Are you searching for Maine Coon kittens for sale in Maine, but are overwhelmed with all of the results? Rest assured, you are not alone.
While many breeders sell Maine Coons at lower prices, it is safest to buy a Maine Coon kitten from a reputable breeder registered with a cat governing body like TICA. Unregistered breeders do not always sell purebred or even healthy Maine Coons. If price is a concern, you can buy cheaper Maine Coons at local shelters or rescue centers.
Finding a Maine Coon that is purebred and healthy can be a surprisingly difficult task if you do not know what to look for.
So, make sure you ask the breeder these 20+ questions before buying your dream Maine Coon kitten.
If you are still not certain which breeders you can trust, make sure you read on to find a comprehensive list of registered Maine Coon breeders in Maine.
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.
Maine Coon Kittens For Sale In Maine
The Maine Coon is a majestic, social cat that developed naturally in the frigid state of Maine.
These cats’ long, thick fur protected them from the cold and snow, but today, they are prized for their beauty.
The secret about how amazing these cats are must have got out though, as Maine Coon cats become massively popular over the past few decades.
Possibly for their enormous size, or maybe it was their sheer intelligence. Most likely though, their loving personalities simply won the hearts of so many owners.
As wonderful as these cats are, if you are searching for Maine Coon kittens for sale near me, you might be overwhelmed by the results.
Many people have seen just how popular these cats are, and tried to capitalize on that interest by breeding cats unethically.
Finding a Maine Coon kitten for sale is no longer just about finding the best priced cat to fit your budget; instead it is now about taking the time to find a Maine Coon kitten that is both healthy and ethically raised.
Overall, it is best to either adopt a Maine Coon from a shelter or rescue center, or purchase one from a breeder that has been registered with a governing cat body, such as:
- CFA
- TICA
Below is a list of all the different ways you can find a Maine Coon kitten. Please keep in mind that not all of these methods are particularly safe, reliable, or ethical:
Registered Breeders
Registered breeders are the most expensive option for purchasing a Maine Coon kitten, but they are also the most reliable.
These breeders have been vetted by governing cat bodies that have required them to prove the pedigree status of their breeding cats.
Registration certifications are important for purchasers since they help reassure potential owners that the breeders cats and offspring come from a safe, loving cattery.
Maine Coon Rescue Centers
Maine Coon rescue centers are organizations specifically devoted to finding homes for Maine Coons and Maine Coon mixes.
There are only a few Maine Coon rescue centers in the United States, so it can take some time and patience to get a cat from this source.
However, Maine Coon rescue centers are significantly cheaper than buying from a breeder.
Local Shelters
If you are patient, you may find a Maine Coon at your local cat shelter.
Some people are unable to care for their Maine Coons, and surrender them to shelters.
Since Maine Coons are so popular, though, they are usually among the first cats to be adopted.
If you want to get a Maine Coon from a shelter, you will have to keep a careful eye on all of the shelters in your area.
Online Groups
It is also possible to source Maine Coons on social media sites like Facebook or Craigslist.
Be careful, because many backyard breeders will disguise themselves by offering to “rehome” kittens (for a pricey fee), hoping to trick others into thinking they are well meaning.
However, on the flip side you can also find owners who ended up with a surprise litter of Maine Coon kittens, and are looking to find good homes for them fast.
Pet Shops
These days, most pet shops pair with local shelters to display cats and dogs.
However, some pet shops will still sell puppies and kittens. Usually, these pet shops purchase them from backyard breeders or kitty mills, and these cats are often sold in poor condition.
Backyard Breeders
Backyard breeders are not always bad, but unless they are registered with a governing cat body, there is no way to know for sure if they are telling the truth.
Many backyard breeders claim to sell purebred Maine Coons, but are actually passing off mixed breed cats, or even cats without any breed at all!
Some backyard breeders prioritize profit over their cat’s health, and they neglect to provide proper medical care, housing, or other supplies to their cats.
