Maine Coon Kitten FAQ — Six Springs Timbercoons

Question 1

How do I reserve a kitten?

Accepted Answer

Submit a reservation inquiry through our Reserve page. We review every application carefully — we want to make sure each kitten is matched with the right family. Once approved for the kitten, a non-refundable $500 deposit will secures your fur baby. If we don't have available kittens we would be happy to place you on our waitlist for upcoming litters/kitten that matches your preferences.

Question 2

How long is the waitlist?

Accepted Answer

Typically three to nine months, depending on your color and pattern preferences. Families who are flexible on coat color tend to wait less time. We produce two litters per year per queen, and our waitlist moves steadily. We will give you an honest estimate when you apply.

Question 3

Is the deposit refundable?

Accepted Answer

The $500 reservation deposit is non-refundable. It is applied in full toward the purchase price of your kitten. If we are unable to match you with a kitten within 18 months of your deposit, we will refund it in full — that has never happened, but the protection is there.

Question 4

What is the purchase price of a Six Springs kitten?

Accepted Answer

Our kittens are priced between $3,200 and $3,800 depending on coat pattern, color, polydactylism, and conformation. Breeding rights are an additional charge of $1,500. The deposit is applied toward this price. All kittens include TICA registration, a one-year health guarantee, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, veterinary health certificate, and a starter kit.

Question 5

Do you ship kittens?

Accepted Answer

We strongly prefer in-person pickup at our Ohio home — it gives us a chance to meet you, show you how we raise our kittens, and send them home with a proper handoff. For families outside driving distance, we can arrange nanny transport (a trusted human courier on a commercial flight) for an additional fee. We do not ship kittens as cargo.

Question 6

Can I visit the cattery before committing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we welcome visits by appointment for families who are seriously considering a kitten. We ask that you have already submitted an inquiry so we have some context before you arrive. We do not allow open-house visits, as we keep our home low-traffic for the wellbeing of our cats and kittens.

Question 7

At what age do kittens go to their new homes?

Accepted Answer

Our kittens go home between 12 and 14 weeks of age. This is non-negotiable. Maine Coons benefit enormously from the full socialization period with their mother and littermates. Kittens placed earlier are more likely to develop anxiety and behavioural issues. We will not compromise on this.

Question 8

What is included when I take my kitten home?

Accepted Answer

Every Six Springs kitten comes with: TICA or CFA registration papers (full registration after proof of spay/neuter), a one-year written health guarantee, a veterinary health certificate, age-appropriate vaccinations (FVRCP series), a microchip, a small bag of their current food, a piece of bedding that smells like their mother and littermates, and our care guide.

Question 9

Are your kittens litter-trained?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our kittens are litter-trained by their mother from around three to four weeks of age. By the time they go home, they are fully reliable. We use unscented, low-dust clumping litter  or pine pellets— we recommend you start with the same type to avoid any confusion during the transition.

Question 10

Are your kittens socialized with children and dogs?

Accepted Answer

Our kittens are raised in our home with regular exposure to children, visitors, household sounds, and our own dogs. We handle them daily from birth and introduce them to grooming, nail trims, and car rides before they leave. They are not timid cats — they are confident, curious, and ready for a full family life.

Question 11

Do you offer pet-only (altered) kittens?

Accepted Answer

All of our kittens are sold on a spay/neuter contract unless you are an approved TICA breeder purchasing with breeding rights. Pet kittens are sold with limited TICA registration. We require proof of spay/neuter by 12 months of age.

Question 12

What health testing do your breeding cats undergo?

Accepted Answer

Every breeding cat at Six Springs is tested for HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). All cats are also DNA-tested clear for SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) and PKD (polycystic kidney disease), and tested negative for FIV and FeLV before entering our programme.

Question 13

What does your health guarantee cover?

Accepted Answer

Our written one-year health guarantee covers genetic conditions including HCM, Hip Screening. SMA, and PKD. If your kitten is diagnosed with a covered condition within one year of purchase, we will offer a replacement kitten or a partial refund — your choice. The guarantee requires that you provide veterinary documentation and that the kitten has received appropriate veterinary care.

Question 14

What vaccinations will my kitten have received?

Accepted Answer

Your kitten will have received the first two rounds of the FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) vaccine series before going home. Your veterinarian will complete the series and advise on rabies vaccination timing.

Question 15

Do Maine Coons have a lot of health problems?

Accepted Answer

Maine Coons are generally a robust, healthy breed — they are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America and were not created through extreme selective breeding. The primary genetic concern is HCM, which is why we test annually. With responsible breeding and proper veterinary care, Maine Coons routinely live 12 to 15 years.

Question 16

How big do Maine Coons get?

Accepted Answer

Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed. Males typically reach 15 to 25 pounds; females 10 to 15 pounds. They are slow to mature — most do not reach full size until three to five years of age. Do not be surprised if your kitten is still visibly growing at age two.

Question 17

Are Maine Coons good with children and other pets?

Accepted Answer

Maine Coons are famously sociable and adaptable. They are patient with children, generally get along well with dogs, and can coexist with other cats when introduced properly. They are not a breed that hides under the bed — they want to be part of the action. That said, every cat is an individual, and a proper introduction period is always recommended.

Question 18

How much grooming do Maine Coons require?

Accepted Answer

Maine Coons have a semi-longhaired coat with a silky texture that is less prone to matting than many longhaired breeds. A thorough brush two to three times per week is sufficient for most cats. During seasonal shedding (spring and autumn), daily brushing helps manage loose coat. We start grooming our kittens early so they arrive accustomed to the process.

Question 19

Are Maine Coons vocal?

Accepted Answer

Maine Coons are known for their distinctive chirping and trilling vocalisations — they communicate in a range of sounds that is quite different from a typical meow. They are not loud or demanding cats, but they will absolutely tell you about their day. Marley, in particular, has opinions about everything.

Question 20

Do Maine Coons like water?

Accepted Answer

Many do, yes — it is one of the breed's well-known quirks. Maine Coons are often fascinated by running water and may attempt to join you in the shower or investigate a full sink. We recommend a pet water fountain, which most Maine Coons prefer to a still bowl.

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