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  • Short Answer : yes…. and sometimes bigger!

    Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, and mature males especially can become impressively large. Adult males commonly range anywhere from 18-30lbs, though size is only part of the story. What really makes them look so massive is their long bodies, big paws, thick coats, and dramatic ear furnishings.

    That said, Maine Coon mature slowly. Unlike many other cat breeds that reach full size within a year, Maine Coon can take 3-5 years to fully develop. So the tiny fluffball you bring home will go through several “awkward” childhood stages before becoming the majestic forest cat you see in photos.

  • This question comes up A LOT, and the answer is a little more nuanced than the internet sometimes makes it sound.

    Maine Coons originated as natural working cats in the United States - a landrace population that developed over time rather than through carefully controlled breeding. When the breed became more formally developed internationally, different breeding programs in different regions emphasized slightly different (but already present) traits.

    Today, cats often described as “European Type” tend to have longer muzzles, higher ear placement with dramatic lynx tips, and stronger, more angular features. While American show lines tend to favor a softer, more moderate expression.

    At Mossy Cottage, we appreciate the dramatic, wild forest cat look, BUT we prioritize health, functional structure, and temperament first and foremost. A beautiful cat should also be a healthy, stable companion.

  • Honestly,…. sometimes they do.

    Many Maine Coons are extremely people-oriented and curious about everything happening in their household. It’s common for them to follow their humans from room to room just to supervise daily activities. (And sometimes to beg for treats)

    Many Maine Coons with continuation of proper socialization, can even be lifelong travel companions that can accompany their owners on car rides, pet store trips, outdoor strolls, and more!

    They aren’t usually clingy lap cats 24/7 (although some are an exception), but they do tend to want to be near their people, not hidden away in another room.

  • Generally speaking - YES! Which is one of the many reasons they make such beloved family cats!

    Maine Coons are known for their easygoing, tolerant personalities. Many do extremely well with respectful children, dogs both big and small, and other cats when properly introduced.

    At Mossy Cottage, kittens are raised in our home alongside children and dogs, which helps them develop confidence and adaptability from an early age.

    Of course, even the sweetest cat deserves respectful handling, so teaching children how to interact gently with animals and offer space when necessary is ALWAYS important. Cats are not toys.

  • They can! But not in the way people expect.

    Instead of loud meows, Maine Coons often communicate through chirps, trills, and little conversational noises. Its almost like they’re narrating their day.

    Many owners say their Maine Coons hold full conversations with them - especially around dinner time.

  • This is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is : ….both make wonderful companions and personality varies far more by individual cat than by gender.

    Male Maine Coons are often known for being big, goofy teddy bears. They tend to grow larger and many have very laid back personalities.

    Females are sometimes described as a little more independent or observant - the quiet “Queen Of The House” type vibe.

    That said, I’ve personally has girls that “act like boys” and boys that “act like girls”, so these descriptions are really just generalizations. Every kitten is an individual with their own personality.

    What usually matters far more than gender is temperament, energy level, and how that particular kitten fits into your household. Some families want the biggest couch potato, while others want the bold little explorer!

    When possible, we’re always happy to help guide families toward the kitten whose personality seems like the best match for their home.

  • Yes.


    Maine Coon absolutely do require regular grooming, and its something every prospective owner should be prepared for.


    While their coats are not as cottony as some other long-haired breeds, they are still very dense and can easily develop tangles or mats if neglected. Areas like the armpits, belly, behind the ears, and the back of the legs are especially prone to matting.

    Another thing many owners do not realize is that Maine Coon can develop oily or greasy coats over time, which can make matting more likely.

    For most homes, we recommend: Regular Brushing
    Occasional Bathing/Professional Grooms
    Monitoring for small tangles before they become mats

    When grooming is introduced and maintained from an early age, most Maine Coons learn to tolerate - and dare i say enjoy - the routine.

    Think of it less as a chore and more as regular maintenance to keep that luxurious coat and your home a little less hairy.

  • They appreciate more space than they require it.

    Because they are larger cats, they often require large cat trees and sturdier climbing shelves/furniture where they can perch and observe their kingdom.

    Even in smaller homes or apartments, a few well-placed vertical spaces can make a huge difference.

  • Nutrition plays a huge role in your cat’s long term health and development. Maine Coon grow slowly and can take several years to mature fully, so feeding a high quality, protein rich diet is extremely important.

