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Young, white maine coon cat with brown markings looking straight into the camera.

How to Spot Maine Coon Kitten Scams: A Breeder’s Guide for New Cat Parents

Searching for Maine Coon kittens for sale is such an exciting journey. These cats are often called the “gentle giants” of the cat world — known for their playful nature, dog-like loyalty, and majestic looks. As a trusted Maine Coon breeder, we know firsthand the joy of raising these special cats and the excitement families feel when preparing to bring one home.

But sadly, because Maine Coons are so popular, the internet is also full of scammers. We see it all the time — sellers offering “purebred Maine Coons” at shockingly low prices, pressuring families for deposits, and then disappearing. No kittens. No papers. No happy ending.

As a professional Maine Coon cattery in the USA, we want to protect future cat parents from these heartbreaks. Here are some common red flags we’ve seen over the years and tips on how to safely find your dream kitten.

🚩 Red Flag #1: “Cheap” Maine Coons

A well-bred Maine Coon kitten is never just a few hundred dollars. Ethical breeding requires DNA health testing, veterinary care, quality food, and registration costs. On top of that, we invest hours of daily socialization to raise confident, people-loving kittens.

If you see a “purebred Maine Coon” for an unrealistically low price, it’s almost always a scam. Real Maine Coons — especially rare ones like Maine Coon polydactyl kittens or those carrying unique traits like the chocolate gene recessive — are thoughtfully bred and carefully placed with families.

🚩 Red Flag #2: Pushy Deposits

Scammers love to pressure families into sending money quickly — “send the deposit now or lose the kitten.” Once you send it, they vanish.

A trusted Maine Coon breeder will never rush you. Instead, we take time to answer your questions, share photos and videos, and even set up FaceTime calls so you can see your kitten in real time before any payment is made.

🚩 Red Flag #3: No Parents, No Proof

One of the biggest giveaways of a scam? They can’t provide proof of the kitten’s parents. At a legitimate Maine Coon cattery, we proudly share photos and details of our queens and sires, along with their DNA results and pedigrees.

If a seller avoids showing kittens with their mother or refuses a video tour of the cattery, it’s a clear red flag. Transparency is non-negotiable.

🚩 Red Flag #4: No Registration or Health Records

A genuine breeder provides:

  • TICA or CFA registration papers
  • DNA health testing results (including screening for genetic conditions)
  • Vaccination and veterinary records
  • A written health guarantee


Scammers dismiss these as “not important” or claim they’ll send them later — but they never do.

🚩 Red Flag #5: Stolen Photos

Many scam pages steal kitten photos from real breeders. If the pictures look inconsistent, if kittens appear in different homes, or if ages don’t match the story — be cautious. Always ask for current videos or FaceTime proof of the kittens.

✔️ How to Protect Yourself When Searching for Maine Coon Kittens for Sale

  • Research the breeder’s name and cattery reputation online.
  • Ask for live video proof of the kittens.
  • Request parent information, DNA test results, and registration details.
  • Trust your instincts — if something feels off, step back.

From Our Cattery to Your Home

At Bellatrix Cattery, our mission is to raise healthy, socialized Maine Coon kittens who thrive in their forever homes. We specialize in transparent communication — from sharing parent photos and DNA health test results to providing videos, FaceTime calls, and updates as your kitten grows.

Whether you’re dreaming of a classic Maine Coon, a rare Maine Coon polydactyl, or even a kitten carrying the chocolate gene recessive, we believe every family deserves honesty, health, and heart in the adoption process.

✨ Your Maine Coon should come with proof, love, and trust — never empty promises.

👉 Ready to learn more about our upcoming litters?

Reach out to www.bellatrixcattery.com

We’d love to introduce you to your future Maine Coon companion.

With Love, your Bellatrix MCO & MCP furry crew

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