Benefits Of Buying A Cat From A Registered Breeder
Adopting a Maine Coon is probably the most ethical, as you are providing a home for a cat in need.
However, if you are determined to bring home a purebred Maine Coon, then the most reliable way to get one is through a registered breeder.
Here are some of the benefits of getting a Maine Coon from a registered breeder.
1. Certainty Of Pedigree
All Maine Coons sold by registered breeders come with registration papers from their respective registration body.
These papers display their parentage and bloodlines, and provide each owner with certainty that their cat is 100% Maine Coon.
2. Getting A Kitten
While adopting a Maine Coon from a shelter is cheaper, there is something magical about raising a kitten from a young age.
Kittens are more malleable than adults, and can be socialized to tolerate the following:
- Children
- Cats
- Dogs
It is also easier to train kittens to do tricks!
3. Health
Registered breeders must meet a rigorous standard, and they all provide proper medical care to their cats and kittens.
Registered breeders also screen for genetic disorders that are common among Maine Coons, such as:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (want to learn more? click here)
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (more info)
4. Spaying, Neutering, And Other Costs
Part of the reason Maine Coon breeders are so expensive is because the purchase price also includes many costs, such as:
- Spaying
- Neutering
- Vaccinations
- Deworming
Unregistered breeders rarely include any of these costs.
This means buying a Maine Coon from an unregistered breeder can ultimately end up being just as pricey as purchasing one from a registered breeder.
Registered Maine Coon Breeders In Maine
If you are searching for Maine Coon cat breeders in the state of Maine, you might be initially excited by the sheer number of breeders advertising themselves on the Internet.
However, finding reputable Maine Coon breeders is, unfortunately, more difficult than you might think.
Just about anybody can breed Maine Coons, but only registered breeders have been vetted by experts to ensure they are producing healthy Maine Coon kittens, in ethical conditions.
Unregistered breeders may lie about pedigree status, or raise cats in poor conditions.
To find a registered breeder, you should make sure they are registered with a governing cat body.
These organizations are established to keep tabs on cat bloodlines, as well as set a standard for each breed.
Here are some cat organizations to check if your breeder is registered with, to determine their validity:
Cat Fanciers Association (CFA)
The Cat Fanciers Association was first established in 1906, and is recognized as one of the most powerful governing cat bodies in the world.
Today, there are over 67,000 different breeders registered through this organization.
The International Cat Association (TICA)
Established in 1979, TICA is one of the largest international governing cat bodies in the world.
TICA has rigorous standards for all of their breeds, as well as any breeders or catteries they register.
American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)
The ACFA has not been around quite as long as the CFA, but this organization sets itself apart in its flexibility and integrity.
This organization strives to set more flexible breed standards, giving their breeders space to be creative.
Maine Coon Cat Kittens For Sale In Maine
If you are having trouble finding registered Maine Coons in Maine, then check out the following breeders.
Click on the location link below to jump straight to your destination:
Below is a Maine Coon breeder in Maine:
1. Cold Stream Cattery
Name: Cold Stream Cattery Registration Body: CFA Address: Enfield, Maine Email: coldstreamcattery@midmaine.com Telephone: (207) 735-5123 Contact Name: Steve and Marie Hope Website Address: https://www.coldstreamcattery.com/
Cold Stream Cattery is an incredibly large cattery with dozens of breeding cats.
They breed Maine Coon kittens in virtually every color imaginable, including:
- Black Smoke
- Silver
- Tortoiseshell
This cattery also have some polydactyl cats.
2. Moose Head Maine Coons
Registration Body: TICA, CFA Address: Beaver Cove Telephone: (207) 745-9691 Contact Name: Karl Starbird Website Address: www.mooseheadmainecoons.com Email: mooseheadmainecoons@gmail.com
Moose Head Maine Coons is a smaller cattery with one breeding male and four gorgeous females.
Their cats come in the following Maine Coon colorings:
- Brown Tabby
- Black Tabby
- Black Smoke
Their breeding cats are all imported European Maine Coons.
