So I narrowed my breeder choice down... To 17!!

It really is a minefield trying to narrow down choices of breeders, there are so many to choose from. I have found details for, and have contacted 17 breeders (there's nothing wrong with that is there) - we are looking to bring a kitten home who is going to spend many years with us so I want to ensure we get the best from the best.

The breeder prefix are as follows:

Elmcoon
Rockoon
Tarascani
Bhanacoyne
Nepetacoons
Brilthor
Trelgandorf
Avismar
Silvalake
Spirritz
Katmea
Lisieux
Rydalmaine
Jenjackatz
Colordale
White Fox
Oceanaria

... Are there any of these who are breed for money breeders? Are there any you wouldn't touch with a bargepole or are there any of these who are really amazing and I know I'll get an amazing cat if I go through them . I really need to shorten my list otherwise I'll end up doing my own head in. I've even compiled a spreadsheet of whether the kittens are neutered before homing, whether they are given the Leukaemia jab, if they're microchipped and which area they are in, just to see if there's anything that tips one breeder or another. My head is battered , so is my poor hubby's as it's the only thing I'm going on about at the mo haha. X


I'd like to add that I have just went through all 70-odd pages of this forum thread to heed any previous warnings of unscrupulous breeders but I've seen no mention of the ones I have listed so that's why they're still on my list. X

Ah well, I can take one off my list. I had a reply from one breeder who simply said they wouldn't be happy to home a kitten to a house with border terriers??? The fact that my dogs have NEVER had a problem with any kittens who have entered my home is irrelevant. Oh well :/

lol - we trawled through loads too!. In the end from our "chosen few breeders" we narrowed it down to what sex of kitten and what colour we were looking for and how far would we have to travel as in the end the kitten is going to have to travel home with you so there was the travel stress factor involved. Also some breeders have a waiting list of people who have specified that they want particular kittens from certain cat couplings etc., so you could be in for a wait, but its worth it for the right one. It might be worth just making an appointment to see a few and get a feel for the breeders and their cats, some breeders won't allow you to see the cats if you've already been to another cattery on the same day though.

Hi DonnaMD - it's not on your list, but I was really impressed with Moonencia breeders (in Barnsley - same place as Elmcoon). We met both parents, and the kittens are raised in a multi-cat house and are very well socialised. They grow up in the family home and roam around downstairs, generally getting under Lisa's feet and causing trouble! She has a cattery in her garden where some of the cats sleep and we met all them too - they all spend time in the house on a rotation basis. I really liked her relaxed attitude - she really cares about the cats and their welfare, she obviously knows what she's doing, but she's not neurotic. She wouldn't refuse to let you home a kitten because you had dogs, nor does she mind if you want to keep them as outdoor cats (although I don't). Weasel on this forum also recommended Elmcoon and my two have grandparents that are Elmcoons - would imagine they know each other as they're both in same area. Have a look at the forum post under Q&A called 'getting a Maine Coon as a second cat' or something similar - Weasel talks about the experience with the breeder.

Thanks so much :)

I'm happy to look at other breeders, it's just so many that it's a bit baffling lol. I just so happened to email Moonencia before though :)

To save you hunting, here are my thoughts on Elmcoon:

Initially, I rang them for advice about if we should get a companion for Sidney. They were really helpful and clearly know a great deal about cats in general and MCs in particular.
I was invited to pop over to meet the cats/kittens. Their house is simply cat heaven, with cats all just getting on with each other and sleeping and eating and playing as a proper community. They have a kitten room for the tinies, an outdoor run and a separate set of accommodation for the stud boys. We met both of Ava's parents, both pretty chilled out cats, along with aunts, grannies etc. One of the queens was retired from breeding after her first litter due to having a tricky time, on the vets advice she was spayed and is now an Aunty to the kittens. No suggestion of getting rid of her, despite her not being able to produce any more babies. They are certainly not in it for the money! We had to sign an agreement to have Ava spayed at 6-7 months and to let them know first before we let her go to anyone else to live.

Ava is fab. We collected her at 14 weeks old, vet-checked and fully vaccinated, wormed and flea-treated. She came with 4weeks Petplan insurance, a bag of toys, a mum-scented blanket, enough food for a couple of weeks, vouchers for another fortnights free food and her pedigree and GCCF registration. She was fine in the car, very chilled, was eating and littering normally the next day and is gaining 20g per day. She has been taught not to use teeth/claws when she plays, she is very easy to examine by the vet and she hasn't damaged anything in the house (yet!).

the breeders are really nice people and I would have no hesitation in contacting them for advice about any aspect of MC ownership.

I can recommend Elmcoon as I know Brenda and Helen personally through the MBCS. I can also highly recommend Sharon and Mike Casey at Spirritz if you don't mind a drive up to Edinburgh. Lovely people, lovely cats and their kittens are bought up with Dusty (Australian Sheepdog) who thinks she's a cat. I've also travelled to find the right cat from the right breeder. I have three from Bodmin and one from Edinburgh (another lovely friend and breeder - Louise at Leonais) (I'm in Kent). Hope this helps :satisfied:

Thank you so much for these recommendations. Elmcoon was actually at the top of our list :) I had also emailed Spirritz and Leonais (I know Leonais weren't originally mentioned but I didn't want to rule anyone out) , I want to find a breeder who loves their cats and who's cat loves us as well. We need to be the right home to for a kitten and vice versa. It's certainly helped narrow my choices down so thank you!!

I recommend Elmcoon as well. We have 4 cats from them and they are all adorable. Lovely people who really care for their cats and kittens, and they are always happy to give advice and support.

Hey there DonnaMD,

Don't know if its too far from you and that's why you haven't listed them but I got my 2 boys from Majesticoon near Eastbourne. Lucille there loves her cats and has them roaming round the house and socialices the kittens really well. I have 2 of the most docile loving cats ever haha. They are a pair of softies despite their size lol. And I love them to bits and am really glad I found Majesticoon :)

Hi :)

Thanks for the recommendation but I live "up north" and Eastbourne is waaaay down south lol but I have added them to a list of potential future breeders on any possible future cats (hubby is already on about wanting one of each!) - hubby and I have decided on who to visit for our first MC :)

I recommend katmea! I had my two gorgeous babies from her. Irenicus and Gorion. :)

Get two from the same litter straight away. Saves all the hassle of introducing a kitten a little while later when you realise you need at least two... :rofl:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Weasel

Get two from the same litter straight away. Saves all the hassle of introducing a kitten a little while later when you realise you need at least two... :rofl:

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Lol, I think I would have me hands full with just the one - and me other cat, 2 dogs, 13 rats, 2 tanks of tropical fish and a hamster!!!

Ah, yes, I see your point!