Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Maine Haven Cattery, our Exotic Shorthairs, and bringing home a kitten.
Choosing a kitten is a big decision, and we want prospective families to feel informed and comfortable throughout the process. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
If you don't see your question here, please contact us. We're happy to help.
About Maine Haven Cattery
Where is Maine Haven Cattery located?
Maine Haven Cattery is located in Lincoln, Maine. Our kittens are raised here with individual care and attention.
Are you a registered breeder?
Yes. Maine Haven Cattery is CFA registered and dedicated to responsible breeding of Exotic Shorthair cats.
What breed do you specialize in?
We specialize in Exotic Shorthairs, a breed known for their distinctive round faces, expressive eyes, substantial build, and plush, dense coats.
Do you ship kittens?
No. We do not ship our kittens.
We believe personally welcoming a kitten into their new home is an important part of the placement process. Approved families are responsible for making arrangements to travel to Lincoln, Maine, to pick up their kitten.
About Our Kittens
When are kittens available?
Kittens become available as litters are born and mature. Because we carefully evaluate each kitten as they grow, availability and placement status can change over time.
For the most current information, please visit our Available Kittens page.
When are kittens available?
Kittens become available as litters are born and mature. Because we carefully evaluate each kitten as they grow, availability and placement status can change over time.
For the most current information, please visit our Available Kittens page.
Are your kittens raised around people?
Yes. Our kittens are raised with hands-on care and attention so they can become comfortable with people and develop into confident, well-adjusted companions.
Will my kitten be vaccinated?
Kittens receive age-appropriate veterinary care and vaccinations before going to their new homes. Specific details, including what vaccinations and veterinary care your kitten has received, will be provided during the placement process..
Are your kittens health tested?
Our breeding cats undergo health testing as part of our commitment to responsible breeding and the wellbeing of our cats and kittens.
Specific health testing and veterinary information can be discussed during the application and placement process.
Are your kittens CFA registered?
Our cattery is CFA registered, and registration information for individual kittens will be discussed as part of their placement.
Finding the Right Kitten
How do I apply for a Maine Haven kitten?
The first step is completing our Kitten Application. The application helps us learn about you, your household, your experience with cats, and what you're hoping to find in an Exotic Shorthair.
Is there an approval process?
Yes. Maine Haven has a strict approval process for prospective kitten families.
We take the time to get to know each applicant and determine whether Maine Haven is the right fit for them and whether a particular kitten is the right fit for their home.
Kittens are not placed simply on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I visit the cattery?
What are you looking for in a kitten home?
Above all, we are looking for families who are prepared to make a lifelong commitment to their cat and who understand the care and responsibility that comes with owning an Exotic Shorthair.
We consider factors such as your household, lifestyle, experience with cats, other pets, and what you're hoping for in your new companion.
Can I choose my kitten?
We want prospective families to have a say in the kitten they bring home, but we also believe that matching matters.
We consider each kitten's personality, development, and needs alongside what a family is looking for. Our goal is to help create a successful match rather than simply assigning kittens on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visits and meetings are arranged as appropriate throughout the application and placement process. Please contact us to discuss visiting Maine Haven.
Companion & Show Kittens
Are Maine Haven kittens show quality?
Some kittens may have qualities that make them promising show prospects, while others are placed specifically as companion cats.
Because kittens continue to develop as they mature, show potential is carefully evaluated on an individual basis. We do not guarantee show potential in kittens. ALL kittens are sold as pets.
Do you sell kittens to breeders?
Select kittens may be considered for approved breeding programs. Placement of a breeding or show prospect is handled individually and depends on the kitten, pedigree, development, and suitability of the prospective home.
Please contact us if you are an established breeder interested in discussing a Maine Haven kitten.
What is the difference between a companion kitten and a show prospect?
A companion kitten is placed primarily as a cherished family pet.
A show prospect is a kitten whose pedigree, structure, breed type, and development may make them a potential candidate for the show ring. Show prospects are evaluated as they mature, and placement is determined individually.
Bringing Your Kitten Home
At what age can kittens go to their new homes?
Kittens remain with Maine Haven until they are appropriately mature and ready for placement. The exact timing may vary depending on the individual kitten's development and veterinary care.
What should I feed my new kitten?
We will provide guidance on your kitten's current diet and feeding routine so you can make the transition to your home as smoothly as possible.
We recommend maintaining your kitten's familiar routine initially and making any dietary changes gradually.
What comes with my kitten?
Details regarding what is included with each kitten will be provided during the placement process. Depending on the kitten and placement agreement, this may include veterinary records, vaccination information, registration information, pedigree information, and other care details.
What should I expect when my kitten comes home?
Moving into a new home is a big transition for a kitten. We recommend giving your new companion a quiet, comfortable space to settle in while they become familiar with their new surroundings.
We'll provide guidance on helping your kitten make the transition and will be available to answer questions as you get to know one another.
Do you provide a health guarantee?
Our specific health guarantee and terms are provided as part of the kitten contract. Prospective families will have the opportunity to review the agreement before committing to a kitten.
About the Exotic Shorthair
What is an Exotic Shorthair?
The Exotic Shorthair is a breed developed with the distinctive characteristics of the Persian combined with a short, dense, plush coat.
They are known for their round faces, large expressive eyes, substantial bodies, and sweet personalities.
Are Exotic Shorthairs good family cats?
Exotic Shorthairs can make wonderful companions for families who understand their needs and are prepared for the responsibility of caring for a pedigreed cat.
Individual personalities vary, which is another reason we place such importance on matching each kitten with the right home.
Do Exotic Shorthairs require a lot of grooming?
Their short, dense coats generally require less grooming than a Persian's long coat, but regular grooming is still important.
Their facial structure may also require attention to keeping the face and eye area clean. We recommend that prospective owners learn about the breed's grooming and care needs before bringing home an Exotic Shorthair.
Are Exotic Shorthairs indoor cats?
We strongly encourage owners to provide a safe indoor environment for their cats. Exotic Shorthairs are companion animals who thrive when they are part of the family and protected from the risks associated with outdoor roaming.
Ready to Find Your Maine Haven Kitten?
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Ready to Find Your Maine Haven Kitten? *
A kitten is a lifelong commitment. We're here to help you find the right one.
If you've read through our FAQs and think an Exotic Shorthair may be the right addition to your family, we'd love to learn more about you.
Have another question? Contact Us