Maine Coon Cat Breeders In Southern Maine
Below is a Maine Coon cat breeder in Southern Maine:
1. FullCircle Maine Coon Cattery
Name: FullCircle Maine Coon Cattery Registration Body: TICA Address: Westport Island, Maine Telephone: (207) 320-0254 Website: https://fullcircle-maine-coon-cattery.business.site/
FullCircle specializes in the following Maine Coon colors:
- Silver and black smoke
- Shaded
- Tabby
All of their cats are genetically tested for a variety of genetic disorders, and their main priority is producing loving, healthy Maine Coons.
Maine Coon Cat Kittens For Sale In Portland Maine
Below is a Maine Coon cat breeder in Portland Maine:
1. Four Paws
Name: Four Paws Registration Body: TICA, CFA Address: Oxford, Maine Telephone: (207) 595-8003 Contact Name: Charlene Delano Website Address: https://www.fourpawsmaincoons.net/Home
The owner of this cattery, Charlene Delano, has been breeding Maine Coons for a total of 28 years.
They breed the following Maine Coon colorings and patterns:
- Brown
- Black
- Cream
- Red
- Silver
- Tortoiseshell
Four Paws specializes in polydactyl Maine Coons, although they do have regular Maine Coons, as well.
Maine Coon Cats For Sale New Hampshire
Below are some Maine Coon cat breeders in New Hampshire (sources: 1,2):
1. At Last Cats
Breeder: At Last Cats Registration Body: TICA Address: Antrim, New Hampshire Contact Name: Marie Harriman and Chris Condon Website Address: https://atlastcats.com/ Email: atlastcats@gmail.com
At Last Cats is a mid-sized cattery with three breeding males and a wide variety of females.
They own breeding cats with the following Maine Coon colours and patterns:
- Classic Tabbies
- Tabbies With White
- Dilute Calicos
- Tortoiseshells With White
The woman running the cattery, Marie Harriman, was the first person to pass all three rigorous breeding courses offered by Pawpeds Paw Academy, and is one of just four breeders to do so.
2. Maine Coon Goldens Farm
Breeder: Maine Coon Goldens Farm Registration Body: TICA, CFA Address: Boscawen, New Hampshire Telephone: (603) 573-5432 Contact Name: Amy Rowe Website Address: https://mainecoongoldensfarm.com/ Email: ticamainecoons@gmail.com
Goldens Farm cattery carries queens and kings imported from high quality bloodlines in Russia and Ukraine.
They breed using the following Maine Coon cat colors and patterns:
- Ticked
- Mackerel
- Classic Tabbies
- Silver
- Tortoiseshell
- Black
One of their queens, a silver classic tabby, is also polydactyl.
How Much Does A Maine Coon Cat Cost?
If you are searching for a Maine Coon cat, it is likely you will find a lot of different breeders, catteries, and shelters, all of which are offering cats for very different prices.
With all of these varying prices, you are probably wondering, how much should I pay for a Maine Coon kitten?
Keep in mind that Maine Coon kittens will be priced differently depending on where you find them, how old they are, and what they look like (source 1).
Take a look at the information below for more guidance on this important cost query:
Shelter And Rescue Cats
Getting a Maine Coon from a shelter or rescue center is the cheapest option.
Cats at shelters range between $100 and $200, while rescue center cats usually cost between $150 and $400.
However, it is important to be realistic that it is much more difficult to find a Maine Coon kitten at shelters.
Unregistered Breeders
Unregistered breeders may seem like a tempting option at first, because they typically charge between $200 and $1,000.
While this is much cheaper than purchasing a Maine Coon from a registered breeder, it is important to keep in mind that most unregistered breeders do not include the following necessary costs:
- Vaccination
- Microchipping
- Spaying
- Neutering
- Deworming
Furthermore, many backyard breeders are known to lie and pass off mixed Maine Coons or cats without a breed, as purebred Maine Coons!
Adult Cats From Registered Breeders
Sometimes, registered breeders will sell retired show cats and breeding cats.
