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Importing a Maine Coon

Not all importation relates to cats coming into the UK from overseas. Any owner looking to register a cat with GCCF, even if it was born in the UK but either one or both of its parents are not GCCF registered, would need to go through the GCCF importation application before they can be registered with GCCF. Registration requirements vary for different breeds, the ones listed below are specifically for the Maine Coon. We recommend that anyone wishing to import a cat into GCCF from any other registering body, should read the GCCF information about importing: https://www.gccfcats.org/breeding-cats/the-experienced-breeder/import-export/ If you are unsure, please contact GCCF (info@gccfcats.org) to make sure that you have the correct list of up-to-date requirements for Maine Coon importation. These include various genetic tests which must be carried out. There is further information and a FAQ which includes questions about importing on our GCCF Maine Coon Registration Policy page.
All members are also entitied to a discount for genetic DNA testing at Langford Cat Genetic Testing Centre, based in the UK - this is espeically useful as all Maine Coons must be tested for various gene traits before they can be used for breeding or imported into the GCCF register. You can find out more about Langford Cat Genetic Testing HERE
Extra Key Import Factors for Maine Coons (please refer to GCCF for a full list of requirements for all cats - see link above). MAINE COON IMPORTS (Overseas and from other recognised registering bodies in the UK) A 5-generation certified pedigree must be provided with the application for registration of any imported Maine Coon. The pedigree of an imported Maine Coon must conform to the GCCF registration policy, and no exceptions are made in the breeds or varieties permitted to be present in the pedigree.
Any application for the registration of an imported unneutered Maine Coon must be accompanied by DNA test results (carried out as detailed below) demonstrating that the imported cat is free from the following traits:HCMmcSpinal Muscular AtrophyPyruvate Kinase DeficiencyPolydactylyChocolate, cinnamon and Siamese (cs) and Burmese (cb) Remember that the following colours are unable to be shown in GCCF, even though these Maine Coons may be accepted for showing in other organisations: Spotted Tabbies, Ticked Tabbies and Van patterned bi- and tricolours in Black, Blue, Red, Cream, Tortie and Blue Tortie, Blue or odd eyed cats, other than pure white cats. This does not indicate any future intention to recognise these patterns for showing. All pure white cats must have had a BAER or OAE certificate of freedom from unilateral or bilateral deafness submitted to the GCCF Office. Sampling for the DNA Test: The only method of testing that will be accepted is as follows; the cat is microchipped; a swab is taken by a vet and the veterinary health certificate must state that the microchip number was verified by the vet, and it must match the cat’s veterinary records and vaccination card. The veterinary health certificate (DNA Test Results certificate) must also clearly show the test requested was for the requested gene. Please contact GCCF Office for advice on various DNA testing organisations. DNA testing is not required for neutered cats providing all the following criteria have been met:1. A Certificate of Neutering is supplied to including the cat’s details (registered name, date of birth, registration number, sex and microchip number (microchip number has been scanned and verified by the vet).2. The cat does not exhibit any of the following traits: polydactyly (extra toes), Chocolate, Cinnamon and Siamese (cs) and Burmese (cb) colours/patterns. Please read the GCCF Maine Coon Registration Policy before proceeding with any application, to ensure that your cat or kitten fulfils the criteria laid down for registering Maine Coons with the GCCF.

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