Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are your Maine Coons registered?

Yes. All of our Maine Coons are registered through the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). Registration paperwork is provided according to the terms of our adoption contract.

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2. What health testing do you perform?

The health of our cats is one of our top priorities. Our breeding cats undergo DNA health screening through Wisdom Panel and receive routine veterinary care.

In addition, our breeding cats receive echocardiograms (echos) performed by a veterinary cardiologist to screen for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), one of the most common heart conditions seen in Maine Coons. We are happy to discuss the health testing completed on the parents of your kitten and answer any questions you may have.

3. What is included with my kitten?

Our kittens go home with:

• Spay/neuter completed
• Age-appropriate vaccinations
• Veterinary examination
• 30 days of pet health insurance
• Health records
• Kitten Starter Kit, including food, litter, and items to help ease the transition into their new home
• Adoption contract

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4. At what age do kittens go home?

Our kittens typically go home around 12 weeks of age after they have been spayed/neutered, examined by a veterinarian, and are developmentally ready for their new homes.

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5. What is the price of your kittens?

Pricing varies based on the kitten, pedigree, and breeding goals. Please contact us for current availability and pricing.

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6. Do you offer breeding rights?

Most of our kittens are placed as pets. However, breeding rights may be considered on a limited basis for approved, established breeders.

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7. Can I visit the cattery?

Yes, we welcome visitors. We take every precaution to protect the health and safety of our cats and kittens. Depending on the age of the kittens, we may wait until after their first vaccinations before allowing direct interaction. However, prospective families are welcome to meet the parents and see where our cats are raised.

We are also happy to schedule FaceTime calls and provide photos and videos of available kittens.

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8. How do I reserve a kitten?

A deposit is required to reserve a kitten. The remaining balance is due prior to your kitten going home.

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9. Do you offer transportation?

Yes. We can discuss transportation options for families located outside of Arizona. Transportation fees vary depending on location.

We primarily work with Paws & Go Transportation, our preferred transporter, because they meet our standards for safety, communication, and care to help ensure kittens arrive safely to their new families.

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10. Are Maine Coons good with children?

Absolutely. Maine Coons are known for their friendly, social, and gentle personalities. Our kittens are raised in our home and receive plenty of love, attention, and interaction with children from an early age.

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11. Are Maine Coons good with dogs?

Yes. Many Maine Coons adapt very well to living with dogs, especially when introductions are done properly.

Our kittens are raised inside our home alongside our dogs and are exposed to them daily. It is common to find them playing together, cuddling together, or simply sharing space. Maine Coons often form strong bonds with the dogs they grow up with and can become wonderful companions for canine family members.

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12. How large will my Maine Coon get?

Every cat is different. Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, but size depends on genetics, nutrition, and overall health. Males are typically larger than females, although some females can be quite impressive in size as well.

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13. What do you feed your cats and kittens?

We feed a high-quality diet designed to support healthy growth, development, and overall wellness. We are happy to provide feeding recommendations and transition guidance when your kitten goes home.

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14. Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?

No. Maine Coons are not considered hypoallergenic. However, some individuals with mild cat allergies report fewer reactions compared to other breeds. Every person's allergies are different, so we cannot guarantee compatibility.

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15. How much grooming do Maine Coons require?

Maine Coons require regular brushing to prevent mats and keep their coats healthy. While they do require more maintenance than short-haired breeds, they are generally less demanding than breeds such as Persians.

Uther, our famous Maine Coon who works at KnightWatch K9 Pet Training, receives a routine grooming appointment every few months. Because of that, his coat remains relatively easy to maintain—although his demand for treats requires considerably more attention.

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16. What if I have questions after bringing my kitten home?

We provide lifetime breeder support. We want our kittens and their families to be successful, and we are always available to answer questions.

One of our favorite parts of breeding is receiving updates and photos as our kittens grow, so please keep in touch!

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17. How do I know I'm purchasing from a reputable breeder?

A reputable breeder should:

• Health test their breeding cats
• Provide veterinary care
• Be transparent about their breeding program
• Offer ongoing support
• Have a written contract
• Be willing to answer your questions
• Provide references upon request
• Be willing to FaceTime or show you their cats and cattery

Unfortunately, scams are common in the cat world. We strongly encourage all potential kitten owners to research breeders carefully, ask questions, request references, and verify that the breeder actually owns the cats they advertise.

