Things to Consider Before Buying a Maine Coon Cat

If you’re looking to adopt or buying a Maine Coon cat in Indiana, you’re not alone: the huge, fluffy Maine Coon is stealing hearts across the state! But before you rush to a breeder, let’s look at what makes a Maine Coon a Maine Coon, what you should know before adopting one, and where you can find your new kitten. 

The Magic of Maine Coons: Why Everyone Wants One

Maine Coons are hard to miss. They are huge house cats, with very long, bushy tails, tall tufted ears, and usually a thick ruff of fur around the neck. But it’s more than just the size and look of a Maine Coon. 

People love the Maine Coon because it acts like a dog more than a cat and is playful, loyal and happy to flop in your lap. Maine Coons love kids and get along with all other pets, making them a great choice for families.

What Makes a Maine Coon Kitten Stand Out?

• Size: Males can weigh up to 20-30 lbs, and females are generally 12-15 lbs [1].
• Personality: They are friendly, intelligent, and love people. Maine Coons will often follow their owners around the house, and some may even learn to play fetch [2].
• Appearance: Aside from size, they have distinctive tufted ears, bushy tails, and rough mane-like fur.
• Health: They are generally healthy cats, but some do develop heart or kidney problems. Always ask breeders about health testing[3].

Things to Consider Before Buying a Maine Coon

Lifestyle Fit

Before I even began looking for a Maine Coon kitten, I genuinely considered whether this breed would be a good fit for my life. 

Maine Coons are large cats, and although I live in a big apartment, they certainly like plenty of room to roam. I was unsure whether I could offer them enough space, so I also considered the duration before I would be spending time at home. 

My work is home-based, so I knew I would be around to supply attention. This helped me to ascertain that I could devote myself to caring for and providing space for a kitten.

Financial Impact

One thing that occurred to me when I was searching for Maine Coons was the cost. Maine Coon kittens are not cheap! The range in price can be from a low of $1000 to upwards of $5000, depending on the pedigree, the breeder, and the health testing of the kitten. 

I wanted to make sure I was ready not just for the upfront cost, but also for the ongoing costs of food, toys, grooming, and vet check-ups. 

It is easy to get carried away with the excitement of adopting a kitten, but I just kept saying to myself that there are costs, and I must be realistic with the financial commitment.

Time Commitment

I also thought about the time commitment to a kitten. Maine Coons are a fairly social breed that requires engagement every day. 

They’re not the type of cat that is content to be left alone all day long. Luckily, I can work from home, so I can structure my day to spend time with my kitten! 

Space Requirements

While I do live in an apartment, I have a good amount of space for a Maine Coon. This breed enjoys exploring, climbing, and running around. 

They are not the type of cat that will stay curled up in a small space for long. I made sure my apartment had enough space for the kitten to play and roam about, and I bought several cat trees to give my kitten some climbing fun!

Breeder vs. Adoption

• Breeder: Generally, you will pay more for a kitten (usually $1,000 – $5,000 depending on pedigree and color), but you typically receive health guarantees, vaccinations, and paperwork.

• Rescue/Adoption: less expensive ($150 – $400 sometimes cheaper), however, you may not find a kitten (a retired adult cat is often available, and can be a great option to consider).

How Much Does a Maine Coon Really Cost?

• Kitten price: $1,000–$5,000
• Ongoing costs: Food (they eat a lot!), grooming tools, regular vet visits, and pet insurance
• Surprise expenses: Maine Coons can have health issues, so it’s smart to budget for emergencies

Finding Reputable Breeders in Indiana

1. Research

The first step is to find breeders who are reputable, read the reviews, and are open about their breeding practices. You can also get in contact with previous buyers who can provide you with insight into their experiences.

2. Ask for Health Records

As a responsible breeder, they should obtain health records for the cat. Health records should include vaccination records, dewormer treatments, and genetic testing (especially in the case of Maine Coons which have a predisposition to certain illnesses).

3. Visit the Breeder’s Home

Before considering buying the cat, you should be able to visit the breeder’s home or cattery. This will allow you to take a look at the setting of the kittens ( cleanliness) and how healthy the kittens are, as well as meet the parents of the kittens to get a good sense of the kittens’ temperaments.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Always be aware of any red flags. Here are some I noticed when considering breeders. 

Unrealistic Pricing 

Of course, if you see a Maine Coon for under $1,000, you should be cautious. Maine Coons are tough to find and always expensive (unless they are sick/not well cared for). If the price is so low, it’s unbelievable, it probably is! I avoided breeders with unrealistic prices because they are probably not putting much effort into their pets’ health and care.

Lack of Transparency

I quickly began to notice that some breeders were not interested in talking about records of health or the lineage of the kittens they offered for sale, which bothered me. If a breeder is unwilling to share information about their cats, I would suggest that you keep looking. 

Unprofessionalism

If it seems that a breeder is disorganized, unresponsive, or unwilling to provide information when you have questions, this is not a good sign. You should feel free to ask for information about the health of the kittens, the history behind them, and the living conditions the pets are raised. You would want to know the living conditions if you are considering taking a kitten into your home. 

Strange Payment Methods

If a breeder asks you to pay using gift cards or wire transfers, that’s a huge ‘red flag’! You should ONLY pay for a pet using recognized and secure methods for purchasing. 

The Best Places to Buy Maine Coon Kittens in Indiana

Here are some of the most trusted breeders and catteries in Indiana, based on reviews and breeder standards:

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Kitten

• Request a virtual tour of the cattery.
• Contact previous owners for truthful advice.
• If you want a calmer, better trained pet, ask about adopting an adult Maine Coon, especially if they are retired.
• Purchase pet insurance after the first or second week, so you have some money saved up for the inevitable health insurance costs later for your kitten.

FAQs: Real Answers for Real People

Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?

No, but some people with mild allergies do okay with them because of their coat texture [8].

How much do Maine Coons kittens cost in Indiana?

When I was searching, I found a price range of around $1,000 to $4,500 based on the breeder I was using, as well as the lineage of the kitten. Make sure to ask how the price breaks down for health testing costs, plus the kitten’s background.

What is the lifespan of Maine Coons?

A Maine Coon that is well taken care of can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years. There are even accounts of them living longer! I felt very comforted knowing that with proper care, I would be able to enjoy our kitten for a number of years as part of my family.

Do Maine Coons need special grooming?

Yes! Maine Coons have long hair, so you will need to groom them often if you don’t want mats to form. I started brushing her two times a week when we first brought her home, and it quickly became part of the routine.

Grooming doesn’t just keep her coat looking nice – it helps with shedding and keeps her skin healthy, too.

Are Maine Coons good with kids and other pets?

Yes! Maine Coons are known for being gentle and friendly. They are generally good with kids and other pets, one reason I chose this breed.

My kitten is already very popular with my niece and nephews, and she has made friends with my dog.

What health problems do they have?

Some can get heart disease (HCM) or kidney issues. Always ask about health tests.

What’s included in the price?

Usually shots and a health check. Sometimes microchip and spay/neuter, but check with the breeder.

Can I visit the breeder?

Most breeders let you visit or do a video call to see the kittens and their parents.

Conclusion: Bringing Your Maine Coon home

Finding your Maine Coon in Indiana may take time and patience, but it will all be worth it down the road. 

If you’re considering adopting a Maine Coon kitten in Indiana, my advice is to do your research, budget properly, and find a reputable breeder who truly cares about their cats. It’s a big commitment, but if you’re ready for it, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most loving, loyal, and entertaining companions.

Your new best friend will be an amazing companion to you for a long time!