Adoption Requirements
To ensure the lifelong health, safety, and happiness of our kittens, we have a few non-negotiable requirements for prospective families:
Dark Moon Quasar - Red Ticked Tabby kitten
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Adoption Process: Three Simple Steps
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STEP ONE:
SUBMIT A KITTEN APPLICATION To be considered for adoption, all prospective families must complete a kitten application. Applications open once a litter has been born and the kittens are at least 10 weeks old. To stay informed about upcoming litters and application openings, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates or check our website for regular updates on pending pregnancies, current litters, and anticipated adoption timelines. |
Dark Moon Kali - Black Classic Tabby kitten
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STEP TWO: RESERVE YOUR KITTEN Once your application is approved and a kitten has been selected, a deposit is required to reserve your kitten. The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable and will be deducted from the final purchase price. The remaining balance must be paid at least seven days before the kitten’s go-home date. |
STEP THREE: SIGN THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT To finalize your reservation, the signed adoption agreement must be returned within 24 hours, together with the deposit payment. The agreement includes our health guarantee against genetic conditions and outlines other important terms of sale. |
Litter of Dark Moon kittens
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STEP FOUR:
PREPARE FOR YOUR KITTEN'S ARRIVAL Once you reserve your kitten, he or she will be ready to join your family in approximately 4–6 weeks, at a minimum age of 14 weeks. This allows you ample time to prepare for your new companion’s arrival. Kittens can be collected from our home in Muizenberg, Cape Town, or we can assist by recommending a trusted pet travel agency for safe delivery to another province. We recommend to schedule a veterinary appointment in advance, as your kitten must be seen by a vet by 72 hours of arrival to activate our health guarantee. |
Dark Moon Winter Sky - Black Classic Tabby with White kitten
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Kitten Pricing
Our kitten pricing reflects the quality of our bloodlines, the extensive care invested in each kitten’s development and our ongoing commitment to health and breed integrity. This includes comprehensive DNA and cardiac screening of our breeding cats, the introduction of diverse and carefully selected lines, premium nutrition, and active participation in cat shows to uphold and promote the Maine Coon breed standard.
Prices are subject to change without notice, in accordance with rising costs associated with veterinary care, food, and responsible breeding practices. Breeding rights are not included and are only offered to trusted breeder partners by prior agreement.
Prices are subject to change without notice, in accordance with rising costs associated with veterinary care, food, and responsible breeding practices. Breeding rights are not included and are only offered to trusted breeder partners by prior agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a moment to read through these - and if there’s something we haven’t covered, feel free to reach out directly.
Do you screen your breeding cats for genetic diseases?
Yes - our breeding cats are genetically tested and clear for HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), and PkDef (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency) - hereditary conditions known to affect Maine Coons. We use ZooOmics for DNA testing, and echocardiograms are performed by experienced veterinary specialists. You can view each cat’s test results on their individual profile page.
We put great care and consideration into our breeding program - from comprehensive health testing to carefully planned, selective pairings - to give every kitten the best possible start in life.
While we make every effort to minimize risks, certain health conditions may still occur due to factors beyond our control. A cat’s overall health is influenced by multiple elements, including genetics, gender, age, diet, environment, lifestyle, and the inherent unpredictability of life. We strongly recommend obtaining pet health insurance to assist with any unforeseen veterinary expenses.
We put great care and consideration into our breeding program - from comprehensive health testing to carefully planned, selective pairings - to give every kitten the best possible start in life.
While we make every effort to minimize risks, certain health conditions may still occur due to factors beyond our control. A cat’s overall health is influenced by multiple elements, including genetics, gender, age, diet, environment, lifestyle, and the inherent unpredictability of life. We strongly recommend obtaining pet health insurance to assist with any unforeseen veterinary expenses.
Can you add me to your waiting list?
Our approach is not based on a first-come, first-served waiting list. We focus on making the best possible match between each kitten and the right home, taking into account both the kitten’s nature and your your household's lifestyle and environment. In short - we do not keep a waiting list an we don't accept deposits until we’ve confirmed that we have a kitten available for you. Once a successful mating has taken place, we will share updates on our website and social media pages, including when applications will open for that particular litter.
