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Finding a Maine Coon Cat
Determining that you want a Maine Coon Cat and knowing what to look for when selecting one is just half of the battle. You have to actually find one! Many people who are interested in owning a Maine Coon Cat simply have no idea as to where to start looking for one.
Cat shows are the ticket in most cases. Many people who show their cats also breed them. This is a good way to find a good, responsible Maine Coon Breeder. However, you can expect to pay a great deal for the kittens – between $600 and $1000 for a 12 week old kitten.
There are other options; however, if you do not currently attend cat shows, or there are no cat shows held in your area, there are online resources to help you find a breeder nearby. One such resource is the Fancier’s Breeder Referral List, located at http://www.breedlist.com/breeders/mai_ac.html. Note that this list only covers the United States and Canada.
You might also consider a Maine Coon Cat Rescue organization. There are many rescue organizations located around the world. In the United States, the Maine Coon Rescue Organization is a national organization, which means that they list details and pictures about Maine Coons in need of good homes around the country.
Most rescues don’t actually keep the cats, such as animal shelters do. Instead, they have loving foster parents who will care for and love the cats until a permanent home can be found. You can find adult cats, as well as kittens, through the rescue, and you will find that you pay considerably less for them. In the United States, try checking the listings at the Maine Coon Rescue (MCR) at http://mainecoonrescue.com/.
There are two other options. You can put in a call to your local animal shelter, and tell them what you are looking for. They will call you if a Maine Coon comes into the shelter, and is suitable for adoption. This is usually the cheapest way to adopt a Maine Coon, but in most cases, information on the pedigree will not be available. Therefore, this is not a good option if you plan to show the animal or breed it.
Your absolute last option – and many believe it should not even be considered – is to find a BYB, or Backyard Breeder. These are not considered top breeders, and often run the equivalent of a puppy mill. You will get the animal for a much lower price, but the breeder most likely did not use care when breeding the cats, and likely did not ensure that he or she did not breed animals that have genetic disorders. In most cases, a BYB will also not have the kittens tested for genetic disorders.
You can find a good breeder, if you look. Again, they are located all over the world. The cost, however, may be a huge consideration for you. Do not seek out a ‘cheap cat’ if it means that the animal has not been well cared for or properly bred.
Your source for Maine Coon Cat information.
Next Article: The History of the Maine Coon Cat
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