Maine Coons Down Under: Buying in Australia and New Zealand#

If you live in Australia or New Zealand, you know the struggle. You see Americans posting about $2,000 kittens, while you are looking at price tags of $3,500 - $5,000 AUD.

Why? It isn’t just inflation. It is Biosecurity.

Australia and New Zealand are island nations with some of the strictest animal import laws on the planet. This has a massive impact on the Maine Coon breeding pool.

The “Closed Gene Pool” Problem#

To bring a new breeding cat into Australia, a breeder has to spend upwards of $10,000 AUD.

Quarantine: 10-30 days in a government facility (Mickleham).
Vet Checks: Extensive testing for diseases that don’t exist in Australia (like Rabies).
Flights: Cargo costs have skyrocketed.

Because it is so expensive to import new bloodlines, there are fewer breeders, and the demand vastly outstrips the supply.

The Governing Bodies#

Australia: ANCATS (Australian National Cats Inc) and FCC (Feline Control Council).
New Zealand: NZCF (New Zealand Cat Fancy).

When buying, you must ensure the breeder is registered with one of these. The “Backyard Breeder” market is growing in Oz, selling “Maine Coon X” kittens that are just fluffy domestic cats.

Key Considerations for Aussie Buyers#

1. Desexing is Mandatory (Usually)#

Almost all ethical breeders in Australia/NZ practice Early Desexing. You will receive your kitten already spayed/neutered.

Why? To protect their valuable bloodlines and prevent unauthorized breeding. Do not ask to buy an “intact” cat unless you are a registered breeder; they will say no.

2. The Waitlist is Real#

In the US, you might wait 3 months. In Australia, a 12-month waitlist for a reputable breeder is standard.

Strategy: Get on the list before the kittens are born. Be flexible on color. If you wait for a “Black Smoke Male,” you might wait 3 years.

3. Biosecurity “Closed” Catteries#

Don’t be offended if a breeder refuses to let you visit their home. Due to the risk of Feline Enteritis and Flu, many Aussie breeders run “Closed Catteries.” They will meet you at a neutral location or do video calls.

Conclusion#

Owning a Maine Coon in the Southern Hemisphere is a luxury. The costs are high, the wait is long, but the community is tight-knit and passionate. Because it is so hard to import, the breeders who do exist are often incredibly dedicated to the breed.

References#

ANCATS. Breeder Directory.
New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF). Maine Coon Breed Section.
Australian Department of Agriculture. Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) for Cats.