Please read through the frequently asked questions. All inquiries sent through the kitten application below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
- Noblesville, Indiana
Who are you registered with?
- I am registered with Tica. The cattery name is WILDCATCREEK and my name is Crystal Rhine. You can call to confirm. Tica no longer allows you to look up Catteries on their website which is a great idea as to help prevent scams. The only catteries you will see on Tica are ones who pay for advertising. All other catteries you will need to call and confirm. But as stated above, always research more than just calling Tica. Some people will go to extremes to steal your money and break your heart.
- A note from Tica: Some individuals were using the cattery list to falsify documents to look like one of the catteries listed on TICA's website.
What kind of cats do you breed?
- I specialize in Euroline Maine Coons only. Most of our breeders were imported by Russia, some are born here, or I work closely with breeders who also import their Maine Coons.
Do you breed other types of cats?
- We do not breed any other type of cats.
What are your prices?
Do you sell breeding rights?
- No I do not sell breeding rights.
Do you stud out your males?
- This could potently bring in viruses to my cattery and harm our cats. I will not stud out any of my males ever.
Are your cats health DNA tested?
- We test our cats through Optimal Selection. Optimal Selection tests for 40+ health genetics which our cats are all negative for. Our cats are also tested through our vet for Feline Leukemia (FeLV)/ Feline AIDS (FIV) and negative.
- All Maine Coons in a breeding program should be DNA tested for Congenital HCM, PKD, and SMA. Congenital HCM is a congenital heart defect found in 3 out of every 10 untested Maine Coons. Do not let any breeder talk you into thinking that their adult cats do not need this DNA test. This is regardless of whether they had the ECHO. The ECHO only lets you know if there is a current heart issue, an ECHO will not reveal if they carry the gene for it and if they will develop it later or pass it down to kittens. Congenital HCM will show up between 1 and 4 years old (on average) and it is not curable. Both parents need to be tested to ensure that the kitten does not have the Congenital HCM gene. Have the breeder provide proof of DNA testing if needed.
Do you ship your cats?
- We do not offer cargo shipping due to USDA regulations. It's illegal to ship cargo if you have more than 4 breeding females. It's also very stressful on them and there is no one watch them. They are under the plane with luggage.
- We do not personally deliver our cats to your home. You will need to make arrangements to get your kitten.
- I do offer nanny flight services.
Who is your Veterinarian?
- I use more than one vet depending on our cats needs.
Visitor and Pick-up Policy?
- We are a closed cattery for the health of our cats. This is also our home as well. We have plenty of pictures and videos of the parents and kittens, cattery, and past families who have received kittens from us on this website. Our home is also our "cattery." Therefore, we do not conduct cattery tours, allowing the public onto our property and into our home "just to check out how large our baby kittens are" or "to see European Maine Coons for the first time". This would put our kittens at risk for outside diseases as they are not yet fully immunized. Although visiting kittens is fun, there is no health benefit or bonding that occurs from the visit. Your kitten will quickly bond to you and your family once you have them home. This also can bring on stress to our mothers when bringing strangers to see their kittens or almost due. My first priority is making sure my cats are in a stress free atmosphere. All of our cats/ kittens are well socialized with adults, children, cats, and dogs.
- The only time I allow visitors is when they are picking up their kitten. Families will have the opportunity to see the cattery/catio.
How big does your cats get?
- European Maine Coons usually stop growing around age 4 to 5 years old. It's based on their genetics how much they will weigh by then. Females can be around 15 lbs and males around 25 lbs. Past families have told us their female was already 20 lbs or their male was close to 30 lbs. It's really their length than weight that makes them large. Our breeders are not fixed so their weights are going to be different than a pets. We do have a few fixed cats here and their fur is much fuller and weigh more. Once our breeders are spayed/neutered it takes about 6 months for their fluff to come in.
Do you declaw your cats?
- None of our cats we have are declawed. It's inhumane and can cause pain and behavioral issues. I have suggestions of cat scratching posts, toys, etc under "Favorite Products." The contract that comes with your kitten will state it will not be declawed. If they are the contract, is null and void.
