Sassy Koonz Specializes in European Maine Coons

Now, here’s where it gets fun! Maine Coons are American. However, some folks in Europe fell in love with them too. This is especially true in places like Russia, Poland, and Germany. They started breeding their own Maine Coons, tweaking them just a bit to have their own special look. We call these “European Maine Coons” to tell them apart from the American ones. It’s not a different breed—just a different flavor of the same awesome cat!

This gets some breeders all worked up because they’ll argue, “Maine Coons are American originals!” And I get it—I adore those classic American lines myself. But those European kitties? They’ve got a little extra pizzazz. Think longer legs, fluffier tails, larger muzzles or maybe a face that looks like it’s ready for a catfight.

When Did European Bloodlines Come to America?

Maine Coons started catching eyes in Europe way back in the 1970s and ‘80s. Over there, breeders got serious about making them stand out—bigger, wilder-looking, with those fancy lynx-like ear tips. But when did these European beauties start showing up in America? It really kicked off in the 1990s and early 2000s. American breeders were intrigued. They said, “Hey, those European lines are pretty cool—let’s bring some over!”

They began importing these cats from places like Russia. In Eastern Europe, breeders had been perfecting their look for years. It wasn’t just a random thing. These imports came with pedigrees, like a family tree for cats. These pedigrees showed off their champion ancestors. By the 2000s, European Maine Coons were popping up in catteries across the U.S., and folks couldn’t get enough of their striking looks and big personalities. Today, many American breeders mix European and American lines. This combination provides the best of both worlds. They achieve health, size, and that lovable Maine Coon charm.

What Makes European Maine Coons Special?

So, what’s the big fuss about? European Maine Coons often have a wilder vibe. Their faces might be a little boxier. Their ears might be taller with bigger tufts. Their bodies can feel like they’re built for a cat Olympics. They are long and strong! American Maine Coons tend to have softer, rounder faces. They have a more laid-back look. I adore this trait. But those European ones? They’ve got a “wow” factor that turns heads.

who’ll flop in your lap or chase a toy like a puppy. The European ones might just look like they stepped out of a forest fairytale. Some folks love them for this reason.

Top European Breeders Who’ve Made a Mark

Now, let’s talk about some of the rockstar breeders in Europe who’ve helped send these gorgeous cats our way. These folks are pros at raising Maine Coons with that European flair. If you’re curious about where the magic happens, here are a few names that stand out:

• Wildbeauty Cattery (Russia) – Oh my goodness, these folks are legends! Based in Russia, they’ve been breeding Maine Coons with those big, muscular bodies and stunning coats for years. Their cats often end up in American homes because they’ve got pedigrees full of champions. I’ve seen their kitties online, and they’re like fluffy royalty!
• Lions Pride (Poland) – These Polish breeders excel at creating Maine Coons. Their cats look like they could star in a movie. Big bones, wild expressions, and coats that shimmer—their cats have been shipped to America and won hearts left and right. They’re super picky about who gets their kittens, which I totally respect!

These breeders (and others like them) have shipped their cats—or their kittens’ parents—to the U.S., where American breeders snapped them up to add that European sparkle to their litters. It’s a big deal because importing a cat isn’t cheap or easy, but it’s worth it for those unique traits!

Why It’s All About Love, Not Labels

Here’s the real scoop: whether you’re buying an American Maine Coon or one with European roots, you’re getting a cat. It’s going to steal your heart. They’ll follow you around like a shadow. They chirp at you when they’re happy. They’ll probably try to steal your spot on the couch. The “European” tag just adds a little story to their background—it’s not a contest.

Finding the perfect Maine Coon kitten for you may just mean having a European Maine Coon lounging in your bed!

At first, you won’t notice that one Coonie looks different from the next. You start observing the fine details of this magnificent breed. You’ll soon be able to spot a European Maine Coon.

Below you’ll see a few examples of European Maine Coons.

Sassy Koonz specializes and focuses on 100% European Maine Coons

For my breeding program, I’ve chosen to develop the European lines of Maine Coons. I appreciate the more “feral” or “wild” look about them.  Taller ears, bigger ear tufts (lynx tips), and extra-long, bushy tails imake me melt.  High cheekbones and big, square muzzles are another distinct feature that has me drooling..

This means that every cat that is selected for the breeding program will have European bloodlines.  All of the parents will be imported from Europe, or be offspring from our European parents. If that’s the look that you love in a Maine Coon, be sure to get added to our kitten announcement list. Be the first to know when European Maine Coon kittens are available.

There’s more to Sassy Koonz than just European bloodlines though. You can read all of the other cool things about us in the “Who is Sassy Koonz” post. Although our breeding cats are either imported from Europe or they are our own offspring, all of our kittens remain in the United States!

