Visit our PalicoCoons Maine Coon Blog
For ongoing learning and deep dives into the wonderful world of the Maine Coon breed.
Read the Latest Posts →Cat Associations
Registering your cattery is the first step to becoming a recognized, ethical breeder. These are the two leading organizations in the United States.
The International Cat Association (TICA)
A modern, growing registry with a strong international presence. Great for breeders of all levels.
Visit TICA →The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)
The world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats, with a long and storied history.
Visit CFA →Feline Health & Pedigree Databases
Ethical breeding is built on knowledge. These organizations are at the forefront of feline health research and provide invaluable data.
PawPeds
A vital international pedigree and health database. Learning to navigate PawPeds is a critical skill for any serious breeder.
Visit PawPeds →EveryCat Health Foundation
Funds vital cat health studies and research, providing cutting-edge information to help you make informed decisions.
Visit EveryCat →Cornell Feline Health Center
A leading academic source for reliable and in-depth feline health information and articles.
Visit Cornell →Genetic & Physical Health Testing
Proactive health screening is non-negotiable. These are the labs and organizations we trust for accurate testing for our program.
Optimal Selection / Wisdom Panel
Our top pick for comprehensive DNA panels to screen for genetic diseases and traits with a simple cheek swab.
Visit Wisdom Panel →Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
The primary organization for evaluating and certifying hip x-rays for conditions like hip dysplasia.
Visit OFA →UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab
A leading university lab providing specific, individual genetic tests for various feline conditions if needed.
Visit UC Davis →Nutrition & Supplements
A species-appropriate diet is the cornerstone of a healthy cat. Here are the brands and educational resources we trust for our own program.
Our Kitten Nutrition Page
A great starting point! This is the detailed guide we provide to all our new kitten families.
Read Our Guide →CatInfo.org
An incredible, non-commercial resource on feline nutrition run by a veterinarian. A must-read for any breeder.
Visit CatInfo.org →Young Again Pet Food
A high-protein, low-carbohydrate kibble that we use and recommend in our cattery.
Visit Young Again →Viva Raw
A high-quality, pre-made raw food option. A great choice for breeders looking to incorporate the benefits of raw feeding safely.
Visit Viva Raw →NuVet Labs
We use NuVet Plus daily for all our cats as a cornerstone of our proactive wellness and immune support plan.
Visit NuVet Labs →Behavior & Enrichment
A thriving cattery is about more than just physical health. A low-stress, stimulating environment is key to raising happy, confident cats.
Fear Free Happy Homes
Excellent resources for reducing stress and anxiety, with practical tips on enrichment and vet visits for a happier cattery.
Visit Fear Free →The Indoor Pet Initiative
A science-backed resource from The Ohio State University on keeping indoor cats mentally stimulated and happy.
Visit Indoor Pet →Veterinary & Safety Resources
Building a great relationship with a vet and knowing what to do in an emergency are foundational to a responsible program.
AAFP Cat Friendly Practice®
Use this locator to find a veterinarian certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners for their high standards of cat care.
Find a Vet →ASPCA Poison Control Center
An essential, 24/7 resource. Keep their number handy and check their database for toxic plants and substances.
Visit ASPCA →Pet Insurance Review
A neutral site to compare different pet insurance policies and read reviews to find the best fit for your cattery.
Compare Insurance →PalicoCoons Printable Resources
Exclusive, printable tools from our Mentor Guide to help you stay organized and prepared. We provide laminated copies to our official mentees!
Kitten Health Quick-Reference
A handy guide for common nursery ailments and emergency red flags.
Infectious Disease Guide
A quick summary of key signs and protocols for common diseases.
Cattery Sanitation Checklist
Our daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning protocols to ensure a healthy environment.
Maine Coon Color Guide
A visual guide to help you accurately identify and register kitten colors and patterns.
Kitten Weight Chart
A printable chart to track daily weights, the most critical indicator of a newborn’s health.
Cattery Supply Checklist
A comprehensive checklist of all the essential supplies for a safe and enriching cattery.
Go-Home Packet Checklist
A professional checklist to ensure every new owner has a seamless transition.
Bottle Feeding Chart
A vital guide for safely bottle feeding a neonatal kitten, with formula amounts and technique.
Common Medications Guide
A reference for common medications and supplements used in a cattery setting.