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 Page or Instagram to stay updated with our plans, pregnancies and kitten news.
Can you add me to a waiting list?
Our goal is to find the best matched homes for our kittens where they will be loved and spoiled. Sometimes this is the very first person expressing an interest and other times it could be the one of the last. For this reason we don't keep a waiting list and we don't accept reservation deposits for unborn or very young kittens as we need time to evaluate their temperaments before placing them.
Once a pregnancy is confirmed, we will announce it on our social media platforms and on our website.
Get in touch via e-mail or our Facebook Page if you would like to be considered for one of our kittens. First impression goes a long way with us...
*Please note just because you filled in our kitten application or messaged us about getting a kitten, doesn't mean you will be a right match for one of our kittens. We will pick the best fit for our kittens, no matter in which order we have received or approved applications.
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 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 and signature.
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.
*Please note that not all kittens will be released for reservation if we decide to keep a kitten for ourselves,
place with our existing kitten owners or pre-approved applicants (who had applied for our kittens in the past and their application was approved), show homes or within our small and trustworthy circle of breeders. We also prioritize applicants who are interested in adopting two siblings together.
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
- SACC registration, certified 4 generation pedigree & transfer form for the change of ownership
- kitten adoption contract designed in the best interest of the kitten
- vet book & 12 month health guarantee, which is activated by the mandatory health check within 72 hour of kitten's arrival.
- 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 of R 5 000 secures the kitten and the final payment is due one week before kitten's departure.
Reservation fee shows buyer's commitment to purchasing a kitten and is not refundable for the change of mind or circumstances, unless Dark Moon decides to cancel the sale for any reason. Dark Moon reserves the right to refuse any person at any point of the adoption process up to and including the pick-up day.
Do you screen your breeding cats for genetic health issues?
Yes. Our breeding cats are DNA tested for breed specific genetic diseases - namely Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef) as well as screened by echo-cardiogram for HCM (we're hoping to have the screening process completed by middle of 2023).
We do our best to ensure that any genetic predisposition towards illnesses are being minimized, however we can't guarantee that your Maine Coon will never be affected by these conditions. The possible influence of non-genetic factors such as age, gender, weight or environment (diet, injuries, activity level etc.) can also contribute to overall health problems beyond our control.
We strongly advise to take out a pet health insurance to assist with unexpected veterinary bills or emergencies.
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,
preventive 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 at approximately 14-16 weeks of age. This time frame is absolutely not negotiable as it's in the best interest of each kitten to ensure proper socialization and good health. All vet checks, vaccinations, neuter/spay and recovery period are following a set schedule, so kittens leaving earlier is not an option.
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 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 into our home, with the exception of scheduled kitten pick-ups. This is to reduce stress of our cats and germs being brought into our home. On the pick up day you will get to meet the kittens' parents and our other cats. Video call prior to kitten reservation can be arranged so you can meet us and the kitten.
We post photos and videos on our social media pages regularly, so you can watch kittens grow. New owners will also receive updates with photos and videos via What'sApp or Messenger as we have time to take them. Please do not overwhelm us by asking constantly for new photos or updates - we have lives outside of our breeding hobby too.
*For anyone interested to see or interact with our cats, cat shows are a great place to meet Dark Moon crew up close and personal.
Do you offer any kitten related advice after the kitten leaves to new home?
Yes, anytime and we always try our best to respond ASAP (within a reason), should you have any questions with regards to your kitten's care or well-being. We also love receiving updates and photos of our graduates, so please don't ever think you're being a bother by sending these!
What kind of home environment do Maine Coons require?
Our kittens are sold as "indoor only" with a contract stating free roaming is not allowed. We do understand this might be a new concept for some people, as cats have been free roaming for centuries, however Maine Coons are not your average cats.
REASONS WHY WE DON'T ALLOW FREE ROAMING:
* Maine Coons get stolen. They are very trusting and affectionate and their impressive look and size makes them an easy target.
* Maine Coons have absolutely zero road sense (picture a toddler in the road).
* Indoor cats are safe from diseases, viruses, poisoning and cat fights.
* Indoor cats are safe from predators, dogs, cat traps and humans (remember not everyone is a cat lover).
We prefer to place our kittens to homes with "cat-proofed" fencing/boundary walls, to allow safe garden access. "Catio" is a great alternative to experience the outdoors safely if you have a huge garden which can't be enclosed.
Unless your boundary walls are "cat-proofed" or all windows/gates have "clear view" or similar safety bars in place, it is necessary to install mesh on all windows and door/gates to prevent slipping out. Sadly it's bound to happen sooner or later and it's just not worth the risk. Maine Coons are very smart and excellent escape artists - if there's a loophole, they will find it and make a run for it.
Pet Safety Solutions and few other companies specialize in securing boundary walls/fencing, windows/gates and
building catios to ensure the home is safe and kitten/cat can't escape but can still enjoy the fresh air, sunshine or watching birds. There are also many tutorials available online on "cat-proofing" your property for DIY enthusiasts.
