Raising pedigreed Maine Coon kittens can be rewarding, but it's also expensive and time-intensive. Here's a breakdown of the main costs involved, whether you're breeding for show or pets:
🐾 1. Initial Breeding Cats (Queen and Stud)
🧬 2. Health Testing & Veterinary CareBefore Breeding:
🍼 3. Food, Supplements, and Supplies
📜 4. Registration & Paperwork
🏡 5. Time & Labor (Not Monetary, but Significant)
📉 Estimated Total Cost (Per Litter of 4–6 Kittens)Expense AreaLow EndHigh EndBreeding Pair (amortized)$1,000$3,000
Health & Vet$1,000$3,000
Supplies & Food$500$1,000
Registration$100$300
Total per Litter$2,600$7,300+
💡 Tips:
🐾 1. Initial Breeding Cats (Queen and Stud)
- Registered pedigreed Maine Coon (show quality): $2,000 – $5,000+ each
- Health-tested breeding pair (HCM, PKD, SMA, etc.): Often toward the higher end of that range
🧬 2. Health Testing & Veterinary CareBefore Breeding:
- Genetic testing (per cat): $100 – $200
- HCM screening (echocardiogram): $300 – $600 per year
- Routine bloodwork & exams: $100 – $300
- Pregnancy check-ups: $100 – $300
- Emergency C-section (if needed): $800 – $2,000+
- Vaccinations (2–3 rounds): $100 – $300 per kitten
- Deworming: $20 – $50 per kitten
- Microchipping: $40 – $75 per kitten
- Vet health checks: $50 – $150 per kitten
🍼 3. Food, Supplements, and Supplies
- High-quality food for mom and kittens: $100 – $300/month
- Kitten formula (if needed): $20 – $50/can
- Litter (mom & kittens): $50 – $100/month
- Kitten-safe playpens, beds, toys: $200 – $500 (initial setup)
📜 4. Registration & Paperwork
- CFA/TICA registration per litter/kitten: $10 – $50/kitten
- Cattery registration (one-time): ~$50 – $100
🏡 5. Time & Labor (Not Monetary, but Significant)
- 8–12 weeks of daily care, socialization, and monitoring
- Cleaning, feeding, grooming, and vet trips
- Finding and vetting appropriate homes
📉 Estimated Total Cost (Per Litter of 4–6 Kittens)Expense AreaLow EndHigh EndBreeding Pair (amortized)$1,000$3,000
Health & Vet$1,000$3,000
Supplies & Food$500$1,000
Registration$100$300
Total per Litter$2,600$7,300+
💡 Tips:
- Raising quality Maine Coons isn't a “quick profit” venture—responsible breeders often barely break even.
- Ethical breeders also spay/neuter kittens before placement or contract it with buyers.
- Kittens often sell for $1,500 – $3,500+ depending on quality, lines, and location.