Meet Your Breeder

My name is Michelle, I am a registered Maine Coon Cat Breeder with the cattery name (prefix) LOVING LYNX. Feel confident in an established and experienced cat breeder having raised cats for 20 years. I am easily proven 100% real, avoid the kitten scams.

It has been a privilege to connect each kitten with lifelong home with loving families across the globe. Each adoption story is unique, and I cherish the relationships I have built with my clients, many of whom have become loyal repeat customers. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the joy that these exceptional cats bring into their new homes. I have also had the honor of placing with a few celebrities, further highlighting the allure and desirability of this extraordinary cat breed.

These connections inspire me to continue my mission of producing healthy, well-socialized, and stunning cats that will enrich the lives of their owners for years to come. As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share my passion for these magnificent animals with the world. I remain committed to advancing the breed and ensuring that each kitten I produce is a perfect blend of beauty, temperament, and health, ready to become a cherished member of a loving family.

Maine Coon Cattery

You will find that LOVING LYNX cattery is a dual registered cattery with both CFA and TICA. Feel confident in a verified, established and experienced Maine Coon Cat Breeder having raised cats for 20 years. My family home is situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, only a small drive away from Knoxville, Tennessee offering safe hand-delivery within the USA. I am known throughout the world for outstanding quality.

Kitten Playroom

All of my kittens are nurtured right in our home, where they are always close by, allowing for a deep bond to form between them and our family. They have access to a spacious 2,000 square foot area dedicated entirely to their play and exploration—a true paradise for cats. This expansive space is thoughtfully designed and filled with an abundance of toys, climbing trees, scratching posts, and cozy nooks, ensuring that the kittens have everything they need to engage their natural instincts and curiosity. While it may seem like organized chaos at times, rest assured that this lively environment is consistently clean and well cared for.

We prioritize hygiene and comfort, regularly maintaining the space to ensure it remains a safe and healthy haven for our furry friends. The kittens are free to explore the entire house, but the main area serves as a designated safe haven. This space is particularly important for their development, as it provides a secure environment for them to learn essential skills, such as using the litter box. At night, this area transforms into a cozy retreat, where they can feel safe and secure as they settle down for rest.

Our approach to raising these kittens is guided by what we refer to as a "Kitten Development Program." This program is inspired by the principles of Puppy Culture, developed by Jane Messineo Lindquist (Killion), which emphasizes the importance of early socialization, positive experiences, and structured learning. Through this program, we focus on creating enriching experiences that promote healthy development, confidence, and well-being in our kittens.

We engage them in various activities that stimulate their minds and bodies, helping them grow into well-adjusted and happy cats. In this nurturing environment, each kitten is given the individual attention and care they need to thrive. We believe that by fostering their natural instincts and providing a loving atmosphere, we are setting the foundation for their future as beloved companions. Our commitment to their development and happiness is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that each kitten is not only well cared for but also prepared for a joyful life ahead.

To support this vision and provide the best possible start for my kittens, I have invested in a fully equipped neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (AKA my house) specifically for their needs. This facility includes two state-of-the-art incubators that maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, creating a safe and nurturing environment for the most vulnerable kittens.

Additionally, I have all the necessary bottle-feeding supplies on hand, ensuring that any kittens requiring supplemental feeding receive the care they need to thrive. By prioritizing both the physical and emotional well-being of my Maine Coons, I aim to contribute positively to the breed and produce kittens that not only meet the aesthetic standards but also possess the health and temperament that make them wonderful companions. This commitment to quality and care is at the heart of my breeding program, and I am dedicated to upholding the highest standards in every aspect of my work.

Finding Quality Bloodlines

Finding high-quality Maine Coons can be quite challenging, even with thorough screening processes in place. The journey to sourcing these magnificent cats often involves navigating a complex landscape of breeders, bloodlines, and individual cat characteristics. Despite my diligent efforts to source cats from reputable bloodlines and top catteries known for their commitment to excellence, I ultimately had to make the difficult decision to exclude some individuals from my breeding program. This was due to the presence of certain undesirable traits that could compromise the overall quality and integrity of the breed.

