Maine Coon Cats: Free, Fierce, And Friendly Felines

free maine coon cats

The Maine Coon is a majestic and much-loved cat breed known for its striking appearance and friendly personality. They are renowned for being one of the largest domesticated cats, with a muscular build, long and flowing coats, tufted ears, and bushy tails. While it is challenging to find free Maine Coon cats or kittens, there are some ways to do so. Rescue organizations and shelters may offer free or low-cost Maine Coon cats of various ages, including retired show or breeding cats. Additionally, some breeders may have accidental litters that they give away to good homes.

Characteristics Values
Gender Male, Female
Age Baby, Young, Adult
Size Medium, Large, Extra Large
Mixed Breed Yes, No
Vaccinations Up to date
Neutered Yes
Microchipped Yes
Sociable Nature Yes
Playful Yes
Adaptable Yes
Good with children No
Good with other animals No

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Maine Coon cat rescue organizations

There are several organizations dedicated to rescuing Maine Coon cats and finding them forever homes. These organizations are often volunteer-run and nonprofit, with the shared goal of ensuring the well-being of this beloved breed. Here is some more information about a few of them:

Only Maine Coons Rescue (OMC)

Based in New Jersey, OMC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that specializes in rescuing Maine Coon cats and kittens, including mixes and, occasionally, purebreds. They take in cats from shelters and unwanted situations, caring for them in foster homes until they can be adopted into loving "furrever" homes. OMC also participates in events like the Felines and Fidos Expo and Super Pet Expo to raise awareness and connect with potential adopters.

Maine Coon Rescue (MCR)

MCR is a nationwide 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a network of volunteers passionate about Maine Coons. They are dedicated to rescuing Maine Coons and Maine Coon mixes, ensuring they find carefully screened forever homes where they will be loved and spoiled. MCR also utilizes the IGive online shopping app, which contributes a percentage of purchases to the organization, as a way to raise funds for their efforts.

East Coast Maine Coon Rescue

This breed-specific rescue group operates on the East Coast of the United States, pulling cats from shelters and other sources who exhibit most of the Maine Coon features. They obtain purebreds from owner surrenders and breeders who shut down and also rescue siblings and mothers of Maine Coons, even if they have short hair, knowing they face danger in kill shelters. East Coast Maine Coon Rescue provides trained case managers to help match adopters with their new furry family members, who are cared for in private, loving foster homes until adoption.

Florida Maine Coon Rescue

Based in Florida, this rescue group helps connect Maine Coon cats in need with their forever homes. They provide information about available cats and facilitate adoptions, with the goal of ensuring each cat finds a loving family.

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Maine Coon cat adoption through a shelter

Adopting a cat is a rewarding experience, and if you're looking for a furry friend of the Maine Coon variety, there are a few things to know. Adopting a Maine Coon from a shelter is not only a wonderful way to give a cat a loving home, but it's also a more affordable option compared to buying from a breeder. The cost of adopting a Maine Coon through a shelter typically ranges from $75 to $100, whereas purchasing one from a breeder can set you back $800 to $2,000.

Finding a Shelter

The easiest way to find a Maine Coon cat for adoption is to search for breed-specific rescues, such as "Only Maine Coons Rescue" in New Jersey or "Maine Coon Rescue" in West Virginia. These organizations are dedicated to rescuing Maine Coons and finding them forever homes. You can also search for Maine Coons in your area through websites like Adopt a Pet, which will show you all the available cats near you.

The Adoption Process

When you've found a shelter or rescue organization with available Maine Coons, the next step is to go through the adoption process. This usually involves filling out an application form and providing information about your home environment, other pets, and your ability to care for the cat. Some organizations may also conduct home checks to ensure that the cat will be placed in a safe and suitable environment.

Benefits of Adoption

Adopting a Maine Coon through a shelter has several benefits. Firstly, you're providing a home to a cat in need, and these organizations often care for the cats in foster homes until they find their forever families. Secondly, the cost of adoption is much lower than purchasing from a breeder, and you can be sure that the cat has received necessary veterinary care and has been screened for any potential health issues.

