The Truth Behind Pedigrees: Transparency, Ethics, and Ownership at Bella Maine Coons
At Bella Maine Coons, we believe that ethical breeding begins with honesty, integrity, and transparency. While pedigree papers may seem essential to some families seeking purebred kittens, the reality is far more nuanced—especially when breeders face unjust accusations and unethical practices from former associates.
A Difficult Beginning: Our Journey to Ethical Breeding
Before founding Bella Maine Coons, we were deeply inspired by the Maine Coon breed. Our journey began with two kittens from a breeder who later invited us to help raise litters for her. Enthralled by the breed’s intelligence, affection, and majestic beauty, we agreed.
However, as time passed, we began noticing troubling discrepancies in her breeding ethics, procedures, and policies. These differences led to ongoing conflict, and ultimately, we chose to part ways. This decision was not taken lightly, but it was necessary to uphold the values we now champion: transparency, responsibility, and ethical care.
The Ownership Dispute: What Really Happened
When we parted ways, we held several meetings to establish clear terms regarding the cats we had raised and cared for:
- Bella, our original female, was already ours. She agreed to transfer her registration.
- Raevyn, Bella’s daughter, was purchased outright. She accepted payment and agreed to transfer her registration.
- Cheyenne, another daughter, was to be ours in exchange for a kitten from her first litter.
We also reluctantly agreed to continue working with her for one more year—despite our reservations.
The Breach of Agreement
The very next day, she sent us a contract that completely disregarded our agreed-upon terms. She demanded a minimum of three more years of collaboration and refused to refund Raevyn’s payment or transfer their registrations.
Despite having emails, texts, and documents confirming our ownership and breeding rights, she unilaterally changed the terms. When we approached TICA (The International Cat Association), they declined to intervene, leaving us without official registration papers for these three females.
Setting the Record Straight
Let’s be clear: despite the claims she makes against us, we did not steal these cats. We raised them, paid for them, and cared for them. We have extensive documentation proving our ownership and the original agreements. Her refusal to honor those terms and transfer TICA registrations does not negate our legal and ethical right to breed these cats.
Her current online campaign against us is not only false—it’s harmful to families seeking trustworthy breeders. We are using this moment to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to transparency and ethical breeding.
Why TICA Papers Aren’t Everything
Many families ask about pedigree papers, and we understand the concern. However, here’s what truly matters:
- We do not sell breeding rights, so pedigree papers are irrelevant for pet families.
- We provide DNA testing and pedigree proof to confirm that our kittens are 100% Purebred European Maine Coons.
- Our breeding practices prioritize health, genetics, nutrition, and socialization—not just paperwork.
For Families Who Still Prefer Registered Kittens
We currently have two fully TICA registered females (Dove & Skye) with breeding rights under our name. These cats produce kittens with full TICA registration. We will soon welcome two additional females, also fully registered and ethically sourced, into our cattery. These cats are not connected in any way to our previous breeder relationship, allowing us to move forward with complete independence and transparency. If pedigree papers are a must-have, we encourage families to consider kittens from these females.
However, if you value transparency, ethical care, and the highest standards of breeding, you can confidently choose kittens from Bella, Raevyn, or Cheyenne. These cats are loved, nurtured, and ethically bred—regardless of the paper trail.
While kittens from these queens will not be registered with TICA, we offer DNA parentage and breed purity certificates to confirm their lineage and authenticity. These certificates validate:
- ✅ Our legal ownership of the queens
- ✅ Their identity as 100% European Maine Coons
- ✅ Their biological connection to each kitten
This ensures families receive full transparency and confidence in the kitten they choose—whether or not registration papers are involved.
We’ve taken our difficult experiences and transformed them into a mission: to advocate against scammers, profit-driven breeders, and kitten mills, and to educate families on what ethical breeding truly looks like.
DNA Validation: Confirming Lineage and Breed Purity Without Registry Papers
At Bella Maine Coons, we understand that some families may feel uncertain when a kitten doesn’t come with TICA registration papers. That’s why we’ve taken proactive steps to provide scientific validation of our queens and their kittens—ensuring full transparency and confidence in every adoption.
What Is Wisdom Panel’s Optimal Selection™?
Wisdom Panel’s Optimal Selection™ is a veterinary-grade DNA testing service designed specifically for breeders. It uses the ISAG 2020 profiling panel, the most advanced genetic fingerprinting system available, to deliver:
- Parentage verification: Confirms the biological relationship between queen and kitten
- Breed purity analysis: Validates that our cats are 100% European Maine Coons
- Genetic health screening: Tests for over 270 breed-specific genetic disorders
- Trait and diversity insights: Assesses coat type, color, body structure, and genetic diversity to ensure responsible pairings
✅ How This Validates Our Queens and Their Kittens
Although Bella, Raevyn, and Cheyenne’s kittens are not registered with TICA due to a breach of agreement by a former breeder, we offer DNA parentage and breed purity certificates for every kitten from these queens. These certificates:
- Confirm our legal ownership and ethical breeding practices
- Provide families with scientifically verified lineage
- Demonstrate that our kittens are genuine, purebred European Maine Coons
- Offer health transparency through genetic screening results
🔍 Why This Matters More Than Registry Papers
TICA registration is one form of documentation—but it’s not the only way to prove a kitten’s legitimacy. DNA testing offers objective, scientific evidence that cannot be manipulated or withheld by third parties. It reflects our commitment to:
- Transparency over titles
- Ethics over ego
- Preservation breeding over profit breeding
Families who adopt from Bella Maine Coons receive not just a kitten—but peace of mind, backed by science.
Our Commitment to You
We understand that trust is earned. That’s why we’re sharing this story openly. We want families to know:
- We are legitimate breeders with full legal ownership of our cats.
- We prioritize ethics over profit, and transparency over secrecy.
- We welcome questions, visits, and direct engagement to help families feel confident in their decision.
Conclusion: Ethics Over Ego, Transparency Over Titles
The actions of this former breeder have only strengthened our resolve. At Bella Maine Coons, we’re not just breeding cats—we’re building a community rooted in truth, compassion, and excellence.
If you’re seeking a Maine Coon kitten raised with love, integrity, and care, we invite you to explore our cattery, ask questions, and discover the Bella difference.