How soon to start contacting breeders?

In my planning for my future MC(s), I'm wondering how soon to start contacting breeders. I expect it will be at least a year (and could be up to two years) before I'll be ready to have my MC(s). I think it would probably be too soon to start contacting them just yet, but I was wondering what would be the best point to start?

I have been looking at lots of breeders websites that are within the area I'm prepared to travel, to see which breeders I like the look of an who breed MC's in the colours I'd like best, but that's as far as I've got for the moment.

Any advice is appreciated, particularly from any breeders on here, although I don't think any of you who I've seen so far are actually in my area (Midlands). Thanks.

I would start looking at Maine Coon breeder websites and get a few that you like and bookmark them. Keep an eye on their litters and plans and if you see a specific kitten that you like or mating that you like, then watch out for planned repeat matings.

You could even go to cat shows and start getting to know breeders that way - I have people that are waiting for cats from me that I have been in touch with for a year or more and they email me every so often to say hello and have a catch up and find out about our plans.

Good luck with your search.

Never too early to start Linzi,as I have said in another thread I waited a few years for my silver & white boy from my chosen breeder,she bred several with a the classic pattern in that colour but I wanted the mackerel pattern,but he was well worth the wait....

Thanks to both of you. I've already started looking at local breeders websites, but I'd not thought of looking at repeat matings for kittens I like the look of. Cat shows isn't a bad idea either - it's a shame that I've missed this years MC club show as it wasn't far from me at all.

I started to search the web two years ago. Now it is getting serious and I contacted two breeders.