Creating the Perfect Space for My Maine Coon Cattery
In 2017, I decided to become a Maine Coon breeder. I knew my cats needed a dedicated space. It had to balance comfort, cleanliness, and enrichment. Housing intact males, managing females in heat, and ensuring my pets (and husband) had their own space were top priorities.
The Sassy Shack: A Purpose-Built Cattery
Our Sassy Shack started as a barn-style building on our property, later converted into an office. When we outgrew it, it became the perfect spot for my cattery. We fully renovated it into a two-section space, one for males and one for females, complete with:
- Private indoor areas with plenty of climbing space and cozy spots.
- Outdoor enclosures accessible through cat flaps, giving them fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of squirrel-watching opportunities.
- Easy-to-clean surfaces, making it hygienic and comfortable for my breeding cats.
Now, my Maine Coons have their own safe and enriching environment while still being part of our daily lives.
A Thoughtfully Designed Cattery
I spent countless hours researching everything. I explored topics ranging from male housing to outdoor enclosures. This ensured my cattery was functional, ethical, and aesthetically pleasing. I even worked with contractors to create a deck-level outdoor space for my stud cats.
The Sassy Shack is more than just a cattery. It’s a space where my Maine Coons thrive. I can confidently raise healthy, happy kittens here for families who will love them just as much as I do.
How to Virtually Visit Any Cattery That Interests You
The internet is the main place people go to search for Maine Coon Kittens. You may discover a breeder that isn’t located anywhere near you. That may not deter you from wanting one of their kittens to call your own. After all, we fall in love with the kittens first. It may not be possible to jump in the car for a quick visit.
This shouldn’t be a reason why you’ can’t experience the cattery yourself. With the use of technology there are so many ways to put yourself in any place at any time. Even in a Maine Coon Cattery.
Use Social Media to Evaluate a Cattery
Social media offers a real glimpse into a cattery’s environment. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube are especially useful. Many reputable breeders share behind-the-scenes videos of their catteries, giving you an unfiltered look at how they operate.
When watching these videos, pay close attention to:
✅ Cleanliness – Are the spaces well-maintained, free of clutter, and odor-free?
✅ Organization – Do the cats have designated areas for eating, playing, and resting?
✅ Socialized Cats – Are the kittens and adults comfortable with human interaction? Do they seem happy and confident?
✅ Overall Peacefulness – A well-run cattery should feel calm, structured, and stress-free for both the cats and the breeder.
Observing a breeder’s daily routine can be insightful. Watching their cats’ behavior is important. Assessing the overall atmosphere can help you decide if their kittens are raised in a loving and well-maintained environment. Before you decide, dive into their TikTok and YouTube content. You can learn a lot from what they choose to share!
Request for a Facetime Call
If you’re considering buying a Maine Coon Kitten, then it’s reasonable to ask the breeder for a Facebook Video call. You can also ask for a FaceTime call. It will allow them to walk you through their cattery in real time.
A Virtual Look Inside Sassy Koonz Maine Coon Cattery (and Home)
If you are an Approved Guardian, you’re more than welcome to visit my home any time you’d like. I know that this isn’t always possible due to distance. These circumstances encouraged me to share this virtual tour of my home. You can also take a virtual tour of the Sassy Koonz cattery in the photos and videos below. If, at any time, you’d like to see something specific, just let me know! I’m happy to share any part of my cats, kittens and cattery with you.
Here’s an article that I wrote when the first outdoor enclosures were being added to the cattery. I’ve since made the enclosures even BIGGER!
Cattery Inspections
Please leave a comment and let me know if you love my Maine Coon cattery setup.
Research Slow, Decide Fast!
There are so many dynamics to choosing a Maine Coon Breeder that’s right for you.
Do your research and due diligence before deciding on a breeder to buy your Maine Coon Kitten from. There are plenty to choose from, and a lot of good people out there! (There are also some not-so-good ones). Don’t get emotional and quick to decide on a kitten based on availability.
Starting Your Own Maine Coon Cattery
If you’re interested in starting your own Maine Coon Cattery, then I’d like to suggest educating yourself on the basics. Learn the fundamentals of breeding Pedigree cats. There’s so much more to it than just putting two cats together and having kittens. If you want to protect and preserve the breed, please learn more about your responsibilities as a breeder.
Hi Tracy. My name is Terrie Hollenbeck and I’m from a Wisconsin. My husband Fred and I have wanted to have a Cattery for awhile now. Now that we are empty nesters, we are truly ready. We’re so excited but have sooo many questions and like you, could use a mentor. I hope we’re able to speak with you and find our king and queen with you or through you. Please let me know if this is possible.
Thank you kindly,
Terrie Hollenbeck
Please send me a message on Facebook 🙂 https://m.me/sassykoonz
Hi! Could you please give me the dimension of your outside cattery. Also, do you have a 2 way exhaust fan in there? I am in the process of having one built. I am into cat rescue. Thank you very much!
The outside cattery enclosure is 4 foot wide x 16 foot long x 6 foot high. I have window unit AC and Heat in the indoor part. 🙂