Start a Maine Coon Cattery
A comprehensive, honest guide for aspiring breeders. From registration and health testing to business setup and building your reputation — everything you need to know before your first litter.
Is breeding right for you?
Before anything else, you need an honest self-assessment. Breeding Maine Coons is deeply rewarding — but it is not a hobby, a side hustle, or a way to make easy money. Most ethical breeders barely break even.
Time Commitment
- Daily feeding, grooming, litter, and socialization — no days off
- 3 AM kitten births and round-the-clock neonatal care for the first weeks
- Emergency vet visits that can't wait until morning
- Hours spent screening and communicating with potential buyers
- Showing your cats on weekends to earn titles and build credibility
Financial Investment
- $10,000–$25,000+ before your first litter is even born
- Foundation cats alone cost $3,000–$8,000 each
- Annual health testing runs $300–$500 per cat, every year
- Veterinary emergencies — a C-section can cost $2,000–$5,000
- Most breeders operate at a loss for the first 2–3 years
Emotional Demands
- Not every kitten survives — stillbirths and fading kitten syndrome are real
- Queens can have life-threatening complications during birth
- Dealing with difficult or dishonest buyers takes a thick skin
- Saying no to people who aren't a good fit is emotionally draining
- You will love cats that you eventually need to retire and rehome
A word of honesty
If your primary motivation is income, breeding is not the right path. After health testing, quality food, veterinary care, show entry fees, and the countless hours of labor, the math rarely works out as profit. The breeders who thrive do it because they are genuinely passionate about improving the breed — and they treat it as a calling, not a business plan.
Getting registered
Registration with a recognized cat registry is non-negotiable. It establishes your credibility, provides a framework for ethical breeding, and allows you to show your cats and register litters with documented pedigrees.
TICA
The International Cat Association
- Cattery registration is approximately $25
- More flexible breed standards — popular with newer breeders
- Largest genetic registry of pedigreed and household cats worldwide
- Strong international show circuit with regional and international awards
- Progressive stance on new breeds and colors
CFA
The Cat Fanciers' Association
- World's largest registry of pedigreed cats — established in 1906
- More traditional breed standards with stricter guidelines
- Prestigious show circuit and highly respected Grand Champion titles
- Strong network of breed-specific mentor programs
- Excellent resources for beginning breeders through their mentoring program
Steps to register your cattery
Choose your cattery name
Your cattery name becomes your brand. It will prefix every kitten you register (e.g., "Majesticoones Luna of Willowbrook"). Choose something memorable, easy to spell, and not already taken. Both TICA and CFA have name search tools — check both before you get attached to a name.
Submit your registration application
Apply through the TICA or CFA website. TICA cattery registration costs approximately $25 and is relatively straightforward. CFA has its own registration process. Many serious breeders register with both organizations to maximize show opportunities and buyer reach.
Review the code of ethics
Both TICA and CFA have breeder codes of ethics that you agree to follow. Read them carefully — they cover health testing requirements, kitten placement age minimums (typically 12–16 weeks), spay/neuter contract requirements, and your obligations to cats you produce for their entire lives.
Connect with your breed section
Join the Maine Coon breed section or breed council within your registry. This connects you to other Maine Coon breeders, gives you a voice in breed standard discussions, and often provides access to mentorship programs that are invaluable for newcomers.
Why registration matters: Unregistered catteries cannot produce pedigreed kittens. Buyers who are serious about the breed want documented lineage. Registration also signals to potential buyers that you are committed to breed standards and ethical practices — it is the first filter that separates responsible breeders from backyard operations.
Building your health testing program
Health testing is the single most important thing you do as a breeder. It protects the kittens you produce, the families who adopt them, and the long-term health of the breed itself. There are no shortcuts here.
HCM Screening
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Annual echocardiogram by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist
- Not a general practice vet — must be a cardiologist (DACVIM)
- HCM is the #1 killer of Maine Coons and can appear at any age
- Both breeding parents must be screened before every breeding
- Cost: $250–$400 per scan, every year, per cat
Hip Dysplasia Screening
OFA Radiographs
- OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) hip radiographs
- Performed under sedation at 2+ years of age
- Results submitted to OFA and graded: Excellent, Good, Fair, or Fail
- Maine Coons have one of the highest rates of hip dysplasia among cats
- Cost: $150–$300 including sedation and radiograph submission
DNA Panel Testing
Genetic Screening
- SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) — fatal neuromuscular disease
- PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) — progressive kidney failure
- MyBPC3 — genetic marker associated with HCM
- Simple cheek swab or blood draw sent to a testing lab
- Cost: $40–$100 per test, or $150–$200 for a full panel
Total Cost Per Cat
Annual Testing Budget
- Initial DNA panel: $150–$200 (one-time per cat)
- Annual HCM echocardiogram: $250–$400
- Hip screening: $150–$300 (one-time at 2+ years)
- Total first-year cost per cat: $500–$900
- Multiply by every breeding cat in your program
Cutting corners is not an option
Skipping health testing to save money is the hallmark of a backyard breeder. It produces kittens with preventable diseases, devastates the families who adopt them, and destroys your reputation permanently. A single HCM-positive kitten that was never screened can end your cattery before it really begins. Health testing is not optional — it is the foundation of everything you do.
Selecting your foundation cats
Your foundation cats determine everything — the health, temperament, type, and reputation of your entire program. This is not a decision to rush, and it is not a place to hunt for bargains.
