Picking A Breeder?

sabian

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I'm looking at getting a Maine Coon from a breeder in the near future. I've had Maine Coons from breeders in the past so I know all the rules of thumb and questions to ask. The breeder I bought from in the past no longer shows or breeds. She just got to old and had to stop.

I've visited a couple cattery's in the area but I haven't found what I'm looking for. When I got my last Maine Coon all the breeders cats kinda looked the same except for colors they bred for. It seems now there are 2 different looks breeders are going after. CFA which is a softer look and TICA which is a more feral look. When I got my last cat the CFA look was what I remember seeing and was what my last coon looked like. I'm not crazy about the TICA bred cats look. I'm more partial to the CFA look.

I found a breeder in my area that has some beautiful cats on her site and she specializes in silvers. They kinda have a cross between the CFA and TICA look. I also love and am looking for silver...mackerel preferred.

She has very little info on her site and it just says call her, which I did. She said at the beginning of the call that she had just gotten out of the hospital 4 days earlier and if I could call her back in about a week. I told her I just wanted to get info on her cats and told how beautiful they were. Well she proceeds to talk with me and thanks me for complimenting her cats. We didn't talk long. I was pressed for time and I didn't want to keep her long but, in the conversation I asked if she done any shows with her cats. She said no. That she was a germaphobe and didn't want her cats around a bunch of other cats being brushed with the same brush and handled getting ring worm and god knows what.

Now, I know that would sound like a red flag and I should probably run from this breeder but, here's the thing! Her price is $1500 and she said her breeders are top of the line. There are more questions I wanted to ask but like I said I was pressed for time and I'm not in a rush. I have a Maine Coon mix from a rescue that I'm working with and I don't want to rush into anything till I feel he's ready for it. I plan on calling her back again.

Which brings me to my question. She has a face book page and when you go to it there is nothing but praise for her cats and people posting pics of cats they got from her and thanking her for getting them a cat so on and so forth. That kind of sells me on her. The cats are awesome and I know a Maine Coon when I see one. They are Maine Coons!

So, is there something I'm over looking that I should be thinking about? I don't care about papers or them being registered as long as they aren't inbred or not thoroughbreds. I'm just curious on other peoples thoughts on this. The web site for the breeder is highsilvermainecoons.com Check it out and give me some feed back. I don't see how face book could be rigged or faked.
 

StefanZ

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Face book isnt that difficult to rig. Just ask friends and neigbours to sail in and tell a positive phrase or two...
You can try and controll by looking up these visitors, if their Facebook pages looks normal and legitimate, or they are apparently made up, just to have an account.

BUT. As you yourself arent apparently very interested in breeding nor showing, this prob doesnt matter much if her cattery is really first rate, or just pretending to be first rate.
As long the cats are visibly maine coons and by what you can see are healthy and sound, go for it.

Even if the price 1500 isnt cheap.

Nay, the real difficulty is if you want to do serious breeding - the background comes more into play. Not necessarily excellent looks, but a good background is important. For example, no interwined lines, and sound lines behind.
 

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One problem I saw was the lack of mention of a health guarantee on the website. Pet, breeder or show, you want to know the breeder will address health issues. I would talk to her some more and see how you feel after - if your gut says run, then run. As aside note - I have been showing for more than 15 years now and only once have we ever possibly picked up something at a show. The cats are groomed at the benching area by their owners with their own tools - no communal grooming is done at the shows. Yes there is a risk of picking up something, but if everyone follows the rules by NOT bringing an ill cat to the show then chances are low of a cat getting sick.
 

abyeb

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I'd stay away from this breeder. She can't know that her cats are top quality if she doesn't show them. I've met breeders at shows who said they were nervous about their cats catching something, so they just don't let the spectators touch their cats, they bring their own "security cages", and judges disinfect their hands and the judging table between cats anyway. $1500 is expensive for a pet, as well. That's around what a show quality cat might cost!
 

