Every ethical breeder aims to refine and preserve their breed. We achieve this by selecting exceptional breeding cats and sterilizing those that do not meet our selection criteria. Retiring breeders from a program is a healthy and essential practice. Even though we love them dearly, not all Maine Coons are suited for breeding, and this in no way diminishes their value.
Here you will find all our former breeding candidates who have been retired.
Our retired queens & kings
To understand this process, we must first explain what we look for in a breeding cat.
Our future breeding cats are carefully selected. We seek candidates that are healthy, align with the Maine Coon breed standard, and possess an ideal temperament.
Physical Characteristics
Our first selection criterion is based on the desired physical traits of the Maine Coon. We look for a strong square profile, a well-defined muzzle, properly positioned ears, prominent ear tufts, a soft facial expression, a rectangular body structure, and colors that align with breed standards. You can learn more about the physical characteristics we seek in one of our informative capsules.
Temperament
Secondly, we evaluate the temperament of our breeding cats. The well-being of each feline is crucial at this stage. Some Maine Coons are not suited for communal living and may be more timid in their environment. To ensure our kittens grow into well-balanced and confident companions, we must have stable, well-adjusted breeding cats, as their temperament will influence their offspring. That’s why we prioritize socializing all our breeding cats and integrating them into our home environment. By feeling safe and secure, they can pass on the best possible lessons to their kittens.
Health
Thirdly, health is our top priority! All our breeding cats undergo DNA tests, blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds to certify their overall health. While no breeder can guarantee that every kitten will be 100% healthy, these precautions significantly increase our chances of producing strong, healthy litters.
Only after successfully meeting all these criteria do we expand our breeding family.
We may also decide to retire a male or female based on their age or after a litter, always prioritizing their well-being above all else.
Our Retired Breeders Gallery is for informational purposes only and does not disclose the specific reasons for a cat’s retirement. The removal of a breeder from our program does not reflect negatively on the cattery they originated from—it simply means that this particular Maine Coon did not meet our specific selection criteria. We wish all our retired breeders a wonderful life filled with love and happiness!
