Empire Maine Coons
About Us
A family-owned cattery dedicated to preserving the majesty, health, and temperament of the European Maine Coon.
Our Story
Empire Maine Coons began as a passion project — a deep love for the Maine Coon breed and a desire to share these magnificent cats with families who would truly cherish them. What started with one queen and a family home grew into something far more meaningful than we ever imagined.
We operate on a guardian family model. Every king and queen in our program lives with their own dedicated forever family — not in a cattery facility, not in cages, but in real homes with real people who love them. This is the foundation of everything we do.
For years, we never needed a website. Our reputation was built entirely through word of mouth — family by family, kitten by kitten. In December 2024, we finally brought our story online. The cats haven’t changed. The commitment hasn’t changed. Now more families can find us.
Since 2018
Rockford, IL & Wisconsin
150+
Kittens Placed
100%
Guardian Family Raised
6+
Years of Excellence
Dec 2024
Online Since
Our Journey
2018
The Beginning
Empire Maine Coons was founded out of a genuine love for the breed. We started small — a single queen, a family home, and an uncompromising commitment to raising healthy, well-socialized Maine Coons.
2019
Growing Through Word of Mouth
With no advertising or online presence, our reputation grew entirely through word of mouth. Families who loved their kittens told other families — and that was enough.
2020
COVID-19 Pause
Like so many, we paused our breeding program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our cats, our guardian families, and our community came first. No litters were produced during this time.
2021
Rebuilding & Expanding
We resumed with renewed purpose, expanding into a guardian family structure. Rather than housing all cats under one roof, our kings and queens live with their own forever families — raised in real homes, with real love.
2022
Guardian Family Network
Our guardian model matured into something we are truly proud of. Each cat has a dedicated family who raises them as their own. This means better socialization, less stress, and happier, healthier kittens.
2023
Continued Word of Mouth Growth
Still operating without a website or social media, our waitlist continued to grow purely through the recommendations of happy families. Our reputation was built one kitten at a time.
Dec 2024
Online Presence Launched
After years of word-of-mouth only, we finally brought Empire Maine Coons online. Our website launched in December 2024 — giving us a home to share our story, our cats, and our mission with a wider audience.
2025
Today
We continue to grow with intention — never rushing, never compromising. The same values that built our reputation through word of mouth guide everything we do today.
Our Values
Integrity
We are transparent in every aspect of our breeding program. No secrets, no shortcuts.
Compassion
Every cat in our care receives love, respect, and the highest standard of welfare.
Excellence
We strive for continuous improvement in health, type, and temperament with every generation.