The Heritage Springs Maine Coon Constitution

“Loved first by our family and forever by yours.”

Article I — Identity & Purpose

Heritage Springs exists to preserve and strengthen the Maine Coon breed. We produce confident, intelligent, structurally sound companions while intentionally developing a multi-generation maternal line rooted in temperament, type, and health.

We are registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) as our primary registry and with the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Our kittens are registered with TICA, and can also be registered with CFA.

Heritage Springs Maine Coons participate in conformation shows as part of our evaluation process, and our program includes two championship-titled cats. Showing provides structured third-party assessment against recognized breed standards and supports continual refinement.

We do not breed for novelty. We breed for legacy.

Article II — Temperament

Temperament is our first and highest priority.

A Heritage Springs Maine Coon should demonstrate confidence without aggression, curiosity without anxiety, affection without dependency, emotional steadiness in new environments, and strong recovery after stress.

We believe a Maine Coon should be a steady intelligent presence within a family — adaptable, observant, and grounded. Beauty never outranks character.

Article III — Type

After temperament, we prioritize authentic Maine Coon type consistent with recognized breed standards.

Our breeding cats are intentionally selected and retained. They demonstrate rectangular body proportion, substantial bone structure, correct ear set and height, strong and balanced muzzle and chin, defined and correct profile, proper coat texture, harmonious movement, balanced overall proportion, and correct tail length in proportion to body. We pay particular attention to Maine Coon expression and silhouette.

Our queens are retained not only for temperament and maternal instinct, but because they embody the Maine Coon standard in structure, proportion, and expression. Queens are evaluated within our program and through conformation showing to ensure alignment with breed standard and continued improvement generation over generation.

Queens are not inventory. They are the backbone of the program.

Article IV — Health & Veterinary Stewardship

Health is the foundation that supports both temperament and type.

All breeding cats undergo DNA screening for known Maine Coon–associated conditions. Pairings are evaluated carefully to protect long-term genetic strength.

Because hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) exists within the breed, we prioritize cardiac monitoring. Breeding cats demonstrate healthy heart evaluations prior to breeding and are monitored responsibly over time by board certified cardiologists.

Every Heritage Springs kitten receives age-appropriate vaccinations, undergoes a comprehensive veterinary examination, is evaluated for overall health and developmental soundness, and is cleared by a licensed veterinarian prior to placement.

Heritage Springs kittens remain with their mother and littermates until at least 12 weeks of age, allowing for proper neurological development, continued maternal learning, immune system maturation, and confident emotional transition. Time is an investment in stability.

We do not perform early spay or neuter procedures prior to placement. In consultation with our feline-specialist veterinarian, we believe allowing time for continued growth supports proper physical development consistent with the Maine Coon’s large, slow-maturing structure. Families receive clear contractual expectations regarding appropriate spay/neuter timing for pet kittens.

On the rare occasion that a kitten is born with unexpected health challenges, we commit to doing everything within our power to give that kitten the best possible chance at survival and quality of life. Financial cost does not determine the value of a life within our program. Each kitten is treated with dignity, responsibility, and compassion and remains part of our extended family.

Article V — Ethics, Education & Relationship

We plan each breeding with an objective and long-term purpose. We raise our cats within our home environment with daily handling and intentional socialization. We cultivate professional relationships with responsible breeders. We pursue ongoing education, including completion of PawPeds Course Level 1 and continued advanced coursework. We match kittens thoughtfully with families based on alignment and lifestyle. We offer lifelong support to families who desire continued connection. We remain accountable for the cats we produce throughout their lives.

Breeding establishes a lifelong relationship — not a single transaction.

Article VI — Long-Term Vision

Over the coming decade, Heritage Springs aims to establish a recognizable multi-generation polydactyl matriline, produce predictable temperament across litters, refine profile, tail length, and structural balance generation over generation, maintain strong cardiac and genetic health within the line, and grow slowly, intentionally, and sustainably.

We are not building litters. We are building lineage.

Founder’s Statement

Heritage Springs was built on the belief that legacy is created through deliberate decisions made consistently over time.

Our kittens are known individually, raised in our home, and cherished deeply before they ever leave our arms.

They are loved first by our family — and forever by yours. We cherish updates on all of our kittens after they go home.

And for those who value intention, integrity, and connection, we welcome you.