Could some please tell me why it is so hard to start a cattery of Maine Coon CAts? Is it an exclusive Club that only those invited may join? My husband and I did a lot of research and traveled to Maine to purchase a beautiful CFA registered Maine Coon cat. Our queen Sabbathday Lake Mist (Misty) comes from a long line of champions and Grand champions. We live in upstate N.Y. and have discovered that the breeder we dealt with has put her cattery on hold for her family. We want to start our cattery for the love of the breed. Our vet has cleared her for breeding and the books that I have read suggest that a 1 year old queen is ready to breed. I have several friends that would love to have a special friend in their lives also, so any kitten that was born would go to these people that I personally know. So again I ask, why is it so hard to become a loving breeder of Maine Coon Cats?

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2000

Answers

The question you posed July 29 and the response to it answers most your questions. I do know that after several months of investigative research on the internet into breeders, books, visiting cat shows and after talking to my vet about purebreed problems, I found that when it actually came to buying my first purebreed cat, the breeders were all fiercly protective of their lines and the reputations of their catteries. I don't think that I could have found one single cattery willing to sell me a female to breed with my lack of experience and knowledge - and rightfully so! Please check the wonderful cat associations about how to go about this and develop friendships with respected breeders of Maine Coon cats. Missing this first opportunity to breed your cat is not the end of the world. It seems to me there is much more to be done to convince owners of fine studs that you are really serious about your intention to begin a cattery. You may find that in order to take the next step you need a mentor who is respected and has a fine reputation in the breeding of Maine Coons. We who love the breed are fortunate that so much care has been taken to maintain and protect it. That's why Misty is such a fine kitty now and that Maine Coons are such healthy animals with few inherited problems.

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000

There are so many knowledgeable people reading this web site I was sure you'd have a satisfactory answer to your questions by now. I've just found another you must see from ABSOLUTELY CATS; check this web site:

http://members.tripod.com/~kcwingwalker/22BuyingKitten.html

This comprehensive site into buying/breeding of Maine Coons will tell you all.

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000