Everything we are asked, answered.
If you don't find your question here, write to us directly. We answer every email personally.
What makes a Maine Coon 'European'?
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European Maine Coons descend from breeding programs in Russia, Poland, Italy, and surrounding countries that emphasize heavy bone, profound muzzles, lynx-tipped ears, and a larger overall silhouette.
How large do your cats grow?
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Our males commonly reach 22-26 lbs at full maturity, and females 13-16 lbs. Full size is typically reached between 3 and 5 years of age.
Are your parents health tested?
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Yes — every parent in our program is DNA tested through Optimal Selection for HCM, SMA, PKDef, and dozens of additional markers, with annual cardiac echocardiograms.
Why is the Priority Waitlist a conversation?
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We place a small number of kittens each year, and we'd rather take the time to know each family well than rush a reservation. The Priority Waitlist is how that conversation begins.
What is your reservation process?
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Reservations begin with a Priority Waitlist application. Once we've spoken, a reservation fee secures your priority position for an upcoming pairing.
What is the reservation fee?
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We share the current reservation fee privately after speaking with each family. The fee is credited toward the final placement.
When do kittens come home?
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Kittens come home at twelve weeks of age — fully vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, litter-trained, and socialized in our home.
Do you ship?
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We never ship cargo. Kittens are met in person on Welcome Home Day, or — for families outside the Southeast — accompanied door-to-door by a vetted private flight nanny who flies in-cabin with your kitten.
Where are you located?
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We are based in the Charleston, South Carolina area. Pickup details are shared privately with our reserved families.
Do you offer a health guarantee?
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Yes — every Ironmane kitten comes with a written, signed health guarantee covering the conditions we screen for.
Are your kittens registered?
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Yes. All Ironmane kittens are TICA and CFA registered with full pedigree documentation.
Are kittens spayed or neutered before going home?
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Pet kittens come home under a spay/neuter Reservation Agreement; we provide written guidance on timing with your veterinarian.
Can I visit before reserving?
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Visits are reserved for families who have completed the Priority Waitlist conversation. This protects our cats and queens, especially during kittenhood.
What food do you raise kittens on?
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We feed a rotation of high-quality wet and raw diets. A detailed feeding guide and starter food go home with every kitten.
How often do you have litters?
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We breed deliberately — a small, intentional number of pairings each year across our queens.
Can I choose my kitten?
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Selection is collaborative. We match kittens to families based on temperament, your priorities, and our knowledge of each kitten.
Do you breed for specific colors?
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We focus on black smoke, solid black, black silver tabby, and blue — but we breed first for structure, health, and temperament.
What is your pricing?
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Pricing reflects bloodline, color rarity, and structure. Specific pricing is shared after we've spoken with you about your family.
Do you offer a breeder program?
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Selective breeder placements are available to established catteries on a case-by-case basis.
Do you take returns?
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Yes — if circumstances change, your kitten is always welcome back into our home. We require it in our Reservation Agreement.
How can I follow your kittens?
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Reserved families step into our Private Litter Journal. Our Instagram is the most current public journal — daily moments from our home.
What kind of support do you provide after Welcome Home Day?
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Lifetime breeder support. We remain a resource for guidance, questions, and the long arc of your Maine Coon's life.