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18. Should I choose a male or female Maine Coon?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

In general, males tend to be larger, more laid-back, and often have the classic "gentle giant" personality Maine Coons are known for. Females are typically slightly smaller, can be more independent, and often mature a little faster.

That said, personality varies greatly from cat to cat. We spend a great deal of time with our kittens and are happy to help match you with the kitten whose temperament best fits your family and lifestyle.

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19. Will a male Maine Coon spray, and why do your kittens go home spayed/neutered?

An intact (unneutered) male cat may begin spraying once he reaches sexual maturity. Spraying is a natural behavior used to mark territory and communicate with other cats. While not every intact male will spray, the likelihood increases significantly as they mature.

This is one of the reasons all of our pet kittens go home already spayed or neutered. Early spay/neuter helps prevent accidental breeding, reduces hormone-driven behaviors such as spraying and roaming, and allows families to focus on enjoying their new kitten without having to schedule the procedure themselves.

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20. Do you have kittens available year-round, and can I choose my kitten?

Not always. Some years we may have only one litter, while other years we may have two or more. Availability depends on our breeding plans and, most importantly, the health and well-being of our cats.

Once kittens are old enough for personality evaluations, families may select from available kittens in the order deposits are received. We are also happy to help guide families toward the kitten that best matches their lifestyle, personality preferences, and household environment.

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21. How do I apply for one of your kittens?

Applying for one of our kittens is simple. We ask all prospective owners to complete our Kitten Application so we can learn more about you, your household, and the type of home you can provide. Our goal is to ensure each kitten is matched with the right family and set up for a lifetime of success.

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Once your application is reviewed, we will contact you to discuss available kittens, answer any questions you may have, and schedule a FaceTime call if requested. Approved applicants may then place a deposit to reserve an available kitten.

If you are interested in applying, please email us at CatsofKnightWatch@gmail.com, put in subject line "Kitten Application Request", and we will be happy to send you our Kitten Application.

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22. How can I avoid Maine Coon kitten scams?

Unfortunately, kitten scams have become very common, especially with popular breeds like Maine Coons. We regularly hear from families who have lost deposits—or even paid in full—for kittens that never existed. While it can be heartbreaking and frustrating, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself.

Red flags to watch for include:

• Prices that seem too good to be true
• A breeder unwilling to speak by phone or video chat
• Refusal to provide current photos or videos of the kitten
• Stock photos or photos that appear on multiple websites
• No social media presence or breeder history
• No health testing information on breeding cats
• Pressure to send money immediately
• Requests for payment through unusual methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or person-to-person payment apps with no buyer protection
• A breeder who cannot answer basic questions about the kitten, parents, or breed

Before sending a deposit, we recommend that you:

• Request a FaceTime or video call with the breeder
• Ask to see the kitten live during the video call
• Ask to see the kitten interacting with its mother, littermates, or other cats in the home
• Request references from previous kitten buyers
• Verify the breeder's website, social media pages, and online reviews
• Ask about health testing and veterinary care
• Review the breeder's contract before placing a deposit
• Confirm the breeder has a physical location and actual cats in their possession

A reputable breeder should be willing to answer questions, provide documentation, and help you feel comfortable throughout the process. While most breeders genuinely care about their cats and kittens, scammers unfortunately take advantage of families who are excited to bring home a new pet.

At Maine Coons of KnightWatch, we understand how concerning this can be. We are happy to schedule phone calls, FaceTime appointments, provide references upon request, and answer any questions you may have. We believe transparency is one of the most important parts of the adoption process.

Our advice is simple: if something feels off, trust your instincts. It is always better to ask additional questions or walk away from a deal than risk losing your money to a scam.

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23. Can you provide references?

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Absolutely.

We understand that purchasing a Maine Coon kitten is a significant investment, and we encourage every prospective owner to do their homework before placing a deposit with any breeder—including us.

We are happy to provide references from past kitten owners upon request. Many of our families stay in touch and are willing to share their experiences regarding the adoption process, communication, and how their kittens have matured over time.

However, we believe there is an even better reference than previous buyers: our veterinarian.

Any breeder can provide a list of happy customers, but a reputable breeder should also have an established relationship with a veterinarian who knows their breeding program, sees their cats regularly, and can speak to the level of care their animals receive.