These cats usually cost between $1,200 and $1,600.
Kittens From Registered Breeders
Purchasing a kitten from a registered breeder is the most expensive option by far, but it is also the most reliable and safest way to purchase a pedigree kitten.
Maine Coon kittens usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000, but they can easily cost $4,000 if they come from certain bloodlines or have rare colorations and patterns.
Maine Coon Cat Rescue Maine
While most Maine Coons are sourced through breeders, it is also possible to find some at Maine Coon rescues.
If you are interested in Maine Coon adoption, Maine is a great state to find cats available for adoption.
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.
Here are some reasons why you might want to consider getting a Maine Coon through a rescue center.
1. Finding The Right Personality
All kittens are adorable, but when you get a kitten, there is simply no way to know for sure what its personality will be.
Since most Maine Coons at rescue centers are older, they have already grown into their personalities.
You will therefore be able to select a cat whose personality suits your own preferences and lifestyle.
2. Easier To Care For
While most people are determined to get a Maine Coon as a kitten, caring for a kitten is no easy task!
Kittens need to be properly litter trained and socialized, and they need to play constantly with these cat toys which are suited to the breeds needs.
Older cats are much calmer and lower maintenance.
3. Cost
If you are getting a Maine Coon from a breeder, they certainly don’t come cheap.
Rescue centers, however, are much more cost effective.
Most Maine Coon rescues charge between $150 and $400 per cat.
4. Helping A Cat In Need
There is nothing wrong with getting a Maine Coon from a breeder, but Maine Coon kittens have no trouble finding their forever homes right away.
Older Maine Coons, however, are often overlooked, and can go years without finding an owner to love them and care for them.
If you adopt a Maine Coon from a rescue center, you will know that you are helping a cat in need.
Maine Coon Cat Rescue Centers In Canada
As amazing as Maine Coon rescue centers are, there are only a few of them in the United States.
If you are in Maine and searching for a Maine Coon rescue near me, you have the following two options (sources 1,2):
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/
Where To Find Maine Coon Kittens For Free
Purchasing a Maine Coon from a breeder is the surest way to get a healthy, purebred cat.
However, not everyone can afford a Maine Coon kitten, since they typically cost between $500 and $2,000!
If price is an issue, it is possible to find free Maine Coon kittens for adoption, but this task can take a lot of time and patience.
For those of you feeling skeptical about this. Consider the scenario that some people end up with a surprise litter of kittens, and need to find good homes for them as soon as possible! Kittens like these usually end up in shelters or in online groups such as Facebook or Craigslist.
If you are having trouble finding a free Maine Coon kitten, check out my article 10 Places To Find Free Maine Coon Kittens for more tips.
Maine Coon Mix Kittens For Sale In Maine
If you want a Maine Coon, but do not quite have the money for one, you might want to consider getting a Maine Coon mix, instead.
Maine Coon mixes are any cat that has some amount of Maine Coon ancestry, but is not 100% Maine Coon.
Maine Coon mixes are much more variable; there’s no way to know for certain which traits a Maine Coon mix will inherit.
You are still likely to get some Maine Coon traits such as large size, long, thick fur, and a social personality (although none of these traits can be guaranteed in a mixed breed).
If you want to find a Maine Coon mix in Maine, you should start by searching at:
- Local Shelters
- Rescue Centers
- Online Groups e.g Craigslist or Facebook
Registered breeders never mix Maine Coons unless they are trying to develop a new breed (which is rare and much more expensive).
Below are some great reasons why buying a Maine Coon mix is a fantastic idea:
Easier To Find
Purebred Maine Coons are in high demand, and breeding cats responsibly takes a lot of time and money.
Maine Coon mixes, though, are much more common.
It is a lot easier to find a Maine Coon mix at a shelter or in online groups like Facebook.
Health
While Maine Coons are among the healthiest cat breeds out there, all cat breeds are prone to inherited genetic conditions.
