Responsible breeding is a collaborative effort. We believe in continuous learning and are proud to work with a network of trusted professionals and mentors who help us stay at the forefront of feline health and wellness. We are also committed to sharing the knowledge we've gained with the community.
The Network —
Our Partners & Resources
Our Veterinary Team
A successful health program requires a strong partnership with a trusted veterinary team. All of our cats and kittens receive expert, compassionate care, from routine wellness checks and vaccinations to the advanced health screenings detailed on this page. Our veterinarians are an integral part of our program, guiding our preventative care protocols and ensuring every kitten is spayed or neutered and in perfect health before joining their new family. Their expertise is an invaluable asset that we are deeply grateful for.
Our Mission & Affiliations
We are proud to be a cattery in good standing and registered with The International Cat Association (TICA). Our journey into breeding was fueled by a deep love for the Maine Coon, but we quickly discovered a need for more open and accessible guidance for new breeders. That experience became the motivation for this website. It is our mission to provide the transparent, practical resources that we wished we had when we began, and to foster a community built on shared knowledge and mutual support.
Recommended Tools & Resources
We believe that sharing knowledge is key to promoting responsible breeding. We are often asked about the specific tools, supplies, and educational materials that are essential to our daily operations. To answer these questions, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the products and resources we personally use and trust, from our favorite kitten scale and nursery supplies to the books we keep on our shelves. We invite you to explore this curated list on our dedicated Resources Page.
The Cattery Health Hub
A visual guide to the hands-on protocols that create a thriving, healthy cattery. Here, we move from theory to practice.
The Foundation —
Cattery Environment & Biosecurity
Building a Healthy Foundation: Our Environment & Protocols
Before any discussion of testing or genetics, a health program begins with the physical space. A thriving cattery is not a matter of luck; it's the result of deliberate systems designed to minimize risk and maximize well-being. Our philosophy is that proactive environmental management is the single most effective tool for preventing illness. Below are the three pillars of our foundational health strategy.
Our cattery is integrated into our home, ensuring all our cats and kittens are constantly socialized to the sounds and rhythms of family life. However, for health and safety, we have designed dedicated, controllable spaces with specific purposes.
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Non-Porous Surfaces: All our cat areas feature luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring and washable surfaces, eliminating places where pathogens can hide and allowing for effective, top-to-bottom disinfection.
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Dedicated Nursery: Queens give birth and raise their litters in a separate, quiet nursery space. This low-traffic area is kept meticulously clean and allows us to closely monitor the health of both mom and her babies in a calm environment.
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Ventilation & Air Quality: We utilize HEPA air purifiers throughout our home to reduce airborne allergens and pathogens, creating a healthier respiratory environment for our cats.
Cattery Setup & Design
An effective sanitation protocol is about consistency and using the right tools for the job. We don't cut corners.
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Daily Routine: Litter boxes are scooped 2-3 times daily, and fresh water is provided in clean bowls. All food dishes are washed after every meal.
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Weekly Deep Clean: All bedding is laundered, and all surfaces, cat trees, and floors are cleaned and disinfected. Litter boxes are completely emptied, scrubbed, disinfected, and refilled with fresh litter.
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Our Choice in Disinfectants: We primarily use Rescue™ (Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide), a veterinary-grade disinfectant known for its broad-spectrum effectiveness and high safety profile. It is a powerful tool against a wide range of viruses and bacteria while being gentle on our cats. For specific, serious viral threats, we follow veterinary protocols for decontamination with bleach solutions where required.
Sanitation Protocols: Our Non-Negotiables
Biosecurity means controlling what comes into your environment. This is our most critical strategy for preventing the introduction of new diseases.
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A Closed Cattery: We operate as a strictly closed cattery. We do not offer outside stud services, and our cats do not visit other catteries. This single policy dramatically reduces the risk of exposure to infectious diseases.
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Quarantine Protocol: Any new cat entering our breeding program undergoes a minimum 30-day quarantine in a physically separate area of our home with its own supplies. During this time, they are tested via PCR panels before any gradual introduction to our other cats is considered.
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Visitor Policy: The health of our young, vulnerable kittens is paramount. We ask all visitors to wash their hands upon arrival and refrain from visiting another cattery, shelter, or vet clinic on the same day they visit us. This simple step helps protect everyone.
Biosecurity: Our First Line of Defense
The Blueprint —
Health Screening & Disease Prevention.
A world-class breeding program is built on a foundation of proactive, comprehensive health screening. This is our non-negotiable commitment to the well-being of our cats and the future of the breed. This section provides a transparent look at the specific tests we perform on all our breeding cats and the diseases these protocols are designed to prevent.