    We always recommend choosing foods that prioritize animal protein and avoid diets filled with unnecessary fillers. When your kitten goes home, we will provide guidance on what they’ve been eating so that you can keep their diet consistent during the transition.

    Kittens should generally have regular access to food while growing, as their bodies require a lot of energy for proper development. As they mature, feeding schedules can become more structured depending on your household routine.

    Every cat’s metabolism is different, so maintaining a healthy body condition is more important than following a strict feeding chart.

  • Maine Coons grow into very large cats, which means standard litter boxes are often too small.

    We recommend choosing an XL or high sided litter box so your cat has enough space to comfortably turn around and dig. Many owners have found that large storage totes (50gal+) work better than traditional pet store options.

    Most name brand Litter Robot are also plenty large enough!

    Keeping the litter box clean is essential - most cats strongly prefer a fresh environment.

  • Most companion kittens are spayed/neutered before leaving our cattery, or shortly afterward depending on the individual situation.

    Sterilization prevents accidental litters and can also reduce certain health and behavioral risks later in life.

    If your kitten goes home before this procedure is completed, we will provide clear, legally binding guidance within our contract on timing and expectations.

  • Regular veterinary care is an important part of responsible pet ownership.

    While kittens are still with us, they receive routine deworming and at minimum, two rounds of the FVRCP vaccine before going to their new homes. These early vet visits help protect kittens during their most vulnerable stages of development.

    Once your kitten joins your family, they will need to complete the remainder of their vaccination schedule with your veterinarian and continue with regular wellness exams as they grow.

    Outside of kittenhood, most adult cats should see their primary veterinarian for routine checkups and preventative care. Regular vet visits help catch potential health concerns early and ensure your cat stays happy and healthy long term.

  • We try to keep the process transparent, thoughtful, and personal. Bringing a new kitten into your home is a big decision, and we want to make sure it’s the right fit for both you and the kitten.

    Here’s how the process typically works:

    • Applications open first.

    Families interested in a kitten begin by completing our application. This helps us learn about your home, lifestyle, and what you’re hoping for in a kitten.

    • Kittens are introduced around 1–2 weeks old.

    Once kittens arrive, we usually share early sneak peeks so families can follow along as they grow.

    • Reservations typically begin around 4-6 weeks.

    By this point, kittens are developing personalities and we have a better idea of their temperament and structure. This also gives families time to watch them grow through photos and updates.

    • We connect before any reservations are finalized.

    Before placing a kitten on hold, we like to have a conversation - sometimes a phone call or video chat - so we can answer questions and make sure the match feels right.

    • A reservation deposit secures your kitten.

    Once a decision is made, a contract is sent and a reservation deposit is required to hold your kitten until they are ready to go home.

    • Kittens go home around 12–14 weeks of age.

    This allows them time to properly socialize with their littermates, receive early veterinary care, and develop the confidence they need for a smooth transition into their new homes.

    At Mossy Cottage, every kitten is raised as if they might stay here forever, so making sure they are placed in the right homes is incredibly important to us.

  • Our adoption process begins with submitting an application!

    This helps us get to know potential families and ensures our kittens are going to homes that understand the commitment of owning a Maine Coon.

    Once applications are reviewed and approved, families may place a reservation deposit when kittens are available.

  • Because our kittens aren’t just products - they are little living beings we’ve raised and cared for from birth. You are protective over your own children, right?

    Our application ensures that:

    • Families are prepared for the responsibility

    • Expectations are aligned

    • Each kitten finds the right home

    Think of it less as a test, and more like a conversation starter.

  • Sometimes, but not always.

    While we understand that everyone falls in love with certain kittens visually, personality and compatibility matters too. As kittens grow, their temperaments become clearer, which helps us guide families towards a good match.

    Reservations may be placed as early as 4-6 weeks of age.

  • Yes - but carefully.

    We work with reputable flight nanny options and prioritize safe, low stress travel arrangements. Many families also choose to fly in themselves or hire a close family member/friend to personally accompany their kitten on their flight home.

  • Our kittens are generally priced between $3500-$4500.

    Pricing may vary slightly within this range depending on factors such as pedigree and litter demand.

    All Mossy Cottage kittens are raised in our home with a strong focus on health, temperament, and proper early development. Every kitten receives the same attentive care, enrichment, and socialization to ensure they grow into confident, well adjusted companions.

