Ok, so Maine Coon’s sale or return is tongue in cheek, but it’s to make a serious point. When you find a Maine Coon cat for sale that seems like a perfect match, it’s easy to let emotions take over.
In my opinion, it’s vital to understand the “Sale or Return” policy that many breeders adopt. Here’s what you need to know:
What is ‘Sale or Return’?
Breeders who follow the “Sale or Return” policy allow clients to return the cat within a given time frame if specific requirements, often relating to the cat’s health or temperament, aren’t satisfied.
This gives potential purchasers some peace of mind by preventing them from being stuck with a cat that might not be a suitable fit for their home.
Even though you ‘know’ you’ve found the right one for you there are still quite a few important checks you’ll need to carry out.
Why do breeders offer this policy?
Breeders that are responsible truly care about the welfare of their cats. They are aware that occasionally, despite their greatest efforts, a match may not work out.
By having this policy, we can make sure that cats are adopted into loving homes where they may flourish.
Maine Coons, like all other pets, are not created equal. Even cats of the same breed with established pedigrees are still unique of course. Not all cats are the same ‘quality’ even from the same litter.
Some are healthier than others. The personality will vary and physical features may look similar when kittens are very young but offer clues to how they will develop.
Investment in Finding the Right Kitten:
The investment of time and money is significant to go to the effort of taking a time to find the healthy and gorgeous kitten you really want.
Concise Considerations for Purchase:
When considering a purchase, especially if tempted by multiple options, keep it concise. Remember, you might only need one or two items.
Before finalizing your decision, here are 3 crucial factors to examine:
1. A Registered Cattery
Registered Cattery and Cat Shows:
You’ll want to know if the breeder has a registered cattery and if they show their cats. This is important as it shows a commitment to the breed and the community of owners, breeders, and judges.
They collectively share knowledge about health issues and work to maintain the Maine Coon breed’s integrity and strength.
Breeders’ Contribution to the Community:
Anyone who isn’t actively contributing to the Maine Coon breeding community might have valid reasons. However, understanding this is crucial to gauge who you’re dealing with.
An important addition to this is to understand that buying a kitten from a breeder who shows, is that kittens are far more likely to breed for temperament on the basis that shows cats have to relax, happy around people and not timid.
2. Breeding Standards
Checking for Inbreeding:
Investigate signs of inbreeding. You can easily do this with reputable breeders by asking to see the pedigree and identifying whether close relatives have been bred together.
This doesn’t necessarily cause a problem but most breeders you talk to will not recommend this as the healthiest form of breeding for the cats.
Titles and Recognition of Ancestry:
Ask about the titles the kitten’s parents have been awarded and check back through the lineage to find out if there are champion grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.
This is significant because it tells you that impartial experts have judged the breed standards running through the lines over time.
3. Health Problems
Be as confident as you can you are buying a healthy cat from a reputable cattery with a good breeding history before agreeing a Maine Coon sale.
Most breeders offer returns within a specified period for problematic kittens. However, the emotional stress from a sick kitten isn’t easily relieved by a refund or return.
There are never any guarantees as such but you can do your research and minimize your chances of being unlucky.
All pedigreed animals have some potential inherited health risks. Reputable breeders will talk openly about breeder health issues. Because they will be working on breeding programs designed to prevent problems in their litters.
If you are talking to someone who wants to see you a cat and doesn’t acknowledge health risks in Maine Coons, you may view this as a red flag.
How to Reduce Returns?
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Research the Breed | Understand the Maine Coon’s temperament, size, grooming needs, and health concerns. |
| Visit the Breeder | Spend time with the kittens and assess their health and behavior. Determine which kitten is the best fit for your family. |
| Post-purchase Support | Many breeders offer guidance after the sale. This support can be invaluable, especially for first-time Maine Coon owners. |
Finding the right Maine Coon for sale at the right time and price for you. It can take a little time but I promise from personal experience it is worth it.
Next>>>Tips and Information if you’re looking for that special Maine Coon kitten for sale