The Breeder's Health Commitment: Our Testing Protocol
An ethical breeding program is built on a foundation of proactive, comprehensive health screening. This is our non-negotiable commitment to the well-being of our cats and the future of the breed. Below is an overview of the four key areas of health testing that are central to our program.
Genetic Screening (DNA)
This is a one-time test, usually done with a simple cheek swab, that screens for known hereditary diseases like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Because the results are valid for a cat's entire life, this genetic panel is the crucial first step in evaluating any potential breeding cat and ensuring a clean genetic foundation for your program.
Cardiac Screening (Echo)
This is a recurring screening and the "gold standard" for monitoring heart health. An echocardiogram is a heart ultrasound performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist. We recommend a baseline echo before a cat's first breeding and then annually thereafter. This is critical because it can detect forms of heart disease not caused by the known DNA mutation, providing a real-time assessment of a cat's fitness for a breeding program.
Orthopedic Screening (Hips)
This is a one-time screening via x-ray to assess a cat's hip joint structure, which is crucial for a large, heavy-boned breed like the Maine Coon. While a final, official OFA certification isn't granted until a cat is two years old, a preliminary evaluation is typically done around one year of age. This gives you a reliable assessment of hip quality to guide your breeding decisions.
Biosecurity Screening (PCRs)
This is essential for protecting your entire cattery from infectious diseases. A respiratory and fecal PCR panel should be run on all new cats entering your home during their quarantine period. It is also an invaluable diagnostic tool for any symptomatic cat to get a fast, accurate diagnosis and ensure the health and safety of your kittens and queens.
A Breeder's Guide to Infectious Disease
Biosecurity: Your Cattery's First Line of Defense
Preventing the spread of illness is the key to a healthy and sustainable breeding program. Understanding the signs of common infectious diseases allows you to act quickly and protect your entire cattery. Below is a summary of the key viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases a breeder must be aware of, based on our Infectious Disease Quick-Reference Guide.
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) & Calicivirus (FCV)
The two primary viruses responsible for most Feline Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs).
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Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, eye/nasal discharge, and oral ulcers (especially with Calicivirus).
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Breeder's Notes: As these are viruses, treatment is primarily supportive care (hydration, cleaning discharge). Many cats become lifelong carriers, and flare-ups can occur during times of stress.
FIV & FeLV
Retroviruses that compromise the immune system.
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Symptoms: Often vague and slow to develop, including weight loss, fever, and recurring infections.
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Breeder's Notes: It is a non-negotiable part of responsible breeding to know the FIV/FeLV status of every cat in your cattery through regular testing.
Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)
A highly contagious and often life-threatening virus.
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Symptoms: Severe lethargy, high fever, severe vomiting, and bloody diarrhea.
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Breeder's Notes: This is a critical emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. The virus is extremely hardy in the environment and requires rigorous cattery decontamination.
Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) & FIP
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Symptoms: The common intestinal form of Coronavirus (FCoV) usually causes only mild, self-limiting diarrhea. A rare, mutated form can lead to the serious disease Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
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Breeder's Notes: The development of effective antiviral drugs has been a game-changer. FIP, once considered fatal, is now a highly treatable disease with specific prescription medications under veterinary supervision. A Fecal PCR Panel can detect the presence of Coronavirus.
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General Bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Staphylococcus)
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Symptoms: Highly variable. Can include vomiting/diarrhea (GI), abscesses (skin), or sneezing (respiratory).
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Breeder's Notes: A vet will prescribe antibiotics. A culture and sensitivity test is ideal for guiding treatment for serious infections.
Common Respiratory Bacteria (Chlamydophila & Bordetella)
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Symptoms: These are key causes of "kennel cough" or URIs. Look for severe conjunctivitis (eye discharge), sneezing, and a distinctive "honking" cough (especially with Bordetella).
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Breeder's Notes: A Respiratory PCR Panel is the best way to diagnose these. Chlamydophila often requires a specific antibiotic like Doxycycline. A vaccine is also available for Bordetella.
Mycoplasma
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Symptoms: Can include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and lethargy.
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Breeder's Notes: Mycoplasma can be a part of the normal respiratory flora and may not cause symptoms unless the cat is stressed or has a concurrent viral infection. This is why a PCR test is so valuable for getting a complete picture.
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Internal Parasites (Roundworms, etc.)
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Symptoms: Weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and a "pot belly" abdomen, especially in kittens.
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Breeder's Notes: A standard cattery protocol is to deworm kittens and their mother every 2-3 weeks starting from 2 weeks of age.
Protozoan Parasites (Giardia, Coccidia, etc.)
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Symptoms: Persistent, foul-smelling, watery diarrhea that may contain mucus or blood.
