| If you want to buy a Maine Coon cat, you may | | | | heritage or health. |
| think about searching pet shops. This is not a | | | | So where's the best place to buy a Maine Coon |
| good place to buy your cat. Legitimate breeders | | | | cat? |
| never sell from a pet shop, which are considered | | | | Attend a local cat show and talk to a Maine Coon |
| the equivalent to dog "puppy mills". If wanting to | | | | cat breeder. The kittens themselves won't be |
| buy cats from pet shops, you won't be able to | | | | there, but this is your first step in finding a |
| see the environment where the kitten was born, | | | | legitimate breeder and someone you can trust. |
| the pedigree of the parents, nor find out about | | | | There are several places you can look to find cat |
| any illnesses from the breeder. Prices for these | | | | shows in your area. Besides an upcoming event |
| cats are usually at least equal or higher than those | | | | section in the newspaper, you can search for |
| from a breeder. Maine Coon cats range in price | | | | area show schedules in Cat Fancy magazine. |
| from $400-$1000. | | | | You can also contact the Fanciers Association for |
| Other places that sell cats are from individuals and | | | | shows and breeders in your area. The Central |
| known as backyard breeders (BYB). Usually living | | | | Office phone number is (732) 528-9797. For their |
| in someone's personal house, the owner has bred | | | | referral service, you can send an e-mail to Cat |
| their cat with other cats but does not follow | | | | Breeders Referral Service (CBRS). |
| industry standards or follow breeder regulations. It | | | | Another referral source is Maine Coon Breeders |
| doesn't mean the person is terrible; the owners | | | | and Fanciers Association. While they won't |
| may truly love their pets and enjoy breeding the | | | | recommend specific breeders, you can get a list |
| cats with others. However, the problems arise | | | | of breeders by state. Most of the breeders listed |
| because they don't register their cats, show them | | | | are reliable, but you still need to do your |
| in cat shows, nor have contact with breeders or | | | | homework and ask questions. |
| associations. They lack the same level of | | | | Cats are often advertised for sale in magazines |
| professional involvement and health of the breed | | | | such as Cat Fancy, Cats, USA Cats, and local |
| that legitimate breeders uphold. The cost of these | | | | newspapers. Not all the cats advertised are from |
| cats may be comparable to legitimate breeders. | | | | breeders though. Some may be backyard |
| The problem remains that you would be buying | | | | breeders, so be sure to ask questions when you |
| an expensive cat without truly knowing the cat's | | | | call. |