Welkin Blue Maine Coon Cattery

团子家的缅因猫们
CN

About us

Thank you for taking the time to read our introduction!  Our cattery was officially registered with the WCF in 2021, focusing on the selective breeding of Maine Coons. In 2022, we welcomed our first pair of Maine Coons, marking the beginning of our breeding journey. Now, I live with the cats in our own villa by Tangxun Lake, where they are free to roam across different floors, enjoying the freedom to leap and play to their hearts’ content.

Our cattery is not my husband’s or my full-time job, but rather a personal passion born out of our love for cats. I am currently pursuing my Ph.D., with a research focus on bioinformatics-based animal genetic breeding (mainly pigs), and I have gained some insights into genetics through my studies. I am fortunate to be able to combine my academic research with my love for cats. Every time our cats undergo spaying or neutering, we collect additional blood samples for genetic sequencing. The sequencing data is preserved indefinitely and may even contribute to future research projects. My love for cats goes beyond the present—who knows, maybe one day they’ll be the subject of a research paper!

Among the many colors of Maine Coons, our breeding focuses on shaded. Compared to traditional colors, breeding shaded Maine Coons is more complex due to the scarcity of suitable lines and the higher inbreeding coefficients. We meticulously select each bloodline, ensuring that they maintain a low inbreeding coefficient compared to mainstream shaded lines while preserving stable genetic structures. Our breeding achievements have been highly praised by judges in WCF competitions. Additionally, our shaded Maine Coons not only have outstanding physiques but are also extremely gentle and affectionate, making them wonderful companions for their future families.

Our Glory

Our Feeding

Our cattery primarily feeds the cats home-cooked meals, supplemented with homemade nutritional powders to ensure their healthy growth. Common cooking methods include steaming and boiling, and we also prepare slow-cooked meats at low temperatures to preserve both flavor and nutrition. Chicken and duck meat mainly come from China, while beef, lamb, and venison are sourced through group purchases of imported raw meaty bones, ensuring safe and high-quality meat sources. In addition, we provide imported canned food, cat food, and moderate amounts of domestically produced freeze-dried food, offering a variety of diet options for our cats.

While ensuring a balanced nutritional intake, we also encourage our cats to try different foods to develop good, non-picky eating habits. So far, none of the cats we have sent to new homes have shown signs of picky eating; they are all hearty eaters who love their meals. Of course, maintaining these good habits requires the cooperation of the owners, as Maine Coons are clever and can quickly learn to manipulate their feeding behavior based on their owner’s reactions.

Since 2020, we have experimented with raw feeding. When the meat source is safe, raw meaty bones can indeed be an excellent dietary option. However, due to various uncertainties, I currently do not recommend feeding raw to kittens under 10 months old. If owners are interested, feel free to reach out to me. We can work together to create a scientifically balanced meal plan tailored to your cat’s needs.

Breeding Philosophy

  • Structure Balancing

    Among the four major associations—CFA, WCF, TICA, and FIFE—there are indeed no significant differences in the breed standards for Maine Coons. The primary distinction lies in the focus of each association during evaluations. Some associations may place more emphasis on the cat’s body size, head shape, or coat texture. However, we believe that a truly great Maine Coon is not just an extreme expression of a single trait, but rather excels in multiple aspects, achieving overall balance and harmony.

    When breeding Maine Coons, we adhere to one principle: we do not seek extreme features but strive to breed cats that are well-balanced and structurally excellent in all respects. This is reflected not only in the typical appearance of a Maine Coon but also in their health, temperament, and adaptability. We are particularly fond of shaded Maine Coons because this color not only enhances their majestic and elegant appearance but also gives them a mysterious and unique charm.

    In our Maine Coons, you will not only see the typical Maine Coon characteristics—such as a robust frame, large ears, and smooth lines—but also experience their refined elegance, both inside and out. We believe that only by finding the optimal balance between health, temperament, structure, and appearance can we truly breed exceptional Maine Coons.