Purebred vs. Mixes

It's important to note that while some shelters and rescue organizations may have purebred Maine Coons available for adoption, it's not as common as finding mixes. However, a Maine Coon mix will still have many of the beloved traits of the breed, and you'll be giving a wonderful home to a cat in need.

So, if you're considering adding a Maine Coon to your family, adoption through a shelter is a fantastic option. Not only will you be gaining a loving companion, but you'll also be supporting the important work of rescue organizations and providing a second chance to a deserving cat.

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Maine Coon cat physical characteristics

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, with males weighing between 13 and 22 pounds and females weighing between 8 and 15 pounds. The breed is characterised by its impressive size, long, rectangular, muscular body, solid bone structure, and broad chest. Maine Coons have a distinctive physical appearance, with a long, bushy tail, large, round paws, and tufted ears. Their fur is dense, water-resistant, and semi-longhair, with a variety of colours and patterns, including solid, tabby, bi-colour, parti-colour, shaded, smoke, and tortoiseshell. The length of their coat is shorter on the head and shoulders and longer on the stomach and flanks, with some cats having a leonine ruff around their neck.

Maine Coons have several physical adaptations for survival in harsh winter climates. Their long, bushy tail can be curled around their face and shoulders for warmth and protection from wind and snow, and can also be curled around their backside like an insulated seat cushion when sitting on frozen surfaces. Their large paws, often compared to snowshoes, have long tufts of fur between the toes, providing warmth and additional structure for walking on snow. Their heavily furred ears have extra-long tufts of fur growing inside, which helps keep them warm.

Maine Coons are slow to physically mature, and it can take up to five years for them to reach their full size. They are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia and heart disease. Regular veterinary check-ups and health screenings are important to monitor for these potential issues.

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Maine Coon cat care and keeping

The Maine Coon is a gentle giant, with a laid-back and friendly personality. They are intelligent, inquisitive and sociable, and are great playmates for children. They are also known to get along with other pets in the household, including dogs.

Maine Coons are obligate carnivores and require a diet high in protein, with meat forming a key part of their diet. They should be fed high-quality, protein-rich dry food 2-4 times a day, with wet food no more than twice a week. Their diet should also include vitamins A, B, K, and Niacin, as well as healthy fatty acids. It is important not to overfeed your Maine Coon, as they are prone to obesity.

Maine Coons have long, shaggy coats that require regular grooming to avoid fur matting. They should be brushed 2-3 times a week, and more during shedding season if they go outdoors. They also require regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. While bathing is not necessary, it can be done occasionally to keep their coat clean, and should not be done more than once a month.

Maine Coons need plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They should be provided with toys and scratchers to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, and encouraged to play games and interact with their owners. They also enjoy playing with water and may even enjoy an occasional swim.

It is important to keep your Maine Coon up to date with vaccinations and regular health checks to detect any potential health issues early on. They should also be given flea and deworming medication regularly. Spaying or neutering your Maine Coon is recommended unless you plan on breeding them.

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Maine Coon cat breeders

Where to Find Breeders

One way to find Maine Coon cat breeders is through the Maine Coon Cat Club. This club is affiliated with the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) and has a breeders list on its website. The club also has a rescue section on its website, where you can find Maine Coon cats in need of new homes. These cats often find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own, due to reasons such as allergies in the household, emigration, or relationship breakdowns. Most of these cats do not have known medical or behavioural problems, but it is important to chat with the current owner to understand any potential issues.

Other Options

If you are unable to find a suitable breeder or retired breeding cat, there are other options to consider. Maine Coon cat rescue organizations work tirelessly to find loving homes for cats in need, and while most of the cats available through these organizations are full-grown, older kittens are sometimes available. Shelters are another option, and while Maine Coon cats available through shelters can be any age, they may be free or have a low cost for adoption. It is also worth considering a mixed breed kitten, as accidental litters from breeders may be free to a good home.

Frequently asked questions

Rescue groups and shelters often have adoption fees and your new cat will likely need veterinary care, so while some cats are advertised as free, they may come with additional costs.

Maine Coon Cat rescue organizations work to find homes for cats in need. You can also try a shelter, or look for a retired breeding or show cat from a breeder.

Most free Maine Coon cats are full-grown, but older kittens are sometimes available through rescue organizations.

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