Maine Coons are ideal feline companions since they are friendly, intelligent, and gentle. However, because of the cost of buying a Maine Coon from a breeder, many people get discouraged from starting their journey as cat parents.
Luckily, there is a cheaper option that supports an even greater cause.
By adopting a Maine Coon from a rescue organization, you can save a ton of money and be able to help a cat that suffered from neglect, abandonment, and abuse.
To make your quest for adoption easier, I included a list of some of the best Maine Coon rescues in the United States in this article. Let’s get started!
Top 10 Maine Coon Rescues to Find Maine Coons for Adoption
For others, adopting from a rescue seems like a bad idea because the cats may have underlying illnesses and behavioral issues.
While most Maine Coon rescues take in cats regardless of their condition, they make sure to follow strict procedures in rehabilitating, treating, and training their cats. They ensure that the felines are in their best condition before adoption.
The Maine Coon rescues listed below are some of the most trusted organizations in the country that can guarantee that your cat is healthy and ready for a new life.
1. Maine Coon Rescue (MCR) – Across the United States
MCR is a non-profit organization that operates nationwide to save Maine Coon purebreds and mixes from all situations. They are one of the largest rescues in the country dedicated to this breed alone.
Their adoption process starts with choosing from their available Maine Coon cats. Then, you need to complete their online application form without omitting any important information.
A case manager will subsequently inform you about the screening process and how it will be carried out.
An interview will be conducted to assess your application. It will then be voted on by the rescue committee if you are approved or not. If approved, you will be asked to pay the necessary fee and sign an agreement.
The adoption fee depends on several factors such as age, registration, and if they are purebreds or mixes. Naturally, the purebred Maine Coons with papers are the most expensive. After payment, transporting your new cat to your home is possible but subject to a fixed rate.
Maine Coon Rescue (MCR) Information and Details:
Website: Maine Coon Rescue (MCR)
Email: rescue@mainecoonrescue.net
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
2. Only Maine Coons Rescue (OMCR) – New Jersey
OMR is another rescue volunteer group that focuses on saving Maine Coon purebreds and mixes from shelters and other unwanted situations. Like MCR, all of their available cats are placed in foster homes.
Maine Coon lovers from Washington, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and portions of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are free to submit their applications and follow the adoption process.
Aside from a personal interview by a volunteer, you will also be evaluated by the foster parent. This is the most important stage because the rescue will mostly base their decision on the foster’s assessment.
You should be able to give valid reasons for adopting a Maine Coon and prove that you have the means to take care of one. You also need to testify why you chose a specific cat to adopt and explain why you are the perfect match for them.
If you are planning to adopt an unaltered kitten, OMR also offers a spay/neuter program called Friends of Animals to assist you in scheduling a procedure.
Only Maine Coons Rescue (OMCR) Information and Details:
Website: Only Maine Coons Rescue (OMCR)
Address: P.O. Box 161 Absecon, NJ 08201-1204
Email: info@omcrescue.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
3. East Coast Maine Coon Rescue (ECMCR) – New Jersey
Operating since 2009, ECMCR has been able to save hundreds of Maine Coon lives from imminent danger due to neglect and poor environmental conditions.
They also follow the standard procedure for adoption. However, since the Maine Coon rescue is run by volunteers with full-time jobs and responsibilities, the typical processing time for an application takes about 7 to 10 days.
Once the applicant has been approved, an adoption agreement should be signed to ensure that they know their responsibilities as a new cat owner. The terms include providing the Maine Coon cat with basic needs and medical assistance when needed.
In case the owner decides to return their adopted cat for whatever reason, ECMR will gladly welcome them back and give a full refund. This is only applicable if the owner is able to give the cat back within 28 days after adoption.
East Coast Maine Coon Rescue (ECMCR) Information and Details:
Website: East Coast Maine Coon Rescue (ECMCR)
Address: 241 Creek Road Apartment 14 Keansburg NJ 07734
Email: rescue@ecmcr.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
4. Arizona Maine Coon Cat Rescue (AMCCR) – Arizona
If you are from Arizona, you can conveniently adopt a cat from AMCCR. You can check their Petfinder profile to find an available Maine Coon of your liking. They’ve also partnered with Paws Veterinary Clinic and Agape Animal Clinic for medical assistance and support.