In fact, we encourage prospective owners to ask any breeder:

"Can I speak with the veterinarian who cares for your cats?"

A responsible breeder should have no issue providing their veterinary clinic's information and allowing you to verify that their cats receive routine veterinary care, vaccinations, health screenings, and appropriate medical attention.

At Maine Coons of KnightWatch, we are proud of the care our cats receive and believe transparency is one of the most important parts of the adoption process. We are happy to provide references, answer questions, schedule FaceTime calls, and help you make an informed decision.

Our goal is not simply to place kittens—we want every family to feel confident, comfortable, and excited about welcoming their new Maine Coon home.

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24. Why aren't your health testing results posted publicly on your website?

This is a question we occasionally receive, and it's a fair one.

While we are completely transparent about the health testing performed on our breeding cats, we choose not to post copies of health certificates, echocardiogram reports, DNA testing results, and veterinary records publicly on our website.

Unfortunately, the online pet industry has seen a significant increase in scams over the past several years. Scammers often copy photos, pedigrees, health records, and other breeder information from legitimate catteries in order to create convincing fake websites and social media pages. In some cases, stolen health certificates have been used to falsely represent kittens and breeding cats that do not actually exist.

To help protect both our cattery and prospective kitten owners, we provide health testing documentation directly to serious buyers upon request rather than posting those records publicly online.

We are happy to discuss the health testing completed on any of our breeding cats and provide copies of relevant documentation during the adoption process. We also encourage prospective owners to ask questions, request references, schedule a FaceTime call, and even speak with the veterinarian who cares for our cats.

Our goal is to maintain transparency while also protecting the integrity of our breeding program and helping prevent scammers from using our information to deceive unsuspecting families.

If you have questions about a specific cat's health testing, simply contact us and we will be happy to provide additional information.

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25. Why are Maine Coons called the "Dogs of the Cat World"?

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Maine Coons have earned the nickname "Dogs of the Cat World" because they often display personality traits that people typically associate with dogs rather than cats.

Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and social nature, Maine Coons genuinely enjoy being involved in their family's daily activities. Rather than hiding in another room, many prefer to follow their people from room to room, greet visitors at the door, and be part of whatever is happening.

One of the things we love most about the breed is their adaptability and willingness to go on adventures. Our cats accompany us on trips, ride comfortably in vehicles, walk on harnesses and leashes, and enjoy exploring new environments. Whether it's a visit to a pet-friendly store, a walk through Home Depot or Tractor Supply, or a hike in a backpack carrier, Maine Coons are often eager to experience the world alongside their owners.

Because of their intelligence, many Maine Coons can be taught tricks, basic commands, and even games such as fetch. They tend to be highly food-motivated and enjoy learning when training is presented as a fun activity.

Maine Coons are also the largest domesticated cat breed, combining impressive size with a gentle and affectionate temperament. This unique combination of intelligence, confidence, trainability, and companionship is one of the reasons the breed has become so popular.

Our own cats are a great example of this. Uther, one of our Maine Coons, has a job! He regularly accompanies us to KnightWatch K9 Pet Training, where he serves as an ambassador for the breed. He interacts with clients, spends time around dogs, participates in daily activities, and is often the center of attention. If you'd like to see him in action, many of his adventures can be found on our Facebook page.

Whether you live in a house, travel in an RV, enjoy hiking, or simply want a companion who likes to be involved in your daily life, Maine Coons are often the perfect adventure cat. They don't just live in your home—they become part of everything you do.

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26. What social media platforms can I follow to see your cats and kittens?

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We love sharing photos, videos, and updates about our cats, kittens, and adventures. Following us on social media is one of the best ways to watch our kittens grow, see available kittens, follow our breeding program, and get a behind-the-scenes look at daily life at Maine Coons of KnightWatch.

You can find us on:

Facebook: Maine Coons of KnightWatch
TikTok: @mainecoonsknightwatch
Instagram: @maine_coons_of_knightwatch

Our social media pages feature kitten updates, photos of past litters, videos of our cats exploring, health and care information, and plenty of appearances from our famous Maine Coon, Uther.

Following a breeder on social media is also a great way to verify that they are legitimate. Reputable breeders typically have an established online presence, years of photos and videos, interactions with past kitten owners, and a history that demonstrates their commitment to the breed.

We invite you to follow along and become part of the Maine Coons of KnightWatch family!