Frequently Asked Questions

At dawntreadermainecoons.com, we understand that adopting a new kitten is a big decision. To help guide you through the process, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out, and we’d be happy to assist.

1. Complete the Application

  Fill out the application form available on our website and submit it for review.

2. Receive Approval and Availability

  We will respond within 72 hours, typically within 24 hours, unless we are attending a cat show. In our response, you will find information about available kittens or retired cats.

3. Reserve Your Kitten

  If you find a kitten or retired cat that meets your preferences, we recommend placing your deposit as soon as possible. Our kittens are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

4. Stay Updated

  If we do not have what you are looking for, please contact us via email or text every three months to keep your application current. We will provide updates on our litter plans and approximate availability for your preferred kitten.

5. Deposit Protocol

  We only accept deposits once both parties have agreed on a specific kitten.

6. Receive Regular Updates

  You will receive bi-weekly updates, including pictures of your chosen kitten, until the day of pickup. The remaining balance will be due at that time.

7. Virtual Interactions

  We offer FaceTime sessions and videos of your kitten for added connection prior to pick up. 

8. Pickup Policy

  To ensure the safety and well-being of our cattery, we scheduled visits for the designated pickup day and prior to that we utilize virtual sessions as available. Our kittens are typically ready to join their new families around 14 weeks of age, while retired adults will be available once they have fully recovered from their spay/neuter procedures. We look forward to welcoming you on this special day!

By following these steps, you will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in welcoming a new Maine Coon into your home.

Our Maine Coon kittens are priced between $2,800 and $4,500, depending on their lineage and characteristics. For information regarding the investment for retired show cats, please reach out to us directly. A deposit of $1,000 is required to reserve your chosen kitten, with the remaining balance due on the day of pickup. While we do reserve the right to cancel a kitten sale if necessary, please be assured that your deposit will be fully refunded in such instances.

The deposit encompasses a range of services, including regular updates on your kitten, veterinary appointments, and exclusive pictures. It also secures the specific kitten you have chosen by removing it from our availability list. We recommend placing a deposit only if you are confident in your decision, as the services provided are non-refundable should you change your mind.

 

At Dawntreader, you are supporting responsible hobby breeders dedicated to the ethical preservation and improvement of the Maine Coon breed. We carefully consider the costs associated with acquiring breeding parents, ensuring that each kitten comes from lineage with exceptional pedigree, outstanding health history, and thorough veterinary vetting.

Our commitment to health includes regular echocardiograms performed by a feline cardiologist on our adult cats until they reach five years of age, as well as hip X-rays to screen for dysplasia. Each breeding cat undergoes genetic testing for known breed-specific issues, and we meticulously study our pedigrees to promote genetic diversity, which contributes to a robust immune system and longer lifespans.

We collaborate with a feline specialist for all kitten care, including spays and neuters. Our kittens are microchipped, spayed/neutered, raised in a loving environment, and handled gently from an early age. We provide high-quality nutrition and administer regular oral deworming medication and topical Revolution prior to their departure. Each kitten also comes with a complimentary month of health insurance through Trupanion, and all our adult cats and kittens are tested for FIV/FELV.

Our cattery is privileged to work with top-tier, internationally recognized cats that have achieved the highest accolades. We prioritize quality in our breeding program, which is reflected in our lines earning both international and regional awards.

Each kitten is sold with a Purchase Contract/Agreement, which can be provided via email upon request before placing a deposit. We require this contract to be signed before the kitten goes to its new home.

As an International Winning TICA Breeder of American Maine Coon cats, I focus on preserving the breed for future generations. My cats exemplify breed standards, and I actively monitor the genetic diversity of my lines. By choosing a kitten from Dawntreader, you are supporting ethical breeding practices and contributing to the positive impact on the Maine Coon breed. Additionally, I am committed to mentoring and educating aspiring breeders who share the same passion for enhancing the breed.

 
 
 

Kittens are ready for their new homes between 14 and 16 weeks of age. At the time of pickup, the remaining balance must be settled in cash. When you take your kitten home, you will receive a comprehensive medical record detailing their veterinary visits, vaccinations, and deworming treatments.

Additionally, we will provide a sample of their recommended food for a smooth transition, as well as guidance on continuing with the same high-quality diet. All kittens are spayed or neutered before leaving our care, and we will pre-register each kitten with TICA. You will also receive copies of both parents' pedigrees, ensuring clarity regarding their lineage and genetic diversity.

For a safe journey home, please have a suitable cat carrier ready upon arrival. We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to your new family member.

Yes, we provide a genetic and congenital defect health guarantee as part of our contract. To ensure this guarantee remains valid, it is essential that your kitten is screened and examined by your veterinarian within three business days of adoption. For additional details, feel free to reach out to us.

Our cats undergo regular assessments by a licensed veterinarian and are tested for FeLV and FIV. All kittens are also evaluated by our veterinarian prior to leaving our care and will be free of known health issues. We take pride in the health of our breeding Maine Coons, all of whom are tested for known genetic conditions through UC Davis or Wisdom Health, including Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and PK deficiency.

