Not everyone lives within driving distance of a quality Maine Coon breeder. When the right kitten is in Illinois and you're in California, understanding your transport options is essential. Here's what we know from placing kittens across the country.
Transport Options
Flight nanny (our recommendation)
A flight nanny is a person who flies with your kitten in-cabin on a commercial flight, then hands them to you at the destination airport. The kitten travels in an airline-approved carrier under the seat — never in cargo. This is the safest, most comfortable option for the kitten and the one we recommend most often at Chatlerie.
Cost: $350–$600 depending on route and flight availability. This covers the nanny's ticket, carrier, and their time. Some breeders include this in the kitten price; others charge it separately.
Advantages: The kitten is supervised the entire journey, stays in the cabin, and arrives within hours. Most kittens handle the flight remarkably well — they sleep through most of it.
Personal pickup
Many families choose to fly to us and bring their kitten home in-cabin themselves. This is a wonderful option because you get to meet Dawna Marie, see the cattery, and begin bonding with your kitten during the trip home. We love meeting our families in person.
Cost: Your travel expenses plus a pet-in-cabin airline fee ($95–$125 on most airlines).
Ground transport
For distances up to 6–8 hours, ground transport by the breeder or a professional pet transport service is viable. The kitten travels in a comfortable carrier in an air-conditioned vehicle. This avoids the stress of airports entirely.
Cost: Varies by distance. Professional services typically charge $1–$2 per mile.
Airline cargo (we don't recommend)
Some breeders ship kittens in airline cargo. While airlines have climate-controlled cargo areas for live animals, we don't use this method. The kitten is alone, unmonitored, and in an unfamiliar, loud environment for hours. The stress is unnecessary when flight nanny services exist.
Preparing for Transport
Transport Day Checklist
- Airline-approved soft-sided carrier (fits under the seat)
- Absorbent pad lining the carrier
- A worn t-shirt from the breeder's home for familiar scent
- Small water dish and treats for layovers
- Health certificate from the vet (required for air travel)
- Your vet appointment booked within 48–72 hours of arrival
- Quiet room prepared at home for the kitten's initial adjustment
The best breeders don't let geography prevent the right match. If your kitten is in Illinois and you're in Oregon, we'll figure out the logistics. The match matters more than the miles.
Cities We Deliver To
We've placed kittens with families across the country. Here are some of our most popular delivery destinations — each page has local airport info, delivery details, and FAQs:
- Midwest: Detroit · Indianapolis · Columbus · Cleveland · Milwaukee · St. Louis · Kansas City
- South: Dallas · Houston · Atlanta · Nashville · Charlotte · Miami
- Northeast: New York · Boston · Washington DC
- West: Los Angeles · San Francisco · Seattle · Denver · Phoenix
Transport Scam Warning
If a "breeder" asks for shipping fees before you've verified they're legitimate — stop. Shipping fee scams are the second most common Maine Coon fraud after stolen-photo scams. Legitimate breeders discuss transport logistics after your application is approved and your kitten is matched, not before.
Never send shipping fees to a breeder who won't do a video call, doesn't have a verifiable website, or found you through a Facebook Marketplace listing.