  • Avoiding Genetic Risks

    In the breeding process of shaded Maine Coons, the bloodlines and gene pools are relatively limited, which leads to a higher risk of accumulated inbreeding. Some shaded bloodlines may carry potential health or genetic issues, further narrowing the selection of suitable bloodlines. Under these circumstances, we are even more cautious in selecting bloodlines, prioritizing those that are stable, healthy, and with minimal overlap with other lines to ensure a solid genetic foundation for the cats we breed.

    At the same time, to improve the structure of shaded Maine Coons and reduce the inbreeding coefficient, we also introduce some excellent and stable traditional bloodlines as part of our breeding program. This not only helps optimize the physical structure of shaded Maine Coons but also reduces accumulated inbreeding risks by incorporating genetic diversity, ensuring the cats achieve optimal health, structure, and temperament.

    Given these considerations, our breeding program does not include DBE (Dominant Blue Eye), polydactyl, or pure white Maine Coons.

  • Strong and Gentle

    Maine Coons are naturally a large and gentle breed, but our Maine Coons stand out even more in terms of their size while maintaining excellent health. At the same time, we place great emphasis on nurturing their temperament and adaptability from a young age. From birth, the kittens begin to familiarize themselves with human scents. Once they are able to move independently, they live with us in the master bedroom, gradually adapting to a life alongside humans. This environment allows them to grow up accustomed to human companionship, making them more affectionate and trusting towards people.

    During their growth, the kittens undergo intensive socialization training. Although I often end up with scratch marks from their playful antics during this stage, it is a necessary part of their development. Through learning and interaction, the kittens gradually learn to play gently with humans. As they grow, they no longer extend their claws casually, and they certainly don't scratch people with force. Alongside this, nail clipping and bathing also become part of their routine. We introduce these grooming practices early on, ensuring that as adults, the cats remain calm and cooperative during these daily care routines.

    We firmly believe that this early socialization training not only aids in the kittens' development but also helps them form a closer bond with their owners, making them gentle, strong, and ideal companions in everyday life.

Our Aftercare

The sale of pets is fundamentally different from the sale of other goods; it is more about companionship between living beings. As a member of the family, a cat will live with humans for ten, even twenty years. Since I started raising cats, I have experienced various stories from different catteries—some disappointing, and others as reliable as a trusted mentor. In my view, the relationship between a cattery and a cat owner should not be just a transactional one, but a long-term partnership built on trust.

Feedback from owners helps catteries improve, while catteries, in turn, should provide lifelong care guidance for the cats. In this mutual process of support and learning, both parties can grow together.

There are millions of organisms living alongside us in this world, most of which are microorganisms. Though we cannot see them, they still influence both us and our cats. As living animals, cats will inevitably encounter some diseases—this is a reality that all breeding operations face. I am not offering this as an excuse but as a reminder to cat owners to acknowledge this fact. Stress from moving to a new environment may weaken a cat’s immune system, but under normal healthy conditions, common illnesses typically won’t cause severe harm.

The pet healthcare industry has made significant advancements, and many previously untreatable diseases now have solutions. We also have more effective medications with fewer side effects. If your cat unfortunately falls ill, please don’t panic. We can face and resolve these challenges together.

Currently, our aftercare terms are primarily designed for the medical environment within China. Given that healthcare systems vary significantly between countries, the applicable plans may differ as well. Specific arrangements can be discussed and tailored accordingly.

  • Genetic Diseases Detectable Through Testing

    Currently, the detectable genetic diseases for Maine Coons include Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). HCM has the potential to develop whether the cat carries one or two copies of the gene (N/HCM or HCM/HCM), while PKDef and SMA will only cause symptoms when both copies of the gene are present. When we acquire breeding cats, they are first tested at industry-recognized laboratories for HCM, PKDef, and SMA. The screening results are promptly published. We guarantee that we will not breed any cats carrying one or two copies of the HCM gene, or male cats carrying one copy of the PKDef or SMA genes. Since our breeding cats undergo genetic testing, if a kitten tests positive for a single or double copy of HCM, or is double-carrying PKDef or SMA through an authorized genetic testing institution at any point after adoption, the kitten can be returned, and a full refund will be issued.

