Avoid Being Scammed By Following These Maine Coon Adoption Steps
Maine Coon adoption is the process of giving a home to a Maine Coon cat in need, rather than purchasing one from a breeder.
Adoption typically involves rescuing a cat from a shelter, a Maine Coon rescue organization, or even from a private owner who can no longer care for their pet.
This route differs significantly from buying a Maine Coon kitten from a breeder, as adoption often provides a home for an adult cat or a cat with special needs.
Full-Proof Adoption Process
There’s a right way to adopt and a wrong way to adopt a Maine Coon, so make sure you read the following guide thoroughly:
1. Research Adoption Options
Start by researching shelters, rescue organizations, and breed-specific rescues. Many purebred Maine Coons end up in shelters due to changes in their owners’ circumstances.
Trusted sources include:
- Local animal shelters
- Maine Coon rescue groups
- Pet adoption websites
It is important to research the adoption centers thoroughly to assess their reputation – for example, contact Maine Coon Facebook Groups for first-hand experience.
2. Evaluate Your Home And Lifestyle
Consider if a Maine Coon fits your household. These cats require space, mental stimulation, and social interaction. If you travel often or have a busy schedule, ensure you can provide care.
Here are the 21 things you need to know about Maine Coon cats.
3. Contact The Rescue Or Shelter
Reach out to the adoption center and inquire about available Maine Coons. Be prepared for an interview or application process where organizations assess if you’re a suitable owner.
A good shelter will do a background check on you to make sure you don’t have any past animal abuse charges.
You will also have to fill out a form to make sure you will be a good owner for whatever cat you choose to take home.
4. Meet The Cat
Visit the shelter or foster home to interact with the cat before committing. Look for signs of a healthy, socialized cat, including clear eyes, a shiny coat, and a friendly temperament.
If you are keen to only adopt a purebred Maine Coon cat, prepare to wait longer for a cat to become available. Make sure you read this guide on how to identify a Maine Coon, to avoid being scammed.
5. Ask The Right Questions
- What is the cat’s history (previous owner, stray, surrendered)?
- Does the cat have any medical conditions or special dietary needs?
- Is the cat socialized with people and other pets?
- Has the cat received vaccinations and been spayed/neutered?
- What is the cat’s personality like (active, shy, affectionate, independent)?
Every cat has a different veterinary history. Make sure you get a detailed medical history before adopting.
Cats adopted from shelters should already have all of their necessary vaccinations, although adults will need some vaccinations every three or four years so check the cat is completely up to date on all of its vaccinations.
Here is a list of 20+ questions that YOU MUST ask when adopting a Maine Coon, or sourcing direct from a breeder.
6. Understand The Adoption Fees
Adoption fees range from $100-$500 depending on the organization, location, and medical care the cat has received. The fee often covers:
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Spaying/neutering
- Veterinary check-ups
7. Prepare Your Home
Before bringing your Maine Coon home, ensure you have:
- A large litter box
- High-quality cat food
- Scratching posts
- Cat beds and hiding spaces
- Toys for mental stimulation
8. Transition The Cat To Its New Home
Make sure you have all of the supplies necessary and give your cat time to adjust to its new environment.
It is usually best to keep your cat contained to one room first, so that it doesn’t get overwhelmed by too many new sights and smells.
Give your new pet time to adjust by initially providing a quiet space. Gradually introduce them to different areas of the house and other pets.
Adoption Vs. Buying From A Breeder
Each route to owning a Maine Coon kitten or cat has it’s pro’s and cons. Below are the key points to consider:
| Factor | Adoption | Buying from a Breeder |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually lower ($100-$500), covers vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. | Higher ($1,000-$4,000+), depends on pedigree, breeder reputation, and lineage. |
| Age of Cat | Mostly adult cats, sometimes kittens available. | Typically kittens (8-12 weeks old). |
| Health Status | May have prior health issues but often vetted before adoption. | Generally healthy with genetic testing if the breeder is responsible. |
| Waiting Time | Immediate if a cat is available. | Requires waitlists for reputable breeders. |
| Pedigree Papers | Rarely available. | Provided by registered breeders. |
| Ethical Considerations | Saves a cat in need, provides a second chance at life. | Supports breeding but risks unethical breeders if not careful. |
Benefits Of Adopting
Gives Cat A Second Chance
Many Maine Coons in shelters have been abandoned or surrendered due to no fault of their own. Adoption gives them a new, loving home.
Lower Costs
Adopting a Maine Coon is significantly cheaper than buying from a breeder. Adoption fees often include vaccinations and spaying/neutering, saving owners additional costs.
Mature And Socialized Cats
Adult Maine Coons are often already socialized, litter-trained, and have a known temperament, making them easier to integrate into a household.
Ethical Choice
By adopting, you help reduce the number of cats in shelters and discourage unethical breeding practices.
Supporting Animal Welfare Organizations
Adoption fees help shelters and rescues continue their work in caring for and rehoming cats in need.
No Need For Kitten Training
Kittens require extensive training, including litter box training and socialization. An adopted adult cat is often past these early learning stages.
Where Can You Adopt From?
Here are the main places you can adopt a Maine Coon:
1. Your Local Shelter
Cat shelters and humane societies don’t often carry Maine Coons, but if you keep an eye out, it’s possible to find a Maine Coon there.
2. Maine Coon Rescue
A Maine Coon Rescue Center is an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Maine Coon cats in need.
These centers focus on helping Maine Coons that have been abandoned, surrendered by their owners, or found as strays.
Unlike regular animal shelters that house multiple breeds, these centers specialize in a specific breed, ensuring their unique needs are met.
Rescue centers are typically run by volunteers or nonprofit organizations and operate through a network of foster homes or dedicated rescue facilities.
They provide veterinary care, behavioral assessments, and rehabilitation before placing cats into permanent, loving homes.
Some Maine Coon rescues also educate the public about responsible pet ownership and advocate against unethical breeding practices.
3. Online Communities
Take a look online at various Maine Coon cat lover pages to see if anyone is looking to rehome their beloved Maine Coon.
