Frequently Asked Questions-- Maine Coon Edition
What is a Maine Coon with a European bloodline?
Maine Coons are one of the largest and most beloved domestic cat breeds, known for their gentle, dog-like personalities, luxurious coats, and tufted ears. We especially love to focus on European bloodlines, as they tend to have that classic "wild" look-- big, fluffy manes, full bushy tails, and striking ear tassels. European Maine Coons also often grow larger and have a more regal, lion-like appearance compared to many American lines. They are affectionate, intelligent, and make wonderful companions for families and other pets.
What is a Maine Coons temperament like?
Maine Coons are often called the "gentle giants" of the cat world for a good reason. They love to be wherever you are-- whether that's lounging on the couch, "helping" with chores, or sitting nearby during family time. Many Maine Coons will follow you from room to room, chirping and trilling in conversation. They are playful well into adulthood and often enjoy games of fetch, puzzle toys, and even water play. Despite their size, they have sweet, gentle personalities and are patient with kids and other pets.
How big will my Maine Coons get?
Adult males typically weigh between 18-25lbs, while females average 12-18lbs. They continue to grow slowly and often do not reach full-size until 3-4 years old.
Do Maine Coons have extra toes?
Something especially unique about Maine Coons is that some are born with extra toes. This trait was once common in early Maine Coons and is still treasured today. Their oversized, mitten-like paws not only give them an adorable look but also helped their ancestors navigate snowy terrain with ease. Polydactyl Maine Coons are considered extra special and are often even more sought after for their rarity and charming, "big footed" appearance.
What do Maine Coons eat?
Maine Coons thrive on a grain-free, high-protein diet to support their large size and active nature. We feed our cats Royal Canin, both wet & dry food. Occasionally, we top their meals with cooked chicken or salmon for extra protein and flavor. Our cats have access to their dry food 24/7 and receive a feline multivitamin every other day, usually mixed into their wet food.
If you choose to transition your kitten to a different brand or diet, please do so GRADUALLY over a couple of weeks to prevent digestive upset and help them adjust smoothly.
Do you do any health testing on your Maine Coons?
Absolutely -- all of our breeding Maine Coon cats are genetically screened and cleared for over 40 congenital disease markers. In addition, each parent undergoes a comprehensive veterinary exam including hips, and heart. PCR panels, and fecal testing, we know our cats are in excellent health before breeding.
Do you provide a health guarantee?
Yes, we offer a two-year health guarantee for Maine Coon kittens that covers specific congenital and hereditary conditions, giving you peace of mind about your new family member.
When are Maine Coon kittens able to go home?
We will release our Maine Coon kittens at 10-12 weeks of age. We may hold kittens longer if they are not yet 100% weaned and litter box trained.
Do you deliver/ship Maine Coon kittens?
Yes, we are happy to deliver/ship kittens to anywhere in the world. However, we do not ship cargo and only allow in cabin transport with a flight nanny. Delivery/shipping must be coordinated, arranged, and financially finalized by the adopter at an additional expense to kitten pricing. Ask us about transport options and we are happy to assist! However, the most cost effective way to receive your kitten will be to fly into JLN (Joplin Regional Airport) or XNA (Northwest Arkansas National Airport) where we will be happy to meet you.
Frequently Asked Questions--Savannah Edition
What is an F1 Savannah cat?
An F1 Savannah cat is the first-generation cross between an African serval and a domestic cat, usually carrying 50-75% serval blood. They are the largest and most exotic looking Savannah's, with long legs, big ears, and bold spots.
What does the "F" mean in F1 Savannah?
The "F" in F1 Savannah stands for filial generation, which shows how many generations the cat is removed from its wild ancestor--the African Serval. An F1 Savannah is the first generation, meaning it has one serval parent and one domestic parent, making it the closest to the wild.
F2 is two generations removed, F3 is three generations removed, and so on.
What is the temperament of an F1 Savannah cat?
F1 Savannah's are intelligent, curious, and full of energy. They form strong bonds with their families and often act more like dogs than cats-- playing fetch, walking on a leash, and following their owners around. Their playful nature and love for interactive toys and games provide endless entertainment for their owners.
Savannah cats absolutely LOVE water! Their sharp hearing means they can detect the sound of running water from anywhere in the house-- and they'll come sprinting to join in. Whether, it's the sink, bathtub, shower, or even a pool, these curious cats cannot resist getting their paws wet.
Savannah cats also love being outdoors and enjoy exploring safety on a hardness and leash. They are incredibly athletic-- able to sprint up to 35 mph and leap as high as 8ft from a seated position! However, even though they love outdoor adventures, Savannahs should NEVER be left outside unattended, as their curiosity and speed can quickly get them into trouble.
