Why We Do Things the Way We Do at Sovereign Maine Coons

A transparent look at our process, expectations, and the heart behind our policies.

At Sovereign Maine Coons, our goal has always been simple: to connect families with the exact kitten they’ve been dreaming of, while keeping everything fair, ethical, and completely transparent. Because of the high demand for our European kittens and the care we put into raising them, we’ve designed a process that protects both our families and our cats, and we want to share exactly why we do things the way we do.

First Come, Best Fit: How We Match Families with Kittens

We operate on a first come, first serve, best fit basis.

What does this mean?

It means that when kittens become available, families who are ready and committed have the first opportunity to select. This ensures:

• Everyone has a fair and equal chance at choosing the kitten they connect with

• Kittens find homes quickly, reducing stress on both the babies and their queens

• Only truly committed families move forward, which is essential for responsible placement

We take the “best fit” portion seriously as well, every kitten has their own personality, and we want their placement to feel effortless and natural.

Why We Require a Contract & 10% Deposit Within 24 Hours

When you choose your kitten, we require:

• A signed contract, and

• A 10% non-refundable deposit paid within 24 hours

This step is not about rushing anyone; it’s about respecting everyone involved.

This policy ensures:

• The kitten you select is officially reserved for you

• Families on our waitlist are treated fairly and consistently

• We avoid last-minute cancellations that remove opportunities from other families

• Our cattery can maintain structure, care, and planning for upcoming pairings

The deposit is non-refundable because once a kitten is reserved, we immediately begin turning away other interested families.

In-Person Visits: When & Why We Set Clear Boundaries

We happily allow families to visit in person to meet and select kittens, but only once kittens are:

• 6 weeks of age, and

• Have received their first vaccination

This policy protects the health of our kittens, who are extremely vulnerable before their first round of vaccines. It also ensures they are:

• Confident and social enough for visitors

• Safe from potential outside pathogens

• At an age where personalities are beginning to show

Because of our first come process, we cannot and will not hold kittens simply so someone can wait until in person visitation begins. We also cannot guarantee availability at 6 weeks, as many kittens are selected before that time.

If in person choosing is important to you, we always recommend being ready and watching announcements so you can plan accordingly.

Our Commitment to Fairness, Transparency & Healthy Kittens

Every policy we operate by has one goal:

To ensure our kittens are placed safely, ethically, and joyfully into forever homes.

We want every family to feel supported, respected, and well informed. Clear expectations create smooth transitions, and that allows us to focus on what matters most:

Raising healthy, social, stunning European Maine Coons who are deeply loved from day one.

If you ever have questions about our process, we are always here to help.