Before a Maine Coon kitten is put up for adoption, they are tested for diseases such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), given proper vaccination, and spayed/neutered, as needed.
The adoption fee that you pay is spent on any checkup or treatment needed by the rescued cats.
Unlike ECMCR, this rescue only allows reimbursement of the adoption fee after you’ve had the cat for a week. The full terms and conditions of their adoption agreement can be viewed on their website.
Arizona Maine Coon Cat Rescue (AMCCR) Information and Details:
Phone: (480) 666-5501
Email: azmccr@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
5. Merlin’s Hope Ragdoll and Maine Coon Rescue – Texas
If you are a cat enthusiast residing in Texas, Merlin’s Hope Ragdoll and Maine Coon Rescue can help fulfill your dream of owning a Maine Coon. Aside from rehabilitating and rehoming Ragdolls and Maine Coons, they also rescue other long-haired breeds.
All of their available cats can be viewed on their Petfinder account. News and updates are also constantly being posted on their social media platforms.
Like most rescues, they do not have an actual facility but instead take in rescued cats in their own house or to approved foster homes.
Regarding applications, they strongly encourage people to contact them through their email or via call. They can either set up an appointment by filling out their application form or send one through email.
If you plan to adopt a cat less than three years old, you must have another younger cat. Otherwise, they advise applicants to adopt them by pair.
This is recommended because Maine Coons are quite slow to mature and would benefit immensely from interacting with another cat. This will also prevent them from being too independent while growing up.
Applicants from other states such as Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Louisiana are also welcome to adopt from their rescue. However, they must be willing to drive to the foster home in Texas since they don’t offer any transportation.
Merlin’s Hope Ragdoll and Maine Coon Rescue Information and Details:
6. Abandoned Maine Coons Rescue (AMCR) – Texas
Most of the Maine Coons taken in by AMCR are seniors who need love and companionship for the remaining days of their lives. Inquiries for these senior cats can be sent through their email and be processed within only three days.
On the other hand, younger purebreds and mixes can be seen on their Petfinder profile. Each of the cats has a detailed description of their temperament and special needs if any. It is also indicated if they are good with children, cats, or other dogs in the household.
Once you have chosen the cat suitable for you, you can fill out an application form and send it to their coordinator’s email. The format can be found on their Facebook page.
Aside from being vaccinated and tested for illnesses, their Maine Coon cats also come microchipped. In the end, it’s important to choose a cat that can fit well into your current lifestyle.
Abandoned Maine Coons Rescue (AMCR) Information and Details:
Website: Abandoned Maine Coons Rescue (AMCR)
Address: P. O. Box 253 Simms, TX 75574
Phone: (903) 543-1178
Email: amcr20@yahoo.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
7. Maine Coons & More – New Jersey
Maine Coons & More is another rescue organization that can match you with the ideal cat that can fit your personality and home setting. With their experienced team of volunteers, your application will be thoroughly evaluated to know which cat will work best for your profile.
In order to be qualified as an adopter, you need to be at least 21 years old or if you have a family, your children must be over the age of seven. You must also have an existing pet cat at home or be willing to adopt another cat as a companion for your Maine Coon.
They offer kittens, adult cats aged one to seven years old, and senior cats aged eight years and above. All of them can be adopted at a very low price.
For comparison, they provided a chart of medical expenses when you choose to own a stray cat versus when you adopt from their rescue.
Paying for medical services out of your own pocket is much more expensive and also a huge hassle. The cat you will adopt from this rescue is really worth more than what you pay for.
Maine Coons & More Information and Details:
Website: Maine Coons & More
Email: MaineCoonsandMore@gmail.com
8. Cat Town – California
Cat Town is a sister organization of the now-closed Maine Coon Adoptions rescue. Aside from Maine Coons, they recondition and rehome all cat breeds.
Operating for 10 years, this rescue has been able to save over 2,500 cats that were mainly at risk of being euthanized. Because their team was patient enough to work on these cats’ behavior and health, they were able to rehome them to loving families.
