Maine Coon Kitten Questions Answered | Tennessee Cattery FAQ
Everything You Need to Know About Adopting one of our Maine Coon Kittens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Maine Coon Kittens
We believe in raising Maine Coons with transparency, health, and care. These answers will give you a clear idea of our practices, our values, and what you can expect when working with us. If you don’t see your question here, please reach out we’re always happy to help.
Do kittens ever get sick after going home, even if they seemed healthy at pickup?
Yes, this is common and part of normal kitten development. Moving to a new home can temporarily stress a kitten’s immune system. New surroundings, different routines, new people, and sometimes exposure to other pets can all contribute to mild upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, or nasal discharge. It is much like children catching colds when they start daycare.
Even if a kitten has fully recovered (as verified by a veterinarian) from a previous infection, stress from teething, vaccinations, or environmental changes may trigger a flare up. These flare ups are usually mild and resolve with supportive care under a veterinarian’s guidance. They do not mean the kitten was neglected or unhealthy at placement. They are a normal part of how a young immune system builds resilience.
We always disclose all known health information at the time of placement, and families receive veterinary records, written care instructions, and the option of 30 days of free pet insurance. While upper respiratory infections are excluded from the health guarantee because they are so common, congenital or inherited health conditions are covered under the written contract.
Do you specialize in European or American lines?
We specialize exclusively in European Maine Coon lines. Many of our breeding cats hold champion titles, ensuring strong health, structure, and breed standard.
What health testing do you perform?
Health is our top priority. All breeding cats undergo snap tests for FeLV and FIV, PCR tests for fecal, respiratory, and FeLV, a full DNA panel through Wisdom Panel, an echocardiogram by a feline cardiologist, hip X-rays for joint health, and BAER hearing tests on DBE (Dominant Blue Eye) cats. We also perform routine health screenings to keep our cattery safe and healthy.
Do you provide pedigrees?
Yes. Every cat in our program comes with a documented pedigree. We carefully analyze up to 10 generations to minimize inbreeding (COI) and maintain strong genetic diversity.
Do you offer a health guarantee?
Yes. Every kitten comes with a written health guarantee that covers genetic conditions and ensures your kitten goes home healthy and well-vetted. Full details are outlined in our Kitten Contract.
What is included when I adopt a kitten?
Every kitten goes home with TICA registration, (after spay and neuter is completed and documentation provided) a written health guarantee, age-appropriate vaccines, deworming, veterinary records, and a starter kit with food, a toy, and a blanket with familiar scents to ease the transition.
Are you registered with CFA or TICA?
We are registered with both TICA (The International Cat Association) and CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association). Most kittens are registered with TICA, though CFA registration is available upon request.
What vaccines do kittens receive? Do you spay/neuter early?
Our kittens receive two sets of vaccines at 8 and 12 weeks. We follow a slower schedule to protect their immune systems. We do not perform early spay or neuter. Studies show waiting until closer to 9–10 months helps avoid orthopedic and developmental issues.
At what age do kittens go home?
Kittens are generally ready at 12 weeks of age. We always place their health and development first, so timing may vary slightly depending on each kitten.
How are kittens socialized?
Our kittens grow up in our busy, family home with children and plenty of daily handling. They are raised underfoot, not in cages, and are well-prepared to adjust to family life.
Are kittens introduced to dogs?
We don’t currently keep dogs, but many of our kittens transition smoothly into homes with dogs. An adjustment period is normal, but most Maine Coons adapt quickly.
What do you feed your Maine Coons?
Our kittens free-feed on Royal Canin Mother and Babycat and Royal Canin Kitten dry food. We also provide Royal Canin and Purina Pro Plan wet food, probiotics (Fortiflora), and small portions of pumpkin for digestive health.
What kind of litter and litter box do you use?
We use a sifting litter box with equine pine pellets from Tractor Supply. This system is low-dust, eco-friendly, and helps control odor naturally. Kittens are fully trained to this setup before going home, and many families continue with it because it is simple and cost effective.
How much do your kittens cost?
Our kittens start at $3,500. Prices may vary based on coat type, coloring, or dominant blue eyes.
Do you have a waitlist?
Yes. To join, simply fill out the application on our website. Approved families will then be contacted for a brief phone interview.
How many litters do you have per year?
We are a small, in-home cattery producing about two to four litters per year. We never over-breed and often have only one litter at a time to ensure each kitten receives full attention.
Do you breed DBE (Dominant Blue Eye) cats exclusively?
No. While we have DBE cats, we also breed non-DBE lines to maintain genetic diversity and reduce the risk of health issues.
What are my pickup or transport options?
We offer local pickup in Tennessee at safe public locations, free delivery to Nashville International Airport with a $125 in-cabin fee, USDA-licensed ground transport starting around $399, and flight nanny services for in-cabin air delivery. We never ship kittens as cargo.
Do you allow video calls?
Yes. We offer video calls, phone calls, and weekly updates on your kitten’s progress. Even after adoption, we love staying connected and receiving updates as your kitten grows.
Do you sell kittens with breeding rights?
No. All kittens are placed as pets only, with a spay/neuter agreement. This protects the health of the breed and ensures our kittens go to loving family homes.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept deposits through Zelle or Venmo. The remaining balance is due in cash at the time of pickup or prior to transport arrangements.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
We do not offer financing. A non-refundable deposit is required to hold your kitten, and the remaining balance must be paid in full before pickup or delivery.
Can I visit the cattery before adoption?
Because we operate a closed cattery for the safety and health of our cats and kittens, we do not allow in-home visits. However, we are happy to provide photos, videos, and video calls so you can see your kitten’s environment and progress.
What supplies should I have ready before bringing my kitten home?
We recommend preparing food and water bowls, a litter box with unscented litter, scratching posts, toys, and a quiet space for your kitten to adjust. We will also send a starter kit with familiar items to help ease the transition.
What support do you offer after adoption?
We provide lifelong breeder support. If you ever have questions about health, nutrition, or behavior, we are here to help. We also love updates, photos, and stories as your kitten grows.
Still Have Questions?
If you’d like to know more about our cattery or kittens, please contact us directly. Ready to take the next step? Visit our Available Kittens page or complete our Application to join our waitlist. We look forward to helping you find your perfect Maine Coon companion.