  • Non-genetic Testing Detectable Diseases

    In addition to genetic testing, we screen our breeding cats for other known hereditary diseases using traditional methods. Every two years, our breeding cats undergo health checks to screen for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), and Hip Dysplasia (HD). If any issues are detected, the breeding cat will be promptly retired, and owners will be informed. PKD is not common in Maine Coons, and there is no specific genetic marker available for testing. However, PKD is a dominant hereditary disease, meaning that kittens are only at risk if one of the parents is affected. Our breeding cats are annually screened for PKD as part of their health check. If a kitten is diagnosed with PKD via ultrasound before the age of two, it can be returned for a full refund.

  • Acquired Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

    The causes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are quite complex, and there remains a very small chance that a kitten might develop HCM even if genetic testing shows it does not carry the HCM gene. The cattery guarantees that if a kitten with an HCM result of N/N (negative for the gene) passes away due to HCM before the age of three, upon providing an echocardiogram diagnosis or necropsy report, the owner will be given priority to select a new kitten from the cattery at half price.

  • HD

    Hip Dysplasia is more common among large-breed cats and dogs and is associated with genetic factors; however, the specific genes responsible for the condition are not yet identified. It is currently understood to be a disease governed by multiple genetic loci. Hip dysplasia is categorized into different grades, each exhibiting varying symptoms and treatment options. Even if both parents have normal hips, there is still a chance that they can produce offspring with hip dysplasia. While the cattery cannot guarantee a 100% prevention rate, we are willing to assist with certain medical expenses for cats diagnosed with hip dysplasia (based on a joint assessment by the veterinarian and myself), up to the full price of the cat. Additionally, I do not fully trust hip replacement surgery. If surgery is needed, I encourage owners to discuss the situation with me before making any decisions.

  • FIP

    Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) has an unclear etiology and cannot be prevented. The prevailing consensus suggests that the α-coronavirus, which is commonly present in cats, may mutate under extreme stress conditions, leading to the development of FIP. Generally, about 80% of cats are carriers of the feline coronavirus, but the vast majority do not become ill. Treatment is usually only necessary when gastrointestinal symptoms arise or if the condition progresses to FIP. As part of our socialization training for kittens, we expose them to various common household noise stimuli to help them cope with stress. The occurrence of FIP is not considered a fault of the cattery; however, we are willing to assist with medical expenses for kittens diagnosed with FIP within one year of adoption, provided there has been no significant human-induced stress (such as moving, new family members, or boarding; bathing and grooming do not count) before the diagnosis, up to the full price of the cat to support treatment costs. ΔPS: The diagnosis of FIP requires a combination of experience and multiple indicators. It is essential to maintain communication with the cattery before, during, and after the diagnosis, honestly reporting all test results and the cat’s condition. If the cat suddenly passes away without prior notification or if the owner chooses to abandon treatment without informing us, the cattery reserves the right to refuse any compensation.

  • Vaccine and Deworming

    Before leaving the cattery, each kitten will receive a deworming treatment, and the specific deworming medication will be documented in their vaccination booklet, which will accompany the kitten. Each kitten will also receive three doses of the MMR vaccine (Merial’s combination vaccine) before departure, and antibody testing will be conducted to ensure sufficient antibody levels. Kittens will only go to their new homes once they meet the antibody standards. If a kitten unfortunately contracts feline panleukopenia and passes away before the age of one, without any high-risk exposure (such as hospitalization or surgery), the owner can select a replacement kitten of equal value from the cattery at no charge.