One of the remarkable aspects of F1 Savannah cats is their ability to form strong connections with their families. Despite their wild heritage, they are known for their affectionate and loving nature, often seeking out physical contact and displaying their devotion through head bumps and purring. Their social and outgoing demeanor makes them adaptable to various living environments and enables them to integrate well into households with other pets and children.
Why are F1 Savannah cats so expensive?
F1 savannahs are the rarest and most sought-after generation, being a direct cross between a serval and a domestic cat. Due to the slight variation in gestation periods between Servals and domestic cats (approximately a 10-15 day difference), all F1 Savannah kittens are born with a touch of prematurity. As a result, breeders spend round the clock care to ensure the survival.
Additionally, it also takes several years before both the serval and savannah are mature enough to breed, which is a large investment upfront. These cats need spacious housing, specialized diets, and expert care year-round, even when not breeding. Their exotic appearance, large size, intelligence, and scarcity make them incredibly unique--and their price reflects the tremendous time, cost, and dedication involved in producing healthy, well-socialized kittens.
What do F1 Savannah cats eat?
F1 Savannah cats thrive on a natural raw diet that mirrors what they would eat in the wild. Their meals should include variety of human-grade meats such as chicken thighs, wings, hearts, livers, gizzards, beef (steak or ground), turkey, duck, rabbit, quail, and even whole prey like feeder mice or chicks for enrichment. They also enjoy eggs, shrimp, or salmon on occasion. Meat can be served ground, cut into chunks, or in whole pieces like drumsticks to promote jaw strength and natural feeding behavior. To ensue complete nutrition, add a feline multivitamin, taurine, calcium (if not feeding bone-in meats), and omega-3 fish oil. This balanced diet supports muscle tone, a shiny coat, and overall long-term health.
*A good rule of thumb in a well balanced diet is typically 80% meat, 10% organ meat and 10% calcium sourced from bones.
If you are wanting a more convenient way to feed raw, there are many feline raw food companies out there, such as Instinct, Stella & Chewy's and Open Farm that will ship directly to your home.
Do F1 Savannah cats use a litter box?
Yes! Savannah cats showcase exceptional intelligence and quickly grasp the concept of appropriate potty habits starting at a young age from their mother. All kittens should be 100% litter box trained prior to going to their new homes.
Do F1 Savannah cats require vaccines just like other cats?
F1 Savannah cats should follow a vaccination schedule similar to domestic cats, but with careful selection of vaccine type. Because early-generation Savannahs (F1-F3) have more sensitive immune systems, most breeders (myself included) and exotic veterinarians recommend using killed (inactivated) vaccines rather than live-modified ones. Core vaccines typically include FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) and rabies.
Suggested Schedule:
8-weeks: FVRCP (first dose)
12-weeks: FVRCP (booster)
16-weeks: FVRCP (final booster) + rabies (if required)
Annually: FVRCP and rabies boosters as advised by your veterinarian
*Always consult a vet experienced with hybrid breeds to tailor the vaccination plan to your Savannah's specific generation and health needs.
Do you provide a health guarantee?
Yes, we offer a two-year health guarantee that covers specific congenital and hereditary conditions.
When are Savannah kittens able to go home?
We will release our Savannah kittens at 10-12 weeks of age. We may hold kittens longer if they are not yet 100% weaned and litter box trained.
Do you deliver/ship F1 Savannah kittens?
Yes, we are happy to deliver/ship kittens to anywhere in the world. However, we do not ship cargo and only allow in cabin transport with flight nanny. Delivery/shipping must be coordinated, arranged, and financially finalized by the adopter at an additional expense to kitten pricing. Ask us about transport options and we are happy to assist! However, the most cost effective way to receive your kitten will be to fly into JLN (Joplin Regional Airport) or XNA (Northwest Arkansas National Airport) where we will be happy to meet you.
Can I register my Savannah cat?
Yes! The International Cat Association (TICA) accepts Savannah cats for both registration and showing. All my cats are TICA registered.
Are Savannah cats illegal to own in my state?
The legality of owning a Savannah cat varies by state and even within different cities and counties. While the majority of states in the United States allow ownership of Savannah cats to some extent, there are a few states where they are illegal or have specific restrictions.
It is essential to check with local authorities, such as state wildlife agencies or animal control departments, to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the legality of owning Savannah cats in specific areas. Laws and regulations can change, so it is crucial to do thorough research and seek proper guidance BEFORE acquiring on a Savannah cat.
Illegal States:
Rhode Island
Hawaii
Nebraska
Georgia
Restricted States:
Texas -- bans in many counties and completely illegal in some
Colorado -- Illegal in Denver
Alaska -- F4 and later only
Iowa -- F4 and later only
Vermont -- F4 and later only
New Hampshire -- F4 and later only
Massachusetts -- F4 and later only
Delaware -- F4 and later only with permit
Maryland -- Limited to 30lbs and under
New York -- F5 and later only (illegal in Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn & Staten Island)