About Our Cattery

RW, SGC (TICA) and RW, GC (CFA) SmokeyCoons Alejandro "Alex"
(our brown classic tabby male at 10 months of age)

SmokeyCoons is proud to be a breeder member of the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) and is registered in the following associations:

        TICA - The International Cat Association
        CFA - The Cat Fanciers Association
        CFF - Cat Fanciers Federation
        ACFA - American Cat Fanciers Association

Elaine's involvement in the cat fancy:

        LH/SH specialty judge for TICA;
        individual member of TICA;
        elected member of the Maine Coon Breed Committee (TICA);
        member of "The Evergreen Cat Fanciers" (a TICA Club);
        founding member of "The Maine Event" (a TICA Club);
        certified master clerk (TICA);
        certified ring clerk (TICA);
        Member, Board of Directors, The International Feline Foundation (TIFF)

Fred's involvement in the cat fancy:

        individual member of TICA;
        member of the CFA Maine Coon Breed Council;
        member of "The Evergreen Cat Fanciers" (a TICA Club);
        founding member of "The Maine Event" (a TICA Club);
      member of Fancy That Cat Club (a CFA Club);

Cattery Ethics

	We are totally committed to the breed standards and 'Code of Ethics' as set forth by the Maine Coon Breeders & Fanciers Association (MCBFA) and the various registry associations.
	We will NOT knowingly breed any cat that has a genetic defect.
	We will not breed a cat that has been diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).
	We will not breed a cat that has hip dysplasia (HD) as evaluated by OFA.

Cattery Goals

SmokeyCoons always follows these goals when breeding it's Maine Coons:

	We will produce healthy, happy Maine Coons with sound genetic vigor and excellent temperaments through carefully planned, outcross breedings.
	We are committed to preserving and promoting the Maine Coon cat.
	We will breed for quality, not quantity.

Healthy, Happy Cats

a_bcat.gif (4583 bytes)

At SmokeyCoons, we put all aspects of health -- mental, emotional and physical, above all else. We also believe a great personality is one of the best attributes a Maine Coon can have, so we pay special attention to temperament when choosing breeding partners.

Kitten Rearing

A large part of a kitten's behavior and socialization skills are learned during the first several weeks of life from their mother and human parents. So, kittens remain with their mother until they are naturally weaned (typically 10-12 weeks of age). Also during these critical first weeks, SmokeyCoons kittens are pampered and handled often by their people parents to ensure proper human socialization and to constantly monitor their continued health.

Cat Shows

a_singing.gif (3651 bytes)

By actively participating in cat shows, SmokeyCoons checks how well it conforms to the breed standards. It is our policy that all breeders have at least a title of Champion in CFA or TICA prior to its first breeding. If they can't obtain their championship, they aren't used in our breeding program. The only exception to this rule is when a 'breeder' cat cannot be shown (i.e., a 'broken' tail) but meets the breed standard.

Preservation

hanging.gif (1745 bytes)

As a conscientious and reputable breeder, we will only breed our Maine Coons with other registered Maine Coons.

Quality vs Quantity

kitncradle.gif (3387 bytes)

SmokeyCoons basic premise is . . . the cats in our home are companions first and breeders second. Our utmost concern is for the well being of the cats. We remain a "small" cattery by only having 1-3 litters per year. Our cats have a place where they can live a cat's life -- free from disease and illness while being surrounded with lots of love and toys. Every cat gets personal attention every day from both Fred and Elaine.

Vet Checked

a_cartoon19.gif (5879 bytes)

Prior to mating, our breeders are thoroughly examined by the cattery's vet, Dr. Joseph Romatowski of the Cat Clinic of N.E. Seattle. Breeders must be confirmed by our vet as FeLV and FIV negative while at the same time be healthy and ready for the rigors of breeding. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hip dysplasia (HD) have been found in Maine Coons, so our breeders' hearts are checked annually by Dr. Jerry Woodfield, a Board Certified Cardiologist (Northwest Cardiology Consultants) and hips are checked for genetic soundness prior to breeding. After two years of age, our breeders' hips are x-rayed again and are sent off to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for final evaluation.

FHDABlogo (2).gif (11437 bytes)

FHDA stands for Feline Hip Dysplasia Awareness. There is a website devoted to the understanding of hip dysplasia. It is non-breed specific. See our Favorites Sites page for a link to this important website.