FAQs

YES! And it’s a GREAT one…

Three-Year Health Guarantee for Genetic Conditions This health guarantee is intended as a safety net, not an expectation. Due to our rigorous health screening and genetic testing protocols, hereditary conditions are exceedingly rare in our kittens. However, we recognize that peace of mind is invaluable when welcoming a new family member. This guarantee represents our commitment to you and serves as assurance that every reasonable measure has been taken to protect your kitten’s genetic health. Specific terms and conditions of this guarantee are fully outlined in your purchase contract.

As an additional layer of security, we provide comprehensive health documentation for both parents, including:

• DNA Testing Records: Both parents are DNA tested, with N/N (clear) results for 45+ genetic conditions, including HCM, SMA, PKD, and PKDef. This genetic status significantly minimizes the likelihood of offspring inheriting these conditions.

• OFA Hip Dysplasia Certification: Passing OFA hip evaluations for both parents will be provided. Hip dysplasia is primarily hereditary—particularly in large breeds such as Maine Coons—though environmental factors may influence severity. Responsible screening helps reduce the risk of producing affected offspring.

• Cardiology Screening: Passing EKG and/or echocardiogram results from certified veterinary cardiology professionals for both parents will be supplied. While HCM has a strong genetic component, routine cardiac screening of our breeding cats substantially reduces the likelihood of this condition in offspring.

Our commitment to health is intentional, ongoing, and uncompromising. We hope this level of care and transparency offers lasting confidence and reassurance throughout your kitten’s life.

• 30-Days of Trupanion Pet Insurance

Yes—there is a waitlist.

All prospective families are required to complete an application through our website. Each application is carefully reviewed, and we reserve the right to accept or decline at our discretion. While not every applicant will be approved, this process is essential to ensure our kittens are placed in homes that are well suited to their needs and long-term well-being.

If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation via email and be invited to join our waitlist. At that time, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required. This deposit will be applied toward the final purchase price of your kitten and secures your opportunity to reserve a kitten from a future litter.

Our waitlist is managed on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the order in which approved applicants submit their deposit. When a litter becomes available—typically around 8–10 weeks of age—families are contacted in waitlist order.

Important Notice: When contacted, we kindly ask that you respond to the text, email, and/or phone call. Failure to respond within 24 hours will result in immediate removal from the waitlist and the deposit will be forfeited. Being on the waitlist indicates that you are financially prepared and ready to move forward with adoption when contacted.

Once contact has been successfully made, you may either:

• Reserve an available kitten, or

• Pass and remain on the waitlist for a future litter without losing your position.

If, after 12 months, you have not reserved a kitten and choose to withdraw from the waitlist, you may request a partial refund of $250, provided no kitten has been reserved. Once a kitten is reserved, the deposit becomes non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that wait times can vary significantly. The length of time on the waitlist cannot be predicted, as it depends on factors beyond our control, including breeding success, litter sizes, kitten health, and the preferences of families ahead on the list. 

During the early weeks, our kittens are kept largely private to allow them the time needed to grow and develop before being introduced publicly. Official photos and videos are typically shared when kittens are approximately 8–10 weeks of age. At that time, kittens may become available for reservation exclusively to approved applicants who have joined our waitlist.

To reserve a kitten, you must contact us directly via email after receiving an "invite to reserve" email from us. Upon request, a reservation/purchase contract will be issued and must be signed and returned within forty-eight (48) hours.

The full purchase price of the kitten is due within five (5) business days of receiving the contract. Payment options are discussed privately via email or phone correspondence. Online financial security matters greatly to us, and we take every precaution to safeguard it.

It is essential that all funds are readily available at the time of reservation. If payment is not completed within the specified timeframe, the reservation opportunity will be offered to the next approved applicant on the waitlist.

We do not offer payment plans, as this policy helps ensure a smooth, fair, and efficient process for all parties involved.

Official photos and videos are typically shared when kittens are approximately 8– 10 weeks of age. At that time, adoption for the litter will open.

The litter adoption opening is first announced to our waitlist members, followed by our email newsletter, website, and then our social media platforms.

