The European Giants: Importing Maine Coons from Europe (Germany, Poland, Russia)#

If you have seen a photo of a Maine Coon that looks like a mythical beast—ears three inches tall, a muzzle like a shoebox, and paws the size of a human hand—it almost certainly came from Europe.

While the breed is American, the Style has been reinvented in Europe. Breeders in Germany, Poland, Russia, and Italy have favored the “Extreme” look (see our Phenotype Guide).

Because of this, thousands of people in the US and UK try to import kittens from Europe every year. This is a high-risk, high-reward game.

The “Big Three” Countries#

1. Russia#

Russia produces some of the most spectacular, feral-looking Maine Coons on earth.

The Registry: Usually WCF (World Cat Federation) or FIFe.
The Risk: Since the war/sanctions, payment and transport are extremely difficult. Many legitimate breeders cannot export, and scammers have flooded the market claiming to be Russian catteries. Proceed with extreme caution.

2. Poland#

Poland has become the new hub for high-quality, extreme Maine Coons.

The Quality: Polish breeders are often very professional, with excellent English and rigorous health testing.
The Vibe: They breed for size and coat. The “High Silver” and “High Smoke” colors are very popular here.

3. Germany & Italy#

These countries tend to produce “XXL” cats.

Summerplace (Germany): A legendary cattery that influenced the “Euro Look” heavily.
Italian Lines: Often have incredible ear tufts (lynx tips).

How to Import Safely#

If you are determined to import, you cannot just click “Buy Now.”

1. The Courier (Pet Nanny)#

Do not ship a kitten as cargo from Warsaw to New York. It is too long, too cold, and too dangerous.

Hire a Courier: You pay a human to fly to Europe, pick up the kitten, and fly back with the kitten in the cabin.
Cost: $800 - $1,500 USD (on top of the kitten price).

2. The Paperwork#

The Pet Passport: Essential for leaving the EU.
Rabies: The kitten usually must be 16 weeks old (not 12) to travel, because they need a Rabies shot + 21 days wait period. If a breeder offers to ship a 10-week-old kitten internationally, it is a scam or illegal smuggling.

3. Payment Protection#

Never send a bank wire (SWIFT) to a stranger unless you have references from other breeders. PayPal “Goods and Services” offers some protection, but many breeders refuse it due to fees.

Best Bet: Ask for a video call. See the kitten live. Scammers will make excuses; real breeders will show you the cat.

Conclusion#

Importing a European giant is a project, not a purchase. It takes months of planning, customs paperwork, and thousands of dollars. But if you want that specific, jaw-dropping “wild” look, the breeders of Europe are the masters of the craft.

References#

Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe). Breed Standards.
WCF (World Cat Federation). Breeder List.
CDC / USDA. Rules for Importing Cats into the United States.