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Black Silver Ticked Tabby

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Black Tortoise Silver with White

4 months

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Red Silver Ticked Tabby

5 months

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Blue-Cream Tortoise

6 months

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5 months

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Maine Coon Cats on the Gulf Coast: Gentle Giants in Tampa Bay

A Maine Coon brings a little New England to the Gulf Coast: a thick, shaggy coat, lynx-like ear tufts and a big, gentle personality. Indoors with air-conditioning, they adapt comfortably to Tampa Bay living. Many owners say their cat's favorite spot is a supervised perch on the screened lanai, watching birds.

Characteristics

  • Playfulness
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Activity Level
    3 3 3 3 3
  • Friendliness to Other Pets
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Friendliness to Children
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Grooming Requirements
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Vocality
    1 1 1 1 1
  • Need for attention
    3 3 3 3 3
  • Affection towards owners
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Docility
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Intelligence
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Independence
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Hardiness
    4 4 4 4 4

History and Origins

Maine adopted the breed as its official state cat in 1985, honoring a cat that had worked on its farms and ships for generations. Floridians often ask whether Ernest Hemingway's famous six-toed cats in Key West were Maine Coons; they are mostly domestic polydactyl cats, not this breed. Extra toes did appear in early Maine Coon cats, though, and polydactyl lines still exist today.

Personality

Many are fascinated by water, dipping paws in bowls or batting at fountains. They are sociable, curious and good-natured with children and other pets. Despite their size, most are gentle and rarely use their claws in play.

Nutrition and Feeding

Feed a complete, high-protein kitten food and divide it into measured meals. Wet food and a water fountain, which many water-curious Maine Coons enjoy, support hydration in Tampa's heat. Keep treats modest to protect a large frame's joints.

Grooming and Care

Brush two or three times a week, focusing on the belly, armpits and britches where Florida humidity encourages tangles. A steel comb helps reach the dense undercoat. Trim nails regularly and check ears for moisture after humid weeks.

Specific Needs

Tampa Bay neighborhoods can fall inside storm-surge evacuation zones, so know your zone and keep a large carrier and records ready. Screened lanais are fine for supervised lounging, but check screens for tears, as a big cat can push through weak mesh. Indoors, provide XL litter boxes and cat trees with heavy bases.

Need to Know

• Cats brought into Florida for sale need an official vet inspection certificate.

• Know your storm-surge evacuation zone and keep a carrier ready.

• Check lanai screens; a large cat can push through worn mesh.

• Brush two or three times weekly to beat humidity tangles.

• Ask whether parents were DNA-tested for HCM and SMA.

• Water fountains appeal to this water-curious breed.

• Indoor living protects them from heat, traffic and wildlife.

FAQs

Were Hemingway's Key West cats Maine Coons?
No. The Hemingway Home cats are mostly domestic polydactyls. Polydactyly also appears in some Maine Coon lines, which is why people connect them.

Can my cat use our screened lanai?
Yes, under supervision and with secure, undamaged screens. Avoid midday heat and provide shade and water.

What paperwork comes with a kitten shipped to Florida?
Florida requires an official certificate of veterinary inspection for cats brought into the state for sale, and you receive a copy. Florida law also includes a consumer guarantee for cats sold by pet dealers.

Do Maine Coon cats shed more in Florida?
Shedding can feel steadier in warm climates. Brushing two or three times a week keeps loose hair under control.

How should I prepare my cat for hurricane season?
Keep a sturdy carrier, several days of food and water, medications and vaccination records together, and know your evacuation zone.

Purrfect matches

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Pawsome reviews

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Stephanie M.

5

Adopting our new kitten from Purebred Kitties was a wonderful experience. The process was smooth and clear, leaving no room for confusion. Alona's kindness and genuine care shone through as she promptly answered all my questions. Thanks to the whole team, our new furry family member is now home and already cherished beyond words!

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Tara E.

5

I am absolutely thrilled with my experience! The team provided instant clarification and communication, showing true compassion every step of the way. The video calls reassured me that this company is trustworthy. The caring consultants seamlessly connected me with the breeder, making the entire process smooth and efficient.

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Marcus R.

5

Purebredkitties has been absolutely wonderful. They made everything so easy and stress-free. Adoption specialist Kim A was fantastic, always going the extra mile to help me. She even responded to my email at 3 am her time! 😊 This whole experience has been truly heartwarming and rewarding.

img_5

Kelti P.

5

Our experience with Purebredkitties was wonderful! Communication was great, and we even got to FaceTime with our kitten before bringing her home. She was exactly as we expected and is already doing great with our family after just two days. One small note is that pedigree papers weren't included and cost extra, which was a bit pricey since she arrived spayed. Overall, even though it was expensive, it was worth it. The quality and size of our kitten are amazing!

img_6

Patty A.

