I have a male, one and a half year old red tabby. I am interesting in breeding him. We have breeding rights. What should I do?

-- Anonymous, November 03, 1999

Answers

Firstly, contact the breeder from whom you got your cat and see if he/she is interested in using your male as a stud. If they are not interested, at least they may be able to put you in touch with others who may. I must assume that you do have pedigree papers on this cat...if you don't, there is no reason to breed him. The world certainly has more than enough non-pedigree cats available without adding any more! Keeping a whole male is not an easy thing. It is quite likely that he will begin spraying to mark his territory and he certainly won't be happy if he is not "used" properly. My main question, however, is why are you interested in breeding? Are you thinking you will receive money in stud fees? Has your cat a significant pedigree or has it had a successful show career (that is, would it make him of interest to a breeder who owns a female?) Becoming a breeder is a difficult, expensive, sometimes heartbreaking job. I'd suggest you go to many cat shows in your area and spend a lot of time talking to experienced breeders and exhibitors to find out everything you may be letting yourself in for. Maybe you will decide to neuter your boy and enjoy a big, beautiful, friendly Maine Coon for many years to come. Good luck.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999