If you're interested in adopting from us, we encourage you to stay in touch - whether via Instagram, Facebook, or email. If you're not on social media, that’s absolutely fine. Sending us a brief email introduction, ideally with a few photos of your family or current pets, helps us get to know you better and allows us to thoughtfully consider which kittens might be the best fit for your home.
“How long is the wait?”
This is one of our most frequently asked questions - and the honest answer is: it varies. Timing depends on several factors, including the time of year (as each of our girls is bred only once annually), the specific color or gender you’re hoping for, and how many other families are also interested in a similar kitten.
If you're interested in adopting from us, we encourage you to stay in touch - whether via Instagram, Facebook, or email. If you're not on social media, that’s absolutely fine. Sending us a brief email introduction, ideally with a few photos of your family or current pets, helps us get to know you better and allows us to thoughtfully consider which kittens might be the best fit for your home.
“How long is the wait?”
This is one of our most frequently asked questions - and the honest answer is: it varies. Timing depends on several factors, including the time of year (as each of our girls is bred only once annually), the specific color or gender you’re hoping for, and how many other families are also interested in a similar kitten.
why choose dark moon maine coons?
Carefully Selected Bloodlines
Our purebred Maine Coon kittens come from carefully selected, health-tested bloodlines. We strive to preserve the Maine Coon in its truest form, valuing health, beauty, and temperament above trend-based or size-focused breeding.
Ethical & Transparent Breeding
Every kitten is born and raised inside our home- not in cages or separate facilities - receiving constant care, affection, and social interaction. We share regular updates, photos, and detailed information throughout the adoption process so you’re part of their journey from the very start.
Well-Socialized, Confident Kittens
Our kittens grow up underfoot with daily handling and interaction. Early exposure to normal household activities helps them become confident, adaptable, and ready for a smooth transition into their new homes.
Comprehensive Health Testing
Our breeding cats undergo DNA testing and echocardiograms to reduce hereditary risks. Each kitten comes with a written one-year health guarantee covering genetic conditions. We also offer ongoing support and guidance after adoption.
Experience & Award-Winning Reputation
With nearly a decade of Maine Coon breeding experience, we have produced multiple award-winning cats - including two SACC "Best Maine Coon Kitten of The Year" titles, and have twice ranked in the SACC Top 10 Breeder Awards.
Our purebred Maine Coon kittens come from carefully selected, health-tested bloodlines. We strive to preserve the Maine Coon in its truest form, valuing health, beauty, and temperament above trend-based or size-focused breeding.
Ethical & Transparent Breeding
Every kitten is born and raised inside our home- not in cages or separate facilities - receiving constant care, affection, and social interaction. We share regular updates, photos, and detailed information throughout the adoption process so you’re part of their journey from the very start.
Well-Socialized, Confident Kittens
Our kittens grow up underfoot with daily handling and interaction. Early exposure to normal household activities helps them become confident, adaptable, and ready for a smooth transition into their new homes.
Comprehensive Health Testing
Our breeding cats undergo DNA testing and echocardiograms to reduce hereditary risks. Each kitten comes with a written one-year health guarantee covering genetic conditions. We also offer ongoing support and guidance after adoption.
Experience & Award-Winning Reputation
With nearly a decade of Maine Coon breeding experience, we have produced multiple award-winning cats - including two SACC "Best Maine Coon Kitten of The Year" titles, and have twice ranked in the SACC Top 10 Breeder Awards.
What is included in kitten adoption?
– 1-Year Genetic Health Guarantee - activated upon a vet check within 72 hours of arrival and receipt of the vet's report
– Kitten adoption contract designed in the best interest of the kitten
– Spay/Neuter completed prior to going home (performed at approximately 13 weeks)
– Core Vaccinations: First and second FVRCP vaccines, plus rabies vaccine
– Microchip for identification - microchip must be updated in your name
– Welcome Bag with food samples (local clients only), toys, and helpful kitten care information
– SACC Registration Form + 4 Generations Certified Pedigree
– Health Book containing vaccination records, wellness exam checklist and sterilization certificate
– Kitten adoption contract designed in the best interest of the kitten
– Spay/Neuter completed prior to going home (performed at approximately 13 weeks)
– Core Vaccinations: First and second FVRCP vaccines, plus rabies vaccine
– Microchip for identification - microchip must be updated in your name
– Welcome Bag with food samples (local clients only), toys, and helpful kitten care information
– SACC Registration Form + 4 Generations Certified Pedigree
– Health Book containing vaccination records, wellness exam checklist and sterilization certificate
how old are kittens when they get to come home?
