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Are your kittens spayed or neutered before going home?
The short answer is no.
The long answer is that research has shown early spay and neuter can increase the risk of long-term health issues in large and giant breed cats, including Maine Coons. These concerns can include impacts on growth, joint development, and overall physical maturity.
At Tatertot Maine Coons, our goal is to set our kittens up for the healthiest future possible. For that reason, our contract requires that all pet kittens be spayed or neutered by 8 months of age. This allows kittens adequate time to grow, mature, and develop properly before undergoing surgery.
A spay/neuter clause is included in our contract, and compliance is required (you won't receive your kittens registration until proof of spay/neuter has been given). This policy protects both the kitten and the integrity of our breeding program while prioritizing long-term health and wellbeing. Not every animal produced is breeding quality.
Why are Maine Coon Kittens more expensive?
Maine Coons are not only one of the largest and most recognizable cat breeds in the world - they are also on of the most carefully bred. The price of a responsibly bred. The price of a responsibly bred Maine Coon reflects the signifigant time, expertise, and resources required to raise healthy, well-socialized kittens.
Ethical breeding starts long before a kitten is born. Reputable breeders invest heavily in health-tested breading cats. This includes genetic testing for breed-specific conditions, routine veterinary care, high-quality nutrition, and careful selection of bloodlines to improve temperament, size, and structure.
Maine Coons require extended care. As a large, slow-maturing breed, Maine Coon kittens need more time to grow and develop properly. They stay with their mother and breeder longer then many other breeds to ensure strong immune systems, proper socialization, and emotional stability. before going to their forever homes.
Veterinary care and preventative are a priority. Well-bred kittens receive regular wellness exams, deworming, parasite prevention, and ongoing monitoring. Responsible breeders also carefully manage breeding frequency to protect the health of their queens which means fewer litters and higher costs per kitten.
Time, dedication, and socialization matter. Maine Coons are known for their gentle, people-oriented personalities - but that doesn't happen by accident. Kittens are raised underfoot receive daily handling, exposure to household sounds, children, and other animals. This level of socialization takes countless hours and constant supervision.
Quality over quantity. Ethical breeders focus on improving the breed, not mass production. This means limited availability, careful placement, and lifelong support for each kitten - all which are built into the cost.
When you purchase a Maine Coon kitten from a responsible breeder, you're not just buying a cat - you're investing in health, temperament, ethical practices, and peace of mind.
Are you a registered cattery?
Yes! Tatertot Maine Coons is proudly TICA-registered under the name TatertotCoons, ensuring our breeding program meets the highest standards for health, temperament, and breed integrity.
How big do Maine Coons get?
Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds. Males typically range from 15-25+ pounds, while females are usually 10-15 pounds, though size can vary based on genetics, diet, and overall build.
Maine Coons are also a slow-maturing breed. While the most rapid growth occurs during the first year of life, they continue to grow and fill out over time. Most Maine Coons are not fully mature until 3-5 years of age, developing their full size, muscle mass, and signature breed features.
This extended growth period is one of the reasons responsible breeders focus on proper nutrition, careful breeding practices, and allowing kittens adequate time to develop before trasnsition to their forever home.
Do Maine Coons get along with dogs?
Yes, Maine Coons are generally known for getting along very well with dogs. Their confident, laid-back temperament and social nature make them more adaptable to living with canine companions than many other cat breeds. When properly introduced, many Maine Coons will coexist peacefully with dogs and some even form close bonds, often following them around and joining in play.
As with any cat, successful relationships depend on the individual personalities involved and a slow, respectful introduction. Maine Coons raised in a home environment with everyday activity tend to adjust especially well to dogs.
Do Maine Coons shed a lot?
Maine Coons do shed, especially seasonally, but their coat is designed to be low-matting compared to many long-haired breeds. Regular brushing (2-3 times per week) helps keep shedding manageable and their coats in top condition.
Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?
Maine Coons are not considered a truly hypoallergenic breed. However, they are known to produce lower levels of the Fel d 1 allergen - often cited as up to about half of what many other cat breeds produce. Fel d 1 is primary protein responsible for most cat allergies.
Because of this, many allergy sufferers find Maine Coons much easier to live with compared to other breeds. That said, individual reactions can vary from person to person, and we always recommend that anyone with allergies spend time around the breed before comitting.
How long do Maine Coons live?
With proper care, nutrition, and responsible breeding, Maine Coons typically live 12-15 years, with many living even longer.
Are Maine Coons vocal?
Maine Coons are known for their adorable chirps and trills rather than loud meowing. They are communicative and espressive, but not typically excessively noisy.
What should I expect when bringing my new kitten home?
Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting transition, but it's important to remember that change can be stressful for kittens. New sights, smells, people, and animals can temporarily affect their immune and digestive systems.
It is not uncommon for kittens to experience stress-related symptoms or soft stools/diarrhea, especially during the first couple of weeks as they adjust to their new environment. These issues are often temporary and typically improve as the kitten begins to feel secure.
In general, it can take up to three weeks for a new kitten to fully decompress and settle into their new home. During this time, patience, routine, and a calm environment are key.
We strongly recommend a 1-2 week isolation period in a quiet, separate room when your kitten first arrives home. This allows your kitten time to adjust, establish routine, and reduces the risk of spreading illness - especially if you have resident cats already.
Introductions to the rest of the household, including other pets, should be slow and gradual, using scent swapping and supervised interaction to minimize stress and encourage positive associations.
With time, consistency, and gentle handling, most kittens transtion beautifully and grow more confident each day.
Oh no! My new kitten is having accidents outside of the litter box - why?
Litter box accidents be stressful, but they are not uncommon in newly placed kittens. There are several possible reasons this may occur, especially during the adjustment period.
Common causes include:
Insufficient isolation or too much access too soon
New Kittens do best when started in a small, quiet space with easy access to their litter box. Being given free run of the home to quickly can be overwhelming and may lead to accidents.
Stress or anxiety
Changes in environment, routine, or the presence of other pets can cause stress-related litter box issues during the decompression period.
Medical concerns (such as a UTI)
Urinary tract infections or other health issues can cause inappropriate elimination. If accidents are frequent, painful, or sudden, a veterinary visit is recommended to rule out medical causes.
Behavioral or environmental factors
Litter box type, litter texture, box cleanliness, or placement can all influence litter box use. Some kittens are sensitive to changes and may avoid a box they find uncomfortable.
What you can do: Return to a smaller space if needed, ensure the litter box is clean and easily accessible, reduce stressors, and contact your veterinarian if the issue persists or worsens.
Most litter box issues resolve once the kitten feels safe, confident, and settled into their routine.
Thoughtful homes start here. Let's begin your Maine Coon journey.
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