Kings
Our boys are like our children, well cared for, a bit spoiled and hand selected for their contributions to the Maine Coon gene pool at large. We have chosen to use Foundation (see the section on Foundation Cats for more info). This allows for a healthier, more vivacious cat that will make for wonderful family members well into the future.
Kittens
At Royal Legacy Companions, we are passionate about producing kittens that are healthy, affectionate and well-socialized. We strive to create an environment that closely mimics a nurturing home and allows our cats to thrive in yours. We put a great deal of emphasis on socializing our kittens from a young age, to ensure that they are comfortable with people, children, dogs, robot vacuums, loud noises, surprises, and overall CHAOS!!. If you are looking for a loyal, loving kitten that will jump into their new life, explore the kittens that are produced in our cattery.
Available kittens will be marked as such. Please review our attached contract for more information.
Our goal is to produce kittens that embrace their new lives stress free and with passion. We take great pride in our beautiful kings, queens and resulting kittens. This means testing for numerous diseases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia with DNA, echocardiograms and X-rays. You can be confident in choosing our cattery for your next fur baby.
We invite you to explore our website and see examples of the stunning cats that make up our line.
Explore Our Cattery
Royal Legacy Companions presents...
WildPines Maine Coons
Experience the Legacy...
Maine Coons
Maine Coon cats are native to North America, thought to be originated from domesticated cats brought over on ships with vikings (we love this folklore) and/or original settlers. The cat then adapted, and in the process of adapting to the long, harsh northeast winters developed the characteristics we know and love today.
Other Info and FAQ...
Ethical and conscientious breeders of any pedigreed cats, including Maine Coons perform various health and genetic tests on any breeding animals to ensure the health and well-being of their offspring. Here are some common health and genetic tests performed on breeding cats:
1. **DNA Testing for Genetic Diseases:** For Maine Coons, it is important to include genetic tests that do preliminary (abut not complete) screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We complete a full DNA panel on each of our breeding cats
2. **Hip Dysplasia Evaluation:** Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in cats, including Maine Coons. We perform hip scoring with X-rays, to assess the integrity of the cat's hip joints and identify any signs of dysplasia.
3. **Heart Screening:** Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heart condition in Maine Coons and several other cat breeds. We conduct cardiac screening with auscultations done by their primary veterinarian and echocardiograms done by certified veterinary cardiologists to evaluate the cat's heart health and detect any signs of HCM or other cardiac abnormalities.
4. **Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Testing:** Our cats and kittens do not come into contact with cats outside the cattery so the chance of contracting these illnesses is essentially zero.
Caring for a Maine Coon cat involves providing proper nutrition, grooming, regular veterinary care, mental and physical stimulation, and a safe and comfortable living environment. Here are some essential tips for caring for a Maine Coon cat:
1. **Nutrition:** Feed your Maine Coon as nature intended – like a carnavore. We promote raw diets or quality meat based commercial diets if you must feed a commercial diet. Choose high-quality cat food that contains protein as the primary ingredient and meets the nutritional requirements set by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
2. **Grooming:** Maine Coons have a dense, water-repellent coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Brush your Maine Coon's coat at least once or twice a week using a comb or slicker brush to remove loose hair and prevent shedding. We especially love the metal combs. You should have been given one in your go-home bag. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and under the armpits. Frequent bathing helps with cleanliness, shedding and promotes a nice, thick hair coat.
3. **Regular Veterinary Care:** Schedule annual wellness exams with your veterinarian to monitor your Maine Coon's health and address any medical concerns. Keep up-to-date with vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care to ensure your cat remains healthy and happy. We require you to take your new family member to the vet within 3 business days of bringing them home as stated in the contract.
4. **Exercise and Mental Stimulation:** Maine Coons are active and intelligent cats that enjoy physical activity and mental stimulation. Provide toys, interactive play sessions, and climbing structures (such as cat trees or shelves - make sure they are appropriate for up to a 30 pound cat!) to keep your Maine Coon entertained and engaged. They love to climb!
5. **Socialization:** Maine Coons are sociable cats that enjoy the company of their human family members and usually get along well with other pets. Spend quality time with your Maine Coon, provide affection, and engage in interactive play to strengthen your bond and fulfill their social needs. My Maine Coons are very affectionate!