Kittens are typically ready to go to their new homes between 14 and 16 weeks of age, after they have been fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered. While this is our standard timeline, in rare cases we may hold on to a kitten a little longer if we feel they need additional time to mature or heal from their neuter/spay procedure.
Do you offer delivery or only local adoptions?
We offer safe and reliable flight arrangements to all major airports across South Africa. Travel logistics will be fully organized by us to ensure a smooth experience. However, please note that transport costs are the responsibility of the buyer and must be settled in full before your kitten’s departure.
At this time, we do not export kittens internationally.
At this time, we do not export kittens internationally.
do you sell breeding rights?
No we don't. Our kittens are sold as pet companions only.
can we visit our kitten or your see your cats?
To protect the health and well-being of our cats and kittens, we do not allow in-person visits to our home prior to pick-up days. Limiting foot traffic helps us maintain a calm, low-stress environment and greatly reduces the risk of introducing outside germs. The safety and privacy of our family are equally important, and we appreciate your understanding and respecting our boundaries.
If you’d like to meet us or interact with our cats in person, we encourage you to attend cat shows in and around Cape Town. These public events are a wonderful opportunity to meet the Dark Moon crew, learn more about the Maine Coon breed, and see our cats in a relaxed, social setting.
We also share frequent updates - photos and videos of our kittens - on our social media platforms, allowing you to follow their journey as they grow. Once you're a confirmed new owner, we’ll continue to provide personalized updates via WhatsApp or Messenger (as time allows), typically once a week.
If you'd like to meet us before reserving a kitten, we’re happy to arrange a video call, giving you a chance to connect with us virtually, ask questions, and get to know us and our cattery better.
If you’d like to meet us or interact with our cats in person, we encourage you to attend cat shows in and around Cape Town. These public events are a wonderful opportunity to meet the Dark Moon crew, learn more about the Maine Coon breed, and see our cats in a relaxed, social setting.
We also share frequent updates - photos and videos of our kittens - on our social media platforms, allowing you to follow their journey as they grow. Once you're a confirmed new owner, we’ll continue to provide personalized updates via WhatsApp or Messenger (as time allows), typically once a week.
If you'd like to meet us before reserving a kitten, we’re happy to arrange a video call, giving you a chance to connect with us virtually, ask questions, and get to know us and our cattery better.
do you spay/neuter kittens before they go to new homes?
Yes - all of our kittens are spayed or neutered before leaving for their new homes. We’ve found that early sterilization leads to faster recovery times, fewer complications, and added peace of mind, ensuring that our kittens do not end up in the hands of backyard breeders. While we carefully screen every applicant, early spay/neuter offers an extra layer of protection in the rare event someone is not fully transparent.
Contrary to outdated myths, early sterilization does not stunt a kitten’s growth. In fact, studies have shown that cats altered at a younger age often grow slightly larger. Current veterinary guidelines recommend spaying/neutering at 13–14 weeks of age or once the kitten has reached a minimum weight of 2kg - a protocol we closely follow.
This timing is also important to prevent early pregnancies (which can occur as young as 4 months of age), and it helps reduce the risk of serious health conditions including ovarian or testicular cancer, pyometra, mammary carcinoma, and dystocia. Additionally, sterilized kittens are less likely to develop undesirable behaviors such as spraying and hormone-driven aggression.
Research, including findings from The Winn Feline Foundation (as featured by The Cat Fanciers' Association), supports the long-term safety and health benefits of early-age spay/neuter. These procedures have been performed worldwide for decades with strong evidence of their effectiveness and minimal risk.
Contrary to outdated myths, early sterilization does not stunt a kitten’s growth. In fact, studies have shown that cats altered at a younger age often grow slightly larger. Current veterinary guidelines recommend spaying/neutering at 13–14 weeks of age or once the kitten has reached a minimum weight of 2kg - a protocol we closely follow.
