The Kitten Contract: Protecting Your Maine Coon Line#

In the early days of the Fancy, breeders often sold kittens on a handshake. “You seem nice,” they would say. “Send me a picture.”

Today, that is a recipe for disaster. I have heard horror stories of kittens sold as “pets” ending up in backyard breeding mills, or “indoor only” cats being killed by cars.

A Kitten Contract is not about mistrusting the buyer; it is about protecting the cat. If you are selling a Maine Coon, or buying one, here are the non-negotiable clauses that must be in writing.

1. The “Spay/Neuter” Clause#

If you sell a kitten with “breeding rights,” the price is usually double or triple ($3,500+). If you sell a “Pet” ($1,500), the contract must legally bind the owner to alter the cat.

The “Proof” Requirement: The contract should state: “Registration papers will be withheld until the breeder receives a veterinary certificate of spay/neuter.”
Better Yet: Practice Early Spay/Neuter (ESN) before the kitten leaves, so the contract isn’t needed for this.

2. The “No Declaw” Clause#

Maine Coons are heavy cats with massive paws. Their toes bear significant weight. Declawing (amputating the toe bone) causes arthritis and behavioral issues.

The Clause: “Buyer agrees that the cat will NOT be declawed (onychectomy) or tendonectomized under any circumstances. Violation of this clause imposes a fine of $X and immediate return of the cat.”

3. The “Indoor Only” Clause#

A Maine Coon is a valuable theft target and a poor fighter against coyotes.

The Clause: “This cat is to be an indoor-only pet, or allowed outdoors only in a secure enclosure (Catio) or on a leash.”

4. Right of First Refusal#

This is the “Safety Net.” Life happens. Divorce, allergies, job loss. You do not want your kitten ending up in a shelter.

The Clause: “If the Buyer can no longer keep the cat, the Breeder has the Right of First Refusal. The cat must be returned to the Breeder or rehomed only with Breeder approval. The cat must NEVER be surrendered to a shelter or pet store.”

Conclusion#

A contract is only as good as your ability to enforce it. But more importantly, it sets the tone. It tells the buyer: “I value this animal. I am watching. And I care what happens to him.”

References#

CFA. Breeder Code of Ethics.
TICA. Sample Contracts and Breeder Guidelines.
Walsh, L.G. (2013). The Maine Coon Cat. “Questions You Should Ask a Breeder,” p. 85.
Animal Legal Defense Fund. Enforceability of Pet Contracts.