STARTING A MAINE COON BREEDING PROGRAMME - ADVICE NEEDED

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Bebe07 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’m Bérangère, I’m 35, married with three children. I’m an accountant for a small firm in the Drôme region, and we live in Ardèche (right on the border, so to speak!).

I’ve been a cat lover since I was tiny, and I’d love to finally achieve my lifelong dream: breeding cats.

I’ve had the idea in the back of my mind for ages, but life has a way of taking over and you have to manage your priorities: our house wasn’t suitable, then I had twins, health problems, moving, building work… life’s little ups and downs, shall we say!!

I love cats, but especially pedigrees with a distinct look—those affectionate 'dog-like' cats.

I’ve already had two Maine Coons and I completely fell for the breed:

One neutered Red Blotched Tabby male called F’Garfield. He was such a sweetheart—cuddly, quiet, calm, and he’d come when called… Unfortunately, we had to have him put down last year because he had severe kidney failure… he was terminal and in a lot of pain. It was absolutely heartbreaking.

One neutered Black Silver Blotched Tabby and White Tortie female, Idylle. She disappeared recently; we accidentally let her out of the house and it’s been five weeks now… I’m absolutely kicking myself. I don't know if something has happened to her or if someone has stolen her. I’ve alerted everyone: the neighbours, the council, the vet, the police, the microchip database, lost pet alerts… but nothing!! I’ve searched the whole neighbourhood and the village, and we’ve put flyers in letterboxes… I’m devastated and I feel horribly guilty; the fact that I don't know if I’ll ever see her sweet face again is making me ill.

At the moment, I’m cat-less and I’m miserable. I’m caught between hope, guilt, missing her, and wanting to get another cat. I think I need to be patient for a bit longer… maybe a bit of luck will bring my princess Idylle home…

Translated from French
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6 answers
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    • Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    Even with cats, you get 'trendy' breeds 🙂 and enthusiasts have been well-established for a very long time now.
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    Yume
    Yume Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone, I think it's a real shame that there only seem to be Maine Coon and Bengal breeders around these days (at least in my neck of the woods), when there are so many other cat breeds that deserve to be preserved or promoted. Still, that’s just my personal opinion.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, The best way forward really is to get in touch with some reputable breeders, perhaps while you're looking for your girl, so they can give you some guidance. You're clearly aware of all the protocols involved in a project like this, but only a professional will be able to advise you on the specific traits of the breed, their needs, and the strict requirements for GCCF registration. Best of luck with it anyway! And I'm so sorry about your two cats, including your little girl – it's a risk we all face as owners.
    Translated from French
    Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    Mind you, everything has to be up to standard for a breeding business; you've definitely got to check with the official authorities first and foremost.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi @Bebe007, It’s a lovely childhood dream, but you mustn’t lose sight of the reality. Do yourself a favour and visit a local rescue or the RSPCA... there are thousands of unhappy cats, kittens, and seniors without families or any space of their own. It’s almost like they’re just existing, waiting and hoping for the glimmer of a new day that will finally change everything and bring some light to these moggies and non-pedigrees that nobody wants, just because they aren’t as "perfect" as a photo seen on the internet or in an advert. Give yourself the chance to spoil a cat that isn’t the result of genetic breeding for long hair, a flat face, or whatever other fancy trait leads to them being labelled a Maine Coon. Any kittens you might breed, however well it’s done, only push back the hopes of those who are still waiting, because the "pretty" ones always get chosen first. I’m sorry if these words upset you; that isn't my aim. This is just an invitation to not turn your own dreams into reality, but to give some hope to those who, from the back of their shelter pens, don't really have much to dream about every day. Best regards
    Translated from French
    B
    Bebe07 Icon representing the flag French
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    Alongside this, I've always had this dream of breeding cats (even back when I had my two Maine Coons) and I’m thinking this might be the right time to get a little unspayed Maine Coon girl to start a breeding programme.

    First and foremost, I want to do things properly...

    I’m a real cat lover and I know Maine Coons well, but that isn't everything!

    I’m fully aware that you can’t just become a breeder overnight... it’s going to take time, patience, and a lot of investment.

    I’m doing plenty of research (books and websites). I’m planning to take a three-day recognised breeder’s course (around £250). I’d also love to meet other breeders to chat and perhaps even set up some kind of mentorship (I’m not sure if that’s a thing??). I’m just so eager to learn!

    For a start, we need to set up an outdoor space: An enclosure? A large catio? What sort of size? How high? My husband and I are starting to think this through... the project is slowly but surely coming together! I don't want a repeat of the bad experience we had with Idylle, and I have to admit it’s really hard staying cooped up inside once the nice weather arrives!

    This enclosure would be their little playground... a place to play, thrive, and get some fresh air.

    You also need a bit of a nest egg to start with, because passion alone isn't enough...

    I want to start slowly, with just one girl and managing a single litter first. That would let me see if I’m cut out for it without taking too much of a risk. I know we can apply for a registered cattery prefix for a single litter (about £40), which can then be renewed (around £150).

    What scares me a bit at the moment... is being judged by established breeders and not being taken seriously. I get the feeling that many breeders are wary of newcomers and that it’s hard to break into the "inner circle". It’s also very difficult to find cats from good bloodlines that haven't been desexed being sold to private individuals or novice breeders.

    I want to take my time and do things the right way before welcoming my girl and her future kittens, but I’d also love for someone to give me a helping hand, offer some advice, and give me a chance to make this lovely project a reality.

    Could I have your advice / stories / experiences??

    Translated from French

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