The Breeder's Resource Library
It's Time to Learn
Welcome! This is our curated library of the essential links, tools, and organizations that we personally trust and recommend for every ethical cat breeder. Our goal is to provide you with a reliable and organized hub of information to support you on your journey.hat makes it unique. Share its core values and what this site has to offer.
Visit our PalicoCoons Maine Coon Blog
We are passionate about providing more than just beautiful photos. Our blog features highly detailed, in-depth articles that explore the wonderful world of the Maine Coon breed, covering everything from health and genetics to behavior and care. It's an excellent resource for your own continuing education and a professional tool you can confidently share with your future kitten families.
The Pillars of Our Program
1. A Professional Foundation
Ethical breeding is more than a hobby; it's a commitment to excellence. A respected cattery is built on a foundation of official registries, deep research, and a dedication to the breed standard.
2. A Commitment to Health
We are guardians of our breed's future. This is why proactive, comprehensive health testing—from DNA panels to heart scans—is the non-negotiable heart of any ethical breeding program.
3. Cattery Wellness: Nutrition & Enrichment
We are guardians of our breed's future. This is why proactive, comprehensive health testing—from DNA panels to heart scans—is the non-negotiable heart of any ethical breeding program.
Our Recommended Websites
The Foundations: Registries & Research
The International Cat Association (TICA)
A modern, growing registry with a strong international presence. Registering your cattery with an association like TICA is the first step to becoming a recognized, ethical breeder.
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
The world's largest registry of pedigreed cats, with a long and storied history. A cornerstone of the cat fancy world.
PawPeds
A vital international pedigree and health database. Learning to navigate PawPeds is a critical skill for researching your lines and making informed pairing decisions.
EveryCat Health Foundation
This is where the science begins. EveryCat funds the critical, cutting-edge cat health studies that lead to new treatments and genetic tests. Supporting them helps advance the health of the entire cat fancy.
Cornell Feline Health Center
A leading academic source for reliable and deeply researched feline health information. When you need a trustworthy, unbiased, and in-depth article on a complex health topic, this is the place to go.
Health & Genetics: Testing Your Cats
Optimal Selection / Wisdom Panel
Our top pick for comprehensive DNA panels. Screening your breeding cats for genetic diseases with a simple cheek swab is a non-negotiable part of a health-first program.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
The primary organization for evaluating and certifying hip x-rays for conditions like hip dysplasia. This screening is crucial for a large breed like the Maine Coon.
UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab
A leading university lab providing specific, individual genetic tests for various feline conditions if needed. An excellent resource for targeted testing.
AAFP Cat Friendly Practice®
Use this locator to find a veterinarian certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Building a partnership with a great vet is foundational to your success.
Cattery Wellness: Nutrition & Enrichment
The PalicoCoons Kitten Nutrition Page
A great starting point! This is the detailed guide we provide to all our new kitten families, outlining our core nutritional philosophy for a healthy start.
CatInfo.org
An incredible, non-commercial resource on feline nutrition run by a veterinarian. A must-read for any breeder looking to understand a species-appropriate diet.
NuVet Labs
We use NuVet Plus daily for all our cats as a cornerstone of our proactive wellness and immune support plan.
Fear Free Happy Homes
Excellent resources for reducing stress and anxiety. Learn practical tips on enrichment and making vet visits easier for a happier, healthier cattery.
Pet Insurance Review
A neutral site to compare different pet insurance policies and read reviews to find the best fit for your cattery and your future kitten families.
From Our Library: PalicoCoons Printable Resources
Exclusive, printable tools from our Mentor Guide to help you stay organized and prepared. We provide laminated copies to our official mentees as a part of our welcome package!
Cattery Supply Checklist
This is the ultimate "getting started" guide that answers the first question every new breeder has: "What do I need to buy?" We've created a comprehensive checklist of all the physical equipment you'll need to set up and run a safe, enriching, and professional cattery. From the essential nursery and first-aid items to the grooming and safety tools that are often overlooked, this guide ensures you are fully prepared before your first litter ever arrives.
Cattery Sanitation Checklist
A clean environment is a healthy environment, and this printable checklist is your blueprint for a professional sanitation protocol. We've outlined the essential daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks required to maintain a sanitary cattery and break the chain of infection. Following a strict, repeatable schedule is the most important proactive step you can take to prevent the spread of disease and protect your cats.
Printable Kitten Care & Weight Log
This is your most important hands-on tool for the nursery. It's a comprehensive, day-by-day log for you to print for each individual kitten. Use it to meticulously track their daily weight, health observations, milestones, and treatments during the critical first weeks.
Maine Coon Average Growth Chart
This is your benchmark for success. It's a detailed reference chart showing the average weight ranges for male and female Maine Coon kittens from birth to maturity. Use this guide to compare the progress of the kittens in your log against established breed averages.
Maine Coon Color Guide
Accurately identifying and registering your kittens' colors and patterns is a hallmark of a professional breeder. This visual, quick-reference guide will help you confidently identify the most common colors, patterns, and modifiers in your litters. Using this tool will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your official registration paperwork is always accurate.
Kitten Health Quick-Reference
This is the perfect companion to your weight chart. It's a quick-reference sheet summarizing the key signs of common nursery ailments and the critical "red flags" that signal the need for an immediate veterinary visit. This guide is designed to be kept in your nursery to help you act quickly and confidently, reducing panic and empowering you to be the best possible advocate for your kittens' health.
Kitten Go-Home Checklist
The final step in your journey with a kitten is preparing them for their new family. This complete checklist details every document, health record, and comfort item to prepare for a new owner on adoption day. Using this tool ensures a professional, organized, and seamless transition that builds trust with your new families and sets your kittens up for a successful start in their new homes.
