What is foundation breeding? 

Virtually all modern pedigreed Maine Coons can trace their lineage back to the same five cats, which we call them the "Top 5". Due to inbreeding, these five cats make up around 70% of the pedigree of todays Maine Coon. In order to reduce this number, a completely unrelated cat must be added to the lineage. That is where outcrossing or "foundation breeding" comes in. Foundation breeding seeks to find cats that possess the physical traits and temperament of a Maine Coon but has no registered pedigree and no relation to a modern Maine Coon, effectively bringing "fresh blood" into the breed. These cats are ideally found on farms deep in the country, who are very unlikely to have ever come into contact with a pedigreed show line MC. Those cats are then bred to a pedigreed show line Maine Coon to introduce genetic diversity and lower inbreeding and the "Top 5". 

Why do we do it?

Well, most breeders don't! Maine Coons are still considered a relatively healthy breed, but that is starting to change quickly and were seeing alot of health concerns. If breeders don't work to introduce new lines the breed will ulimately be ruined, fraught with health problems and cats that live short life spans. It is extremely demanding and expensive to work with foundation lines, but the outcome is worth it! By outcrossing we will preserve the health of the breed and prevent genetic bottlenecking.

• Health & Vigor: Almost all modern pedigrees are heavily dominated by the "Top 5" cats (often making up 75% of a cat’s genetic makeup). This high level of inbreeding can lead to "inbreeding depression," which weakens the immune system and increases the prevalence of hereditary diseases like HCM.

• Genetic Diversity: By introducing a "Foundation Cat" (a cat from a non-pedigreed background), breeders increase the genetic variation, which can result in hardier, healthier kittens.

Hierarchy Explained (F-Generations)

Foundation cats are categorized by how many generations they are away from their original "wild" ancestor: This litter is an F4

• F1 - The "Original." A cat found in nature (often a farm in Maine or Canada) with unknown parents. It is registered based on its physical appearance.

• F2 - The offspring of an F1 cat bred to either another foundation cat or a fully pedigreed Maine Coon.

• F3 - The third generation. By this point, registries like the ACA or CFF may begin to recognize the line.

• F4 - The offspring of an F3, this cat can be registered and shown in TICA.

• F5 - and up. Usually considered a "Full Pedigree" Once a line reaches the 5th generation, major associations like the CFA often allow them to be shown in competition.​