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sabian sabian - I'm no help on two fronts: I love the TICA/FIFe "wild" look being spearheaded by breeders like Walentina Choulíková:

=^..^= AXIS STAR =^..^= maine coon cats =^..^=

and I believe that finding a broad-muzzled, shallow-chinned Maine Coon with "old style" ear set might prove exceeding difficult today.

Close to you, Rae Sammis:

Maine Coon Cats In North Carolina

seems to be "going back" after the more traditional look with the addition of the stunning white Thekla:



derived from Moose Coons in Maryland. [I believe Thekla was part of a trade, as Koko:

I have to thank Rae Sammis of Mainely Classic

now resides with Moose Coons], and if Rae breeds Mainely Classic Night Mist, I expect you'll see some astounding Silver Mackerels in the future.

Caveat: I don't know Rae beyond saying, "hello," other than by reputation, but anyone associated with the cat fancy already knows the meticulous breeding habits and the care taken with Mainely Classics' show stars.

Edit: mightyboosh mightyboosh might have some input to share here, despite the fact that he's in the U.K. I suspect he keeps up a little bit with Maine Coon breeders in the New World, though I'm not certain of that; his big boy, Oliver, is a Traditional American Maine Coon Cat. Phil - any thoughts?
.
 
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sabian

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Face book isnt that difficult to rig. Just ask friends and neigbours to sail in and tell a positive phrase or two...
You can try and controll by looking up these visitors, if their Facebook pages looks normal and legitimate, or they are apparently made up, just to have an account.

BUT. As you yourself arent apparently very interested in breeding nor showing, this prob doesnt matter much if her cattery is really first rate, or just pretending to be first rate.
As long the cats are visibly maine coons and by what you can see are healthy and sound, go for it.

Even if the price 1500 isnt cheap.

Nay, the real difficulty is if you want to do serious breeding - the background comes more into play. Not necessarily excellent looks, but a good background is important. For example, no interwined lines, and sound lines behind.
Thanks for your reply stefanz! I have done some checking on profiles that left comments and it looks legit. I would be interested in breeding and showing but I'm just not in the position with work and other commitments to have that kind of time. So, I just have to settle for being the proud owner of a coony. $1500 is pricy but that seems to be middle of the road in my area. One breeder in my area is as high as $1750 for males and has a waiting list and has a hold on deposits at the moment for males. The lowest I've found in my area is $1200 I think. Females are a little cheaper but I'm set on a male.
 
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sabian

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One problem I saw was the lack of mention of a health guarantee on the website. Pet, breeder or show, you want to know the breeder will address health issues. I would talk to her some more and see how you feel after - if your gut says run, then run. As aside note - I have been showing for more than 15 years now and only once have we ever possibly picked up something at a show. The cats are groomed at the benching area by their owners with their own tools - no communal grooming is done at the shows. Yes there is a risk of picking up something, but if everyone follows the rules by NOT bringing an ill cat to the show then chances are low of a cat getting sick.
Thanks possiepurrs for the info. Yeah, the first thing I noticed was lack of info on her page. I got a good vibe when talking to her but we didn't cover guarantee's, contract's, or anything at the time. I'm not ready at this point to get one. I have a Coon mix rescue I'm working with and I want to make sure he is ready first. He's coming along great but I'm afraid it will be a distraction bringing in another cat at this point. I do plan to call her again and ask more questions and I would like to pay a visit before hand. You know how people with phobias can be. A little over dramatic maybe!
 
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sabian

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I'd stay away from this breeder. She can't know that her cats are top quality if she doesn't show them. I've met breeders at shows who said they were nervous about their cats catching something, so they just don't let the spectators touch their cats, they bring their own "security cages", and judges disinfect their hands and the judging table between cats anyway. $1500 is expensive for a pet, as well. That's around what a show quality cat might cost!
Hello abyeb! I see your point. As you well know I have preached the " reputable breeder " in other post so this may seem somewhat hypocritical on my part! I just ran across her page and liked what I saw. I'm still in research phase at this point.

People with Phobia's have weird views on things sometimes. It could be an excuse for not showing or it could be legit.