How to Import Your Own Maine Coon from Europe

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

2025 UPDATE: Without some great recommendations on which cattery to buy your kittens from I DO NOT recommend importing a kitten. I have experienced so much untruthfulness, lies, fraud, and just downright unethical transactions in the past dealing with European breeders. I’ve sent money and never received the kitten. I’ve reserved kittens and ended up receiving a different one than I paid for. I’ve received kittens with major health issues. They never made it to my breeding program. They know that there is no recourse when selling a kitten to people in the United States. It is VERY risky to import ANY kitten from Europe.

Importing Checklist

1.  Social Media Presence – I usually start my search on Facebook. I’m a member of MANY groups that include other breeders both in America, UK, and Europe.  If I see a kitten that I love, I’ll start doing a little more digging. Most of the time, they’re already reserved. I’m sure you’ve seen that before. If they’re not, then I’ll start my research. I’ll check their Facebook Pages, Instagram, and Google their name and cattery name just to do some initial research. It’s important to choose a breeder with a good reputation.
2. Check for Reviews / Search in Groups for Keywords – Join the Maine Coon groups on Facebook. There’s a search feature on the left-hand side of the groups. You can use it to search for the Breeder’s name or the Cattery name. This helps to see if other people have mentioned this person in the past. Sometimes you’ll immediately find some negative remarks about the breeder or the cattery. MOVE ON.  If you see positive remarks, then that’s a good sign. And you can reach out to these people and ask for feedback from them. Check their Facebook Page for Reviews.
3. Website – Does the breeder have a website? Visit their website and review the information that is there. Is it updated?  Do they have health and genetic information shown for their Sires and Dams?
4. Photo Albums – Look through their photo albums and see if you like the “look” of their cats and kittens. Most breeders develop a certain look in their cattery and chances are, your kitten may have similar traits. NOTE: Not all breeders have their own websites. Some reply solely on Facebook and Facebook Pages as their brochure site.  And on the same token, not all breeders are on Facebook.  There’s no “one size fits all” in this area.
5. Ask for Referrals from USA customers – Ask the breeder if they have sold any kittens to someone in the United States. Then ask for the customer’s name and information. Then reach out to them and ask them about their experience with the overseas breeder. Ask about their experience with the breeder. Inquire how the kitten acted once he arrived. Check on his socialization skills and his condition. Finally, ask if they would buy another kitten from this breeder.
6. Response Times – Internet communication demands quick responses these days, especially if that’s the main method of communication.  When you send someone a direct message to their personal or business page, you should expect a quick response. They should reply relatively quickly.  “Quick” can be defined in your own terms.  Maybe for you that means 1 hour, maybe it means 24 hours.  Whatever you set your guidelines to be, then gauge the responsiveness of the breeder. 
7. Cattery Registration – Ask the breeder which Federation they are registered with and then verify.  Some federations are:  CFA, TICA, WCF, and ACFA. I request a copy of the Cattery Registrations from my breeders.
8. Review Breeder’s Contract – Request to see the breeder’s contract for the kitten.
9. Health and Genetic Tests of Parents – Request to see the health certifications for both parents.  You’re looking for parents who are negative for HCM, PK, PK Def, SMA, and FIV. To go a step further, ask to have your kitten tested with full genetic profile. This will test for all of the above. It also includes some additional tests. For example, it checks if the kitten is a carrier for dilute.
10. Pedigree – Request the Pedigree for the Kitten. You should see pedigree for mother and father.  Here’s some sample Pedigrees:

Customs and Delivery of Your Kitten - There are no restrictions when it comes to importing kittens into the United States.There is a process, however.  And I'm pretty sure that it varies depending on your pickup location. I picked Ursula up in Miami.  I went to the cargo area, picked up some paperwork that came from the breeder. It was attached to her travel carrier.  I had to take that to the U.S. Customs Office, which was relatively close to the cargo building.  They reviewed all of my paperwork, asked me some questions (i.e. how much I paid for  the kitten) and then gave me the seal of approval on my paperwork. Then I went back to the cargo building, paid $65, and they gave me the kitten.  It was overall about a 1 hour process with the wait and everything.

sassykoonz

My name is Tracy Caywood. I live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and I'm the Guardian of the Sassy Koonz Maine Coon kittens. My goal and passion is to provide you with education, inspiration, and healthy, well-socialized beautiful Maine Coon babies that you'll love forever. My breeding journey started in 2017, and the cattery has flourished into one of the most sought-after catteries in the Untied States.

See Full Bio

Maine Coon Kittens Maine Coon Breeders