  • Occasionally. When we have siblings or a bonded pair that would benefit from remaining together, we may offer a reduced rate to help encourage keeping them united. That said, we never want cost to be the primary reason someone decides to bring home two kittens. Our priority is always placing each kitten in the home that is best suited for them.

  • Raising healthy, well socialized Maine Coon kittens requires a significant investment long before a kitten ever goes home.

    Responsible breeders invest heavily in health testing and preventative care for their breeding cats. For Maine Coons, this often includes advanced screenings such as cardiac echocardiograms (echos) to evaluate for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hip screenings to assess for hip dysplasia. These tests alone can cost between $500-$800 per test, per cat, as the cat must be fully sedated to ensure accuracy and must be repeated periodically throughout a breeding cat’s life. In addition, breeders typically perform genetic screening panels to identify inherited conditions and make responsible breeding decisions.

    Nutrition is another major cost. High quality diets for maturing adults, pregnant queens, and growing kittens are essential for proper development. Nursing mothers and newborn kittens also often require supplements and additional support during the early weeks of life.

    Then there are the everyday care items needed to raise a litter properly. Things like litter, bedding, toys, enrichment, cleaning supplies, and general care equipment add up quickly when caring for multiple growing kittens.

    Veterinary care during pregnancy, birth, and kitten development also plays a role. Between prenatal care, kitten vaccinations, routine procedures, and general health monitoring, the cost of properly raising a litter can become substantial, fast.

    By the time everything is considered - from health testing and veterinary care to nutrition, supplies, and the many hours of hands-on care required - the average cost to responsibly raise a litter of eight Maine Coon kittens can easily reach several thousand dollars.

    For ethical breeders, the goal has never been to produce kittens as cheaply as possible. The goal is to produce healthy, well adjusted cats that will be cherished family members for the next 15+ years.

  • For health and safety of our cats and children, we do not offer in person visits to our home.

    Young kittens are developing immune systems and are particularly vulnerable to viruses and bacteria that can easily be carried into our home on clothing, shoes, or hands - even unintentionally. Limiting outside traffic is one of the simplest ways we can protect our cats.

    Instead, we provide an initial FaceTime to “meet” the kittens and see their personalities live. As well as frequent photos, videos, and updates so families can watch their kittens grow and feel involved throughout the process.

    When the time comes for pickup, families will of course meet their kitten in person. By that point the kittens are older, stronger, and up to date on vaccines that will help them transition safely into their new homes.

    While we understand that many people would love to visit, protecting our family will always come first.

  • Our kittens are placed as companions only.

  • Yes. Reservation deposits are required to hold a kitten.

    Deposits ensure serious commitment from adopting families and allow us to plan appropriately for each kitten’s future home.

  • Deposits are typically non-refundable but transferrable to another kitten in certain circumstances.

    Policies are outlined clearly in our contract before any deposit is accepted.

  • Short-term payment arrangements may sometimes be possible depending on timing and circumstances.

    Our goal is always transparency and fairness for both our families and our breeding program.

  • Kittens typically go home between 12-14 weeks of age.

    This allows them time to properly socialize with their littermates, develop important behaviors, and receive early veterinary care.

  • Before bringing home your bundle of fluff, we recommend having :

    • A litter box

    • Stainless steel or ceramic food/water bowls

    • Kitten food to transition gradually

    • Scratching surfaces

    • Toys

    • A secluded space for the kitten to comfortable decompress away from other pets

  • Every kitten is different!

    Some settle in immediately, while others may take a few weeks to fully explore and feel confident. Giving them patience, gentle interaction, and a calm environment helps tremendously.

  • We provide 1lb of food to transition your kitten gradually onto your new food of choice. Maine Coon’s should be on a kitten formulated diet for the first two years of life.

    Sudden food changes can upset a kitten’s stomach, so any adjustments should be done gradually.

  • Responsible breeders always want their cats to remain safe.

    If circumstances ever change, we ask that you contact us first. We will always help ensure our cats are properly placed rather than ending up in uncertain situations.

    Under select circumstances, we may offer a percentage based refund, of whatever amount the kitten resells for.

  • YES. Slow introductions are always best.

    Allowing pets to smell each other through doors, supervised visits, and gradual interactions after initial decompression helps ensure a smoother transition.