Stud Service: The Risks of ‘Open’ Studs#

Owning a breeding male Maine Coon is a logistical challenge. He sprays. He howls. He needs his own quarters. To offset the cost, many new breeders think: “I’ll offer him for Stud Service! I can charge $2,000 per mating!”

According to Feline Husbandry, this is the fastest way to introduce disease into your cattery. The “Open Stud” (a male who services queens from other catteries) is a vector for everything from Herpes to FIP.

Here is why “Closed Catteries” are the gold standard, and how to manage a stud if you do offer service.

The “Venereal” Diseases of Cats#

Cats don’t just transmit disease through sex; they transmit it through the fight. Mating is aggressive. Bites on the neck transmit FIV and FeLV. Furthermore, stress triggers Herpes and Coronavirus shedding. A strange queen entering your stud’s room brings her own biome.

The “Stud Contract” Essentials#

If you accept a queen, you need a fortress-tight contract.

The “Snap Test” Rule: The visiting Queen must have a negative FIV/FeLV test result dated within 24 hours of arrival.
The “Culture” Rule: She must have a negative vaginal culture for bacteria (Staph/Strep) and Tritrichomonas.
The “Live Kitten” Guarantee: Usually, the stud fee guarantees at least 2 live kittens. If she misses or has a singleton, a “repeat breeding” is offered for free. No cash refunds.

Co-Ownership: The Alternative#

Instead of “Stud Service,” many breeders use Co-Ownership.

How it works: You buy a male with another breeder. He lives with you, but they have the right to use him for X number of litters.
Benefit: You know the other breeder’s health protocols. It is a “Closed Circle” rather than an “Open Door.”

Conclusion#

Your stud is the king of your genetics. Letting him breed with outside queens risks his health and the health of your future kittens. Unless you have a separate “Stud House” quarantined from your nursery, keep him closed.

References#

Pedersen, N.C. (1991). Feline Husbandry. “Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders,” p. 134.
Robinson, R. Genetics for Cat Breeders. “The Stud Male,” p. 73.
CFA. Mentorship Program: Stud Management.