Our Journey to the Maine Coon

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Our path to finding a Maine Coon kitten was not an easy one. It was filled with heartbreak—my very first kitten was sick and passed away—and financial loss when we were scammed out of money trying to find one. Those painful beginnings, however, set the stage for something greater. They taught us an important truth: when you know better, you can do better.

 

That is why we set out on this journey with a promise to ourselves and to you: to create something better. Because when we finally found the most precious breed of cats, we knew we had discovered something worth sharing. From that moment on, our mission became clear—to bring these extraordinary Maine Coons to you with honesty, care, and love.

 

Why We Do What We Do

When you bring home a Maine Coon, you’re not just adopting a kitten—you’re making a financial investment, and with that comes an expectation of trust and excellence from your breeder. We understand this deeply. Our own journey has given us hard-earned wisdom, and it’s our joy to use that experience to help you fulfill your dream of welcoming a Maine Coon into your life.

We believe in quality over quantity. Every pairing, every litter, every kitten is thoughtfully planned with health, temperament, and legacy in mind.

 

The Maine Coon breed was nearly lost in the 1970s. It was only through the dedication of passionate breeders that these magnificent cats were preserved. Today, we carry that same torch of preservation—protecting and celebrating the breed so that generations to come can experience the wonder of the Maine Coon.

 

Our Commitment to Your Peace of Mind

There are many things we can prepare for—and some things that are simply out of our control. That is why we’ve made it our mission to do better for our families and our kittens.

 

Every kitten that leaves us carries with it a seven-year health warranty—one of the strongest in the industry. In addition, each kitten goes home with 30 days of complimentary health insurance. Yes, it is free to you. But you must activate it.

 

This gives you immediate peace of mind and financial support should an unexpected veterinary expense arise. We strongly encourage you to continue this insurance beyond the first month, ensuring your precious Maine Coon is protected against unforeseen accidents or illnesses for life.

 

Because when you invest in a Ribbons & Bows Maine Coon, you deserve the confidence that your new companion’s health and wellbeing are fully safeguarded.

 

Our Gold Standard Health Guarantee

If your Maine Coon kitten passes away from any congenital, hereditary, or unknown condition within seven years, we will provide a replacement kitten.

 

In addition, if your kitten is diagnosed with a congenital or hereditary condition that does not result in death, we offer reimbursement toward treatment costs to support you in providing the best possible care.

(Please read our full Terms and Conditions for complete details.)

 

Health Testing: Building a Strong Foundation

At Ribbons & Bows, every kitten’s journey begins long before birth—with the health of their parents. But we don’t stop there—we also test your kitten to give you documented proof of both breed and health.

 

We take a comprehensive approach to ensure the wellbeing of our Maine Coons:

• Genetic DNA Testing – Every parent cat is tested for the genes most commonly linked to hereditary diseases in Maine Coons, and each kitten receives a DNA test as well, providing you with confirmation of both breed and health.

• Echocardiograms – All of our breeding cats undergo heart scans by licensed veterinarians to screen for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most serious cardiac concern in the breed.

• Hip X-Rays – We have begun radiographing our cats to monitor and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, ensuring stronger, healthier kittens for the future.

 

By combining genetics, advanced screening, and responsible breeding practices, we set the gold standard in Maine Coon health.

 

We Only Cover What We Can Test For

Our promise to you is always honesty and care. While we do everything possible to breed the healthiest Maine Coons, there are simply some things that no breeder can control. If we cannot test for it or predict it, we cannot guarantee it. But we can walk beside you, share what we know, and help you prepare.

 

For example:

Juvenile Gingivitis – Maine Coon kittens can be prone to gum inflammation when young. Some will develop it, while others never do. Because we can’t predict who will be affected, it is not covered under our health warranty. What we can do is encourage good dental care and regular veterinary checkups to help your kitten thrive.

 

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) – This is one of the hardest words any cat family can hear. It is cruel and heartbreaking, and sadly, it cannot be tested for in parents or kittens. We take every precaution—separating litters, keeping everything sanitized, and protecting our kittens as much as possible—but sometimes it is simply out of our hands.

