Okay, so I decided to jump into the world of breeding Maine Coon cats. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for ages, and I finally took the plunge. Let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride!
Getting Started
First things first, I needed to find some quality cats. I spent weeks, maybe even months, researching breeders. I wanted to make sure I was getting healthy cats with good temperaments, and that the breeders were responsible and ethical.
I finally found a couple of breeders I really liked. I visited their catteries, met their cats, and asked a million questions. I ended up getting a gorgeous queen and a handsome stud – both with amazing pedigrees.
The Waiting Game
After all the paperwork and health checks, it was time to let nature take its course. My queen, she’s a real beauty, started showing signs of being in heat. I introduced her to the stud, and well, let’s just say they hit it off. The waiting began, It was pretty nerve-wracking.
I kept a close eye on her, watching for any changes. I read everything I could find about feline pregnancy. I talked to other breeders, joined online forums, the whole nine yards. I wanted to be as prepared as possible.
The Big Day (and Night!)
After about 65 days, it was showtime. My queen started getting restless, pacing around, and making these little chirping noises. I knew it was time.I had a nesting box all set up for her, nice and cozy. I stayed up with her all night, just talking to her and keeping her company.
The kittens started arriving, one by one. It was incredible. I helped her clean them, and it kept monitoring the newborns and the queen to make sure everything was smooth.
Newborn Kittens
The kittens were so tiny and helpless. I was overwhelmed. I weighed them regularly to make sure they were gaining weight. And make sure to keep the kittens in a clean area.
Growing Up
Watching those little furballs grow up has been amazing. They’re starting to play, explore, and develop their own personalities. It’s a lot of work, don’t get me wrong, but it’s so rewarding.
This whole experience has been a huge learning curve. But I do love doing it, and every single kitten is such a joy to be with.
