We are delighted to present the following interview with Angela De Filippo from Sweet Giants Maine Coons in Texas. In our discussion, Angela shares her journey from caring for stray cats in Italy, to becoming a respected Maine Coon breeder in Texas. Angela details her breeding philosophy and provides valuable insights to anyone undecided about whether a Maine Coon is right for them.
All of the images in this article are of Angela’s gorgeous cats!
Thank you for sharing your story with us today, please tell us a bit about yourself and your Maine Coon cattery.
My name’s Angela, and together with my husband Ricardo, we raise Maine Coon cats in our home in McKinney, Texas.
We’ve been breeding since 2019 and have consistently received 5-star reviews. We’re proud members of TICA (The International Cat Association) and adhere to their Code of Ethics to ensure the health and well-being of our kittens.
We’re also licensed breeders in Texas and undergo yearly inspections to ensure our practices meet the highest standards.
Congratulations on your glowing reviews. How did you and Ricardo first get started with breeding Maine Coons?
I’ve always loved animals, especially cats. Growing up in Italy, I cared for many stray cats and orphaned kittens. My passion for cats led me to dream of becoming a breeder to improve specific breeds.
In 2012, I found a kitten that resembled a Maine Coon, and after researching the breed, I fell in love with their size, ear tufts, intelligence, and wild look. My husband and I decided to pursue breeding Maine Coons once we had the space to do so.
So you’re from Italy, how did you end up living in Texas?
I came to the US right after graduating from high school to attend Brigham Young University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and French.
After graduation, I moved to Chicago and became a bilingual teacher for Waukegan ISD. After three years in Chicago, we relocated to Dallas, where I taught for over ten years.
Now, I stay home full-time to take care of my kids and my cats.
How have you found living in the US compared to living in Italy?
I really love living here, even though I miss Italy. We travel to Italy once a year to visit family. The differences between Italy and here are many. In Italy, life has a slower pace, the food is incredible, and there’s a strong sense of community and tradition.
Another significant difference is the emphasis on work-life balance in Italy. People often prioritize family time and leisure activities more than in the US, where the culture tends to be more focused on career and productivity.
It’s great that you are able to go back to Italy each year and experience both cultures. Pivoting back to Maine Coons now – what do you love most about the breed?
I love how intelligent Maine Coons are. They combine the best qualities of dogs and cats, being both smart and affectionate.
You mentioned that Sweet Giants cattery are TICA members, why do you consider this important?
It is important because it helps us improve the breed through pedigree registration and provides us with valuable education for our breeding program.
How would you describe your Maine Coon breeding philosophy?
My breeding philosophy prioritizes the health, temperament, and overall well-being of our cats.
Here are some of my key principles
- Health First: Ensure that all of our breeding cats are screened for genetic disorders and are in excellent health. This reduces the risk of passing on hereditary conditions and promotes the longevity and vitality of the offspring.
- Ethical Practices: We maintain ethical breeding practices that prioritize the welfare of our cats over profit. This includes providing proper veterinary care, nutrition, and a clean, stimulating environment.
- Temperament and Behavior: we select breeding cats with desirable temperaments and behaviors, aiming to produce pets that are not only healthy but also well-adjusted and affectionate companions.
- Socialization: We provide early socialization for the kittens, exposing them to various stimuli and handling to ensure they grow up to be confident and friendly.
- Transparency: We are transparent with potential buyers about the breeding process, the health and lineage of the cats, and any genetic issues that may arise.
- Continuous Improvement: We stay informed about the latest research and best practices in cat breeding and continually strive to improve the quality and health of the breeding lines.
- Responsible Ownership: We educate potential pet owners about responsible pet ownership, including the importance of regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and the social needs of the cats.
What are some of the ways you ensure the health and well-being of your cats and kittens?
All of our cats and kittens are regularly checked by an experienced veterinarian. We also ensure that our kittens receive at least two rounds of vaccinations and have recently started using a clinic that provides a third round.
What health screenings or genetic testing do you perform on your Maine Coons?
We perform DNA testing for all our breeding cats to ensure they don’t carry any genetic diseases. We also conduct fecal PCR tests and any other necessary screenings to ensure the health of our cats.
Can you tell us about the environment where your cats are raised?
Our cats are raised inside our home.
Initially, we had three cats, but as our cattery grew, we built a sunroom for them. This sunroom is not finished yet but we are planning to equip it with wall shelves, window perches, and cat trees to create a stimulating environment.
We avoid using cages for our cats’ mental health, utilizing walk-in closets as birthing rooms and large luxury glass enclosures for our studs and kittens.
Sounds like a nice place to live! How do you go about socializing your Maine Coon kittens to prepare them for their new homes?
From birth, our kittens are handled daily. After their first round of shots at eight weeks, our children play with them regularly. This ensures our kittens are well-socialized.
What is the process for anyone interested in adopting a kitten from you?
Our adoption process starts with an application. We check personal references to ensure the kitten is going to a good home.
Approved applicants receive updates on our litters, and once they choose a kitten, they sign a spay/neuter contract and place a deposit.
The balance is due before pick-up day when the kitten is between 12-13 weeks old. The kitten goes home with food, goodies, and medical records.
Are there any specific criteria or requirements potential adopters need to meet?
Potential adopters must demonstrate that they can meet the kitten’s medical and emotional needs. Declawing is not allowed, and spaying/neutering is mandatory.
What are some of the ways you support new owners after the adoption?
We offer lifelong support. New families can contact me anytime with questions, and I am always available to share advice and information about their cat’s care and needs.
What is your advice to anyone reading this who is considering a Maine Coon as a pet?
My advice is to make sure if you get a Maine Coon to have plenty of space, and you can commit to regular grooming due to their long fur.
They thrive on interaction and companionship, so be prepared to spend quality time with them.
Regular vet check-ups are essential, as well as providing toys and interactive play.
Ensure a balanced diet suited to their size and activity level.
Maine Coons are wonderful pets if you can meet their grooming, social, and physical needs.
Are there any common misconceptions about the Maine Coon breed that you feel should be addressed?
One misconception is that Maine Coons are always gigantic. While they are one of the largest cat breeds, their size can vary. Males are typically larger, but not all Maine Coons will be enormous. Size shouldn’t be the only factor considered when choosing a Maine Coon.
Thanks again for the interview Angela. How can readers find out about upcoming litters?
You can subscribe to my website to receive regular email updates about current and future litters.
How should people get in touch with you for more information?
For more information, feel free to contact us through our website, email, or social media:
