• Our cattery is disease free, including all known viruses eg Cat Flu; young kittens that have had an episode of one of the cat flu viruses can be left with permanent damage and long-term health problems.
• Our cattery is corona free (a gastrointestinal virus found in most catteries that can cause fatal complications in the future). Research has shown that the older a kitten is when it is first exposed to corona the less likely it is to develop the fatal, untreatable complication known as FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)
• Our cattery is tested giardia free. Giardia is a common problem in catteries and can result in a "delicate" stomach for the rest of the cats life.
  
• We test for known genetic defects.
• We are prepared to show potential owners the official test results
  
• Our kittens are brought up in the home and are well socialised with people and other cats.
• We select our breeding cats for temperament and health first, followed by looks to ensure pet owners get the companion they dream of.
• We feed our cats and kittens premium top quality food, both dry and raw, to get optimum growth and health.
• We have written health guarantees.
• We provide lifetime backup for pet owners and their cats.

When you buy a kitten you are adding a member to your family — one that will hopefully be with you for many years. Although it may sound clinical you should be doing all you can to ensure that the kitten you select will be what you want and not cause you any heartbreak by becoming ill or dying from preventable problems.

The things you need to consider are:

1. The breed characteristics
2. The health of the cat
3. The individual personality
4. The training of the cat
5. Guarantees of health
6. The breeder

Ask if the parents of the kitten have been tested and at what age. Breeders need to test their breeding cats regularly for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. One test does not mean the cat has a good heart, things change over time. Don't be afraid to ask to see documents that prove the cats have been tested. Ask if there have been any adverse test results in the background of the kitten; parents grandparents etc. Don't just take it on face value if you are told that "we test for health problems". Ask which problems and what the results were. Don't assume that because a website discusses health testing that it means their cats are actually tested.

If you are looking at other breeds ask what diseases are found in the breed. Be wary if the answer is "none”. Ask other breeders and do some searching on the internet. There are often email groups you can join to learn more about various breeds.

Acquired Diseases.

Corona virus is a virus found in up to 97% of breeding catteries and most rescue shelters. Corona virus is not fatal, but in 5-10% of kittens exposed to the virus it mutates to the fatal, untreatable disease FIP—Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Very few catteries are corona virus free. (Our cattery is tested clear of corona and we maintain an ongoing testing program to ensure we remain corona free)

Giardia and Tritrichomonas are parasites commonly found in groups of animals and can be transmitted to humans. Kittens infected with these parasites in the critical early weeks of life can, in the future develop untreatable, chronic sensitive stomach and irritable bowel.

You will get a feel for the breeder, whether they care about the kittens or just want to make a sale. Look for things like the type of food they use, what their contract covers, how they communicate with you as well as what testing they do, how the cats are kept and whether they show. A good breeder will show their cats to ensure they are breeding within the breed standard. Even if it doesn't worry you if your kitten isn't show quality the breeder should have knowledge of what makes up a true to type cat. Visit if you can and ask to see all the cats, not just the kittens. Do they look healthy and well cared for? Are they kept caged in poor conditions? Do they seem lethargic or have obvious signs of illness such as runny eyes or diarrhea.

Good luck in finding a kitten, remember cats are not disposable items. When you buy one it is your responsibility for the rest of its life. Choose carefully now and be prepared to wait for the right kitten.

Pricing of our Maine Coon kittens

Kittens are $900-950 (ordinary foot kittens)
Polydactyl kittens are $1100-$1200

These prices include vaccinations, vet checks, de-sexing and food, litter and toys. Microchipping is an extra $50. The kittens are registered and will be transferred into the new owners names. As we are located near Christchurch, buyers outside this area may want to have their kittens shipped. Please contact u,s or Air New Zealand for a price.

Sometimes we have retired breeding cats available at reduced prices.

Policies: We do not sell to homes on busy roads, we expect cats to be inside or have access to the house during the day and to be shut inside at night for their protection.

Terms and Conditions

1. No legally binding or enforcable contract of sale arises until the seller and the purchaser have each entered into and executed a written sale and purchase contract that specifically identifies the kitten to be purchased by microchip number, date of birth, physical appearance and sex.
2. Up until the time the written sale and purchase contract is executed by the parties the seller reserves all rights to refuse to proceed with the sale of any kitten without provision of any explanation.
3. Prior to entering into the written sale and purchase contract, prospective buyers may be required to pay a reservation fee. Payment of this fee does not give rise to any legally enforceable rights regarding acquisition of a kitten. The fee does no more than to assure the prospective buyer a place on the seller's list of potential buyers.