My primary goal is to focus on selecting Maine Coons that not only exhibit a striking, wild appearance reminiscent of lynxes but also embody the essential qualities of excellent health and a stable temperament. The allure of the Maine Coon lies in its majestic looks, characterized by tufted ears, bushy tails, and a robust build. I am particularly drawn to those that possess a wild, untamed aesthetic, as it reflects the breed's natural heritage and charm. However, beauty alone is not enough; I am equally committed to ensuring that these cats are healthy and well-adjusted, as temperament plays a crucial role in their suitability as companions and breeding stock.

Early Days Of Breeding Cats

Early on breeding, I was introduced to the Maine Coon Cat. It was rumored that some whereas large or larger than the Savannah (Worlds Tallest Domestic Cat Breed). They also have completely different temperament where the Savannah Breed is hyper, intense, demanding compared to the Maine Coon Breed extremely gentle, docile and low energy level. I wondered if such a cat was possible. Such a fantastic cat does exist but many bloodlines have issues. I believe in breeding responsibly, which means testing the parents of each litter for all DNA testable health conditions. All of our adult cats in our breeding program are DNA health tested prior to reproducing.

Over the years, my kittens commanded impressive prices typically $7,500 to $9,500 per kitten, with some fetching as high as $20,000, please note may of these kittens only a handful of breeders around the entire world could or ever produced. I am proud to announce that I have successfully created the world's first silver-colored 62% F1 Savannah cats. This groundbreaking achievement in feline breeding represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of unique and exotic cat breeds. The F1 Savannah cat is a hybrid breed, resulting from the crossbreeding of a domestic cat and a serval, a wild African cat known for its striking appearance and playful nature.

The silver coloration of the breed was particularly rare and sought after, as it enhances their already stunning features, including their large ears, long legs, and distinctive spotted coat. Achieving this specific coloration required meticulous planning, careful selection of breeding pairs, and a deep understanding of genetics. The 62% designation indicates that these cats are first-generation hybrids, with 62% of their genetic makeup derived from the serval. This percentage not only contributes to their unique appearance but also influences their temperament and behavior, making them both captivating companions and remarkable pets. As I continue to work with these extraordinary animals, my goal is to promote responsible breeding practices and ensure that these cats are raised in loving environments. I am excited to share my journey with fellow cat enthusiasts and contribute to the growing appreciation for the Savannah breed.

This remarkable achievement is not merely a reflection of their aesthetic appeal but also of the meticulous care and attention I invest in their upbringing. I take immense pride in nurturing these cats from my own carefully developed multi-generational bloodlines, ensuring that each generation embodies the best traits of the breed while maintaining the health and vitality that are essential for their well-being.

Pictures of my Maine Coon Cats, past and present……

TICA Registered Cat Breeder

The International Cat Association

LOVING LYNX is a current TICA registered cat breeder in good standing.

TICA Member In Good Standings Since 2006, Over A Decade! Verify that I am a breeder that is TICA registered by asking for their membership card, their voluntary code of ethics, and the TICA.org website listing.

1. TICA Breeder Membership: Proof that a breeder is TICA registered however this can be done by any person and does not in any way prove being reputable, even scammers are registering with TICA.

2. TICA Breeder Voluntary Code Of Ethics: The voluntary code of ethics is for breeders that voluntarily want to sign and agree to TICA's codes by; being a member in good standing, agreeing to breed discriminately, and also finding good homes for the kittens.

3. TICA Listing: In order to purchase a breeder classified ad (TICA Listing), You must be a TICA member in good standing and a member of the Breed Section or Working Group for the breed you want to advertise.

CFA Registered Cat Breeder

The Cat Fancier Association

LOVING LYNX is a current CFA registered cat breeder in good standing.

As a breeding member of the CFA, I pledge that I understand the principles of integrity, fairness, and respect for potential kitten owners and fellow breeders.

1. I acknowledge that my Maine Coon Cats and kittens are getting the best possible veterinarian care, testing, up-to-date immunizations, attention, and the living environment available.

2. I have agreed to follow the Maine Coon Breed Standard as set down by the breed committee and will only place breeders that meet this standard.

