Frequently Asked Questions

Known as the "gentle giants" of the cat world, male Maine Coons typically weigh between 6 to 11 kg, while females range from 4 to 7 kg. They are a slow-maturing breed, taking anywhere from 3 to 5 years to fully develop their grand physical frame and magnificent shaggy coats.

They are famously described as "dog-like." Maine Coons are incredibly loyal, highly intelligent, and social companions who prefer to follow you from room to room to participate in daily household life. Rather than being demanding lap cats, they prefer to lounge gracefully right beside you.

Yes! Instead of traditional, loud meowing, they are famous for communicating with soft, high-pitched chirps, trills, and quirky croaks. It is an enchanting, quiet vocal repertoire they use to "talk" to their human families.

Yes! Unlike most felines, many Maine Coons possess a fascinating affinity for water—a trait tracing back to their ancestral history as ship mousers. Do not be surprised if your kitten tries to join you in the shower, splashes in their water bowl, or meticulously supervises you while you do the dishes.

Despite their luxurious, heavy double coats, their fur is relatively easy to maintain because it doesn't mat quite as easily as other long-haired breeds. A thorough brushing 2 to 3 times a week is usually sufficient, though more frequent grooming is required during seasonal shedding periods.

Absolutely. Their highly tolerant, patient, and easygoing nature makes them an outstanding match for active households. They integrate beautifully with well-behaved dogs and other cats, often thriving on the extra companionship.

With high-quality nutrition, regular veterinary care, and an indoor-only lifestyle, Maine Coons typically enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and often even longer.

As a large and active breed, they benefit significantly from a high-protein, grain-free diet rich in meat. Adequate hydration is critical, so a diet consisting heavily of premium wet food or carefully balanced raw food (BARF) is highly recommended.

Yes, they adapt wonderfully to apartment living as long as they have enough space to explore and vertical elements like sturdy scratch posts to climb. Being social creatures, they require daily interactive playtime with their owners to stay mentally and physically stimulated.

Yes, absolutely. Casa di Nellie is a fully registered, ethical cattery and a proud member of the Blue Danube Cat Club, a TICA-affiliated club in the Vienna area. Our cats are registered with TICA (The International Cat Association), and our breeding practices strictly adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare and breed purity.

The health of our legacy is our highest priority. All our kings and queens undergo rigorous DNA testing for genetic conditions common to the breed, such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), alongside regular veterinary echocardiograms.

Our kittens graduate to their new homes between 12 and 14 weeks of age. This crucial period ensures they are fully vaccinated, socially confident, physically robust, and emotionally ready to transition smoothly to their new families.

Every kitten leaves our care accompanied by an official pedigree certificate, a fully updated EU Pet Passport (Impfpass), a certified veterinary health certificate, a signed purchase/adoption contract, and a curated starter kit with their favorite food and toys.

Yes, completely. Before joining your family, every kitten is microchipped, fully dewormed, and receives their complete base series of vaccinations against Feline Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus), and Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper).

Yes. Our adoption contract includes a comprehensive health guarantee against congenital and genetic defects. We stand behind the health, genetic lineage, and structural soundness of every single kitten we raise.

Our kittens are primarily placed as cherished luxury pets. They are sold with a mandatory alteration (spay/neuter) agreement unless explicitly arranged otherwise with an approved, registered ethical breeder under specific terms.

The process begins by completing our digital application form on the website. We look for dedicated, loving homes that understand the needs of the breed. Once reviewed, we will contact you to discuss availability or invite you to join our exclusive waiting list.

To protect the health and immunity of our young, unvaccinated litters, in-person visits are reserved strictly for families who have a confirmed reservation. However, we love providing high-definition photos, video updates, and virtual tours to keep our waiting families closely connected.

We are proudly located in the heart of Vienna, Austria. While we prefer that families pick up their kitten in person to experience the final handoff, we can arrange safe, professional pet-courier or personal flight-nanny transportation under exceptional circumstances.

Always. When you adopt from Casa di Nellie, you join our extended feline family. We remain available for lifelong guidance, offering expert advice on nutrition, grooming, behavior, and care whenever you need it.

We recommend securing windows with cat-safe netting, removing toxic houseplants, and purchasing heavy-duty, stable scratching posts that can support their future adult weight. Having a designated quiet "safe room" for their first few days will ensure a peaceful, stress-free adjustment period.