If you’re interested in buying a kitten, you will need to go and see it at the breeder’s house when it is over 4 weeks old.
A good breeder will be far more concerned that their kitten is going to an appropriate home than they are in taking your money! For this reason, going to see a kitten should be a two-way process, where you ask the breeder whatever questions you like, and they in turn interview you. They will be interested in topics that give them a good idea of whether or not their beloved kitten will be safe, loved and well cared-for.
In turn, you should feel confident that the kitten is healthy, playful and well-looked after. Its eyes should be bright and clear, and its ears clean. It should be playful and inquisitive (or sound asleep!), but not listless. Its mother should be available so that you can see how it might look when it grows up. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’, for whatever reason – Maine Coons live on average for 12 years, so it’s important to find the right kitten for you.
Many web pages exist on how to choose a kitten – Tarascani’s kitten pages have some good information about the different types of pedigree kitten, what to expect from a good breeder, and what a good breeder will expect from an owner. They also give detailed advice on kitten care – well worth a read!
If you like a kitten (or kittens!), and if the breeder is happy to sell to you, you can then leave a deposit (non-refundable) and the kitten(s) will be yours to take home when they reach 13 weeks of age. Most breeders offer 6 weeks of free pet insurance after you take the kitten(s) home, in case any problems develop.
You will be expected to sign a kitten sales agreement. The purpose of
this agreement is simply to further ensure that you will care for your
kitten and give it a good, loving home. It will stipulate factors such
as your agreeing to provide the kitten an good home, agreeing to have
the kitten neutered at 6 months of age, and agreeing not to give the kitten
to another home without the breeder’s consent.