I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS A MAINE COON RESCUE PROGRAM IN CALIFORNIA OR NEAR BY STATES? I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A MAINE COON, BUT CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY ONE AT FULL PRICE. I LOVE HELPING ANIMALS, SO I THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE A SOLUTION. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS

-- Anonymous, August 25, 1998

Answers

Response to CAT RESCUE

I don't know of any Maine Coon rescue groups in California, but here's a URL you can visit: http://www.breedlist.com/retired/index.html

-- Anonymous, August 25, 1998

Response to CAT RESCUE

Retired breeder and/or show cats make wonderful champions. My Tiffany came to stay with us when she retired at 3.5 years. Most breeder charge only a small fee for these cats. They usually have been spay/neutered, and have shots updated. A kitten from a shelter cost more after visits to a vet, and it is all taken care of for you. Retired cats make wonderful pets.

-- Anonymous, August 26, 1998

Kimberly, there are several cat breed rescue organisations in the California area. You can learn about them by searching the Web for Breed Rescue + Cat + your area. Some of them are willing to put you on a mailing list in case a specific cat becomes available. You may also want to contact some cat vets in your area, to let them know that if anyone has a Maine Coon for adoption, you would be interested.

I found out about all this when I had to give up my Maine Coon upon moving to New Zealand a month ago. I've been trying to find a Maine Coon rescue society to try and get her a happier home (she's with my mom now, and my mom's large, boisterous dog, which doesn't make her happy in the least.) If a Maine Coon rescue society comes to be, I'd appreciate learning about it.

thanks & good luck!

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1998

Breeders always have "older" cats usually 3-5 years old that are being retired from their breeding program. The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association has a website. It should refer you to the Kitten Bank which also will list breeders with grown cats which they need to place in a good home. It is not unusal for the only cost to be getting the cat spayed.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 1998

I RECENTLY ADOPTED AN 8 YR/OLD FROM MY LOCAL HUMANE SOCIETY IN CT. MANY FOLKS ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR KITTENS AT THESE SHELTERS AND SAVING AN ADULT IS A WORTHWHILE CHOICE. WE ADOPTED HER AFTER TRYING TO SAVE AN 9 YR OLD MALE COON WHO CONTRACTED AN URI. HE EVENTUALLY WAS EUTHANIZED, SAD TO SAY. GET TO KNOW THE VOLUNTEERS AT THE SHELTER, AND YOU CAN FIND A GREAT COMPANION. OUR JAZZ IS AFFECTIONATE, BEAUTIFUL AND QUITE A CHARACTER

-- Anonymous, March 21, 1999

I agree with Babs. I adopted the most wonderful cat from my local no-kill shelter (Operation Kindness in Dallas, a wonderful place), and although of course he has no papers, he fits every description I've read of Maine Coons. He is huge, a beautiful deep gray, and the sweetest and silliest cat I've ever known. The day I adopted him, there was also a gorgeous orange tabby Maine Coon there as well. You might want to call your local shelters and ask if any Maine Coon types are currently waiting to be adopted.

-- Anonymous, April 06, 1999

I just found this website, so I am a little late answering. I, too, found my Maine Coon at a rescue program, ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) here in Walnut Creek, CA. I called wanting to adopt an older cat. I was so lucky. He is a 4 year old Maine Coon (no papers of course). Someone dumped him at a local shelter, sick and afraid. ARF nursed him back to health. He is wonderful as are all animals. So it really doesn't matter what kind of cat or animal you adopt, just that you are helping. Good Luck.

-- Anonymous, September 03, 1999

I just had to put my dearly loved Rome to sleep after a 4 month battle with an illness. He came from the shelter by way of a friend, so no papers, but MC characteristics. Looking to adopt a MC in Omaha, NE. Retired show cat or mixed MC. Don't care about papers, only loving.

-- Anonymous, January 19, 2000