Iron Throne Maine Coons- Now located in Johnson City, Tennessee 423-900-3477

Reputable Maine Coon breeders are very selective about who gets breeding rights. Think of it less like “buying a cat” and more like being invited into a conservation program. Here’s what they typically look for 👇

They want to know you understand the breed and are committed to improving it—not just producing kittens.

• Familiarity with Maine Coon genetics, standards, and common health issues
• Clear stance against overbreeding, backyard breeding, or designer trends
• Willingness to mentor, learn, and follow best practices

Breeding rights usually require you to prove you’ll do full health screening, often including:

• HCM (echocardiogram by a cardiologist)
• Hip dysplasia screening
• SMA, PKD, and other DNA tests
• Regular vet care and documentation
  Many breeders will ask where you’ll test and how often.

They’ll ask questions like:

• Why do you want to breed Maine Coons?
• What traits are you aiming to preserve or improve?
• Are you breeding for standard, health, temperament—not just size or color?

If your goals don’t align with theirs, it’s usually a no.

Expect questions (or even photos/videos) about:

• Living conditions (space, cleanliness, enrichment)
• How many animals you already have
• How queens and studs will be housed and cared for
• Plans for pregnancy, birth, and kitten socialization

Reputable breeders expect you to:

• Register with a major cat association (TICA, CFA, FIFe, etc.)
• Follow strict contracts that may include:
  
  • Limits on number of litters
  • Mandatory spay/neuter after a certain age
  • Right of first refusal for returned cats
  • No resale of breeding rights without approval

This part is huge and often underestimated.

• They want ongoing communication and updates
• Many require a mentor-style relationship
• Breeding rights are often granted after they’ve seen how you handle a pet-quality cat first

They’ll expect you to be able to afford:

• Emergency vet care
• Health testing
• High-quality food and supplies
  If someone talks mainly about profits, that’s a red flag 🚩

Bottom line:
Reputable breeders offer breeding rights to people who treat it as stewardship of the breed, not ownership of a money-making asset. It’s about trust, ethics, health, and long-term commitment.