Furthermore, we ensure that each adult undergoes an echocardiogram for HCM screening conducted by a board-certified feline cardiologist. We also prioritize genetic diversity and assess for hip dysplasia and adherence to breed standards through participation in cat shows. Your kitten's health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

We accept various payment methods for deposits, including Zelle, Apple Pay, Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal. All transactions should be directed to my name, Mistelle Stevenson, using the following contact information: email [email protected] and my cell phone number (972) 935-7531. For your security, please be aware that I will never request payment from a different name or email address.

To avoid any potential scams, please do not send payments to addresses not associated with the contact information provided. If you have any questions or need further clarification on payment options, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We will happily confirm the account details prior to your deposit and assure you that we will only request payments linked to our verified contact information.

Please note that a final cash payment must be made on the day you pick up your kitten. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to assisting you in welcoming your new furry family member! 

The stunning photographs featured on our website were taken by Mistelle Stevenson, Helmi Flick, Christina Maraziotis, Lee Browning, Nancy Degenkolb, and Larry Johnson. Please note that all rights to these images are reserved by the respective artists, and their use is strictly limited to Dawntreader for the purposes of this website. The rights are non-transferable.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these talented photographers for their exceptional work in capturing the beauty and essence of our amazing cats. Thank you for your understanding and support!

While we appreciate your interest in breeding, we prioritize responsible practices in our breeding program. All our kittens are placed in their new homes already spayed or neutered. This commitment stems from our dedication to preventing the overpopulation of stray cats, an issue exacerbated by unplanned litters.

We are firmly committed to ethical breeding and take back our kittens at any age, ensuring their well-being throughout their lives. Our selective breeding philosophy aligns with those who share our values, focusing on enhancing health and preserving the Maine Coon breed for future generations.

Given the staggering potential for one intact female to produce hundreds of thousands of offspring over just a few years, we believe that breeding should only be undertaken with a purpose that benefits the community and supports the breed's integrity. Casual or "just for fun" litters do not align with our mission, as they can pose significant challenges to local rescue efforts."

"We are always open to collaborating with fellow breeders who uphold the same ethical standards and commitment to responsible breeding practices.

Transportation costs are the responsibility of the buyer. We have successfully placed our kittens in various locations, including Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and even Costa Rica.

If needed, we can assist in arranging a flight for your kitten to the nearest airport. The transportation fee includes the cost of the flight, a travel fee of $500 to cover accommodations, meals, parking, and time, along with the airline pet flight fee, which typically ranges from $125 to $150. Please note that we do not ship cats or kittens; they will travel in-cabin with an escort.

Should you prefer to accompany your new kitten, we are happy to meet you at our local airport, either DFW or Dallas Love Field, at no additional charge. This arrangement requires coordination to ensure we can meet at a mutually convenient time. For instance, if you fly into DFW, we can meet you there with your kitten, allowing you to return home on the next flight, provided it aligns with my availability. We look forward to helping you welcome your new family member!

At Dawntreader, we prioritize the health and well-being of our kittens and do not recommend the popular raw feeding diet. This approach can pose significant risks, including exposure to harmful bacteria and parasites that can lead to illness. Embracing a "caveman diet" is not a healthy choice when there are so many outstanding options available for our feline companions. We believe in utilizing our knowledge and advancements in pet nutrition to ensure lifelong health for your kitten.

Currently, we offer Life's Abundance dry food for all life stages, as well as wet food, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Maine Coons. Given their larger size, these formulations take into account the additional food requirements necessary to support their growth and vitality. 

To further enhance their nutrition, we provide NuVet vitamins daily, along with access to filtered water. Our feeding regimen includes free-feeding dry food throughout the day and offering wet food twice daily. We recommend using only stainless steel or ceramic bowls, which should be cleaned and washed daily to ensure optimal hygiene.

Your kitten’s health is our top priority, and we are here to support you in providing the best possible diet! We recommend continuing our diet for at least the first month in your home before starting a new one. We also encourage you to reach out at anytime for questions regarding your kittens nutrition. 

At Dawntreader, we are committed to the lifelong well-being of our kittens and will always accept our offspring back, regardless of the reason. We ask that you agree, as part of our contract, to never place our cat or kitten in a shelter. Additionally, our policy prohibits the resale of our cats through brokers or pet shops, as well as donations or sales to research facilities. 

Our priority is to ensure that each kitten finds a loving and responsible home for life. If circumstances change and you can no longer care for your kitten, please reach out to us, and we will gladly assist you in finding a suitable solution. Your kitten’s happiness and security are our top priorities!

At Dawntreader, all our kittens are raised in our home, where they receive abundant love and attention from the moment they are born. Socialization begins immediately, as we are present for their birth and actively engage with them from day one. 

Our cats are renowned for their exceptional temperament, a result of our commitment to ensuring that they live as cherished companions. We treat our cats and kittens with kindness, respect, and love, fostering a nurturing environment that encourages well-adjusted, sociable, and affectionate pets. Your new kitten will come to you well-socialized and ready to become a beloved member of your family!