Mentorship: Finding (and Being) a Good Mentor#

You can read Robinson’s Genetics cover to cover. You can memorize the Breed Standard. But you cannot learn “Type” from a book. You need eyes that have seen 1,000 cats. You need a Mentor.

In the Maine Coon world, a mentor is more than a teacher; they are your entry ticket. Most reputable breeders will not sell a breeding cat to a “newbie” unless they are under the wing of an established cattery.

What a Mentor Does#

Pedigree Analysis: They know which lines carry “bad hips” or “temperament issues” that aren’t written on the paper.
Kitten Evaluation: At 8 weeks, all kittens look cute. A mentor can look at a kitten and say, “His ears are too wide, he’s a pet,” or “She has the bone structure of a Grand Champion.”
Emergency Support: When a queen has a stuck kitten at 3 AM, your mentor is the person you call before the emergency vet.

How to Find One#

Go to Shows: Don’t email. Go to a CFA or TICA show. Sit and watch. See who treats their cats well. See who wins.
Be Humble: Don’t approach a breeder saying, “I want to start a cattery, sell me a female.” Approach them saying, “I love your lines. I want to learn. Can I steward for you?”
Steward Class: Most clubs offer “Clerking” or “Stewarding” classes. This puts you in the ring with the judges. It is the fastest way to learn.

The “Co-Ownership” Phase#

Often, a mentor will sell you a first breeding cat on Co-Ownership.

The Deal: The mentor’s name stays on the registration papers. They have veto power over who you breed to.
Why: It protects their bloodline while you learn the ropes. It is a set of training wheels.

Conclusion#

Breeding is a lonely, expensive, heartbreaking hobby. Having a mentor means you don’t have to make every mistake yourself. Respect their time, listen to their critiques, and eventually, pay it forward.

References#

Walsh, L.G. (2013). The Maine Coon Cat. “Cooper Ridge Cattery: Breeding with Integrity,” p. 50.
CFA. Mentorship Program Overview.
Robinson, R. Genetics for Cat Breeders. “Breeding Systems,” p. 63.