The Process of Adopting Your Maine Coon Kitten
Make sure to fill out the kitten application on the website. It is helpful to review articles on my website (like this one), see our updates on the home page, and view our cats and kitten page. If you have any questions your are welcome to reach out to us. We also have a section for your questions on the kitten application.
Once we receive and review your application, we will reach out with the most current updates on the next kittens available, as well as, payment instructions to place your deposit. Initial deposits are $500 and go towards the total of your kitten. This deposit secures your spot on the waitlist. If you are wanting multiple kittens, it is still $500 for the deposit and we confirm with you later if you still want two. This deposit is 1/2 refundable in case circumstances change.
Once the deposit is received, we will let you know your place on the waitlist. From there, depending on how long you have to wait for kittens, you will receive emails. The waitlist is also viewable on our website homepage.
The first email regarding your potential kitten will be within a week after kittens are born. In this email we will let you know potential genders (as best we can tell at that age), your place on the waitlist, and ask that you confirm or deny that you want a kitten from this litter. Once you deny your place for the litter mentioned, we cannot add you back as we have already let others know that they will get a kitten very soon. So be sure you want to wait before saying so. It is important to note that we will give a window of time (typically a weekend) and kitten must be picked up within a week of this window. We do not offer boarding at this time so if you are unavailable during the pick-up window please make arrangements with a friend, family member, or pet sitter. If you are unable or not wanting to go that route, you can wait for the next litter. If you are considering more than one kitten, this would also be the time to tell us how many you are looking to adopt.
Weekly photos will be posted on our Instagram @snowberry.mainecoons. We also will post weekly photos on the website under “kittens”.
Kittens will start to show a bit of personality traits between 6-8 weeks old, as well as, give us a better idea of their coloring. Since Maine Coons are priced based on coloring, gender, and how many toes they have, we will determine prices at this time when colors are easier to determine. I will post the price on the website until they become unavailable/reserved. We will also send out an email with all of the kittens and their price breakdowns.
If you would like a video call to view the kittens and discuss personalities, please request this asap for around 6 weeks old.
Choosing a kitten will be first-come, first-serve to those on the waitlist once we post the prices and alert everyone that picking has begun (we will give you a window when choosing can start). When choosing a kitten, we require $1,000 to secure the specific kitten. This amount goes towards the end balance. Please keep in mind that if we do not think the kitten’s personality will fit well in your home (such as a quiet, timid kitten in a home with 5 kids - a kitten will likely hide under beds or become scared of all the commotion and become a ghost in your home), we will discuss this with you. We try my best to make sure kittens will thrive in their new homes, and families adopt the kitten they always dreamed of (not one that is too scared or a little too crazy haha). We will confirm the pickup weekend before picking begins so you can ensure you are available to pick up the kitten within the allotted time.
Once we hit 6 weeks old, a lot happens for kittens. They receive their first vaccines and deworming. Their first vet appointment will be at 8 weeks old. Typically, our kittens are fully litter box trained by 6 weeks old as well.
Kittens will go home with the first round of deworming, first two vaccines of FVRCP, and their first vet exam. We do not give multiple vaccines at once since this is stressful on the kitten and it can be harder to tell which vaccine gave them a reaction if they happen to react poorly. Microchips are given with a large, and painful needle so we recommend this be done at their spay/neuter (while they are under/on pain killers). Kittens will come home with one free month of Trupanion pet insurance. This must be activated within 48 hours of the designated pick-up day. This information will be on the sales agreement.
Once your kitten is picked and secured we recommend you start shopping! We have a list of shopping wants and needs under the article “Shopping for your kitten”. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Between 8-9 weeks old we will coordinate and finalize pick-up times. We do not ship in cargo due to stress on the kitten (as well as incredibly hiked costs since COVID). You can drive or fly to pick-up your kitten. We will give coaching on whatever you choose. We am located in Bend, OR or we can meet you at the Redmond, OR airport. Kittens must be picked up within 1 week of the “go-home weekend” at about 10-12 weeks old (refer to the pick-up window given). Once we have a date/time locked in, please make sure to schedule the kitten's first vet appointment with your vet within 5 business days of picking up the kitten. Failure to do so will void the health guarantee.
We will give instructions for the first two weeks at home. Basically keep separate from other pets, especially other cats until health screenings are complete. FELV/FIV testing should be done on any current cats in the home prior to the kitten arriving. Kittens should start off in a small room for the first two weeks or so to get acclimated to this big change and to ensure litter training doesn’t regress. Introductions to other pets should be done gradually first with smells, then sight, then supervision until you are confident everyone is safe and comfortable. Fortiflora, a probiotic, should be sprinkled on you kitten’s food daily for the first two weeks to help prevent any stomach upset from the stress of the move and/or changing foods.
Reach out with any questions, concerns, or updates!
Spay/neuter between 6 and 7 ½ months old. I recommend getting a microchip at this time. Once I receive proof of altering, I will send the pedigree information. Listen to your vet on their recommendation of when to spay/neuter.