This timing is also important to prevent early pregnancies (which can occur as young as 4 months of age), and it helps reduce the risk of serious health conditions including ovarian or testicular cancer, pyometra, mammary carcinoma, and dystocia. Additionally, sterilized kittens are less likely to develop undesirable behaviors such as spraying and hormone-driven aggression.
Research, including findings from The Winn Feline Foundation (as featured by The Cat Fanciers' Association), supports the long-term safety and health benefits of early-age spay/neuter. These procedures have been performed worldwide for decades with strong evidence of their effectiveness and minimal risk.
what do you feed your cats?
We currently feed a well-balanced prey model diet, complemented by high-quality wet food as a bedtime treat. To ease their transition into new homes, our kittens are gradually introduced to a variety of premium pre-made raw meals and carefully selected commercial foods. Some examples include:
Pawsome Raw Carni Catz
Pawsome Raw Veni-Catz
Paleopet Chicken & Duck Meal
Weruva Paw Lickin' Chicken for Cats
Weruva Pantry Party Variety Pack Wet Cat Food
Little Big Paw Gourmet Mousse - Tender Duck
Omega Treats Salmon Crackling Bites
Orijen Cat Freeze Dried Treats
Orijen Original Cat & Kitten Food - grain free dry cat food for all life stages (fed only in small quantities).
Our feeding routine includes raw meals for breakfast and dinner, with an additional lunch serving for kittens and pregnant or nursing queens. Wet food (or, if absolutely necessary, kibble) is given as a light bedtime snack, while freeze-dried raw is used as a topper and occasional treat.
Important Note: Felines are obligate carnivores and require a high-protein, high-moisture diet to support long term kidney health and overall well-being. While a balanced raw diet is ideal, we understand it may not be suitable for everyone. However; we encourage our clients to maintain the kittens' existing diet to ensure a smooth transition and optimal health. We provide guidance and recommend trusted online resources for those interested in learning more.
Pawsome Raw Carni Catz
Pawsome Raw Veni-Catz
Paleopet Chicken & Duck Meal
Weruva Paw Lickin' Chicken for Cats
Weruva Pantry Party Variety Pack Wet Cat Food
Little Big Paw Gourmet Mousse - Tender Duck
Omega Treats Salmon Crackling Bites
Orijen Cat Freeze Dried Treats
Orijen Original Cat & Kitten Food - grain free dry cat food for all life stages (fed only in small quantities).
Our feeding routine includes raw meals for breakfast and dinner, with an additional lunch serving for kittens and pregnant or nursing queens. Wet food (or, if absolutely necessary, kibble) is given as a light bedtime snack, while freeze-dried raw is used as a topper and occasional treat.
Important Note: Felines are obligate carnivores and require a high-protein, high-moisture diet to support long term kidney health and overall well-being. While a balanced raw diet is ideal, we understand it may not be suitable for everyone. However; we encourage our clients to maintain the kittens' existing diet to ensure a smooth transition and optimal health. We provide guidance and recommend trusted online resources for those interested in learning more.
What grooming needs do Maine Coon cats have?
Maine Coons are known for their stunning, semi-long coats, which require regular grooming to stay in top condition. A thorough brushing once or twice a week helps prevent tangles and mats, while keeping their coat sleek and healthy. A quick daily comb-through, especially during shedding seasons, can make a significant difference in reducing hairballs and matting.
Bathing your Maine Coon every 2-3 months can also be beneficial for removing excess dead hair and maintaining a clean coat. It's important to start grooming routines early in life so your kitten becomes comfortable with handling and care.
In addition to coat care, routine grooming should include regular nail trims, ear and eye checks and dental hygiene.
Regular grooming provides an opportunity to bond with your Maine Coon, so make it a positive and enjoyable experience.
Bathing your Maine Coon every 2-3 months can also be beneficial for removing excess dead hair and maintaining a clean coat. It's important to start grooming routines early in life so your kitten becomes comfortable with handling and care.
In addition to coat care, routine grooming should include regular nail trims, ear and eye checks and dental hygiene.
Regular grooming provides an opportunity to bond with your Maine Coon, so make it a positive and enjoyable experience.
How much are your adoption fees?
Our adoption fee is discussed individually during the application process once you're in the process of selecting a kitten. You're very welcome to message us if you have any questions or would like more information in advance.