Upon application, you can be matched to foster cats in households located in Oakland, Alameda, Piedmont, Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, and San Leandro. In-person adoptions can also be done in three ways:
Request an appointment to visit their adoption center for free. The normal schedule is Tuesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Book a recreational visit by paying a $10 reservation fee. This will allow you to visit at any convenient hour. However, you need to make sure that no other applicants are coming at the same time as your intended appointment schedule.
Drop by their adoption center during public hours. Their typical schedule is Fridays to Sundays starting from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may need to wait if other visitors are still being accommodated.
You can also visit their Raw Coffee Bar to be entertained by resident cats while getting your daily dose of caffeine.
Cat Town Information and Details:
9. Cat’s Cradle – Virginia
Cat’s Cradle was founded in 1998 with the mission to provide a no-kill alternative for stray cats, including Maine Coons, in Virginia.
They pioneered the opening of a sterilization clinic in their locality that offers low-cost spaying and neutering for both cats and dogs.
Because of this initiative, they are able to perform over 2,500 surgeries per year. They significantly reduced unwanted litters and forced euthanasia in many local shelters.
Aside from rehoming cats, they started a retention program that focuses on giving cat behavioral counseling, short-term food assistance, financial aid for veterinary expenses, and short-term boarding fees to help cat owners and lessen the number of shelter surrenders.
They also organize adoption events where they offer the lowest adoption fees for their available cats.
Cat’s Cradle Information and Details:
Website: Cat’s Cradle
Address: P.O. Box 2128, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: (540) 433-1135
Email: catscradle@catscradleva.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
10. Anjellicle Cats Rescue (ACR) – New York
As one of the most active cat rescues in New York, Anjellicle Cats Rescue prides itself as an all-volunteer organization that envisions a no-kill feline community. Although they take in various cat breeds, you can easily adopt a Maine Coon from this rescue.
Many of the cats they take in are suffering from illnesses and injuries and are ruled out as hopeless cases. However, through their dedicated team, these cats were treated, guided, and trained to be at their best before adoption.
There are two ways to adopt a Maine Coon cat from Anjellicle Cats Rescue. First, you can submit an application for a regular adoption. If you are still unsure about taking on the full commitment of being a cat parent, you can register for the foster-to-adopt program.
You can further help save cats by participating in their annual fundraising event that will be used for surgeries, vaccinations, and other medical expenses.
Anjellicle Cats Rescue (ACR) Information and Details:
Here’s a video about Maine Coons if you are still unsure if they are the right feline for you:
What It's Like Living with Maine Coons (Parts 1-3)<a href="https://youtu.be/ch5rSJLU8As" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fch5rSJLU8As%2F0.jpg" alt="What It&#039;s Like Living with Maine Coons (Parts 1-3)" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Other Sources for Maine Coon Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
Maine Coon rescues usually get hundreds of applications each day. This lowers your chance of being matched to a certain cat you like.
However, there’s always hope of finding one from these sources:
Petfinder – You can easily look for Maine Coons from the comfort of your home through this platform. With over 11,000 registered shelters from all over the country, you will surely find the most suitable feline companion.
Petango – This is another cat search website partnered with over 1,800 animal welfare groups across the United States. Since 2009, they’ve been able to find new homes for almost 10,000,000 animals. Your future Main Coon pet might just be a click away!
Adopt-a-Pet – As the largest pet adoption website in North America, you can definitely secure a new Maine Coon kitten or adult cat. Since they help over 21,000 rescues, shelters, and animal welfare agencies, there’s a high chance that you can be chosen as a new cat owner.
Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – By finding a local shelter or rescue in your area, you don’t have to spend extra money for transport and pick-up. Hundreds of Maine Coons and mixes are being surrendered each day to these facilities so ask around to find the nearest organization.
There are several options to adopt a Maine Coon so you don’t need to be discouraged if you weren’t approved at the first rescue or shelter you applied for.
Why Do People Put Maine Coons up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
There are quite a handful of reasons why owners choose to give up their Maine Coon for adoption. While it’s easy to say that it is due to neglect and being irresponsible, it can also stem from personal problems.