6. **Regular Litter Box Maintenance:** Keep your Maine Coon's litter box clean and odor-free by scooping waste daily and replacing the litter frequently.. Provide multiple litter boxes in different locations throughout your home, especially in multi-cat households. We use Whisker litter robots in our cattery, they love them. There are some more open, affordable options that also work well available on other sites like Amazon or TEMU. In my cattery, the older cats and kittens like clay litter. The small kittens use paper litter.
7. **Monitoring Weight and Health:** Monitor your Maine Coon's weight and body condition regularly to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to various health problems, so consult with your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cat's weight or appetite. Again, a healthy diet based on wet food - either canned or preferably raw helps maintain a healthy weight and decreased the chances of kidney disease.
9. **Safety:** Create a safe and secure environment for your Maine Coon by removing hazards, such as toxic plants, small objects that can be swallowed, and accessible electrical cords as they like to chew. Supervise outdoor excursions or provide a secure outdoor enclosure such as a patio to prevent accidents and exposure to potential dangers.
By following these tips and providing attentive care, you can help ensure that your Maine Coon cat leads a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life as a cherished member of your family.
Foundation breeding involves selectively breeding cats that possess the desired traits and characteristics to establish the basics of the Maine Coon breed standard and develop the breed's genetic foundation - also referred to as Outcross. Each cat chosen to be added into a foundation program (F1 - or first generation) must be accepted into the registry by a Certified Judge. These F1 cats are then carefully crossed with more established bloodlines with strong type to ensure ongoing low inbreeding but gradual development to the goal of "perfect" breed standard cats by F6. This type of program takes immense patience and dedication. We here at WildPines have chosen to include foundation breeding as the bedrock of our program. Our goal is to provide you with a healthy, vital kitten.
Maine Coon cats are known for their striking appearance, which includes a wide range of colors and patterns. From solid hues to intricate patterns, Maine Coon cats come in various color combinations that add to their unique charm and beauty. Below are some of the most common colors and patterns found in Maine Coon cats:
Solid Colors:
1. Black: Solid black Maine Coon cats have a sleek and elegant appearance. Their fur is uniformly black from head to tail, with no visible markings or patterns.
2. White: White Maine Coon cats have pure white fur with no other color markings in general. Some solid white cats may have a few small marks on the top of their head which fades with time. The color may hint at the color "hidden" under the dominant white gene. Our program does not have deaf cats. BAER hearing testing can be done if requested.
3. Red (Orange): Red or "orange" Maine Coons range from pale ginger to deep orange.
4. Silver or Dilute genes will affect the base color of either black or red producing "smoke" or cream/blueon a solid cat.
Bi-Color and Tri-Color Patterns:
1. Tuxedo: Tuxedo Maine Coon cats have a combination of black and white fur, resembling the appearance of a tuxedo. They typically have a black coat with white markings on the chest, belly, paws, and sometimes the face.
2. Calico: Calico Maine Coon cats have a unique combination of three colors: white, black, and orange (or red). Their fur is predominantly white with patches of black and orange distributed throughout their body.
3. Tortoiseshell (Tortie): Tortoiseshell Maine Coon cats have a mix of black and red (or orange) fur, creating a striking patchwork pattern. Their coat features a blend of black and orange patches with no white markings.
Tabby Patterns:
1. Classic Tabby: Classic tabby Maine Coon cats have bold, swirling patterns on their fur that resemble marble or swirls. The markings are typically darker than the base color of the coat and form distinctive patterns on the body, legs, and tail.
2. Mackerel Tabby: Mackerel tabby Maine Coon cats have narrow, vertical stripes that run parallel along their body, resembling the bones of a fish (hence the name "mackerel"). The stripes are evenly spaced and may extend from the spine to the belly.
3. Spotted Tabby: Spotted tabby Maine Coon cats have circular or oval-shaped spots on their fur, creating a distinctive spotted pattern. The spots can vary in size and distribution, giving each cat a unique appearance.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Maine Coons:
1. **How big do Maine Coon cats get?**
- Maine Coon cats are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds. On average, adult males weigh between 13-18 pounds, while females typically weigh between 8-12 pounds. However, some Maine Coons can weigh even more, with exceptional individuals reaching 30 pounds or more.
2. **What is the temperament of Maine Coon cats?**
- Maine Coon cats are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are typically affectionate, gentle, and good-natured, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and multi-pet households. Maine Coons are also intelligent and adaptable, enjoying interactive play and forming strong bonds with their human family members.
3. **Do Maine Coon cats shed a lot?**
- Yes, Maine Coon cats have a dense double coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily during seasonal changes. Regular grooming, such as brushing their coat weekly, can help minimize shedding and reduce the risk of mats and tangles.