Once adoption opens, kittens will be made available for reservation exclusively to waitlist members, who will be contacted in the order in which they joined the list.

Thank you for recognizing BearPaw Mountain Maine Coons as a program worthy of investment. We are honored by your interest. At this time, we maintain a private and intentionally exclusive breeding program.

Breeding rights are granted selectively and only under specific circumstances, at our sole discretion. This approach allows us to protect the integrity of our lines, uphold our health and ethical standards, and ensure the long-term success of our cats.

We appreciate your understanding and respect for our commitment to maintaining a carefully managed, high-standard program.

Yes. Once a kitten is reserved, we are happy to provide periodic photo and/or video updates so families can watch their kitten grow. Updates are typically shared via WhatsApp, as it allows for secure, reliable photo and video sharing.

To facilitate this, a valid phone number and WhatsApp access are required. Update frequency may vary depending on the kitten’s age, developmental stage, and our care schedule, but we do our best to keep families meaningfully connected without disrupting daily routines for the kittens.

Occasionally, we have adult Maine Coons (typically between 1–5 years old) available for rehoming. These cats are placed at a reduced fee, generally ranging from $500–$2,000, depending on individual needs. Retiring cats will be listed on our website when available. Retirements are never easy for us, but we know the joy and fulfillment they bring to both our cats and their new families. An initial email or message of intent is required, followed by the same application process used for our kittens— these are our babies too, and we are just as selective in finding the right home.

Preference is given to military members, law enforcement officers, and firefighters — thank you for all you do!

Our kittens are eligible to join their forever families at approximately 12-13 weeks of age, once they are fully weaned, reliably litter trained, healed from alteration surgery, and up to date on all age-appropriate vaccinations. We believe this additional time with us is essential in supporting proper development, ensuring each kitten is well-adjusted, healthy, and fully prepared to thrive in their new home. In certain circumstances, a kitten’s go-home age may vary, as we always reserve the right to adjust timing in the best interest of the kitten’s health and well-being.

Our kittens remain happily on their mother’s milk for much of their time with us. As they approach their go-home age, we gradually introduce a balanced diet that includes high-quality dry food—Blue Buffalo and Farmina N & D are our preferred kibble brands—along with fresh raw daily in the form of a variety of chunked beef that is produced on our family's ranch, locally sourced chicken hearts, livers and gizzards, and RodentPro XS Chickens.

Feeding practices and nutritional needs can vary by individual kitten. The information provided here is for general guidance only and is not intended as veterinary advice. We strongly encourage all owners to consult with their veterinarian for appropriate feeding recommendations tailored to their kitten’s specific needs.

Regardless of diet choice, we recommend maintaining a high-protein diet, ideally one formulated specifically for kittens, to support healthy growth and development throughout the life of your cat.

As part of our commitment to transparency, trust, and security for both our families and yours, we kindly request a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID prior to accepting any payment. This is a standard practice designed to protect all parties and ensure a smooth, secure transaction. All identification information is kept strictly confidential, used solely for verification purposes, and securely stored or promptly destroyed in accordance with our privacy and data-security practices.

Payment options are discussed privately via email or phone with families who are genuinely interested in our adoption process. Online financial safety matters greatly to us, and we take every opportunity to safeguard it. We kindly ask that inquiries regarding payment specifics be made only when you are seriously considering adopting one of our kittens, as this allows us to devote our time and care to committed families.

Maine Coons are wonderful companions, but their size, intelligence, and social nature come with a few unique considerations. •

• Grooming: Maine Coons require regular brushing—several times per week—to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Due to their long coats, occasional sanitary (“butt”) trims may also be necessary to keep them clean and comfortable.

• Litter Box Needs: Their large stature means standard litter boxes often aren’t sufficient. An extra-large litter box with frequent cleaning is essential for comfort and proper hygiene.

•Play & Enrichment: Maine Coons are playful and curious well into adulthood. They enjoy interactive toys such as crinkle balls and boxes, and many are fascinated by water. Regular playtime is important for both mental and physical stimulation.

