Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the Kitten Application link here to get the process started.  https://zod2hs05.forms.app/pet-supplies-recommendation-quiz

We only breed European style Maine Coons.  Our King and Queen are from Alabama and we love them!  

This could potentially bring in viruses to my home and harm our cats.  I will not stud out any of my males.

YES!!! Kittens usually go home around 8-12 weeks old, are 2 pounds (or more), are litter trained and weaned from their momma or bottles. 

No they do not. I know that may come as a surprise to some of you but fellow breeders have ‘papered’ their litters only to find out that an innocent buyer put a picture of the ‘papers‘ online because they were understandably excited about their new fur baby and scammers grabbed the pictures up.  Once scammers get a hold of pictures of Papers, they can easily get all my information as a breeder and start their scams. 

I also do not register my litters with TICA (The International Cat Association) or CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) because when a fellow breeder was being scammed for 4 years without her knowledge and filed Formal Complaints with these Associations, NOTHING was done.  Associations said the complaint was ‘too vague‘ even with documents, photos, dates, times and other info on the scammers.

I also don’t like the fact that we breeders have to pay to belong to an association just to show our Maine Coons are real pure bred Maine Coons yet they don’t stand behind their members in times of crises.  Look at my cats and kittens, their lineage and you can tell they are the real deal. 

We do DNA Testing on your kitten and you will get the results for your records. Here is a link to the DNA test we use.  Lots of information to read and sample test results that are easy to understand:

https://optimal-selection.com/products/optimal-selection-feline?pr_p

We DO ship our kittens out BUT we DO NOT offer cargo shipping.  It's very stressful on the kittens and there is no one to take care of them. They are under the plane with luggage and it’s cold and dark down there and very scary for kittens.

 If you live within a 75 mile driving radius of Wasilla, Alaska, I will deliver your kitten to you.

If you would like me to fly to the Lower 48 with your new kitten, I will meet you in Seattle, WA at the SEA-TAC International Airport and the price of one round trip ticket for me and the In Cabin Pet Fee (varies by airline but usually around $100) will be added to the price of your kitten.  The flight from Anchorage, AK to Seattle, WA is about 3.5 hours flying time. Please bring an Airline Approved Pet Carrier so I can transfer your new kitten to you.

If you need me to fly to a US Airport of your choice (Hawaii not Included) then you will also need to pay for the round trip airline ticket for me, the In Cabin Pet Fee and a hotel room for one overnight for me. The overnight stay, In Cabin Pet Fee and round trip ticket for me will be added to the price of your kitten. I fly economy class and try to book the cheapest flight and hotel available to help keep your costs down. Please bring a pet carrier so I can transfer your new kitten to your carrier.

If you live in the bush/remote areas of Alaska, and have your own plane, you can fly into Merrill Field, Lake Hood or other landing strips and I will meet you there.  

Link for Merrill Field https://www.muni.org/Departments/merrill_field/Pages/default.aspx

Here’s a link to Lake Hood.

https://www.aopa.org/destinations/airports/PALH/details

Here’s a link for Landing Strips:

https://landingfinder.com/

 If you are coming up from the Lower 48 States or Internationally, I will meet you at the Anchorage International Airport with your new kitten. Here is a link to find lodging in Anchorage, AK. https://www.priceline.com./

Please bring an airline approved cat carrier (see my Cat Blog-Flying with Maine Coons) but if you have trouble finding one, let me know and I will supply a carrier for you. 

It’s your responsibility to check the specific airline rules, regulations and fees for In Cabin pet travel. (If you are coming to Alaska from any International starting point, it’s your responsibility to check the rules, regulations, quarantine procedures and fees for International In Cabin Pet Travel by air.)

If you would prefer a Flight Nanny, you can get quotes and make those arrangements at these links:

 https://tlcflightnanny.com

https://www.allfamilyflightnannies.com/

https://bluecollarpettransport.com/

PAYMENT IS CASH ONLY ONCE I MEET YOU (OR OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT IF PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE WITH PAMELA MAAG AT LAST FRONTIER MAINE COONS) 

Female Kittens $3,000

Male Kittens $3,500

Males are the most popular choice because of their size but either gender is great.

YES!  We love to do video calls with our customers!  Video call me at 

907-538-5977.  (Hover over my ph# and choose FaceTime)

We have had many people ask us why our Maine Coon kittens are more expensive than others they have seen online. I've had people stating that they just want a pet and they think anything over $400 is way too much money. I want to give some education on what it takes to be a good, ethical breeder and the expenses we incur to have beautiful little Maine Coon Kittens. People get shocked when they hear that our kittens cost between $3000 and $3500 (anything less does not even cover the expenses we incur.) Also, we are breeding European Maine Coons and not American-line Maine Coons. 

European Maine Coon vs. American Maine Coon—differences: 

European Maine Coons have larger ears with prominent tufts (similar to lynx), longer, bushier tails, and higher cheekbones. They also have a more majestic look, while American Maine Coons have softer, milder features that better resemble average house cats.
 

The following is why we charge what we do:

We test for HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) Fatal Heart Condition. 

We test for SMA, Spinal Muscular Atrophy specific to Maine Coons. 