COMPANIONSHIP
One of the most important parts of caring for your new kitten is playtime. Mutual play creates a strong bond between the new owner and a kitten and it will keep the kitten busy, stimulated and overall happy. Maine Coons are very social and get easily bored, especially if they are only cats. In general it's very hard on them to be left alone all day without another cat to keep them company, which often leads to behavior issues. For this reason we prefer to place our kittens to homes with another young cat/kitten as a companion. We love when two siblings go together to a new home as they've already formed a strong bond, but we also encourage to adopt a kitten from reputable animal shelter/rescue organisation as an alternative option if you currently don't have a young cat/kitten in your home.
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.
Maine Coons are a large breed and can grow up to 10+ kg - therefore a correct diet is extremely important.
We've made the decision to switch to natural raw diet more than 8 years ago and the difference it made in our cats was incredible. UTI issues and food allergy cleared almost immediately and withing few weeks we've also noticed a huge change in their energy level as well as visible difference in their coat and muscle tone.
All of our kittens and cats are fed exclusively with a nutritionally balanced raw diet and we ask our kitten owners to continue with this diet as it's in the kitten's best interest. We will offer a full guidance in this regard.
Unfortunately sterilized cats are prone to obesity so it's important to monitor the weight and adjust meal portions accordingly. In general sterilized cats require approximately 30% less caloric intake to entire cats. Cats being overweight is risking huge health issues such as diabetes, heart problems or orthopedic issues.
Can I have a "Giant" Maine Coon kitten?
No, our kittens are not lion cubs, they are average size Maine Coon kittens. Although Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, there's absolutely no way to predict what size your kitten will grow into. Maine Coons are a slow growing breed and don't reach their maturity until 4 years of age.
The size of a Maine Coon is based on height, length and weight combined - not on a weight only. As per the data submitted to TICA (international cat registry), the weight of a fully grown male is on average between 18-22 lbs (8 - 10kg) and the female is between 12-15 lbs (5.4 - 6.8 kg).
There's so much more to a Maine Coon than the size. Maine Coons are sweet tempered, gentle and friendly and get along with everyone. They are always prepared to "help" their owners with house chores yet aren't demanding of attention. They are often compared to dogs as they are smart, loyal, very entertaining and can be trained to walk on the lead and play "fetch" and other tricks.
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 ovarian or testicular cancer, pyometra, dystocia and mammary carcinoma) and to reduce undesirable behavioral issues (such as urinary marking and aggression) linked to unsterilized cats.
As per The Winn Feline Foundation Report published on The Cat Fanciers' Association website, the various studies indicate that early neuter/spay is in fact beneficial and not detrimental to the overall health of the kitten/cat.
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 Page or Instagram to stay updated with our plans, pregnancies and kitten news.
Can you add me to a waiting list?
Our goal is to find the best matched homes for our kittens where they will be loved and spoiled. Sometimes this is the very first person expressing an interest and other times it could be the one of the last. For this reason we don't keep a waiting list and we don't accept reservation deposits for unborn or very young kittens as we need time to evaluate their temperaments before placing them.
Once a pregnancy is confirmed, we will announce it on our social media platforms and on our website.
Get in touch via e-mail or our Facebook Page if you would like to be considered for one of our kittens. First impression goes a long way with us...
*Please note just because you filled in our kitten application or messaged us about getting a kitten, doesn't mean you will be a right match for one of our kittens. We will pick the best fit for our kittens, no matter in which order we have received or approved applications.
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 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 and signature.
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.
*Please note that not all kittens will be released for reservation if we decide to keep a kitten for ourselves,
place with our existing kitten owners or pre-approved applicants (who had applied for our kittens in the past and their application was approved), show homes or within our small and trustworthy circle of breeders. We also prioritize applicants who are interested in adopting two siblings together.
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
- SACC registration, certified 4 generation pedigree & transfer form for the change of ownership
- kitten adoption contract designed in the best interest of the kitten
- vet book & 12 month health guarantee, which is activated by the mandatory health check within 72 hour of kitten's arrival.
- 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 of R 5 000 secures the kitten and the final payment is due one week before kitten's departure.
Reservation fee shows buyer's commitment to purchasing a kitten and is not refundable for the change of mind or circumstances, unless Dark Moon decides to cancel the sale for any reason. Dark Moon reserves the right to refuse any person at any point of the adoption process up to and including the pick-up day.
Do you screen your breeding cats for genetic health issues?
Yes. Our breeding cats are DNA tested for breed specific genetic diseases - namely Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef) as well as screened by echo-cardiogram for HCM (we're hoping to have the screening process completed by middle of 2023).
We do our best to ensure that any genetic predisposition towards illnesses are being minimized, however we can't guarantee that your Maine Coon will never be affected by these conditions. The possible influence of non-genetic factors such as age, gender, weight or environment (diet, injuries, activity level etc.) can also contribute to overall health problems beyond our control.
We strongly advise to take out a pet health insurance to assist with unexpected veterinary bills or emergencies.
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,
preventive 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 at approximately 14-16 weeks of age. This time frame is absolutely not negotiable as it's in the best interest of each kitten to ensure proper socialization and good health. All vet checks, vaccinations, neuter/spay and recovery period are following a set schedule, so kittens leaving earlier is not an option.
