Breeding expense

Breeding Expense

Hello, everyone showing interest in my beautiful babies. I've had a few people stating that they just want a pet. They sometimes don't even care if their pet has papers. They think anything over $400 is way too much money. I want to give some education on what it takes to be a good, ethical breeder and the expenses we incur to have beautiful little Maine Coon Kittens. People get shocked when they hear that our kittens cost between $2000 and $5000 quite frankly anything less does not even cover the expenses we incur. Also, we are breeding Euroline Maine Coons and not Americanline Maine Coons. Our Queens and Studs are imported.   
  
The following is why we charge what we do.  
Breeders pay double this amount for a quality Maine Coon with Breeding Rights. Then comes Genetic Testing. We test for HCM a Fatal Heart Condition. We test for SMA, Spinal Muscular Atrophy specific to Maine Coons. We test for PK Deficiency (Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency). A known blood disorder in Maine Coons. We also test our cats for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease). A disease that can cause kidney failure. We don't want to pass this on to our kittens. These tests aren't cheap.  We have to test both males and females to make sure they are free and clear of these genetic defects. If any cat doesn't pass with flying colors guess what happens? They get Spayed/Neutered. We never recoup that cost.   
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Now that's all just the beginning. Once the female queen is pregnant. Guess what? The expenses don't stop. They have vet visits which sometimes require X-Rays, that isn’t free. Then the day comes, and we have kittens. We could only have 1 or 2 kittens and we never make enough to cover what we have spent, or it could be 6 healthy kittens. The expenses still don't stop at this point. Good breeders pay for shots on your new kittens. I've also had emergency C-Sections which can cost $2500 or more. Plus, you have got to include high-quality cat food, litter, housing, breeding equipment, other emergencies, etc. We had to build a special building for our Stud breeders because once they hit puberty they spray. It's such a strong odor you do not want that all over your house. Also, I include a two-year genetic health guarantee on all our kittens. You will not see a backyard breeder give you anything close to that. Plus, you have to consider federal, state, and sales tax that has to be turned in.  
Yes, you can find kittens for a lot less with a backyard breeder, but this is why you don't want to deal with that kind of breeder. They may sell their kittens between $400 and $800, but they don't test their Breeding Cats and most of the time they don't even work with Pure Breed Maine Coons. You are purchasing a highly inflated cat that is a mix-breed. I encourage everyone looking for a quality cat to do their homework. Make sure your breeder is doing all they can to bring you a healthy pure breed kitten. A good breeder makes even less than these backyard breeders do in the grand scheme of things. Remember you get what you pay for!! Pay for something nice!!! If you still feel that way, then you are honestly looking in the wrong places. Shelters have plenty of babies needing homes too!! If you're here because you're thinking, we breeders are making Bank and you just have to have a Breeding Pair so that you can too. What are your plans? Are you planning to be an ethical Breeder, or are you planning to be a Back Yard Breeder?  
  
With inflation, everything has gone up in price which means breeding is even more expensive. Shipping cats alone has doubled in price.   
   
There is a whole lot more that goes on around here that I have not stated like. It's a 24/7 job which can also be very emotional as well. We love this breed and take pride in what we do. 

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HOW MUCH DOES A PUREBRED CAT COST??
(written by Gregory Joseph)
I read this and say this is a very true post:
POTENTIAL OWNER: How much does a purebred kitten cost?
BREEDER: $2200-$4500
POTENTIAL OWNER: What?? This is way too expensive!!
BREEDER: What do you think a reasonable price would be?
POTENTIAL OWNER: No more than 800. You breeders are overrated.
BREEDER: I am sorry you see it this way; why don't you try it yourself?
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I've never done this!
BREEDER: I can teach you this for FREE and also you will have the knowledge to do it again.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Perfect, Thank you!
BREEDER: To get started you need a female (average minimum cost 3500 and above). Also male (average minimum cost 3500 and up). You will have to genetically health test them, which is averaging of around 1500+ per cat per year. Raise and provide daily care, feeding and trimming for a minimum 3 years (250+ a month per cat) Don't forget the litter and toys and cat trees that need to be replaced every so often (So a minimum of 100 per month per cat)
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...
BREEDER: For 1500 you can raise a litter for me and then keep one of the kittens. Of course you also have to pay hatching and care costs.
POTENTIAL HOMER: I can do that.
BREEDER: OK so I have a female cat due in 2 weeks. You must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for at least 14 weeks to assist with delivery and childcare. Alternatively feed kittens with a tube or bottle every 2-3 hours if mom is low on milk for the first few weeks. Don't forget the constant cleaning, toys, cattery room supplies, enclosures, litter and food purchasing and cleaning products and trash bags, gloves etc. (Minimum 250+ a month per kitten)
OWNER: Fourteen weeks?? It's taking way too much time for me! I must work .
BREEDER: You will also need a reproductive vet to do x-rays (200-500), possibly a progesterone test (75-250) and a C-section (1000-3000) and preliminary vet care of the kitten until he is big enough to be placed. Have a weight, thermometer, latex gloves, disinfectant, suction wipes, scissors, hemostats, heating pad, crib, blankets, cleaning products, the appropriate supplementary food for mothers, modified milk, medicines and hand feeding products in case of emergencies. You have to be available for vet visits and care, and following up for routine care and any issue that may arise. Vet care ranges anywhere from 80-200 per kitten per visit, plus 250-500 per spay/neuter.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have all those things! Umm... You know, I think it would be better if I just got a kitten.
BREEDER: A wise decision.
For us breeders, there are no days off or holidays; while you visit family and friends, we are at home by our cats caring for them. It's a commitment without breaks.
THIS IS THE REALITY.
By choosing a professional, you pay not only for a kitten, but also: tools, knowledge, experience, love, time, sacrifices, etc.