•Space & Companionship: These cats need room to move, stretch, and grow. Just as importantly, they thrive on attention and companionship and can become lonely if left without sufficient interaction.

Understanding and meeting these needs helps ensure your Maine Coon thrives as a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted family member.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Responsible programs make decisions based on health data, veterinary input, and the long-term welfare of the kitten. Proponents some may want to consider:

Population Control & Responsible Placement

Early spay/neuter ensures kittens cannot reproduce unintentionally. For breeders, this protects bloodlines, prevents accidental litters, and supports responsible pet ownership.

Behavioral Benefits

Altering before sexual maturity can reduce or prevent behaviors such as spraying, roaming, vocalizing, and hormone-driven aggression— making the transition into a family home smoother.

Easier Surgical Recovery

Younger kittens typically experience:

• Shorter surgery times

• Faster healing

• Less post-operative discomfort

Reduced Health Risks

Early spay/neuter may lower the risk of:

• Mammary cancer (especially when spayed before first heat)

• Pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection)

• Testicular cancer

Alignment with Veterinary Standards

Many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations support early spay/neuter as a safe, effective practice when performed by experienced professionals using appropriate protocols. 

We do not publicly post our prices because selecting a lifelong companion based solely on cost does not reflect the care and responsibility this decision deserves. Although, our kittens range from $3600-$4000 depending on conformation, gender, coloring and polydactyl (having extra toes) status. Welcoming a kitten into your family is an investment—one that should be approached thoughtfully to ensure the best possible experience for both you and your future companion. We fully understand and respect that a responsibly bred Maine Coon may not be the right fit for every budget, and we believe it’s important for each family to choose what best aligns with their values, expectations, and circumstances.

Our pricing reflects the extensive time, care, and dedication invested in each kitten, as well as our commitment to producing exceptional-quality Maine Coons. Our cats are cherished members of our family, and we intentionally devote significant time and attention to every litter to ensure our kittens develop into healthy, well-adjusted companions with excellent temperaments and long-term vitality.

In addition to daily care, our investment includes comprehensive veterinary expenses such as routine wellness exams, vaccinations, genetic and health testing, preventative care, and ongoing monitoring to support long-term health.

All funds received are reinvested directly into our cattery, allowing us to maintain the highest standards of veterinary care and overall well-being for our cats, while continuing to provide exceptional kittens to our BearPaw family.

Cleveland, Montana (Free): Complimentary pickup is available at our specified location.

Havre City Airport: We can meet you at Havre City Airport for a $40 delivery fee. The airport is approximately 60 miles from us; we cover the first 20 miles, and the remaining mileage and time for the additional round trip are the responsibility of the buyer. Please note that we do not assist with international flight paperwork, other than providing health and vaccination records to you from our veterinarian.

You have 10 days to pick up your kitten from the date given to you or you will forfeit the kitten and your money (minus the non refundable fee) will be returned. Once notified that your kitten is ready for pickup, you will have ten (10) days from the date provided to complete pickup. No exceptions will be made. If pickup does not occur within this timeframe for any reason, the kitten will be offered to the next approved patron.

In such cases, all monies paid will be refunded minus the nonrefundable deposit, which covers administrative time, your position on the waitlist, and any processing or return-payment fees incurred.

The individual picking up the kitten must be the same person with whom we have been communicating and for whom we have received photo identification.

Unannounced substitutions are not permitted. If a different individual arrives without prior written approval, the kitten will not be released. Should transport assistance be required, dependable and experienced flight nanny services can be recommended.

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to decline or cancel a sale at any time, regardless of how far along the process may be, should we determine that doing so is in the best interest of the kitten or our program.

We do not offer in-home visits. This policy is in place to protect the health and well-being of our cats by minimizing the risk of disease transmission and reducing unnecessary stress from unfamiliar environments. As an in-home cattery, this policy also helps us maintain the privacy and safety of our children and family. Our priority is preserving a calm, secure home environment while maintaining a healthy, responsibly managed breeding program where our cats remain comfortable and exceptionally well cared for.