5

The whole experience of adopting a pet with this fantastic team has been nothing short of wonderful. Now, I have the joy of being a devoted pet mom to a gorgeous kitten I named Princess. I'm already looking forward to adopting another fur baby with Maria's help in the future. I'm absolutely thrilled and can't thank you all enough!

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Meldi F.

5

Proud mom of four Sphynx kitties! I adopted all of my adorable feline friends from Maria at purebredkitties.com, and I couldn’t be happier. Each one is a treasure, and working with Maria has been an absolute delight!

Hannah L.

5

The whole journey to bring our fluffy bundle of joy home was fantastic. Maria is incredibly kind and always ready to answer all our questions. I really appreciate how seriously they take the health of the cats. Our kitten arrived with a minor case of the sniffles, likely from the airport travel, but it was easily and quickly resolved. Plus, the video call we had to meet our little guy beforehand was a wonderful way to get a glimpse of his personality and feel confident in our decision. I'm definitely recommending Purebred Kitties to all my friends who are looking to get their own Maine Coon.

Arki V.

5

I recently welcomed my second Sphynx from Purebred Kitties, and just like my first experience, everything went perfectly. This time around was just as smooth and delightful. I adore both of my cats—they're healthy, have amazing personalities, and are absolutely precious.

Stephanie M.

5

Adopting our new kitten from Purebred Kitties was a wonderful experience. The process was smooth and clear, leaving no room for confusion. Alona's kindness and genuine care shone through as she promptly answered all my questions. Thanks to the whole team, our new furry family member is now home and already cherished beyond words!

Tara E.

5

I am absolutely thrilled with my experience! The team provided instant clarification and communication, showing true compassion every step of the way. The video calls reassured me that this company is trustworthy. The caring consultants seamlessly connected me with the breeder, making the entire process smooth and efficient.

Marcus R.

5

Purebredkitties has been absolutely wonderful. They made everything so easy and stress-free. Adoption specialist Kim A was fantastic, always going the extra mile to help me. She even responded to my email at 3 am her time! 😊 This whole experience has been truly heartwarming and rewarding.

Kelti P.

5

Our experience with Purebredkitties was wonderful! Communication was great, and we even got to FaceTime with our kitten before bringing her home. She was exactly as we expected and is already doing great with our family after just two days. One small note is that pedigree papers weren't included and cost extra, which was a bit pricey since she arrived spayed. Overall, even though it was expensive, it was worth it. The quality and size of our kitten are amazing!

Patty A.

5

The whole experience of adopting a pet with this fantastic team has been nothing short of wonderful. Now, I have the joy of being a devoted pet mom to a gorgeous kitten I named Princess. I'm already looking forward to adopting another fur baby with Maria's help in the future. I'm absolutely thrilled and can't thank you all enough!

Meldi F.

5

Proud mom of four Sphynx kitties! I adopted all of my adorable feline friends from Maria at purebredkitties.com, and I couldn’t be happier. Each one is a treasure, and working with Maria has been an absolute delight!

Hannah L.

5

The whole journey to bring our fluffy bundle of joy home was fantastic. Maria is incredibly kind and always ready to answer all our questions. I really appreciate how seriously they take the health of the cats. Our kitten arrived with a minor case of the sniffles, likely from the airport travel, but it was easily and quickly resolved. Plus, the video call we had to meet our little guy beforehand was a wonderful way to get a glimpse of his personality and feel confident in our decision. I'm definitely recommending Purebred Kitties to all my friends who are looking to get their own Maine Coon.

Arki V.

5

I recently welcomed my second Sphynx from Purebred Kitties, and just like my first experience, everything went perfectly. This time around was just as smooth and delightful. I adore both of my cats—they're healthy, have amazing personalities, and are absolutely precious.

Why you can trust us

Protection from Scams

Join us in the fight against kitten scams. We assure you with 100% certainty that our services will safeguard you from any form of scam. We prioritize transparency, effective communication, and fulfilling our commitments.

Only Reputable Breeders

We maintain a strict policy against kitten mills and take pride in linking you with ethical and trustworthy professional breeders who are dedicated to raising kittens with love and compassion in a home environment.

Comprehensive Health Guarantee

We perform extensive tests and veterinary examinations to ensure the optimal health and well-being of our kittens. Our commitment goes further with comprehensive health guarantee to make the transition as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for you and your family.

Trusted Maine Coon Breeders for Tampa Bay Families

Florida buyers see plenty of too-good-to-be-true ads, so we put proof first. Our Maine Coon cat breeders are screened against kitten-mill practices, and you can meet your kitten on a live video call before deciding. Browse the Maine Coon kittens for sale above, and an adoption specialist will handle paperwork and travel to Tampa Bay.

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