3. I will try to make every kitten adoption one that best fits the situation for the kitten as well as the adoptive parents. If an issue arises, I will work with the kitten’s new family to ensure they are happy.  I will always take back all kittens or cats that I have placed if necessary.

4. I agree to honor all contracts as written. 

Follow My Facebook Profile

My Facebook page has thousands of pictures and videos dating back years. Again this verifies that I am indeed 100% real and not a scammer. My Facebook is public, no login is required.

What is a kitten scam?

Internet kitten scams are now preying on innocent pet buyers not knowing what to avoid. It is not just cats, it happens with all animals… horses, chickens, dogs, cats, birds and many more! Thankfully once you know the signs you can easily notice a scammer.

Scammers are getting smarter, they will build websites with many pages. Typically kitten scams have a whole ring of sites. When one website gets taken down they have the website content saved and just post it under a new name.

Scammers do pay for Google ads, so they rank first in search engines. Overseas scammers throw together a 5-7 page website, pick up a $20 prepaid track phone, and off they go! They steal photos from Google images from legit breeders and steal text from random websites. One gets taken down two more come up. They scam people for a living. Scammers will contact you at the last minute asking for more money to cover additional fees, for example “registration costs” or “customs fees”.

Please do not refuse to see the warning signs because you want them to be true. 

What to look for in your breeder?

• The breeder microchips the kitten so if lost it is returned.

• The breeder will take back a kitten if homeless.

• The breeder gives age-appropriate shots.

• The breeder gives parasite prevention.

• The breeder spays & neuters kittens prior to placement. Preventing potential pyometra and accidental litters.

• The breeder makes sure to keep a kitten till a minim of 12 weeks old. Both CFA & TICA ethics state a breeder should keep kittens till 12 weeks at the minimum. This ensures the kitten is emotional and physically ready. Allowing a kitten to leave younger can compromise its emotional well-being and immune system for its entire life.

Can you verify the breeder?

• Verify that the breeder is registered with CFA or TICA.

• The breeder can verify registration by providing their cattery numbers.

• The breeder can provide a verification listing through TICA.org. This listing can only be obtained by a registered TICA member with a signed code of ethics.

• Unfortunately, many potential owners don’t know what to look for in a breeder and fall victims to scam websites promising cheap-priced kittens from a “reputable breeder”. NEVER EVER think you are buying a Maine Coon Kitten for the cheap price of $500–$1000.

Can you navigate the breeder’s website?

• The breeder’s website is easy to navigate.

• The breeder has a website that educates about the breed.

• The breeder has a website that tells about their program.

• The breeder can produce pictures of available kittens.

Are the kitten’s parents health tested?

Minim DNA testing is for HCM, SMA and PKD mutations. However other disorders include:

1. Blood Disorders

2. Cardiac Disorders

3. Endocrine Disorders

4. Immunologic Disorders

5. Metabolic Disorders

6. Muscular Disorders

7. Neurologic Disorders

8. Neuromuscular Disorders

9. Ocular Disorders

10. Renal Disorders Including PKD

11. Skeletal Disorders

Are the Maine Coon Kittens registered?

• Breeder registers each litter providing buyers with registration paperwork/number.

• Beware a breeder stating they don’t want to “deal with paperwork,” or they are “just producing pets.” They probably don’t have usable registration papers.

• If the Seller bought a Maine Coon with no breeding rights and then reproduced, that means they disregarded the legal contract they signed. You do not want to do business with a “breeder” who ignored a contract they agreed to uphold.

• It costs a breeder $10 to register a litter of kittens with TICA or CFA. Ask yourself why would a breeder discount a kitten hundreds or even thousands for a non-registerable kitten that is purebred? Retired cats and cats with special needs could considerably cost less than the quoted average price. You would still be looking for the above-mentioned qualities in a breeder.

How old is your kitten?

The breeder makes sure to keep a kitten till a minim of 12 weeks old. Both CFA & TICA ethics state a breeder should keep kittens till 12 weeks at the minimum. This ensures the kitten is emotional and physically ready. Allowing a kitten to leave younger can compromise its emotional well-being and immune system for its entire life.

The bitterness of a poor-quality animal will linger long after the sweetness of a cheap price is forgotten.

Support is your choice.

Support those doing more for the breed.