Maine Coon FAQ | Health Testing, Pricing, Delivery & More — Dashing Coons

Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Ballwin, Missouri — right in the St. Louis metro. Local pickup is always welcome. Text us at (618) 973-6926 to schedule a visit or ask about your location.

Question 2

Are you a legitimate breeder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dashing Coons is TICA-registered, listed on the TICA breeder directory, and publicly present on official social media. We welcome live video calls so you can see your kitten in real time, and in-person visits by appointment. We encourage buyers to verify any breeder before sending a deposit — including us.

Question 3

How can I verify Dashing Coons before sending a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Three steps: (1) Confirm our TICA registration on the TICA breeder directory. (2) Confirm our official social media pages match our brand. (3) Schedule a live video call or in-person visit. We do not pressure buyers and prefer confident, educated families.

Question 4

What health testing is done on your breeding cats?

Accepted Answer

Every breeding cat is DNA-screened through UC Davis VGL and/or Wisdom Panel Optimal Selection for HCM, SMA, and PKDef. Current panels are being refreshed in 2026. Dated reports go to serious buyers on request. Board-certified echocardiograms (Dr. Cecilia Marshall, DACVIM, VSS Manchester) and OFA/PawPeds hips are part of the rebuild — we will not claim those are complete until the reports are in hand. A cardiologist echocardiogram (Dr. Cecilia Marshall, DACVIM) and OFA/PawPeds hip screening are currently in progress.

Question 5

Does DNA testing mean my kitten is guaranteed healthy?

Accepted Answer

No. DNA testing identifies specific known mutations — but the UC Davis A31P test only detects that one HCM mutation, and a cat without it can still develop HCM. That is why we are completing an echocardiogram. DNA reduces risk; it does not eliminate it. Ethical breeding combines genetic testing, echos, and veterinary oversight.

Question 6

Do kittens receive veterinary exams before going home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All kittens go home vet checked, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, and with documented health records. We recommend a follow-up veterinary exam within 72 hours of pickup to establish care and activate your health guarantee.

Question 7

What is a European Maine Coon?

Accepted Answer

European Maine Coons are the same breed as American Maine Coons but developed along more extreme lines by breeders in Russia, Ukraine, and Scandinavia. They tend to have taller ears with more pronounced lynx tufts, higher cheekbones, a squarer muzzle, heavier bone structure, and larger adult size. Our sire Cyrus carries imported bloodlines from Russia and Ukraine.

Question 8

How big do European Maine Coons get?

Accepted Answer

Males from European lines typically reach 18 to 25 pounds at full maturity. Females typically reach 10 to 15 pounds. Maine Coons mature slowly — most do not reach full adult size until 3 to 4 years of age. Do not be surprised if your kitten is still visibly growing at age 2.

Question 9

What is a smoke Maine Coon?

Accepted Answer

Smoke refers to a coat with dark tipping and a lighter silver undercoat. The contrast is visible when the coat moves or is parted. We specialize in black smoke, blue smoke, tortie smoke, and smoke with white. Smoke kittens are born nearly solid and reveal the silver undercoat gradually over the first 6 to 12 months.

Question 10

Will my smoke kitten change as they grow?

Accepted Answer

Yes — significantly. Smoke kittens are born nearly solid and look very different from their adult selves. The silver undercoat becomes visible around 6 to 12 weeks and continues to develop through the first year. Early photos will not show the full smoke effect. Maine Coons also mature slowly in coat and size.

Question 11

What is a polydactyl Maine Coon?

Accepted Answer

A polydactyl cat has extra toes, caused by a dominant mutation in the Pd gene. One copy is enough to produce extra toes. Approximately 50% of our kittens are polydactyl. The trait is cosmetic and not harmful when responsibly bred. Extra toes mean extra nails — routine trimming is important. Polydactyl and non-polydactyl kittens are priced the same.

Question 12

How much do your kittens cost?

Accepted Answer

Our kittens are priced between $3,500 and $4,000 depending on the individual kitten — coat color, sex, structure, and whether breeding rights are included all factor in. Polydactyl and non-polydactyl kittens are priced the same. Pricing reflects TICA registration, UC Davis genetic testing, full veterinary care, in-home socialization, and lifetime breeder support.

Question 13

What is the deposit?

Accepted Answer

A $1,000 deposit reserves your kitten. It is non-refundable if you change your mind, but it is fully applied toward your total — it is the first payment, not an added fee. It also activates your written health guarantee. Payment is processed through Intuit QuickBooks. Reservations are first-come, first-served — first deposit, first pick.

Question 14

Do you offer breeding rights?

Accepted Answer

Yes — to approved programs only, for a small additional fee. Breeding placements require alignment with responsible breeding standards and health testing expectations. Kittens sold with breeding rights receive the same full UC Davis genetic panel as our breeding cats. All breeding placements are discussed individually.

