Coons'Kin Cats Mission

The mission of Coons'Kin Cats is to raise healthy, affectionate and beautiful Maine Coons to fill loving hearts and homes with companionship and entertainment, love and fascination.
 

Beginnings

I began breeding Maine Coons in 1984 with the help and guidance of some of the most highly respected Maine Coon breeders at the time. With their advice, two males and two females, from two distinct lines, were carefully chosen to produce the foundation of a new "line," of show-winning, amazing to live with - Maine Coons.

My name is Judy Friedman.  Coons'Kin cattery is in my San Diego home.  After a cross country move and several years away from the "hobby," 2005 saw a new beginning for my breeding program at CoonsKin Cats.
 
I am honored and privileged to work (and play) with Sue Storten of McKittycreek, Cheryl and John Kominos of TabbyRd Maine Coons, Ramona and Paul Shuba of Shubacoons, Cindy Rogers of Suncoon, Carol Pedley, of Le Beau Minu, Emmons Brown of LAPD and Liz Hansen of Chemicoons, to name a few. My breeding partners’ cats are simply fabulous and have been so for many generations. 
 
You have to live with a Maine Coon to experience their unique personalities.  They are a definite presence in a home, not to be ignored.  They truly improve the quality of your life in a very real way, providing a flood of affection to warm your heart and home.



Why a Maine Coon from Coons'Kin

Health

My number one concern is breeding healthy cats.  Only the healthiest of cats are used in Coons'Kin's breeding program.  Documented proof of healthy hearts is provided to all kitten buyers.  Echocardiograms by Certified Veterinary Caridologists, initally done at one year or younger, are renewed annually on every breeding cat at Coons'Kin. DNA tests are also used to determine whether the cats are negative for a genetic mutation that could possibly cause specific heart problems later.  Although no one can predict the future or promise that a cat won't ever get sick, I do everything possible to ensure that I breed only the healthiest of cats.

Socialization

All Maine Coons are great cats.  How they are raised from the time they are born until the time they go to their new homes is absolutely crucial to their social development.  A well-socialized kitten/cat makes a great pet.  A poorly socialized kitten might hide from people or have fears that prevent it from becoming a confident member of the household. 

Coons'Kin kittens are lovingly handled from the time they are born.  By the age at which they go to their new homes they are used to being picked up and held, kissed, combed and bathed.  They are used to loud noises such as hair-dryers, the snap of a large plastic trash bag being opened, the neighbors remodeling, etc.  They are comfortable with children and dogs.  They have been visited by 'strangers.'  They have gotten used to riding in the car, getting into a crate without a fuss and going to the vet (where they are the center of affectionate attention from all the employees - not just poked and prodded by the doctor). They will even allow you to brush their teeth.

Who I Am

A life-long animal lover, my undergraduate college degree from The University of Connecticut is a Bachelors in Animal Pathobiology with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine.  It only took meeting a Maine Coon once to fascinate me enough to pursue breeding this extraordinary breed. Though I was always a cat lover, I was primarily "a dog person," before falling in love with Maine Coons. But once smitten by the love of these cats I have never looked back.  I still love dogs very much - as do my cats! - but Maine Coons are my most consuming passion. Being able to contribute to the integrity of this breed is an honor and a privilege for me.  I am grateful that I can play a small part in improving and fostering the importance they play in so many people's lives.