Here are some of the reasons why people surrender their Maine Coons to rescues:
The owner is relocating and can no longer attend to their Maine Coon’s needs.
They cannot afford the expenses of maintaining them.
Their Maine Coon cannot get along with other household pets.
The owner has personal issues preventing them from taking care of their cat.
The owner suddenly passed away and no immediate family member can take the Maine Coon in.
The cat developed violent behavior that cannot be managed by the owner.
The Maine Coon is very unhealthy and the owner cannot afford treatment.
To avoid being in this scenario, it’s crucial to be 100% sure and prepared for the responsibilities of being a cat owner. Before you send that application, make sure that your home, lifestyle, and bank account aligns with having a Maine Coon companion.
How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Maine Coon?
When you buy a Maine Coon from a breeder, you should expect to pay around $400 to over $2,000 per kitten. On the other hand, the adoption fee of most rescues falls between $75 and $300 depending on the cat’s age and paperwork.
Considering the basic expenses and medical needs of a rescued cat, this price is quite reasonable.
You can refer to the table below to know where the fee is spent:
As you can see, rescues sometimes spend more than what they charge for adopting a Maine Coon. However, they can also waive some of the expenses if the cat already went through these things with their previous owner.
Is It Difficult to Adopt a Maine Coon From a Rescue?
Yes, you only need to have a phone or computer and an internet connection to find a Maine Coon, but you will need a lot more to be qualified to adopt one. For first-time adopters, the process can be burdensome but if you are ready and dedicated enough, it should be quite easy.
The first thing to consider is the rescue’s requirements. These can differ from one organization to another but their normal procedure involves interviews, home visits, and talking to your provided references to evaluate if you are a worthy cat owner.
Case managers take their time to assess your application so it’s really important that you can make a good impression from the moment you submit the required form. The initial screening process will dictate if you are qualified for the next step.
Upon home visit, the volunteers will do a thorough viewing and assessment if you have enough space or a fenced yard. They will also ask questions to the other housemates if they have issues with having a cat.
If your current lifestyle and circumstances seem unfit for the rescue’s policies and guidelines, then it can be difficult to adopt a Maine Coon. You need to gauge your situation and ensure that your future cat can truly have a good life with you.
5 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt a Maine Coon
Passing a rescue’s evaluation is often regarded as a hit-or-miss situation. There might be other candidates that are more compatible with the Maine Coon’s temperament. Sometimes, luck is also a factor.
If you truly want your application to stand out, you can follow these helpful tips:
Be a Maine Coon expert. Before the interview, try to know about Maine Coons as much as possible. Be informed about the cat’s temperament and special needs in terms of grooming, feeding, etc.
Provide complete and detailed information. When filling out the application form, make sure to provide an honest, complete, and well-written answer. Evaluators can tell from the get-go if you are interested enough to adopt a Maine Coon.
Build a fence. If you successfully passed the initial phase, you will be scheduled for a home visit. It would be a great advantage to have a high fence that will prevent your cat from escaping if you decide to let them out in the yard. However, it is always advised to keep them inside.
Ask the rescue volunteer a lot of questions. To keep your scores high, ask the rescue representative several questions about the cat you intend to adopt. This will show eagerness and excitement about getting the cat which is always favorable.
Visit the Maine Coon in the facility or foster home. If possible, request permission to visit the cat in the rescue facility or foster home. This will give you a chance to meet the cat while your application is being processed and also show the staff that you are willing to make time and effort for them.
Keep in mind that you can always try again in other rescues if you get rejected. Just be transparent and sincere in whatever you say and you’ll eventually have the cat of your dreams.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to adopt a Maine Coon from a rescue is not only a more practical option but also a way to support the movement for anti-animal neglect and abuse. Since you will spend a lot less, you can allocate more budget for buying other items for your cat.
When selecting a Maine Coon rescue, it’s important to verify their credibility by reading testimonies and checking their policies. If you already chose one, be mindful of their guidelines and requirements to have a smooth and successful adoption process.
You should also be aware of your cat’s specific needs, especially if they are senior cats. Whether they are adopted or bought from a breeder, every cat deserves to have a home.
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