We test for PK Deficiency (Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency). A known blood disorder in Maine Coons. 

We also test our cats for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease). A disease that can cause kidney failure. We don't want to pass this on to our kittens. These tests aren't cheap.  We have to test both males and females to make sure they are free and clear of these genetic defects. If any cat doesn't pass with flying colors guess what happens? They get Spayed/Neutered. We never recoup that cost.   
​
Now that's all just the beginning. Once the female queen is pregnant, guess what? The expenses don't stop. They have vet visits which sometimes require X-Rays and that isn’t free. Then the day comes, and we have kittens!! We could only have 1 or 2 kittens and we never make enough to cover what we have spent, or it could be 6 to 8 healthy kittens. The expenses still don't stop at this point. 

Good breeders pay for shots on your new kittens. I've also had emergency C-Sections which can cost $2500 or more. Plus, you have got to include high-quality cat food, litter, housing, breeding equipment, other emergencies, etc. You will not see a backyard breeder (BYB) give you anything like that. 

Yes, you can find kittens for a lot less with a BYB but this is why you don't want to deal with that kind of breeder. They may sell their kittens between $400 and $800, but they don't test their Breeding Cats and most of the time they don't even work with Pure Bred Maine Coons. You are purchasing a highly inflated cat that is a mix-breed. I encourage everyone looking for a quality cat to do their homework. Make sure your breeder is doing all they can to bring you a healthy pure bred kitten. A good breeder makes even less than these BYB’s do. Remember you get what you pay for!! Pay for something nice!!! 

If you still feel my kittens are too much, then you are honestly looking in the wrong place. If you're thinking that we breeders are making Bank, think again. We are not but we love Maine Coons so much that we accept this.
 

There is a whole lot more that goes on around here that I have not stated. It's a 24/7 job which can also be very emotional as well. We love this breed and take pride in what we do. 

HOW MUCH DOES A PUREBRED CAT COST??
(written by Gregory Joseph)
I read this and say this is a very true post:

POTENTIAL OWNER: How much does a purebred kitten cost?
BREEDER: $3,000 to $3,500.
POTENTIAL OWNER: What?? This is way too expensive!!
BREEDER: What do you think a reasonable price would be?
POTENTIAL OWNER: No more than $800. You breeders are overrated.
BREEDER: I am sorry you see it this way; why don't you try it yourself?
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I've never done this!
BREEDER: I can teach you this for FREE and also you will have the knowledge to do it again.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Perfect, Thank you!
BREEDER: To get started you need a female (average minimum cost $4000 and above). Also male (average minimum cost $4500 and up). You will have to genetically health test them, which is averaging of around $1500+ per cat per year. Raise and provide daily care, feeding and grooming for a minimum 3 years ($250+ a month per cat) Don't forget the litter and toys and cat trees that need to be replaced every so often (So a minimum of $100 per month per cat)
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money!
BREEDER: For $1500 you can raise a litter for me and then keep one of the kittens. Of course you also have to pay the birthing and care costs.
POTENTIAL OWNER: I can do that.
BREEDER: OK so I have a female cat due in 2 weeks. You must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 12 weeks to assist with delivery and kitten care. Alternatively feed kittens with a tube or bottle every 2-3 hours if mom is low on milk for the first few weeks. Don't forget the constant cleaning, toys, cattery room supplies, enclosures, litter, food, cleaning products and trash bags, gloves etc. (Minimum $250+ a month per kitten)
POTENTIAL OWNER: Twelve weeks?? That’s way too much time for me! I have to work .
BREEDER: You will also need a reproductive vet to do x-rays ($200-500), possibly a progesterone test ($75-250) and a C-section ($1000-3000) and preliminary vet care of the kitten until it is big enough to be placed. Have a scale, thermometer, latex gloves, disinfectant, suction tube, wipes, scissors, heating pad, crib, blankets, cleaning products, the appropriate supplementary food for mothers, modified milk, medicines and hand feeding products in case of emergencies. You have to be available for vet visits and care, and following up for routine care and any issue that may arise. Vet care ranges anywhere from $80-200 per kitten per visit, plus $250-500 per spay/neuter.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have all those things! Umm... You know, I think it would be better if I just got a kitten.
BREEDER: A wise decision.

For us breeders, there are no days off or holidays.  While you visit family and friends, we are at home with our cats and kittens caring for them. It's a commitment without breaks.

THIS IS THE REALITY.

By choosing a professional, you pay not only for a kitten, but also: tools, knowledge, experience, love, time, sacrifices, etc.

YES!!  Our kittens receive the following shots before they 

go to the forever homes:

1. FVRCP Vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (the FVR part of the vaccine name), Feline Calicivirus (the C), and Feline Panleukopenia (the P at the end of the vaccine name).

2. Flea/Tick Prevention 

3. Heart-worm and IP Prevention (intestinal parasite) shots

4. Microchipped (You MUST call the number on the form to change the contact phone number to yours. All kittens are chipped to my phone number of 907-538-5977.)