- Do not contact me if you plan to declaw your kitten/cat. I will not change my mind unless it has become a medical issue. Which I will request to see a written note from your vet.
- To learn more click the button below.
Will the kittens eyes stay blue?
- All kittens are born with blue eyes but none of ours will keep that color. It can take up to a year before your kitten's eye color to stop changing. Their eye color will be a gold or green. We do not have any breeders with the gene for the blue eye color.
Can I purchase a kitten as a gift?
- If the kitten is living in your home and it's a gift to the family yes they can be sold as a gift. If you plan to give away the kitten then no. The person who signs the kitten contract is the one who is responsible for the kitten. Kitten Health Contract is not transferable. This is a huge commitment for 12-15 years or longer.
- If you need to sign for a parent, contact me further.
Can my Maine Coon go outside?
- Maine Coons have been bred for years to be an indoor animal. They can only go outside if you have them in a harness with a leash or a catio to stay safe. They cannot roam outside. If you plan to get one of my kittens to put outdoors you will need to look elsewhere. Reputable breeders will not let you have a kitten knowing you will let it roam outdoors. Here is a link about why it's harmful to cats and how to safely have them go outside with you.
How do I introduce my cat/dog to the new kitten?
- When you get home it's best to have a room ready for your kitten to themselves. Have their food, water, litter, toys, bed, etc. in there with them. Everything is new and scary so expect the first few days to not be quite themselves. They can check each other out between the doors and then slowly introduce them to each other. Usually it's a quick transition for your kitten. It's much easier for them than an older cat to adjust.
- Always quarantine a new pet away from other animals for a minimum of 10 days.
Photo Gallery
Testimony
You will see lots of testimonies on social media, but I also have some on my website. You can check them out by clicking the black box below.
Where do you post the kittens?
The litters will be posted on their own page to watch them grow up. Each litter will have a date when they will be vet checked. After their appointment, I will start contacting families on the VIP deposit list. If any become available, they will be posted publicly saying available. It's rare that I have kittens past gotcha day. To see the litters click the box below.
What to expect on gotcha day (pick-up day):
What are your favorite products?
Food:
- Purina Pro Plan
- I send home their food to help with any tummy issues. If you want to change to a completely different brand, slowly mix the kitten foods together for two weeks to help any tummy issues or diarrhea. I also feed other Purina wet food for variety.
- Maine Coon kittens need kitten food till about 18 months old. They are a slow growing breed and need the calories. It's best to free feed to make sure they are getting enough calories. They grow a ton and then slow down between 12 to 18 months old but continue to grow till about 4 to 5 years old. I also give our cats wet food daily. You do not have to feed them wet daily. That's up to you. When I'm introducing new kittens food, I start out with wet food.
Litter:
- Arm and Hammer is our go to for litter.
Litter boxes:
- Stainless Steel litter boxes.
- For more recommendations for your cat, click the picture above or click the black box below and it will take you to Amazon with our favorite products.
Colors of Maine Coon Kittens
Female and Males can be the colors above.
Females only can be the colors above.
Males only can be the colors above.
*any colors can be polydactyl.
To see and read more about Maine Coon colors click the link below.
To see and read more about Maine Coon colors click the link below.
Pick-up, Delivery, Flight Nanny Services
Here are some questions to help determine if a Maine Coon is the right pet for you:
1. Lifestyle
1. Lifestyle
- Do you have enough time to dedicate to grooming, socializing, and playing with your kitten daily?
- Are you home enough to provide the attention a Maine Coon needs or will someone else be able to care for them during your absence
- Maine Coons are very social. They do best in twos. If you are gone quite a bit, having two bonded will be best as they will have each other.
- Do you have enough space in your home for a large breed cat? Maine Coons grow to be quite big and need room to roam and play.
- Are you okay with adding cat trees or climbing spaces to your home?
- Do you enjoy a social and interactive pet? Maine Coons are known for being people-oriented and often act more like dogs than typical cats.
- Are you prepared for a playful, sometimes mischievous, kitten with high energy?
- You have to remember, Maine Coon kittens are very playful and as they get older, they are just a big kitten. They will look like an adult, but they are not. They will be heavier and stronger. Another reason they do best in twos because they will have another Maine coon to keep up with their energy and size.
