Probably one of the first questions when you start looking for your kitten is ‘How much is a Maine Coon kitten?’
Maine coons have become one of the most popular pedigree cat breeds. This means they are very sort after. Many breeders have a long waiting lists – sometimes over a year. If you are looking for a particular colour or pattern the wait can be even longer.
Maine coons come in about 80 different colours and patterns so there is a lot to choose from! Choosing just one (or two maybe) can be a difficult task.
Pricing a kitten
There are various things that go into pricing a kitten. One aspect is the kittens colour or pattern. Some colour/pattern can be rare or harder to breed. Sometimes you have to have the parents be a particular colour or carrying a colour to get that colour/pattern. The rarity of a kittens colour can affect their price. All our pet kittens are the same price. We don’t charge extra for individual colours.
Some features can affect the price. Features such as polydactyl – extra toes! Some breeders charge more for those extra toes. We love extra toes at Fullofcharm. All our pet kittens are the same price. We don’t charge extra for special features.
Do I want a pet kitten?
The price can also be affected by what ‘type’ of kitten you are purchasing – a pet kitten or a show/breeding kitten.
Most kittens are pets but some can be show quality. There is a ‘Standard’ for all pedigree kittens on the show bench. Basically, it means that there are physical attributes assigned to the look of a cat. Those cats that meet the Standard best can be show quality. Kittens that go on to be breeders should also meet the breed standard the best way possible.
| Quality type | Price (AUD) |
| Pet quality kitten | $2000-$5000 |
| Breeder / show quality kitten | $4000-$8000 |
| Retired Adult Maine Coon | $800-$2000 |
Responsible breeding
When breeding pedigree Maine Coons there are aspects that come into play. Responsible breeding takes a lot of moving parts and all add to how much a Maine Coon kitten can cost.
Purchase of the initial Maine Coon breeders.
Purchase of imported cats to improve your breeding program. This is very expensive for cats coming to Australia. A long timeframe – 9-12 months usually. Boarding and vet work is additional to the purchase of the actual cat.
Vet work, one of the big expenses. Remember your new kitten has a couple of vet visits while still with us. These vet visits occur for their vaccinations and desexing. Our vet always conducts a vet check of their vital statistics. When selecting a vet its not all about finding the cheapest price. Finding a vet that will work with a breeder is not always easy, so price sometimes becomes secondary. We are also located just outside of Sydney so that limits our choices as well. We are very lucky to have a local vet that helps us in all we need.
Routine vet treatments happen for both adults and kittens. There can also be emergency vet treatment. Keeping breeding cats is different to keeping pet cats. Birthing can bring some situations where urgent vet care is required. Of course, you can guarantee this will happen after hours or on Christmas day!!!
DNA and genetic testing. All breeders should be DNA tested to ensure you are breeding with quality cats without any issues that can show up in DNA tests . Of course, there are other diseases and illnesses that cannot be tested for. Heart scans and hip scans are also recommended.
A Registered breeder
A registered breeder is required to have a membership with a Cat Association. In additions to membership breeders also must purchase pedigrees for all kittens both pet and show/breeders. We are registered with Cats Australia.
In addition, there are show fees for any kitten/cat the breeder decides to show. Showing can be very expensive. Show fees are required. Fuel and travel expenses, including accommodation if travelling interstate. Showing takes a great deal of time. Not just on the day but prior as well. Show preparations include bathing the cat and readying the equipment – cages and curtains etc. Showing helps to keep the breeder on track to make sure they are producing according to “Standard”.
The price of a Maine Coon kitten can vary from breeder to breeder. There is not a ‘set’ price. What breeders offer also reflects in the price. All our kittens leave with vaccinations, implanted microchip, are desexed and come with their pedigree so you know they are purebred Maine Coons.
So there is a lot that goes into setting a price for a Maine Coon kitten. Are they worth it??? Absolutely! I think they are worth every penny. And no I’m not biased.