We also do DNA Testing on your kitten and you will get the results for your records and to share with your Vet. Here is a link to the DNA tests we use.  Lots of information to read and sample test results that are easy to understand.

https://optimal-selection.com/products/optimal-selection-feline?pr_p

FYI: Kittens can usually get their first rabies vaccine between 12 and 16 weeks of age. After the first shot, kittens should get a second shot 12 months later, and then a booster shot every three years. State laws vary so always check with your Veterinarian.

My cats and kittens go to VCA Big Lake Animal Hospital 9750 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK. 99623 Phone is 907-892-9292 and here is a link to their site: https://vcahospitals.com/big-lake

All kittens are born with blue eyes but none of ours will keep that color.  It can take up to a year before your kitten's eye color to stop changing. Their eye color will be a gold or green.  At this time, we do not have any breeders with the gene for the blue eye color.

The most common eye colors in Maine Coons are:

• Green
• Gold
• Green-gold

In rare cases, a Coon’s eyes can be:

• Blue
• Odd-eyes (a combination of blue and one of the three regular colors)

Maine Coons usually stop growing around age 4 to 5 years old.  It's based on their genetics on how much they will weigh by then.  Females can be around 15 lbs and males around 25 lbs.  It's really their length more than their weight that makes them large. Our breeders are not fixed so their weights are going to be different than a pets. Once our breeders are spayed/neutered it takes about 6 months for their fluff to come in.

None of our cats are declawed.  It's inhumane and can cause a lot of issues for the cat.  I have cat scratching posts, toys and scratching pads for the kittens to scratch on.  If they do scratch on something they should not, we gently take them to one of the many items in our home for them to scratch and “show” them how.  Read this link from the Humane Society about declawing.  https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-declawing-bad-your-cat#:~

Maine Coons come in a variety of colors but it depends on who the parents are.  
Some people believe the different colors come with different personality traits but I'm not so sure about that. Whichever color Maine Coon you choose, you will find yourself sharing your world with one of the most sociable and gentle domestic cats in the world.

Maine Coons are revered for being the perfect family cat which is probably why they are also the most popular domestic breed. They are full of character and will provide you with endless hours of joy and entertainment!

Solids
As you would expect from the name a solid color Maine Coon cat has fur of just one color with no other patches of other colors to be found. The recognized solid colors of Maine Coon are:

• Black
• White
• Red (also referred to as ginger or orange)
• Blue also referred to as grey
• Cream

Smoke Maine Coon coat colors
A smoke-colored Maine Coon cat looks like it has fur of just one color on the surface but at the roots, its hair is much lighter than the at the tips. Here is the range of smoke colors available:

• Black smoke
• Blue smoke
• Red smoke 
• Cream smoke
• Tortile smoke
• Blue Tortie smoke

Tabby Maine Coon coat colors
A tabby Maine Coon cat has fur that is mottled or streaked with stripes. Tabbies are one of the most sought-after Maine Coon colors. They are split into the following five categories:

Classic Tabby colors

• Black Classic Tabby (Brown)
• Blue Classic Tabby
• Red Classic Tabby
• Cream Classic Tabby
• Tortie Classic Tabby
• Blue Tortie Classic Tabby

Mackerel Tabby colors

• Black Mac Tabby (Brown)
• Blue Mac Tabby
• Red Mac Tabby
• Cream Mac Tabby
• Tortie Mac Tabby
• Blue Tortie Mac Tabby

Silver Classic Tabby colors

• Black Silver Classic Tabby
• Blue Silver Classic Tabby
• Red Silver Classic Tabby
• Cream Silver Classic Tabby
• Tortie Silver Classic Tabby
• Blue Tortie Silver Classic Tabby
• Silver Mackerel Tabby colors
• Black Silver Mac Tabby
• Blue Silver Mac Tabby
• Red Silver Mac Tabby
• Cream Silver Mac Tabby
• Tortie Silver Mac Tabby
• Blue Tortie Silver Mac Tabby
• Silver Shaded Tabby colors
• Black Silver Shaded Tabby
• Blue Silver Shaded Tabby
• Red Silver Shaded Tabby
• Cream Silver Shaded Tabby
• Tortie Silver Shaded Tabby
• Blue Tortie Silver Shaded Tabby

Bi-color Maine Coon Coats
Bi-colored Maine Coon cats are a combination of white and another color. They may or may not have white on their faces but always have white on their bib (chest area), their tummies and all four paws. Here are the range of bi-colors:

• Black and white
• Blue and white
• Red and white
• Cream and white

We live in Alaska and there are lots of predators here like eagles, bears, moose, wolves, musk ox, caribou as well as dogs and other predatory animals so I NEVER let my cats out unless they are in a carrier, catio or a tent. Maine Coons have been bred for years to be an indoor animal.  They cannot roam outside.  If you plan to get one of my kittens to put outdoors you will need to look elsewhere.  Reputable breeders will not let you have a kitten knowing you will let it roam outdoors.​  Here is a link about why it's harmful to cats and how to safely have them go outside with you.  https://livingsafe.com.au/letting-cats-outside-to-roam-is-dangerous-learn-how-to-keep-your-cat-safe-when-outdoors/

Yes, I do.  You can find my Cat Blog at the bottom of my home page.