Question 15

How does the reservation process work?

Accepted Answer

Text us at (618) 973-6926 to start the conversation. We then offer a live video call so you can see your kitten in real time. A $1,000 deposit through Intuit QuickBooks officially reserves your spot. You receive photo and video updates through go-home day. Kittens go home at 10 to 12 weeks.

Question 16

Can I visit in person?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We welcome in-person visits by appointment — you can meet the parents, see where the kittens are raised, and ask every question you have face to face. Local pickup in Ballwin is always our first preference. Many families also do a video call before committing, then visit in person before go-home day.

Question 17

When do your kittens go home?

Accepted Answer

Our typical go-home window is 10 to 12 weeks of age. Kittens go home once they are fully weaned, eating consistently, litterbox trained, stable in weight, vet cleared, and up to date on vaccinations. If a kitten would benefit from additional time, we hold longer. Health always comes first.

Question 18

Do you ship kittens?

Accepted Answer

No. Your kitten always travels with Samuel personally — never shipped, never in cargo. Local pickup in Ballwin, Missouri is always the first preference. For families outside the area, personal hand-delivery can often be arranged. Longer distances are handled case by case. Text (618) 973-6926 to discuss your location.

Question 19

What are your delivery options?

Accepted Answer

Local pickup in Ballwin is always welcome. For families in the surrounding region — Chicago, Nashville, Indianapolis, Louisville, and nearby — personal hand-delivery can often be arranged. For families further out, travel for placement is typically possible and we discuss the details individually. Your kitten always travels with us personally.

Question 20

Are your kittens TICA registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dashing Coons is a TICA-registered cattery, and our kittens are placed with proper documentation consistent with TICA registration practices. You will receive TICA registration paperwork, health and vaccination records, pedigree information, and a written health guarantee.

Question 21

What paperwork do I receive?

Accepted Answer

You will receive: TICA registration paperwork, health records from birth through placement, pedigree information, age-appropriate vaccination records, a pre-placement veterinary exam certificate, and a written health guarantee. Kittens sold with breeding rights receive the same full UC Davis genetic panel as our breeding cats.

Question 22

How are your kittens raised?

Accepted Answer

Our kittens are raised inside our home — not in a separate facility or outdoor building. They receive daily hands-on handling from birth, early social exposure, household stimulation, and structured interaction. The sensitive socialization window in kittens occurs very early (approximately 2 to 9 weeks), and we prioritize positive experiences during that time.

Question 23

What is Maine Coon temperament like?

Accepted Answer

Maine Coons are known as gentle giants — typically affectionate, social, confident, and adaptable. They tend to get along well with children, other cats, and dogs. Temperament comes from both genetics and early environment. We prioritize both in our program.

Question 24

What are red flags of kitten scams?

Accepted Answer

Be cautious of: prices that seem too good to be true, refusal to do live video, requests for gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers, high-pressure tactics, and full payment demanded before verification. We will never refuse reasonable verification requests. We encourage buyers to verify any breeder before placing a deposit — including us.

Question 25

Do you offer support after placement?

Accepted Answer

We remain available to our families for the life of the cat. Whether you have questions about nutrition, grooming, growth expectations, health, or behavior — we are here. We also ask that families contact us first if they ever need to rehome their cat. We do not support surrendering to shelters without breeder involvement.

Question 26

What should I buy before bringing my Maine Coon kitten home?

Accepted Answer

Have these ready before pickup: a large litter box (Maine Coons outgrow standard boxes quickly — a 40-gallon storage tub works well), unscented clumping litter, a tall sturdy cat tree, horizontal and vertical scratching posts, a filtered water fountain, high-quality wet food (ask us what your kitten has been eating), a wide-tooth comb or slicker brush, a carrier with a soft blanket, and interactive wand toys.

Question 27

How do I join the waitlist or reserve a kitten?

Accepted Answer

Text us at (618) 973-6926 or fill out the inquiry form on our Contact page. Tell us what you are looking for — color, sex, personality, timing, and whether you are interested in pet or breeding placement. Once we confirm a good match, a $1,000 deposit reserves your spot. Payment is processed through Intuit QuickBooks.

Question 28

Can I reserve a kitten from a future litter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We maintain a waitlist for upcoming litters. Families on the waitlist receive first pick when kittens are born and ready for selection. Reach out through our contact form or text us to get on the list for a specific pairing or litter.

Maine Coon Kitten FAQ

About Dashing Coons

Health and Genetic Testing

What is a European Maine Coon?

Smoke Coat and Polydactyl Traits

Pricing and Deposits

Our Process

Delivery and Travel

TICA Registration and Papers

Socialization and Temperament

Scam Prevention

Lifetime Support

What to Buy Before Your Kitten Comes Home

How to Join the Waitlist

We Are Happy to Help