- Are you able to afford the initial purchase, high-quality food, regular veterinary care, and unexpected medical expenses?
- Maine Coons require professional grooming at times and being a full-blooded pet vs a mix, they might require more vet visits. I breed for health and temperament, but I also can't control life. Just like people. Sometimes things can arise unexpectedly.
- Having pet insurance is a great idea. All of our kittens come home with free 30-day pet insurance.
- Are you financially prepared for this?
- Does anyone in your household have allergies to cats? Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic.
- Are you ready for the long-term responsibility of owning a cat? Maine Coons can live 12–15 years or more.
- Do you have plans for your kitten’s care during vacations or emergencies?
- Do you have other pets? Maine Coons typically get along with other cats, dogs, and even small children, but early socialization is essential.
- Are you ready to properly introduce the kitten to other pets to avoid stress for everyone?
How to spot a scammer. They are everywhere and always trying new things but there will always be ways to make sure you are talking to a real breeder. Read below...
How to spot a scammer?
- Ask for their name, location, Cattery name, and which organization they are registered with. You can call Tica or CFA to confirm the information is correct and they are registering the kittens. I'm registered with Tica and they no longer allow just anyone to look on their website for Catteries. Too many people were stealing names so they took it down. A few catteries are listed on Tica's website but those are ones who pay for advertisement. There are several catteries on there but you will have to call Tica and confirm. www.tica.org
- Some scammers will use cattery names that are easily recognizable. Even after contacting Tica or CFA, find them on social media and make sure the same email and/or phone number is the same.
- Ask for their vet information, google it to make sure it's a real place, and call them. My vet information is further down on this page.
- If you can't follow your money do not trust them. If they only accept Walmart to Walmart, Money Gram, Western Union, etc that is how you cannot follow your money. Once it's gone it's gone. However, if you are purchasing from another country that will be different. I import mine and have to use Western Union or Money Gram. In the states I would never use them.
- If they are pushy that's a red flag. Real breeders care where their kittens go.
- If the price is too good to be true it probably is. Breeding correctly is very expensive.
- If they have a generic name on their website or Facebook page that's a red flag too. A breeder is proud of their Cattery name. They will not have Maine Coons for Sale or Maine Coons for Cheap or anything along these lines. They will use their Cattery name.
- Look at pictures and they should all be very similar. If they have multiple backgrounds, I would be leery of stolen pictures.
- Scammers usually post several kittens of all different colors and say they are the same age. Most do not realize certain parents cannot produce certain colors. Breeders never have that many kittens available at once at the same age either.
- On Facebook, once they scam someone, they have to make a whole new page. They will not have very many followers either. You should always go through their page and see if other families are posting pictures that have received kittens. (ETA: I've seen some scammers have more followers than me recently on Facebook. My Facebook page is now verified with a blue check to confirm I'm a real person/breeder.)
- Also on my Facebook page, I have scammers posting under people's comments all the time. I've been able to have them automatically blocked but sometimes they somehow come through. If you are on a breeders page and a random person comments they have Maine Coon kittens, it's a scammer. Breeders do not go to other breeders pages and do that.
- Blue check mark on their social media proves they are a legit breeder. I have a blue check mark on my Facebook account and Instagram account.
- You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok @wildcatcreekcattery. I do have other social media accounts I do not post often on. Which are Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Lemon8, Snapchat, and rednote.
- Websites are similar and they are always making new ones with stolen pictures. They usually like to steal pictures from Russian breeders but they will use ones they find in the states as well.
- One family, that I know of, thought they were getting a kitten from me. Someone stole one of my pictures. The family did get a kitten but it was not a Maine Coon and was very ill. They came with falsified vet records and no registration papers. Unfortunately, that kitten didn't make it. It's very heart breaking, and I will never understand how a person could do that to someone.
- A reputable breeder will not have issues answering these questions. You can also be scammed by just talking to the person on the phone or seeing a video. It's wise to always do your research before committing to a Breeder.
- Google the breeder, cattery, and find their social media.
- Make sure you do your homework before deciding on a breeder!
