QUESTION & ANSWER | Thornfld Maine Coons

Questions & Answers

1. How old should a Maine Coon be before you bring it home, and why?

Answer:

14 weeks is the optimal time to bring a Maine Coon kitten home.

Why?

By 13 and 14 weeks:

kittens have been fully weaned and have learned important social and behavioral skills from their mother and litter-mates
their immune system is stronger, and they’ve usually received essential vaccinations
kittens are demonstrating proper skeletal and neurological development
kittens are old enough to receive their first Rabies vaccine

While younger kittens (8, 10, or 12 weeks) may be available, they might not have had enough time to develop the strong social and physical skills needed for a smooth transition into a new home, and more importantly, have not been allowed to naturally wean from their mother and received two FVRCP vaccinations to protect them once they leave their home.

2. What is the best food for a Maine Coon cat?

Answer:

Maine Coon cats are large, active, and have long, thick fur, so they need a well-balanced diet to support their size, energy levels, and coat health.

Here are some of the best food options for your Maine Coon:

a. High-Protein Diet

Maine Coons need a protein-rich diet to support their muscular build.

Look for cat food with:

Real meat as the first ingredient (chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef)
At least 30-40% protein content

b. Healthy Fats for Skin & Coat

Their thick fur benefits from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help maintain a shiny coat and reduce shedding. Good sources include:

Fish oil (salmon, herring)
Flaxseed
Chicken fat

c. Joint Support for Their Large Frame

Since Maine Coons are prone to joint issues, food containing glucosamine and chondroitin can help with mobility.

d. Avoid Fillers & Artificial Ingredients

Stay away from foods with corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives, as these can cause allergies and digestive issues.

e. Wet vs. Dry Food

Dry Food: Helps with dental health but should be high in protein.
Wet Food: Provides hydration and is easier on digestion, especially for older cats.

3. Why are some kittens priced differently?

Answer:

In general, kittens are priced at either $2800 or $3200. Polydactals (those with extra toes) and kittens with unusual markings or colors are at the higher price. If a kitten is priced in between, then it may have a remarkable color, but have a slighter build than its littermates.

I often retain kittens to grow them out as potential breeders. If I change my mind, then I will list them for sale, but at a lower cost since they are older, which might be anywhere from $1800 to $2400.

Sometimes I will have a sale, especially if I have a number of litters coming up and am running out of space. These kittens will be at a discounted price relative to their original price.

4. Do you DNA test your breeders?

Answer:

Yes. I currently use Optimal Selection Advanced by Wisdom Panel, which is recommended by TICA (The International Cat Association), to certify my breeders for over 45 genetic health conditions.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

DNA testing for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is limited to genetic codes known to be involved with HCM. There likely exist other codes linked to HCM that we do not yet know about. As such, HCM is a bit like breast cancer in women. Women with a family history (genetic coding) have a greater risk of getting the disease. But many women, who do not have a family history of breast cancer, still get the disease. Environmental factors and/or possibly genetic codes as yet unknown to us may be responsible. HCM should be thought of in the same way. I have lost ONE Maine Coon--a kitten which had been purchased by someone--to HCM. Its parents tested negative, but this one kitten still developed the disease. Sadly, it passed away. HCM is a silent killer. The best defense is to have regular ProBNP tests done by your vet. I recommend at least one per year. This test measures a heart enzyme. Any abnormality indicates an irregularity with the heart that needs further investigation. And x-ray and echo-cardiogram are advised at this point.

The good news is that there is now a treatment for HCM that COMPLETELY REVERSES HCM. It is called rapamycin. HCM can be devastating if you do not regularly check for it. But if you do, you increase your chances of identifying it while something can be done.

5. Do you DNA test your breeders?

Answer:

Yes. I currently use Optimal Selection Advanced by Wisdom Panel, which is recommended by TICA (The International Cat Association), to certify my breeders for over 45 genetic health conditions.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

DNA testing for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is limited to genetic codes known to be involved with HCM. There likely exist other codes linked to HCM that we do not yet know about. As such, HCM is a bit like breast cancer in women. Women with a family history (genetic coding) have a greater risk of getting the disease. But many women, who do not have a family history of breast cancer, still get the disease. Environmental factors and/or possibly genetic codes as yet unknown to us may be responsible. HCM should be thought of in the same way. I have lost ONE Maine Coon--a kitten which had been purchased by someone--to HCM. Its parents tested negative, but this one kitten still developed the disease. Sadly, it passed away. HCM is a silent killer. The best defense is to have regular ProBNP tests done by your vet. I recommend at least one per year. This test measures a heart enzyme. Any abnormality indicates an irregularity with the heart that needs further investigation. And x-ray and echo-cardiogram are advised at this point.

The good news is that there is now a treatment for HCM that COMPLETELY REVERSES HCM. It is called rapamycin. HCM can be devastating if you do not regularly check for it. But if you do, you increase your chances of identifying it while something can be done.

6. Do you sell breeding rights?

Answer:

No, I do not. I search for certain genetics, and put a great deal of energy into selecting and importing breeders with amazing genetics to supplement my breeding program. I am extremely proud of the quality of kittens I am producing at Thornfield Maine Coons, their robust conformation, health, loving & playful natures, and gorgeous colors and coats.

7. When do you recommend a Maine Coon kitten be spayed or neutered?

Answer:

Maine Coons grow until they are 4 to 5 years of age. Growth plates and their urological system can be affected if spayed or neutered too early. The optimum time to spay or neuter a Maine Coon kitten is when it is between 8 and 10 months of age. A male kitten WILL NOT spray this early and a female kitten may go through three to four heat cycles, but that is all. She can get pregnant, so if she comes into heat, she must be kept away from any intact, sexually active males. My Purchase Contract forbids any breeding and female Maine Coons should not be bred before they are 18 months of age. To do otherwise jeopardizes their health, can seriously stunt their growth, and result in the death of the kittens.