| First and foremost, it is not advisable to breed just | | | | is known as a BYB, or Backyard Breeder. These |
| any Maine Coon Cat. Most good breeders agree that | | | | breeders are looked down upon by the top breeders. |
| only titled Maine Coon Cat's should be bred, keeping | | | | BYB's commonly don't know enough about the |
| the pedigrees incredibly pure. Breeders also work to | | | | breed, and they often ignore titles. BYB's often do |
| breed out certain genetic disorders that are common | | | | not take the care and caution that top breeders take |
| to the Maine Coon. | | | | when it comes to caring for the cats. When all is said |
| Also note that while Maine Coon Cats sell for a fairly | | | | and done, most BYB's are forced to sell their kittens |
| hefty price - $600 to $1000 for 12 week old kittens - | | | | at a very low price, and rarely earn much profit, if |
| a lot of money is invested into them as well. For | | | | any. |
| example, you will need to take the kittens to the | | | | The environment where the kittens are raised is |
| veterinarian, at least once, before they are sold. You | | | | highly important. These are sociable cats, and |
| may need to pay for genetic testing as well to make | | | | therefore, people prefer kittens that have been |
| sure that the kittens do not have any problems. | | | | raised inside of the home, around humans and |
| Obviously, you must care for the queens and the | | | | possibly other pets. This means you need enough |
| studs, ensuring that they maintain good health as well. | | | | room inside of your home for the kittens to roam |
| While there is still a profit to be made, in most cases, | | | | and play, and to be a part of your life. If you have |
| you should note that you will not get rich breeding | | | | more than one stud, they often must be kept |
| these cats - and you may not make a full time living | | | | separate from the females, so that they don't mate |
| at it either. | | | | with their sisters or mothers. |
| Even if you have titled queens and studs, you aren't | | | | Before you start breeding Maine Coon Cats, make |
| ready to jump into breeding. A good breeder will | | | | sure that you talk with another top breeder and get |
| have numerous cat shows under their belts, and they | | | | advice from them. Also, make sure that you have |
| will be highly knowledgeable when it comes to the | | | | joined the appropriate associations, that you have |
| breed. Current top breeders suggest gleaning as | | | | shown Maine Coon Cats, that you have room in your |
| much information as possible and even asking a | | | | home for the queen, the stud, and a litter of kittens, |
| current top breeder to mentor you - first with | | | | and that you have considerable knowledge where |
| shows, and second with breeding. | | | | they are concerned. |
| The worst thing that you can do is to become what | | | | |