Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have kittens available?
Please head over to our Current Litters tab and check for kitten's statuses. Make sure to check our website regularly or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated with our plans, pregnancies and kitten news.
Can you add me to a waiting list?
Please send us an e-mail with a short introduction or contact us via our Facebook Page if you would like to be considered for one of our kittens. Although we don't keep a waiting list anymore, it's important for us to get to know any prospective new owners ahead of time. Our aim is to place our kittens only to best homes where they will be loved and spoiled. We encourage staying in touch with us regularly via e-mail or social media platforms to check for kitten updates.
How can I reserve a kitten?
The kitten application form* needs to be filled in and submitted for approval prior to kitten reservation. The kitten application form can be found on Kittens tab of our website, however it will remain hidden unless we have kittens available.
Kittens will be released from our evaluation and listed as available in our Current Litters tab from approximately 9 -10 weeks of age. We will give few days notice on our social media platforms and on our website.
Once approved for a kitten of your choice, we will send you a confirmation e-mail with our contract for a review.
The reservation deposit will be due within 48 hours. In this time frame, you can ask us any further questions you might have and request additional photos or videos of the kitten. Once payment is received, the kitten is officially reserved.
*We reserve the right to approve or deny applicants at our discretion.
What is the price of Dark Moon kitten?
Our kitten cost is currently *R 10 000 and includes:
- healthy, well socialized kitten out of tested parents
- 2 sets of vaccinations, including rabies
- sterilization on 12 weeks of age & microchip
- preventive de-worming and flea treatment
- a comprehensive kitten pack which includes Kitten Owner's Guide (info on feeding, settling the kitten in and introduction to your other pets; as well as other useful info for many years to come), toy & soft blanket
- certified 4 generation pedigree & transfer form for the change of ownership
- vet book & 12 month health guarantee as per our contract
- high quality raw food for the first week for our Cape Town clients, as well as discount voucher from Chef4Pets (CT, Gauteng, KZN only).
- our assurance we can be contacted anytime to offer you advice and tips in regards to your kitten's care and well-being
*Reservation fee is R 5 000 and the balance is due by 14 weeks of kitten's age.
Reservation fee shows buyer's commitment to purchasing a kitten and is not refundable for the change of mind, unless Dark Moon decides to cancel the sale for any reason.
Do you screen your breeding cats for genetic issues?
Yes. All of our breeding cats have been DNA tested for breed specific genetic health diseases - namely Hypertrophic Cardio Myopathy (HCM), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef).
Links to the results of DNA testing can be found in each of our King's and Queen's profile pages.
What kind of healthcare will my kitten receive?
All of our cats and kittens are being cared for, when required, by our trusted veterinarian Dr Bebbington from Blue Cross Veterinary Hospital in Newlands. Kittens will receive full health physical examination, age appropriate vaccinations,
de-wormer and will be neutered / spayed and micro-chipped.
At what age can kittens leave?
Kittens will be ready to leave to new homes sometime between 14-16 weeks. This time frame is absolutely not negotiable as it's in the best interest of each kitten to ensure proper socialization and good health.
In a rare but possible case of a kitten reacting badly to the vaccination or having a complication after the neuter / spay, the pick up date will be delayed accordingly. The good health and well-being of our kittens will always remain a priority.
Do you fly kittens to other provinces or other countries?
Yes, we have been flying kittens to other provinces using BidAir Cargo PetLounge. We will book the flight and organize the transport to the airport in Cape Town but the travel and carrier hire cost are on your account and are due prior to kitten's departure.
Currently we don't export our kittens to other countries. We prefer to keep our kittens locally.
Can we come for a visit and meet your cats?
For the safety and health of our cats, kittens and our family, Dark Moon is a closed cattery. We don't offer or accept stud services and don't allow any visitors (with the exception of scheduled kitten pick-ups) into our home. All of our approved new owners will receive weekly updates with photos or videos via WhatsApp or Messenger. Video call prior to kitten reservation can be arranged so you can meet us and the kitten.
Can I have a "Giant" Maine Coon kitten?
No, our kittens are not lion cubs, they are average size Maine Coon kittens. Maine Coons are known to be one of the biggest breeds of domesticated cats, but they don't all grow to 10+ kg. There is absolutely no way anyone can predict the size that the kitten will reach in adulthood, and although genetics do play a role here, it still doesn't mean the kitten will take after the parent. On average, males are bigger than females and being slow growers, Maine Coons only reach maturity around 4 years of age. As per the data submitted to world cat registries, the size of a fully grown male is on average between 7-9kg and the female is between 5-7kg. The size of a Maine Coon is based on height, length and weight combined - not on a weight only. Cats being overweight is asking for huge health issues such as diabetes, heart problems or hip displasia (HD). Maine Coons are prone to HD and orthopedic issues mainly because their joints are not being able to carry the large body mass once above the average size. So keep this in mind if you're on the quest for a "Giant Maine Coon".
What do Maine Coons eat?
Cats are obligate carnivores which means their diet requires nutrients found only in animal flesh. While obligate carnivores might be able to ingest small amounts of plant matter, they lack the necessary physiology required to digest it. This leads to many health issues and this is the reason why our kittens and cats are fed exclusively with a nutritionally balanced raw diet.
Can I buy a kitten with breeding rights / unsterilized?
No. Although we might decide to offer breeding rights, it will be only to selected few breeders we are currently working with. These breeders share same passion and vision for the breed as well as our breeding ethics. In short, don't expect us to sell you unsterilized kitten if we've never met you and know nothing about you, your experience as a breeder or your goals.
All kittens will be neutered/ spayed prior to leaving to prevent unwanted pregnancies (it can happen as early as 4 months of age), minimize health risks (such as pyometra, dystocia or mammary carcinoma) and to reduce undesirable behavioral issues linked to unsterilized cats.
Why can't I let my Maine Coon to roam freely?
Just as you wouldn't let your toddler or dog to walk around the neighborhood without a supervision in a fear something might happen to them, you can't allow your Maine Coon kitten / cat to roam around freely. It is definitively not against their nature, or cruel, to keep all of your pets safe within your property. It is very upsetting to see how many Maine Coons (and cats in general) are reported missing, and never found, on monthly basis. Unfortunately once they are out of your sight, you have no idea what they are up to. Roaming cats are not only risking getting stolen, poisoned, mauled by dogs or run over by cars; they are also risking getting injured, trapped, killed or contracting diseases from other cats. And as we don't want any of this to happen to our graduates, please make sure your property is cat friendly, secure and "escape proof" before applying to adopt our kitten.
For "indoor only" cats we require mesh or "clear view" or similar safety bars on all windows and door gates to prevent slipping out. Sadly it's bound to happen sooner or later otherwise and it's just not worth the risk. "Catio" is a great alternative to experience the outdoors safely and it's an option if you can't make your boundary walls/fence "escape proof". There are quite few processional companies specializing in this as well as many online diy tutorials available, so there is absolutely no excuse to make sure to keep your kitties safe.