$1500 is a lot for a cat but I'm beginning to think it might be my area. Seems the "top" breeders in the area can't keep up with the demand. We had a conversation about shows a while back and you had said that your area is very active. That doesn't seem to be the case in my area. I admit I'm not on top of keeping up with show dates but, when I look it seems to be annual or bi-annual at best. With my work load dates just seem to line up for me or travel is involved. I drive an average of 1000 miles a week and the last thing I want to do on the weekend is get in a car and drive. I really do want to get to some show though! Thanks for your input!
 
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sabian

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sabian sabian - I'm no help on two fronts: I love the TICA/FIFe "wild" look being spearheaded by breeders like Walentina Choulíková:

=^..^= AXIS STAR =^..^= maine coon cats =^..^=

and I believe that finding a broad-muzzled, shallow-chinned Maine Coon with "old style" ear set might prove exceeding difficult today.

Close to you, Rae Sammis:

Maine Coon Cats In North Carolina

seems to be "going back" after the more traditional look with the addition of the stunning white Thekla:



derived from Moose Coons in Maryland. [I believe Thekla was part of a trade, as Koko:

I have to thank Rae Sammis of Mainely Classic

now resides with Moose Coons], and if Rae breeds Mainely Classic Night Mist, I expect you'll see some astounding Silver Mackerels in the future.

Caveat: I don't know Rae beyond saying, "hello," other than by reputation, but anyone associated with the cat fancy already knows the meticulous breeding habits and the care taken with Mainely Classics' show stars.

Edit: mightyboosh mightyboosh might have some input to share here, despite the fact that he's in the U.K. I suspect he keeps up a little bit with Maine Coon breeders in the New World, though I'm not certain of that; his big boy, Oliver, is a Traditional American Maine Coon Cat. Phil - any thoughts?
.
Actually this was very helpful! You confirmed that what I'm looking for may be hard to find. From what I'm seeing the look is trending toward the TICA look. I don't know if your familiar with Jonnie Hardee at Megacoon Cattery? megacoon.com

I visited his cattery and he was the one that told about the difference between the CFA and TICA looks. He looked at pics of my last coon and said it was breed for CFA. He said he wouldn't even think about competing in CFA. That his cats wouldn't even place in CFA.

I have looked at the Mainly Classic site before but have not contacted him. I will have to check into that. Thanks for the info! I hope @mightybush replies here. His insight may be helpful! If not I may send him an email. Thanks for your input!
 
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abyeb

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Hello abyeb! I see your point. As you well know I have preached the " reputable breeder " in other post so this may seem somewhat hypocritical on my part! I just ran across her page and liked what I saw. I'm still in research phase at this point.

People with Phobia's have weird views on things sometimes. It could be an excuse for not showing or it could be legit.

$1500 is a lot for a cat but I'm beginning to think it might be my area. Seems the "top" breeders in the area can't keep up with the demand. We had a conversation about shows a while back and you had said that your area is very active. That doesn't seem to be the case in my area. I admit I'm not on top of keeping up with show dates but, when I look it seems to be annual or bi-annual at best. With my work load dates just seem to line up for me or travel is involved. I drive an average of 1000 miles a week and the last thing I want to do on the weekend is get in a car and drive. I really do want to get to some show though! Thanks for your input!
Are you anywhere near Raleigh? There's a TICA show there in February: tica - TICA Show Calendar

I don't know if you feel that's too long to wait, though.
 

mightyboosh

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sabian sabian - I'm no help on two fronts: I love the TICA/FIFe "wild" look being spearheaded by breeders like Walentina Choulíková:

=^..^= AXIS STAR =^..^= maine coon cats =^..^=

and I believe that finding a broad-muzzled, shallow-chinned Maine Coon with "old style" ear set might prove exceeding difficult today.

Close to you, Rae Sammis:

Maine Coon Cats In North Carolina

seems to be "going back" after the more traditional look with the addition of the stunning white Thekla:

`Q

derived from Moose Coons in Maryland. [I believe Thekla was part of a trade, as Koko:

I have to thank Rae Sammis of Mainely Classic

now resides with Moose Coons], and if Rae breeds Mainely Classic Night Mist, I expect you'll see some astounding Silver Mackerels in the future.

