Breeding is a challenge and every breeder has their own version of the challenge. When I found out (very early in my breeding career) that about 75% of the pedigree of most Maine Coons around the world could be traced back to just 5 cats (known as the Top Five) and that often 30-40% of most pedigrees traced back to just two cats (whose offspring were known as the clones because they looked so alike) I found my challenge. I am keen to help preserve and widen the gene pool by working with lines that have lower %s of Top 5 and clones than is typical in our breed. At the same time I want to breed Maine Coons that look like Maine Coons. In fact Maine Coons that are good enough to do well at shows - I love showing and besides, I can't see any reason why it shouldn't be possible to breed goodlooking Maine Coons with lower numbers than is usual. I do use show lines as well to help maintain the type so my breeding cats include both outcross and show lines. I can appreciate both feral and sweeter looks provided they meet the standard.
About three years ago I bought a polydactyl boy from my friend Soozn (Mainelymagic Maine Coons). I bought him for his pedigree but after getting to know Winner and his kittens I came to thoroughly enjoy the polys. We breed both polys and non polys here.
Of course health is also very important and we scan hearts regularly, work with cats that do not have the MyBPC mutation that contributes to HCM, and have hips evaluated for hip dysplasia through the Swedish hip registry. I am passionate about testing having lost my first stud to HCM and produced some cats with hip dysplasia before we had a means of testing available in New Zealand. I have been testing hearts since 1999 and hips since 2003. I encourage owners of my kittens to let me know if they develop a health issue, hopefully I will notice if there are any patterns emerging that could indicate a genetic problem.
Last but far from least is temperament. Most kittens will go as pets and no-one wants a pet that is shy, stand-offish, aggressive or otherwise difficult to live with. And for that matter temperament is just as important in a show cat or a breeding cat. Good temperament is very important to me and I aim to breed gentle, friendly, goodnatured cats. Many of my owners come back for a second kitten, and my vet always has nice things to say about how easy my kittens are to handle, so I guess we must be doing something right!
Visitors to our cattery are welcome (by arrangement) - so if you want to find out more about Maine Coons or meet our breeding cats, please feel free to contact me by email or phone.
Ch Shanna's Taposa Sam at 9 years old
Sam is retired now but is behind many of my Maine Coons