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 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 into our home, with the exception of scheduled kitten pick-ups. This is to reduce stress of our cats and germs being brought into our home. On the pick up day you will get to meet the kittens' parents and our other cats. Video call prior to kitten reservation can be arranged so you can meet us and the kitten.
We post photos and videos on our social media pages regularly, so you can watch kittens grow. New owners will also receive updates with photos and videos via What'sApp or Messenger as we have time to take them. Please do not overwhelm us by asking constantly for new photos or updates - we have lives outside of our breeding hobby too.
*For anyone interested to see or interact with our cats, cat shows are a great place to meet Dark Moon crew up close and personal.
Do you offer any kitten related advice after the kitten leaves to new home?
Yes, anytime and we always try our best to respond ASAP (within a reason), should you have any questions with regards to your kitten's care or well-being. We also love receiving updates and photos of our graduates, so please don't ever think you're being a bother by sending these!
What kind of home environment do Maine Coons require?
Our kittens are sold as "indoor only" with a contract stating free roaming is not allowed. We do understand this might be a new concept for some people, as cats have been free roaming for centuries, however Maine Coons are not your average cats.
REASONS WHY WE DON'T ALLOW FREE ROAMING:
* Maine Coons get stolen. They are very trusting and affectionate and their impressive look and size makes them an easy target.
* Maine Coons have absolutely zero road sense (picture a toddler in the road).
* Indoor cats are safe from diseases, viruses, poisoning and cat fights.
* Indoor cats are safe from predators, dogs, cat traps and humans (remember not everyone is a cat lover).
We prefer to place our kittens to homes with "cat-proofed" fencing/boundary walls, to allow safe garden access. "Catio" is a great alternative to experience the outdoors safely if you have a huge garden which can't be enclosed.
Unless your boundary walls are "cat-proofed" or all windows/gates have "clear view" or similar safety bars in place, it is necessary to install mesh on all windows and door/gates to prevent slipping out. Sadly it's bound to happen sooner or later and it's just not worth the risk. Maine Coons are very smart and excellent escape artists - if there's a loophole, they will find it and make a run for it.
Pet Safety Solutions and few other companies specialize in securing boundary walls/fencing, windows/gates and
building catios to ensure the home is safe and kitten/cat can't escape but can still enjoy the fresh air, sunshine or watching birds. There are also many tutorials available online on "cat-proofing" your property for DIY enthusiasts.
COMPANIONSHIP
One of the most important parts of caring for your new kitten is playtime. Mutual play creates a strong bond between the new owner and a kitten and it will keep the kitten busy, stimulated and overall happy. Maine Coons are very social and get easily bored, especially if they are only cats. In general it's very hard on them to be left alone all day without another cat to keep them company, which often leads to behavior issues. For this reason we prefer to place our kittens to homes with another young cat/kitten as a companion. We love when two siblings go together to a new home as they've already formed a strong bond, but we also encourage to adopt a kitten from reputable animal shelter/rescue organisation as an alternative option if you currently don't have a young cat/kitten in your home.
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.
Maine Coons are a large breed and can grow up to 10+ kg - therefore a correct diet is extremely important.
We've made the decision to switch to natural raw diet more than 8 years ago and the difference it made in our cats was incredible. UTI issues and food allergy cleared almost immediately and withing few weeks we've also noticed a huge change in their energy level as well as visible difference in their coat and muscle tone.
All of our kittens and cats are fed exclusively with a nutritionally balanced raw diet and we ask our kitten owners to continue with this diet as it's in the kitten's best interest. We will offer a full guidance in this regard.
Unfortunately sterilized cats are prone to obesity so it's important to monitor the weight and adjust meal portions accordingly. In general sterilized cats require approximately 30% less caloric intake to entire cats. Cats being overweight is risking huge health issues such as diabetes, heart problems or orthopedic issues.
Can I have a "Giant" Maine Coon kitten?
No, our kittens are not lion cubs, they are average size Maine Coon kittens. Although Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, there's absolutely no way to predict what size your kitten will grow into. Maine Coons are a slow growing breed and don't reach their maturity until 4 years of age.
The size of a Maine Coon is based on height, length and weight combined - not on a weight only. As per the data submitted to TICA (international cat registry), the weight of a fully grown male is on average between 18-22 lbs (8 - 10kg) and the female is between 12-15 lbs (5.4 - 6.8 kg).
There's so much more to a Maine Coon than the size. Maine Coons are sweet tempered, gentle and friendly and get along with everyone. They are always prepared to "help" their owners with house chores yet aren't demanding of attention. They are often compared to dogs as they are smart, loyal, very entertaining and can be trained to walk on the lead and play "fetch" and other tricks.
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 ovarian or testicular cancer, pyometra, dystocia and mammary carcinoma) and to reduce undesirable behavioral issues (such as urinary marking and aggression) linked to unsterilized cats.
As per The Winn Feline Foundation Report published on The Cat Fanciers' Association website, the various studies indicate that early neuter/spay is in fact beneficial and not detrimental to the overall health of the kitten/cat.