4. **Are Maine Coon cats hypoallergenic?**
- While no cat breed is entirely hypoallergenic, some people with cat allergies may tolerate Maine Coon cats better than others. Maine Coons produce fewer allergens than some other breeds due to their semi-longhaired coats, but individual reactions can vary.
5. **How long do Maine Coon cats live?**
- With proper care, Maine Coon cats typically have a lifespan of 12-15 years or more. Providing a balanced diet, regular veterinary care, exercise, and a safe living environment can help promote a long and healthy life for your Maine Coon.
6. **Do Maine Coon cats get along with other pets?**
- Yes, Maine Coon cats are generally sociable and can get along well with other pets, including dogs and other cats. Early socialization and gradual introductions can help ensure a smooth transition when introducing a Maine Coon cat to other pets in the household. Our kittens grow up with the French Bulldogs, I am not even sure they realize they are different species
7. **What kind of grooming do Maine Coon cats need?**
- Maine Coon cats require regular grooming to keep their semi-longhaired coats in good condition. Weekly brushing with a comb or slicker brush can help remove loose hair, prevent mats and tangles, and distribute natural oils throughout the coat.
CFA stands for the Cat Fanciers' Association, which is one of the world's largest and most influential cat registries. Established in 1906, the CFA is dedicated to the promotion, protection, and improvement of pedigreed cats and the well-being of all cats. Here are some key points about the CFA in the context of cat breeding:
### 1. **Breed Recognition and Standards**
- **Breed Standards:** The CFA establishes and maintains breed standards for recognized cat breeds. These standards outline the ideal physical and temperamental characteristics for each breed, guiding breeders in producing cats that exemplify these traits.
- **Breed Recognition:** The CFA officially recognizes and registers cat breeds. It currently recognizes 44 breeds, each with specific criteria that must be met for a cat to be registered under that breed.
### 2. **Cat Registration**
- **Pedigree Registration:** The CFA provides pedigree registration for purebred cats. Breeders can register their cats and kittens with the CFA, ensuring that their lineage is documented and recognized.
- **Health and Genetics:** Registration with the CFA often involves recording important health and genetic information, helping to maintain the overall health and integrity of the breed.
### 3. **Cat Shows and Competitions**
- **Sanctioned Shows:** The CFA sanctions and organizes cat shows worldwide, where cats compete in various classes and are judged based on breed standards.
- **Titles and Awards:** Cats that perform well in CFA shows can earn titles and awards, which can enhance their reputation and desirability as breeding cats.
### 4. **Breeder Education and Resources**
- **Educational Programs:** The CFA provides educational resources and programs for breeders, helping them to stay informed about best practices in breeding, genetics, health, and care.
- **Breeder Listings:** The CFA offers breeder listings, allowing prospective cat owners to find reputable breeders who adhere to CFA standards and guidelines.
### 5. **Health and Welfare Initiatives**
- **Health Research:** The CFA supports research into feline health issues, aiming to improve the overall health and well-being of cats.
- **Welfare Policies:** The CFA promotes responsible breeding practices and animal welfare, encouraging breeders to prioritize the health and welfare of their cats.
### 6. **Membership and Community**
- **Breeder Membership:** Breeders can become members of the CFA, gaining access to a network of other breeders, resources, and support.
- **Community Engagement:** The CFA fosters a sense of community among cat enthusiasts, breeders, and exhibitors, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration.
In summary, the Cat Fanciers' Association plays a critical role in the cat breeding community by establishing breed standards, providing registration services, organizing cat shows, supporting breeder education, and promoting the health and welfare of cats.
TICA stands for The International Cat Association. It is one of the world's largest cat registries and pedigree cat associations. TICA was founded in 1979 with the mission to promote the welfare, education, and understanding of domesticated and purebred cats.
TICA provides registration services for purebred cats and hosts cat shows and competitions worldwide. It recognizes and registers over 70 breeds of cats, including popular breeds like Maine Coons, Persians, Siamese, and Bengal cats, as well as newer or less common breeds.
In addition to registering and promoting pedigree cats, TICA also supports responsible breeding practices, feline health research, and educational programs for cat enthusiasts, breeders, and exhibitors. TICA-sanctioned cat shows feature various competitions, including breed standards judging, agility trials, and household pet competitions.
Overall, TICA plays a significant role in the global cat fancy community, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, promoting cat welfare, and celebrating the beauty and diversity of pedigree cats.