 

This is also why some breeders choose not to allow visitors into their catteries. Many diseases and illnesses can be carried in unknowingly on clothing, shoes, or even hands. While this rule is often in place to protect kittens, not every breeder communicates it well—and that can leave families feeling uncertain. Please know that when breeders limit or restrict visitors, it is out of love for the kittens’ health, not secrecy.

 

Even with all of these precautions, if your kitten passes away from FIP within seven years, we will stand by you and provide a replacement kitten.

 

This is also why we provide 30 days of health insurance and encourage you to continue it—because while we can prepare for many things, life sometimes brings the unexpected. Insurance helps protect you from those moments.

 

We will always do our part to provide you with the healthiest kittens possible. And we ask our families to do their part—with love, good care, and attention—so together we give each Maine Coon the very best life.

 

Nurturing Your Maine Coon

Welcoming a Maine Coon into your family is a joyful commitment, and part of that commitment is keeping your kitten healthy and thriving.

 

We ask that you:

• Veterinary Exam within 72 Hours – Every kitten is examined by our veterinarian before going home. We require you to have your kitten examined by your own veterinarian within 72 hours of arrival. This gives us a shared foundation for your kitten’s health and ensures there is no question about their condition at the time of adoption.

• Routine Care – At a minimum, your kitten should see a veterinarian for annual checkups and stay up to date on vaccinations. Maine Coons are known for being stoic and may not show obvious signs of illness until it becomes serious. This is why it’s so important to pay attention to the little things—changes in appetite, energy levels, behavior, or even their litter box habits. Yes, even their poop tells a story! Early awareness can make all the difference in protecting your cat’s health.

• Limitations of Coverage – Our health guarantee does not cover accidents or preventable diseases such as Feline Leukemia (FeLV) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). It also does not cover ingestion of foreign objects such as hair ties, fiber, or other non-food items cats sometimes get into.

 

For everything else life may bring, we strongly encourage you to keep health insurance on your kitten beyond the complimentary 30 days we provide. Insurance offers peace of mind and protection against unexpected medical expenses, so you never have to choose between care and cost.

 

Together, we’ll do our part as the breeder, and you’ll do your part as the loving family—ensuring your Maine Coon has the healthiest, happiest life possible.

 

Our Breeding Style-Look

A little insight into us as breeders: every breeder has their own style, their own “look,” and their own carefully chosen bloodlines. For us, the Maine Coon is captivating because of its diversity. This breed comes in so many colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes—from the majestic European lines to the classic traditional look.

 

We produce a variety. While we honor and preserve the traditional standard, there’s also a part of us that loves the “never seen before.” That’s the magic of the Maine Coon—you can stay true to the breed while still celebrating the incredible variety it offers.

So in our kittens, you’ll find both the elegance of tradition and the beauty of uniqueness, all within the standard guidelines that make Maine Coons who they are.

 

My Pet Peeve: What to Feed a Maine Coon

When it comes to feeding a Maine Coon, there are so many theories out there that it can make your head spin. Before you give yourself a headache worrying about the “perfect” diet, here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes it’s simply about finding what they’ll actually eat.

And just when you think you’ve got it figured out—maybe you’ve stocked up on two cases of their new favorite food—your Maine Coon will suddenly change their mind. Because of course they do. That’s life with these royal little comedians!

 

The truth is, balance and flexibility matter more than perfection. Feed them high-quality food, pay attention to how they respond, and know that sometimes their preferences will change with the wind.

 

Leaving you with A Golden Nugget

Maine Coon kittens grow in personality much like children. I used to wonder when my own Maine Coon would finally become the “gentle giant” that everyone raved about. And it did happen—but not overnight. Around a year to 18 months, he slowly outgrew his teenage antics and stepped gracefully into adulthood.

 

But here’s the truth: Maine Coons never lose their love for play. In fact, I’ve found that the more I play and engage with them, the more loving and connected they become.

 

You’re not just raising a kitten—you’re building a relationship. One filled with play, patience, and eventually, the gentle companionship that makes this breed so extraordinary.