  • Fungal, Bacterial Infections, and Respiratory Diseases

    Before leaving for their new homes, each kitten will undergo a health check that includes screening for skin diseases like ringworm, ensuring that no active cases are present. Respiratory diseases have multiple transmission routes and are highly contagious; kittens may have reduced immunity during the transition to a new environment, making them more susceptible to infections. The cattery guarantees that kittens will leave in good health without any active respiratory diseases. Additionally, the welcome kit prepared for the new home will include relevant medications for emergencies. If any skin infections, fungal or bacterial infections in the ear canal, or upper and lower respiratory diseases occur within one week of adoption and require medical intervention, the cattery will cover 80% to 100% of the treatment costs and provide guidance on the treatment plan. Intestinal bacterial infections are not the responsibility of the cattery; however, we are willing to provide guidance on treatment plans and dietary adjustments.

  • Others

    If a kitten develops a severe spontaneous disease before the age of two that cannot be cured, leading to death before the age of five, and this is confirmed by diagnostic certificates from two reputable veterinary clinics, as well as validated by authoritative veterinarians or literature indicating that the disease is not related to human factors such as care or environment, the cattery will provide a replacement kitten of equal value, offered as the first choice within one year of adoption. ΔPS: This compensation does not cover cases involving poisoning, injury, stress, heatstroke, chills, bacterial infections, malnutrition, improper medication, medical errors, ingestion of foreign objects, or intentional harm.

Q ＆ A

Regardless of whether it’s CFA, TICA, WCF, or FIFE, these international associations have consistent breed standards for Maine Coons. The differences lie primarily in their evaluation criteria and preferences. Various associations may emphasize different aspects in scoring Maine Coon structures, resulting in subtle variations in appearance. It is not appropriate to define the breeding direction of Maine Coons solely by “Russian” or “American.”

The so-called Russian and American types are not oppositional but rather represent different breeding directions. For buyers, the most important factor is not which type the cat belongs to, but whether you appreciate the appearance and characteristics of the Maine Coons I breed. If you value my breeding philosophy and results, that should be your reason for choosing to buy a cat from me. Therefore, whether a cat is classified as Russian or American is not the core issue.

Ultimately, both breeders and buyers should prioritize the health, temperament, and breed-standard conformation of the cat, rather than focusing solely on the distinction between types as the only criterion for purchasing or breeding.

As a breed with a single coat, Maine Coons tend to shed relatively less compared to some short-haired cats or those with dense undercoats. For instance, my American Shorthair often sheds more than all three of my Maine Coons combined! However, shedding is influenced not only by breed but also by husbandry practices and nutrition. Providing a suitable diet can significantly reduce shedding, as a healthy diet promotes skin health, minimizing unnecessary hair loss.

Daily grooming is also crucial. Brushing your cat every day helps prevent matting and effectively reduces shedding. This simple care routine not only keeps your cat looking good but also enhances your interaction and bond with them. So, whether it’s a Maine Coon or another breed, good nutrition and regular grooming are key to minimizing shedding.

Please don’t stress too much about your Maine Coon’s weight. Although Maine Coons are large in size, being overweight can lead to a range of health issues, particularly increasing the burden on their legs and heart. Therefore, maintaining an appropriate body condition is more important than simply chasing a higher weight. Maine Coons have large frames and substantial bone mass, which makes them appear robust, but a large physique does not equal obesity. Healthy and balanced body condition is key.

Our Maine Coons are very affectionate, and even though some can weigh up to 20 pounds, they often insist on sleeping close to me at night. While this companionship is warm, I must say it does put some “pressure” on my ribs. Thus, moderately managing a Maine Coon’s weight not only helps their health but also makes our lives more comfortable.

Maintaining a healthy body condition requires a balanced diet and regular exercise. By implementing a scientific diet and weight management, we can effectively reduce the potential health risks associated with being overweight, allowing our cats to live healthier lives and making our interactions with them more enjoyable and relaxed.

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