Caveat: I don't know Rae beyond saying, "hello," other than by reputation, but anyone associated with the cat fancy already knows the meticulous breeding habits and the care taken with Mainely Classics' show stars.

Edit: mightyboosh mightyboosh might have some input to share here, despite the fact that he's in the U.K. I suspect he keeps up a little bit with Maine Coon breeders in the New World, though I'm not certain of that; his big boy, Oliver, is a Traditional American Maine Coon Cat. Phil - any thoughts?
.
I wish I could add something useful but alas I haven't done the research. Give some heed to your gut feelings also.
 

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Ah, if you ARE planning on joining the movement, this is a good beginning. Get yourself a good quality neuter, and perhaps begin to show with him some. Not for getting top prizes, but to get know the ropes, to get into the circles. You are not longer just an onlooker, but you are one of them, the participants. Even if a very minor one. Serious wannabes
are OK!

Although you never know. I remember once, on one of the shows where we participated with our stud, in the cage nearby there was a grandmother with her big eyed 12 years daudau, with their a neutered Russian blue. Newcomers and hardly knowing anything. So we of course did helped them some. The cat wasnt that grandious, but he was patient, easy to handle etc...
And have you seen? (hast du mir gesehen?) after every round he went up, and up. The grandma hadnt no idea he was adwancing, we got to fetch her several times. Later on it was the steward whom come fetch him for the final rounds... The day ended they come BOX - best other sex = second best in the Show.... The official prizes and lotsa from sponsors made a high pile. We got to help them again, to carry everything to their car... :)
A trumph, showing sometimes even a beginner may take great successes

And our boy? He got much kind words from teh judge, but he was shy and didnt liked to be carried. So the judge got pity for him and gave Excellent 2 - so he wasnt forced to go up to new rounds, as it is onlly Ex1 whom proceeds up in the Fife exhibtions.
He did become a champion anyway later on, but this is a different story...

Thanks for your reply stefanz! I have done some checking on profiles that left comments and it looks legit. I would be interested in breeding and showing but I'm just not in the position with work and other commitments to have that kind of time. So, I just have to settle for being the proud owner of a coony. $1500 is pricy but that seems to be middle of the road in my area. One breeder in my area is as high as $1750 for males and has a waiting list and has a hold on deposits at the moment for males. The lowest I've found in my area is $1200 I think. Females are a little cheaper but I'm set on a male.
 
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sabian

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Are you anywhere near Raleigh? There's a TICA show there in February: tica - TICA Show Calendar

I don't know if you feel that's too long to wait, though.
I live about 2 to 2 1/4 hours from Raleigh which is not too far. I make the drive to Raleigh everyday for work. That's what I was saying in my last reply to you. I work a territory and Raleigh is part of it. Going to the show would mean making that drive 12 days straight. Charlotte would be ideal as I'm only a little over 30 mins from there but, I've never seen anyone have a show in Charlotte. Maybe that's what I need to do is find out why nobodies doing anything in Charlotte! I'm going to put those dates in Raleigh on my fridge so I don't forget. I guess I just need to suck it up and go anyway.

It's not to long to wait I don't think. I have a Coon mix I'm working with that I got from a rescue. I don't want to rush in with a second cat till I know he's ready and I don't think he is quiet ready yet. He's getting close but I have a couple goals I'm working toward and once I reach those goals then I plan on getting the second cat.

I plan on posting on the new cats on the block thread in a couple of days. I want to get a few more pics first. Look for that thread! :hyper: Thanks again for the response Abyeb!:thumbsup:
 

posiepurrs

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Charlotte would be ideal as I'm only a little over 30 mins from there but, I've never seen anyone have a show in Charlotte.
The Dixieland Silver and Golden Fanciers Club used to have a show in Charlotte in December every year. Last year it was moved to Richmond and I believe the club is now defunct. I attended the Charlotte shows almost every year, even though it was a 12 to 15 hour drive (depending on traffic).
 
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