Find a mentor breeder
This is the single most important step for any new breeder. A mentor is an experienced breeder who will guide you through your first years — helping you evaluate pedigrees, select foundation cats, navigate your first litter, and avoid costly mistakes. Do not skip this step. Attend cat shows, join breed-specific Facebook groups and forums, and approach established breeders respectfully. Most experienced breeders are willing to mentor someone who demonstrates genuine commitment and a willingness to learn.
Understand pedigrees and bloodlines
A pedigree is not just a piece of paper — it is a health and genetic history of your cat's ancestors. Learn to read 4- and 5-generation pedigrees. Look for inbreeding coefficients (lower is generally better), health testing results on ancestors, show titles that indicate breed quality, and any patterns of health issues in the line. Your mentor can teach you to spot red flags and identify strong lines. PawPeds is a widely-used open pedigree database for Maine Coons.
Pet quality vs. breeder quality
Not every well-bred kitten is a breeding prospect. Breeder-quality kittens are evaluated against the breed standard — structure, type, ear set, profile, coat quality, size, and temperament. Most breeders hold kittens longer (16–20 weeks) before deciding whether they are breeding quality. Expect to pay $3,000–$5,000 for a domestic breeder-quality Maine Coon, and the best foundation cats from champion lines can run $5,000–$8,000 or more.
Importing from European lines
Many American catteries import foundation cats from European breeders, particularly from Scandinavia, Russia, and Germany, where some of the strongest Maine Coon lines originated. Importing adds genetic diversity and access to different type and bloodlines. However, it is expensive — the cat itself, international shipping, quarantine requirements, and veterinary documentation can easily total $5,000–$10,000. Only consider importing once you have experience and a clear breeding plan.
Budget realistically: Most new catteries start with 1–2 queens (females) and either a stud (male) or a stud service arrangement with another cattery. Even starting small, expect to invest $6,000–$16,000+ in foundation cats alone — before a single kitten is born.
Business essentials
A cattery is a business, and treating it like one from day one will save you legal headaches, tax surprises, and buyer disputes down the road.
Licensing & Zoning
- Check your city and county zoning laws — some areas restrict the number of intact animals or require kennel/cattery permits
- Register your cattery as a business entity (LLC is common and provides liability protection)
- Obtain a state sales tax permit if your state taxes pet sales
- Some states require USDA licensing if you sell more than a certain number of animals per year
Liability Insurance
- General liability insurance protects you if a kitten injures someone or causes property damage
- Some policies are specifically designed for breeders and catteries
- Typical cost: $200–$500 per year depending on coverage and number of cats
- Not optional — one lawsuit without insurance can be financially devastating
Contracts
- Every kitten sale needs a written contract — no exceptions
- Include spay/neuter clauses for pet-quality kittens (with proof required)
- Health guarantees (typically 1–2 years for genetic conditions)
- Return policy requiring the cat comes back to you if the buyer can't keep it
- Have a lawyer review your contract template
Pricing Kittens
- Price to cover your actual costs plus fair compensation for your time and expertise
- Pet-quality Maine Coons typically range from $1,500–$3,000+
- Do not undercut the market — low prices signal low quality to informed buyers
- Factor in health testing, food, veterinary care, registration, and the queen's recovery time between litters
Record Keeping
- Track every expense — food, litter, vet bills, show entries, testing, supplies
- Maintain detailed health records for every cat and kitten
- Keep copies of all contracts and buyer communications
- Document pedigrees, litter registrations, and microchip numbers
Tax Obligations
- Report cattery income on your taxes — the IRS considers breeding a business
- Track all expenses for deductions (health testing, food, vet care, show travel, supplies)
- Consult a tax professional familiar with animal breeding businesses
- Keep receipts for everything — you'll need them if audited
Growing your reputation
In breeding, reputation is everything. It takes years to build and minutes to destroy. The best catteries earn their reputation through transparency, quality, and consistent results — not marketing gimmicks.
Show Your Cats
Showing is how the breeding community evaluates your cats against the breed standard. Titles like Champion, Grand Champion, and Regional/International Winner prove that your breeding program is producing cats that meet or exceed the standard. Shows are also where you network with other breeders, find mentors, and build your reputation within the community. Budget $100–$300 per show for entry fees, travel, and accommodations.
Build a Professional Website
Your website is your storefront. It should feature your cats with professional photos, display health testing results publicly, explain your breeding philosophy, and make it easy for potential buyers to understand your program. Include your cattery name, registration numbers, and a clear application process. A polished website signals that you take your program seriously.
Social Media Presence
Instagram and Facebook are where most potential buyers discover breeders today. Share photos of your cats and kittens, behind-the-scenes content of daily cattery life, health testing updates, and show results. Be authentic — buyers want to see the real work that goes into ethical breeding, not just cute kitten photos. Consistency and transparency build trust over time.
Get Listed on Verified Platforms
Platforms like GoodCattery verify breeders and provide a trusted directory for kitten buyers. Being listed on a verified platform adds an extra layer of credibility — it tells buyers that a third party has confirmed your registration, health testing, and ethical practices. This is increasingly important as buyers become more cautious about scams and backyard breeders.
Waitlists are a sign of success
The best catteries have waitlists — sometimes 6 to 12 months or longer. This is not a problem to solve; it is a sign that you are doing everything right. Buyers are willing to wait for a kitten from a breeder they trust. Never rush to produce more litters to meet demand. Quality and the health of your queens always come first.
Ready to list your cattery?
GoodCattery connects verified breeders with serious buyers. List your cattery for free and reach families who are actively searching for responsibly-bred Maine Coon kittens.