Discover Maine’s Top Maine Coon Breeders
Home of the breed, Maine offers both heritage and heart when it comes to adopting Maine Coon kittens.
From coast to countryside, you’ll find reputable breeders, dedicated rescues, and expert guidance.
This guide helps you navigate the journey:
- Understand bloodlines
- Vet the breeder
- Ensure kitten wellness
- Prepare your space for your future gentle giant
Important Notice
Maine Coon Central makes no representations or warranties with respect to the breeding or business practices of any of the companies listed within this article.
Maine Coon Central strongly recommends that an individual’s transactions with breeders be undertaken with the same caution and due diligence, as would be devoted to any important business matter.
Breeders In Maine
Several reputable breeders in Maine balance their kittens’ pedigree, health and provide nurturing environments:
Cold Stream Cattery (Enfield, ME)
A CFA‑registered breeder offering a variety of colors, including black smoke and silver, and polydactyl lines.
Their breeding cats undergo rigorous testing:
- HCM
- PKDef
- SMA
- FeLV/FIV
- Hip dysplasia
Moose Head Maine Coons (Beaver Cove, ME)
Specializing in robust European-type bloodlines, this TICA and CFA-accredited breeder focuses on brown and black tabbies, emphasizing temperament and health-certified lineage.
FullCircle Maine Coon Cattery (Westport Island, ME)
TICA-certified with color variety, including shaded and smoke patterns.
Genetic testing across both parental lines, and kittens stay with their family until at least 12 weeks before joining their new homes.
Understanding Critical Health Screenings
Maine Coons still face breed-specific conditions.
Ethical breeders provide documentation of genetic and clinical health testing, including:
- HCM screening via echocardiograms every 12-24 months
- DNA panels for PK Deficiency, SMA, and hip dysplasia
- FeLV/FIV negative status before breeding
- Parent lines are free of hereditary health issues
- Full disclosure of test results and health guarantees
Asking breeders to show/provide updated certifications is essential for your kitten’s future health.
How To Analyze Kitten Socialisation And Environment
Top-tier breeders raise kittens amid daily household life, not in isolated cages.
Visiting in person (or arranging a video tour) allows you to evaluate:
- Curious, relaxed kittens are comfortable with human handling
- Exposure to dogs, children, or normal household sounds
- Clean, enriching environments with toys and interaction.
Socialised kittens develop confidence, adaptability, and trust, making transitions smoother and their personalities richer.
Cost Breakdown: Breeders And Rescues
| Source | Price Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Registered Breeder | $1,000- $2,300 | Pedigree, full health screening, socialised kitten, breeder support |
| Maine Coon Rescue / Foster Adult | $200- $700 | Vetting, microchip, spay/neuter, temperament match |
| Retired Breeding Adult from Breeder | $400- $800 | Known health, temperament, calm pet experience |
While breeder kittens cost more, they offer predictable quality, with lineage, health documentation, and ongoing support.
Rescued adults often provide immediate companionship and are budget-friendly, but potential medical uncertainties or behavioral rehabilitation may exist.
Preparing Your Home And First Weeks
To give your new Maine Coon the best start:
- Kitten-proof by removing hazards, securing windows, and hiding cords.
- Provide a large litter tray and sturdy climbing furniture.
- Stock up on high-quality kitten food (high-protein wet formula)
- Have grooming tools ready: stainless comb, slicker brush, nail trimmers
- Schedule a vet check within a week, including microchipping and vaccination follow-up.
Mental enrichment matters. Offer interactive and puzzle toys to match the cat’s intelligence and energy levels.
Maine Coon Rescue Centers
Maine Coon rescues are organizations devoted to caring for Maine Coons and Maine Coon mixes, and eventually finding loving homes for them.
These centers work similarly to adoption centers, but they only accept Maine Coons.
Purebred Maine Coons are rare in general shelters. However, breed-focused rescues operate ethically and transparently:
East Coast Maine Coon Rescue
The nearest center to Maine is East Coast Maine Coon Rescue. This nonprofit organization rescues Maine Coons from bad situations or rehomes them if they are no longer wanted.
Website: www.eastcoastmainecoonrescue.org/
Maine Coon Rescue
Another center to check out is Maine Coon Rescue. Although based out of Kentucky, this center has rehomed cats to places all over the United States.
For more information, you can email Maine Coon Rescue Center at: rescue@mainecoonrescue.net
Alternatively, take a look at their website: www.mainecoonrescue.net
Maine Coon Rescue Community (US/Canada)
This 501(c)(3) group connects you with fosters and owners seeking homes.
Their MC Match program helps prospective owners get matched based on location and preferences.
They never sell kittens and require live introductions before transfer.
Maine Coon Haven Rescue
National, volunteer-led rescue placing over 300 Maine Coons annually.
They typically have adult cats or kittens in foster homes, offer kitten cam livestreams, and emphasize kitten rehabilitation and temperament matching.
These rescues often focus on long-haired cats or mixes, so while confirming purebred lineage may be harder, each rescue emphasizes:
- Transparency
- Health care
- Rehoming ethics
Avoid Scam Rescues
Many sellers pose as “Maine Coon rescues” but carry scam patterns, i.e., collecting deposits without verified kittens or health documentation.
Authenticate rescues by:
- Confirming 501c3 nonprofit status
- Requesting video calls to meet the cat live
- Asking for vaccination, microchip, and veterinary records
- Reviewing terms in adoption agreements (return policies, spay/neuter requirements)
- Checking online feedback across forums and groups.
Always proceed cautiously if anything feels rushed or transactional.
