Thread: Finding a experience and professional breeder

Hi Liverbird,

I was facing the same problem a couple of months ago.
Then we found Sif at an experienced and fantastic breeder, however we got aware whilst speaking with that lady that we also had contacted one of those dodgy breeders (MC kittens kept in cages, horrible hygienic conditions, breeder who was trying not to tell us their address.. a mess!). I reported that breeder to GCCF but I never got a reply, so not sure how they want to tackle the problem of dodgy breeders selling MC kittens in poor conditions.

On the same day we went to pick Sif up, we received all papers and a complete kitten pack (plus 4 weeks insurance).

On another note, visit the breeder before giving your deposit to anyone. Ask to see the parents and all the other kittens if there are any siblings! It was hard for us to deal with seven 5month kittens jumping all over us and munching our shoe laces but it was worth because we had an idea of the environment Sif was brought up in.
Last but not the least, BEWARE of any breeder who wants to sell you a MC (well or a kitten of another breed) before 12 weeks.

I hope you're going to find your kitten too!!

And I agree with Clivia, don't be shy, ask every single questions you have, even if you think it is silly. Sometimes it isn't ;)
Good luck!

Originally Posted by SifTheWarrior

It was hard for us to deal with seven 5month kittens jumping all over us and munching our shoe laces...

Sounds like my idea of heaven!! ��

Originally Posted by PandK

Sounds like my idea of heaven!! ��

mine too

Ok. I'm going to try and help by passing on our own experience. We got our first Maine Coons in July 2013, a mum and daughter, from 2 ladies who breed MCs in Yorkshire. Never owned Maine Coons before and first saw and fell in love with them at the Supreme Show in 2008. We have since got 2 more MCs from them (2 boys) and this evening we are bringing home our 3rd boy, again from the same breeders. So we have 5 coonies ranging in age from 2 years, 4 months old to 4 months old. These breeders are very experienced.

Whenever we've visited the breeders, we have seen lots of relatives - parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, sometimes grandparents depending on the lineage. The cats and kittens all play together and have loads of comfy beds plus a lovely cat run outside, and on every visit we've ended up cuddling all the cats (heck, I know them all by name now!!). Every time we have brought home a new kitten (always after 12 weeks), the paperwork was sorted and ready - GCCF registration card, pedigree, 4 weeks' free insurance, vaccination and vet record, contract, dietary information, along with toys, a food sample, a voucher and various bits and bobs. That's what you should be expecting from a good breeder. In addition, we have kept in touch with them and they have given plenty of advice, encouragement and generally been really supportive, answering all our many questions.

They have a number of cats who have been shown - one boy in particular is a very recognisable cat who got his Imperial title not long ago. We've visited several shows to get an idea of what's involved. With their encouragement, we have recently started showing and one of our girls got her 2nd PC at the Manchester show on Saturday - at only our 2nd show. We're entering both the North West at the end of Sept and the Yorkshire show in Oct. It's a steep learning curve but we've really enjoyed it so far!

Hope that helps!

Cheryl are you on about Elmcoon by any chance?? If it is, that is who I'm getting my boy from

Thank you guys for this invaluable advice…..i have contacted a few breeders but with working all hours at the mo, its going to be hard me going to see them but i promis I will try as i so want to! is there a possible chance please Sif, could you pm me that dodgy breeder so i will know to keep clear!

And can anyone please advise me, when i have enquired on the litters iv contacted about, (now i know the cost of the 2 baby boys I am after doesn't matter!) I have found out that the cost of the kittens range from £350 to £500, and they all advise they are wormed, vaccinated, 4 weeks insurance, full pedigree and GCC registered, a parent is a champion and can be seen but some don't neuter…..im not criticising, I just wondered why a big difference in price…..just wondered why this
is?? many thanx xx

Originally Posted by Liverbird

Thank you guys for this invaluable advice…..i have contacted a few breeders but with working all hours at the mo, its going to be hard me going to see them but i promis I will try as i so want to! is there a possible chance please Sif, could you pm me that dodgy breeder so i will know to keep clear!

And can anyone please advise me, when i have enquired on the litters iv contacted about, (now i know the cost of the 2 baby boys I am after doesn't matter!) I have found out that the cost of the kittens range from £350 to £500, and they all advise they are wormed, vaccinated, 4 weeks insurance, full pedigree and GCC registered, a parent is a champion and can be seen but some don't neuter…..im not criticising, I just wondered why a big difference in price…..just wondered why this
is?? many thanx xx

I'll PM you

Yes Sif! I think Elmcoon are fantastic, and with 5 cats from them, we've had plenty of dealings! When I work out how to put up pics in this forum, I'll load up some photos of our babies.

Liverbird I hope you got my private message reply. x

DonnaMD, which kitten? How exciting!! x

I'm not getting a current kitten CherylK. We were due to have a boy who has just been born in the last 2 weeks unfortunately hubby said no to red, and both boys that were born were red... So I asked Helen and Brenda if I could stay in their waiting list for a non-red boy... Bloomin' hubbies!!