deworming medication, and how healthy is it?
- Meet the parents: If you can meet your kitten’s parents, it will allow you to check their health, temperament, and appearance. This will give you a peek into the window of your kitten’s future.
- Guarantee: Does the breeder have a guarantee? If your kitten gets sick, will the breeder help?
- Food: It’s important to know which food the breeder has been feeding the kitten. A sudden change in diet can give the kitten gastrointestinal problems. Good breeders usually give you food when you take the kitten home to help tide you over.
- Socialization: How well have the kittens been socialized with people, places, and even other pets?
You should also be prepared to answer the breeder’s questions as a responsible breeder wants their kittens to go to a good and loving home.
The 10 Things to Know Before Buying a Maine Coon
Before you take that final step of purchasing your first Maine Coon, we have a list of the good and bad of Maine Coon ownership.
- Highly intelligent: They can be taught to do tricks!
- Devoted: Maine Coons are loyal to everyone in the household.
- Sociable: They get along very well with other pets and children.
- Healthy: Overall, Maine Coons are very healthy and active cats.
- Playful: They are very curious and playful cats.
- Genetic conditions: While Maine Coons are very robust and healthy cats, because they are large and purebred, they are predisposed to specific health conditions. The Maine Coon is prone to hip dysplasia, heart disease, and polycystic kidney disease.
- Grooming: All Maine Coons have thick, long coats of fur, which will require grooming probably every day but at least two or three times a week. Of course, this might be considered a pro if you enjoy brushing your cat.
- Territorial: While they get along with pets, if you’ve had your cat for some time and are introducing a new pet, the Maine Coon tends to be territorial.
- Separation anxiety: Maine Coons are loyal and social cats and will not do well if you leave them alone for long periods.
- Vocal: Again, this might be a pro for some people, but if you prefer your cats to be quieter, the Maine Coon might not be suitable for you. Beyond meowing, they are known to make trilling and chirping noises.
New Kitten Preparations
Since you're hard at work researching which breed to welcome into your life, it's probably a good time to introduce a few kitten essentials that will help seamlessly transition your furbaby into their new home. Ensuring you provide them with the proper care, comfort, and enrichment will help your kitten thrive and grow into a well-established and healthy feline! Check out our top recommendations in our New Kitten Checklist linked below!
Final Thoughts
The Maine Coon is a gorgeous, giant-sized pile of fluff that is expensive but worth it! These cats have unique personalities and make some of the most amazing pets, but they aren’t necessarily the right pets for every home. We hope that after reading everything, you’ve gained the necessary knowledge that will allow you to find not only a Maine Coon, but a great breeder as well.
If you’re looking for more Maine Coons, you can try heading into California, Pennsylvania, or New York!
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
