Florida Maine Coons by OptiCoons is a 2020 TICA Outstanding Cattery.
TICA has awarded the prestigious 2020 Maine Coon Breeder Outstanding Cattery to OptiCoons, a Florida Based Breeder of high quality Authentic Maine Coon Kittens. 
Located in Dunnellon, Florida OptiCoons has been breeding Maine coon kittens for several years while focusing on the TICA standard characteristics and health of the kittens.
In keeping with the Mission and Policy Statements of TICA, the Outstanding Cattery Program has adopted the Cattery Evaluation Program and the Outstanding Cattery Code of Ethics as requirements for achieving the
TICA Outstanding Cattery certificate. The goal is to provide education, information, and guidance to breeders so
that they are aware of proper husbandry and cattery management techniques.
Outstanding Cattery Evaluator
The actual cattery evaluation must be done by a licensed small animal veterinarian. The breeder may engage
his/her regular veterinarian for this task. It is important for the veterinarian to place emphasis on the overall
impression of health and well-being of the cats in the cattery during the evaluation and decision-making process.
Often cattery set-ups involve the entire household. For example, bedrooms and bathrooms may be utilized for
birthing and/or isolation areas of the cattery. In addition, it is important for the evaluator to allow for the odor of
any whole male cat in residence. However, it is not allowable to experience the stale odor of cats permeating the
residence. It is hoped that the dialogue between the veterinarian and breeder will be an educational experience.
Breeder
The breeder is encouraged to use the Cattery Evaluation Form as a guide for self-evaluation of his/her cattery
prior to contacting a veterinarian. It is hoped that this method will allow the breeder to correct any deficiencies
before the actual evaluation. The breeder must be present during the evaluation and scoring process. All fees
charged by the veterinarian for this service are to be paid by the breeder.
The Scoring Method
The veterinarian is to complete and score the form in the presence of the breeder. Complete the form by ticking
the appropriate box against each of the criteria. Each individual rating of “Excellent” receives 2 points, each
“Satisfactory” receives 1 point, and each “unsatisfactory” rating receives 0 points. Any Not Applicable (N/A) rating
receives a score of 2 points. Multiply the total number of “excellent” ratings plus “N/A” ratings by 2 and enter this
figure on the line following “Excellent”. Add the total number of “Satisfactory” ratings and enter this figure on the
line following “Satisfactory”. Add the two figures together and enter the sum in the appropriate space as the total
score. The best possible score is 88 points. A total score of 75 points or more receives an overall “Outstanding”
rating and the breeder will be sent a TICA Outstanding Cattery certificate.