Where can I buy a Maine Coon cat?

If you want to buy a Maine Coon cat, you can think about looking at pet stores. This is not a good place to buy your cat. Legitimate breeders never sell in a pet store, which is considered the equivalent of “puppy mills.” If you want to buy cats from pet stores, you will not be able to see the environment where the kitten was born, the pedigree of the parents, or learn of any diseases from the breeder. Prices for these cats are usually at least equal to or higher than a breeder’s. Maine Coon cats range in price from $400-$1000.

Other places that sell cats are from individuals and are known as backyard breeders (BYBs). Usually living in someone’s personal home, the owner has crossed their cat with other cats, but does not follow industry standards or follow the breeder’s regulations. It doesn’t mean the person is terrible; owners can truly love their pets and enjoy raising cats with others. However, problems arise because they do not register their cats, do not show them at shows, or have contact with breeders or associations. They lack the same level of professional involvement and breed health that legitimate breeders advocate. The cost of these cats can be comparable to legitimate breeders. The problem remains that you would be buying an expensive cat without really knowing the heredity or the health of the cat.

So where is the best place to buy a Maine Coon cat?

Attend a local cat show and talk to a Maine Coon cat breeder. The kittens themselves won’t be there, but this is the first step in finding a legitimate breeder and someone you can trust. There are several places you can look for cat shows in your area. In addition to an upcoming events section in the newspaper, you can look up area showtimes in Cat Fancy magazine.

You can also contact the Breeders’ Association for shows and breeders in your area. The Central Office phone number is (732) 528-9797. For your referral service, you can email Cat Breeders Referral Service (CBRS).

Another referral source is the Maine Coon Fanciers and Breeders Association. While they won’t recommend specific breeders, you can get a list of breeders by state. Most of the listed breeders are trustworthy, but you should still do your homework and ask questions.

Cats are often advertised for sale in magazines such as Cat Fancy, Cats, USA Cats, and local newspapers. However, not all cats advertised are from breeders. Some may be backyard breeders, so be sure to ask questions when you call.