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Breeder's Notes: These can be very difficult to eradicate from a cattery. A Fecal PCR Panel is the most accurate test, and a rigorous, long-term cleaning regimen is necessary to prevent re-infection.
External Parasites (Fleas & Mites)
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Symptoms: Intense itching, scratching, hair loss, and irritated skin. Ear mites specifically cause a dark, "coffee ground" discharge in the ears and frequent head shaking.
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Breeder's Notes: Environmental control is essential to break the life cycle. A vet visit is needed for a proper diagnosis (especially for mites) and to get a safe, effective preventative. All animals in the household must be treated simultaneously.
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The Nursery —
A Visual Guide to a Healthy Start
After all the planning, testing, and preparation, the heart of a cattery is in the nursery. Daily, hands-on observation is a breeder's most powerful tool. This section is a visual guide to the key elements of a successful start, focusing on the critical first days of a kitten's life.
A Visual Health Check: The Thriving Newborn
A healthy newborn is a wiggly, determined, and content newborn. When performing your daily checks, these are the key signs of a thriving kitten:
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Full Belly: A round, full belly that is warm to the touch (but not bloated or hard).
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Clean Appearance: A clean coat and bottom, which indicates an attentive and healthy mother.
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Strong Instincts: An active rooting instinct to find a nipple and a strong suckle reflex.
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Steady Weight Gain: This is the single most important indicator of health. A healthy newborn should gain weight steadily every single day.
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Warm & Content: Remains warm and sleeps soundly in a pile with its littermates.
Be Prepared: Assembling the Essential Whelping Kit
There is nothing more stressful than needing a critical supply at 3 AM during a delivery and not having it. A well-stocked whelping kit is non-negotiable for a safe and prepared birth. While every breeder has their preferences, a proper kit ensures you are ready for any common scenario.
Our comprehensive Cattery Supply Checklist includes a detailed, printable list of every item for your whelping kit, from umbilical cord care to emergency feeding supplies.
Early Intervention: Recognizing Nursery Red Flags
The first 72 hours are critical, and a kitten's condition can change rapidly. Catching potential issues early is the key to successful intervention. While a lack of weight gain is the primary red flag, be vigilant for these other signs that a kitten requires immediate support:
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Weight Loss: Any kitten that is not gaining, or worse, is losing weight.
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Constant Crying: A high-pitched, incessant cry can indicate hunger, cold, or illness.
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Isolation: A kitten that is consistently pushed away or isolated from the litter pile.
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Feeling Cool: A kitten that feels cool to the touch needs to be warmed immediately and safely.
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Dehydration: Visible signs include a lack of skin elasticity and a sunken appearance.
Our Kitten Health Quick-Reference Guide is an essential printable tool for your nursery to help you spot these signs and know the first steps to take.
The Result —
A 16-Week Kitten Development Guide
Every kitten's journey from a blind, helpless newborn to a confident, loving companion is a small miracle. Our role is to guide that journey with a deliberate, hands-on process that nurtures both physical health and emotional well-being. This timeline is a look into the key milestones and protocols that shape every kitten we raise.
Weeks 0-4: The Nursery — Building a Foundation of Health
This initial period is focused entirely on maternal care, warmth, and security. Under their mother's expert care, kittens do little more than eat, sleep, and grow at an incredible rate. Our role is primarily observation and support.
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Key Protocols: Daily weight monitoring to ensure steady growth, performing Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) to promote a resilient temperament, and maintaining an impeccably clean, warm, and quiet nursery environment.
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Major Milestones: Eyes and ears open, the start of wobbly walking, and the first signs of recognition of their mother and littermates.
Weeks 4-8: Discovery — Weaning and First Social Steps
This is a period of rapid transition. As kittens become more mobile and curious, they begin to learn what it means to be a cat. They sample their first solid foods, master the litter box, and learn crucial social etiquette from their mother and siblings.
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Key Protocols: A gradual introduction to our nutrient-dense kitten diet (both wet and dry food), introduction to the litter box, and beginning of gentle socialization with new sounds, textures, and our family members.
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Major Milestones: Successful weaning, reliable litter box habits, developing coordination through play, and learning bite inhibition from littermates.
Weeks 8-16: Graduation — Health, Behavior, and Final Preparations
This is the "finishing school" phase, where we solidify good habits and prepare kittens for a seamless transition to their new homes. Veterinary care and intensive socialization are the top priorities.
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Key Protocols: Kittens receive their first and second FVRCP vaccinations and full health examinations from our veterinarian. They are spayed or neutered and given ample time to recover. Socialization is intensified to build confidence with household noises, car rides, and gentle handling.
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Major Milestones: Completion of initial veterinary wellness care and becoming a curious, resilient, and well-adjusted companion ready to join a new family.
