Our Commitment

Health & Care

The health of our cats and kittens is our highest priority. Here's everything we do to ensure every Cottonland kitten starts life with the best possible foundation.

Genetic Health Testing

We Test Before
We Breed

All of our breeding cats are tested for the genetic conditions most commonly seen in Maine Coons. We believe transparency is essential — we share all test results with our kitten families and are happy to answer any questions about our health program.

HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)

The most common heart disease in cats. We test all breeding cats via echocardiogram and DNA testing for the MyBPC3 mutation.

SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy)

A genetic condition affecting muscle development. All our cats are DNA tested and we only breed SMA-clear or SMA-carrier × SMA-clear pairings.

PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease)

A hereditary kidney condition. All breeding cats are DNA tested and confirmed PKD-negative.

Maine Coon mother and kittens at Cottonland Maine Coons, Rayville, LA

Kitten Protocol

What Every Kitten
Receives

Veterinary Exams

Each kitten receives a full veterinary health examination before going home, with a written health certificate.

Vaccinations

Kittens receive age-appropriate FVRCP vaccinations (feline distemper, herpesvirus, calicivirus) before placement.

Microchipping

Every kitten is microchipped with a registered chip for permanent identification and peace of mind.

Deworming

All kittens are dewormed on a schedule appropriate for their age and tested for parasites before going home.

Maine Coon cat in a warm home environment at Cottonland Maine Coons

Care Guide

Caring for Your
Maine Coon

Nutrition

We recommend a high-quality, protein-rich diet. We feed our cats a combination of premium dry kibble and wet food. We'll send you home with a supply of what your kitten is used to eating.

Grooming

Maine Coons have a semi-long, silky coat that is surprisingly easy to maintain. Weekly brushing prevents matting and reduces shedding. Regular nail trims and ear cleaning are also important.

Exercise & Enrichment

Maine Coons are active, intelligent cats that need mental and physical stimulation. Provide tall cat trees, interactive toys, and daily play sessions. They especially love feather wands and puzzle feeders.

Veterinary Care

Annual wellness exams, dental cleanings, and keeping vaccinations current are essential. We recommend cardiac screening (echocardiogram) every 1–2 years given the breed's predisposition to HCM.

Our Promise

Health Guarantee

Every Cottonland Maine Coon kitten comes with a written health guarantee. We guarantee our kittens to be free of life-threatening genetic conditions at the time of placement. Full details are provided in our adoption contract.

We are here for you and your cat for life. If you ever have questions about your Maine Coon's health or care, please don't hesitate to reach out. We consider every Cottonland family a lifelong part of our community.

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