About

Passion, excellence, and dedication to the betterment of the Maine Coon breed

about Criss Castle Maine Coons

Passion, Excellence, and Quality

My name is AJ and I live in Southern California. I’m also currently in my final year of grad school for Social Work. Getting into the world of Maine Coon breeding was not something I ever thought I would do, but after bringing home my first Maine Coon (Griffin) in 2022, I was obsessed. She was not only large and stunning but had a dog-like personality and loved to walk on a harness outside. I began extensively researching the breed and trying to learn everything I could. 

When Griffin was diagnosed with hip dysplasia I learned the hard way that Maine Coons are prone to several genetic conditions including HCM (heart disease), hip dysplasia, kidney disease (PKdef) and many often arrive with viral or bacterial infections. It seemed like cat after cat that I imported from Europe came with something wrong, and that deeply bothered me. It became evident that many breeders either didn’t care that they were producing animals who would suffer later in life, or they were unaware. 

I knew it would be extremely expensive and time consuming to do something different and better, but I decided to do it anyway because these cats and their families deserve more.

Ethical breeding can be as heart-breaking as it is rewarding. It’s not easy and it’s not cheap. I’ve needed to rehome more cats than I’ve kept because they didn’t meet the high standards for this breeding program. 

All of the cats in this program have had hip x-rays and are free of hip dysplasia, they have had echocardiograms and are clear of heart disease or murmurs, and they have clear dna testing so they will not pass down preventable genetic diseases to their offspring. Before even entering the home, they are additionally screened for FIV/Felv and receive a fecal and respiratory PCR to make sure that preventable viruses or bacteria are not spread throughout the cattery. 

Of course this doesn’t mean that things can’t still happen because they do, but it’s important to do everything I can to produce healthy animals who will make wonderful companions.

I’m really proud of the effort and heart it took to produce this cattery and these lines. My cats and kittens are my kids and I cannot imagine life without them. I hope that your furry companion will bring you the same joy and fulfillment as mine bring to me.

Me and my girl Peach

Genetics & Superior Health

This breeding program was built on experience, ethics, and a deep love for the breed. Criss Castle works with purebred European bloodlines, and each pairing is planned with purpose and an understanding of health, facial features and type.

Each Dame and Sire was selected from European catteries and was fully screened before becoming a part of this program. That means hip x-rays, echocardiograms, FIV/Felv screening, DNA testing, and fecal and respiratory PCRs. To read more about why this matters, click HERE.

Criss Castle offers a 3-year guarantee for the most common genetic diseases known to the Maine Coon breed and each kitten arrives with 30 days of free pet insurance through Trupanion. Pet families are highly encouraged to maintain this insurance policy for their kitten.

Shaded lines Maine Coon girl

Cats live and sleep with us in the house and I can’t imagine it any other way, even if sometimes we wake up to the occasional butt in our face.

Home-Raised Maine Coons

Loved, Socialized, and Cherished

Criss Castle Maine Coons live in home with us, as cherished members of the family. They are raised in a loving, social environment, surrounded by everyday life, ensuring they grow up confident, well-adjusted, and deeply bonded to humans. From your kitten’s first playful pounces to their signature Maine Coon chirps and trills, we are there every step of the way, and you will be too because you’ll get weekly updates of your kitten from the time they’re born until they’re ready to come home with you.

Maine Coons & Dogs

Home-Raised Maine Coons

     A Maine Coon is the perfect companion for your dog

Intensive early socialization is prioritized, helping kittens seamlessly bond with their future furry siblings. 

One Big Happy Family

Maine Coons are well-known for their friendly dog-like personalities

Who’s going to tell them..?

Adoption Application Form

Please provide your contact information to initiate the adoption process.