Every great cattery begins with a great king—and ours is no exception. A king cat is the heart of the lineage, chosen not only for his majestic looks but for his gentle temperament, strong health, and impressive pedigree. With his regal stance, flowing mane, and calm, confident spirit, our king embodies everything we love about the Maine Coon breed. He’s affectionate, wise, and watchful over his pride—passing down not just his beauty, but his balanced personality to every kitten. To us, he’s more than just a sire—he’s a majestic presence we are proud to call our own.
Male Maine Coons are typically larger than females, weighing anywhere from 13 to 20+ pounds, with some gentle giants tipping the scale at over 25 pounds. Their muscular build, broad chest, and fluffy tails make them stand out like the kings they are!
Unlike most cat breeds, Maine Coons don’t fully mature until 3 to 5 years of age—especially the males! Their growth is slow but steady, which gives them time to develop strong bones and majestic features.
When it comes to kitten colors, males pass down their color genes through the X chromosome—which means all their daughters inherit their color genes. So if your king is red (orange), for example, expect to see red daughters or tortie daughters when paired with the right queen!
While they can be strong-willed and confident, a well-raised male Maine Coon is also laid-back and sweet-natured—making them wonderful dads and loving companions.
Male Maine Coons may become fertile around 8–12 months, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to be a breeding king. Their full physical and behavioral maturity takes years—so early breeding can put stress on their still-developing bodies and temperament.
Male Maine Coons have one X and one Y chromosome (just like male humans). This means they can only carry one color gene on the X—which is why males can’t naturally be tortoiseshell or calico. Those rare male torties you might hear about? They usually have an extra chromosome (XXY), a rare genetic condition called Klinefelter’s Syndrome, and are almost always sterile.
At Berry Furry, we understand that each of our kings matures in his own time. Some learn by observing other experienced kings, while others grow into their role naturally, at their own pace. Just like people, every king has his own personality and rhythm. So, at Berry Furry, we don’t use all our kings at the same time—some are still growing, learning, and finding their place before they’re ready.
To ensure their well-being, each king is paired with more than one queen to keep life peaceful and balanced. And when a king has contributed enough to the betterment of the breed—producing healthy, beautiful kittens with excellent temperament—we honor his legacy by retiring him. Once retired, he is lovingly neutered and continues life as a cherished companion, enjoying all the comfort, affection, and play a happy house cat deserves.
Each of our kings is tested for 48 genetic health traits before being considered for breeding. This vital step ensures that no harm will be done to the pedigree and helps us protect the long-term health of the Maine Coon breed.
Some cats may be carriers of certain genetic conditions. Being a carrier means they don’t show symptoms or develop the disease themselves—but if paired with another carrier of the same condition, their kittens could be at risk. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully test and match each breeding pair. At Berry Furry, we take this responsibility seriously, choosing only combinations that promote healthy, thriving kittens for generations to come.
However, DNA testing alone is not enough. One of the most serious inherited conditions in pedigreed cats—especially in Maine Coons—is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a leading cause of heart-related death. Because HCM cannot be ruled out through DNA testing alone, we also perform echocardiogram screenings on our breeding cats. These tests are repeated regularly, following our veterinarian’s recommendations, to monitor heart health over time and ensure ongoing fitness for breeding.
At Berry Furry, we also screen our breeding cats for hip dysplasia (HD)—a condition that can affect the mobility and long-term comfort of Maine Coons. We submit hip evaluations through OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), and we have also used PawPeds in the past. Each program has its own criteria, and when results are unclear or borderline in one, we may consult the other for a second opinion.
It’s important to understand that hip dysplasia testing involves many factors, including positioning, muscle tone, and individual growth patterns. A cat with mild hip dysplasia is not automatically disqualified from breeding. As long as the cat is healthy and pain-free, and is paired with a mate that has normal hips, responsible breeding can still safely take place. Our decisions are always guided by a holistic view of the cat’s health and well-being, not just a single number on a report
Above all, the most important trait in a king cat is his temperament.
A true Maine Coon king should be calm, gentle, and well-adjusted. He should be easy to handle, show confidence without aggression, and adapt well to the routines and changes of home life. A good king displays the classic Maine Coon charm: curious, affectionate, and people-oriented. These qualities not only make daily care easier, but also help ensure his kittens inherit a sweet, sociable disposition.
At Berry Furry, we believe a king’s temperament is just as important as his health or pedigree—because it shapes the kind of loving companions his kittens will grow up to be.