Maine Coons are more likely to inherit disorders like (click to learn more on this condition):
Maine Coon mixes, however, are less likely to inherit these disorders from their Maine Coon ancestors, making them healthier on average.
Interesting Combinations
Most Maine Coon mixes are a combination of a Maine Coon and a cat without any breed (i.e domestic shorthair or domestic longhair).
However, it is also possible to have Maine Coon mixes that also have ancestry from other breeds, such as Siamese or Abyssinian.
This can result in an incredibly unique cat.
Cost
The most common reason why someone might opt for a Maine Coon mix is due to cost.
Maine Coon mixes rarely cost over $1,000, and you can usually find them for under $500.
Maine Coon Kittens For Sale Craigslist Maine
If you have been searching for a Maine Coon, you might have recently been tempted by someone claiming to offer Maine Coon kittens for sale $450, or some other absurdly low price.
Craigslist is a site for buying and selling goods and services, and it is also a popular site for backyard breeders too.
While a quick search for Maine Coon kittens on Craigslist may look more tempting than purchasing a kitten from a registered breeder, it is important to keep in mind that Craigslist is not exactly the safest option.
Here are a few reasons why it is usually best to avoid Craigslist when searching for Maine Coon kittens in Canada:
1. Unethical Breeders
Reputable breeders do not need to post ads on Craigslist, to sell their Maine Coons.
Most breeders on Craigslist are backyard breeders that prioritize profit over the quality and wellbeing of their cats.
While you can sometimes find a purebred Maine Coon from unregistered breeders, it is not exactly a good idea to fund people who are over breeding cats in poor conditions.
Use your best judgment, and only ever purchase a cat from a breeder that allows you to see where the cat lives.
If they refuse to show you the home where their cats are raised, then it is likely the cats are overcrowded or live in poorly cleaned conditions.
2. Dishonesty
Unless the person selling you a Maine Coon has official papers from a governing cat body like TICA or CFA, there is no way to know for sure that you are getting a 100% purebred Maine Coon.
Many sellers on Craigslist pretend to be “rehoming” Maine Coon kittens, with just a “small” fee of $400 to $700.
In actuality, they are dishonestly breeding Maine Coons, often mixes or even cats that are not even Maine Coons at all. They are trying to make quick money.
3. Health
Registered breeders are always attentive to their cats, making sure not to inbreed, and constantly taking their cats in for checkups and medical care.
These breeders also screen for genetic problems like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other disorders before breeding any cats, to prevent passing on these conditions to more kittens.
Unregistered breeders on Craigslist are often so motivated by profit that they cut corners, refusing to bring their cats to the vet as often as needed to avoid spending money.
Finally, all breeders wait until kittens are 8 weeks old to send them to their forever homes.
Whilst this will not be true of all breeders using this platform, many Craigslist breeders will separate kittens from their mothers prematurely, because people like to buy young, adorable kittens, even though it is bad for their health.
4. Other Expenses And Services
When you get a kitten from a registered breeder, you are not just paying for the kitten; you are also paying for the spay/neuter cost, deworming, vaccinations, and microchipping.
These are all services that sellers on Craigslist usually neglect.
Another shocking difference between sellers on Craigslist and registered breeders is training and socialization.
Many backyard breeders do not take the time to socialize kittens with other humans or pets, and they might even neglect to litter train them properly.
Conclusion
When searching for Maine Coon kittens for sale in Maine, it is a good idea to only purchase from breeders that have been registered with a governing cat body, such as TICA or CFA.
Registered breeders may be more expensive, but they can provide documentation that proves your cat is 100% Maine Coon, and they also meet rigorous standards for housing, health, and overall care of their cats.
Another cheaper option is to adopt a Maine Coon from a shelter or rescue center, although this may take more time and patience.
Related Questions
Giant Maine Coon Kittens For Sale
If you are determined to find giant Maine Coons, keep in mind that even kittens with large parents are not guaranteed to grow big. Unfortunately, a Maine Coon’s size comes down to luck.