Welcome to Our Adoption Success Stories Gallery

Here, we celebrate the journeys of rescued and adopted Maine Coon look-alikes - cats that have found their forever homes through the loving efforts of adopters and rescues.

Originally featured throughout the years, starting in 2011, these stories are all about second chances and the lasting connections built within our community.

We hope these stories inspire you as you consider adoption - proving that the right cat, no matter their age or background, can be the perfect fit for your family!

George (aka Georgie pie or Georgie porgie)

By: Jen in Ashfield, PA

portrait of gorgeous fluffy black cat sitting pretty.

George

(Originally posted in Summer 2016)

George was born on Christmas day and we got him free as the tiniest kitten from a local add in the paper.

He immediately owned us and has grown to become my best friend. Or though I know he was not a pure Maine Coon, Maine was clearly the over riding breed within him. He was huge (8.5kg's) and everything about him screamed Maine Coon.

He was super affectionate and literally cuddled in wrapping his paws over my shoulder. He was always around!

Waiting in the morning for me to wake, and would wait for me to come home when I would go out, running to great me the minute I walked in the door.

He would always be around to say goodnight in the evening also. He was social and liked to announce his presence when he came through the cat door, even when it was 3am in the morning hehehe...

Sadly he has recently passed away suddenly from cancer, just a month shy of his 11th birthday. He has left a massive void in our family and we are truly devastated.

We were beyond blessed to have had such an amazing and absolutely beautiful cat!

Gil-Bert

By: John (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Gilbert

(Originally posted in Fall 2018)

I recently adopted little Gilbert a few days ago form the local animal shelter.

He is an absolute sweetheart! Loving, gentle, talkative and affectionate, he follows me EVERYWHERE.

I love him to bits and wanted to share a few adorable photos of him before he grows into a giant!

Stanley

By: Jen in Ashfield, PA

white and brown kitty in front of a computer.

Stanley

(Originally posted in February 2013)
Stanley came to us in late November 2012. He was "free to a good home" from my future daughter in law, Melissa's, family.

I didn't know his parentage, was just looking for a kitten to be a part of our family.

Melissa filled me in on the "little monster" - he was the biggest of the litter and was only 4 months old when he arrived home!

The picture attached is then - he is now reaching 7 months. What a FUN cat he is. He weighed in at 11 pounds on 1-21-13 when he was neutered. Stanley talks and talks, so vocal. He is the most playful cat I ever had.

Kira

By: Amanda in New York, NY

extreme closeup of face of brown tabby cat.

Kira Portrait

Pretty Girl

Posing

fluffy kitty on a bed with big tail splayed out and looking up.

Silly

(Originally posted in Winter 2011)
I adopted Kira as an adult of about 2 from the ASPCA in NYC 2 years ago.

I first found her on Petfinder, looking up Maine Coons which led me to the ASPCA.

She started purring right away when I petted her on her perch so I figured she'd be an affectionate pet. One of the shelter workers said "If you don't take her, I just might!"

I'm so in love with her, she's starred in my pet videos and photos and she's such a loving purrfect baby to me! They called her a full Maine but I'm not sure. Any thoughts?

I think many long-haired tabbies look like Coons - and all cats are beauties no matter what they are!

Comments:

awww!
by: Jodi Colpitts
awww! what a sweet face! I too adopted mine from the local shelter and she is so sweet too!

Yes
by: kdmzoey
She sure looks like a maine coon to me! Love these adoption stories! I think she is

I think she is a full Maine Coon.
She has beautiful eyes.

Coon or not Coon?
Coon for sure!

Lovely Kira
by: Intan
First time I saw her portrait, I suddenly said "Chi" (chi is my coon, there's her page in this site). Her face is quite similar to mine, but Kira's fur is more wonderful. She's really gorgeous and lovable.

Sweet Kira
Definitely Maine Coon, she's gorgeous!

Definitely a Coon
by: Susan Melching
Those green eyes are irresistable. She's a beautiful cat!

My Sweet Marti

By: Deb Martin in Hazle Twp., PA USA

facial closeup of pretty brown tabby longhaired kitty.

Marti

(Originally posted in Winter 2011)
I walked into the Hazleton Animal Shelter one day and fell in love! Marti is a sweet gentle little soul whose main job is to be my shadow.

In her spare time, she loves to watch the birds at the feeders. She also enjoys lying on her back and showing her furry belly and chasing sparkly foam balls. She's a true joy!

One funny thing she does is flick her paws really fast when I open the door and a cold draft hits her, or if she touches her nose to something cold! It's a riot!

Bubba and Hailey

By: Patty in Bellingham, WA, USA

Bubba

(Originally posted in February 2013)
Bubba was in a cage when I walked in the alternative Humane Society kitty room. He turned upside down, stuck up his paw and was obviously showing off for me.

He was so silver! He had 3 brothers and 1 sister (she was literally the runt of the litter). I was there for a female kitty. Hmm. I couldn't take my eyes off of this little ham.

Comet and his sister Hailey (aka "Girl") are 12 years old now. They are wonderful kitties!

She followed him around as he taught her EVERYTHING when they were just kittens. She is still sweet and shy and he is still a fluffy king of hearts.

Max chillin' out

By: Barbara in New Oxford, Pennsylvania

Max chillin out on the patio.

(Originally posted in May 2012)
Max was a stray, he was living under a co-worker's shed. She began to feed him, and he was a little shy and scared.

She couldn't take him into the house due to allergies. I came to meet him and he warmed up to me right away. Took him to the vet, before bringing him home to meet my other cat.

That was 7 years ago and since then my other cat has passed on, but Max continues to be my loyal companion. He is very much a "people cat" and sometimes almost dog-like.

He's got a personality like I've never seen and has to be in the same room wherever I am. He is a blessing to me.

Comments:
Pat in Ocala:
I was sorry to hear about your older cat - I'm sure she had a happy life with you. Max was fortunate that you came into his life. He is a beautiful cat! May you have many more happy years together.

Peanut

By: Dawn in Rochester NY

closeup of tiny young fluffy tabby and white kitten.

Baby Peanut

tabby with white kitty hanging out on a deck.

Peanut

(Originally posted in August 2014)
Peanut was found living in the drainage pipe under the sidewalk of the apartment complex I live at. When he was found he was just four weeks old; his mother had left him.

I found him and fell in love with him and he has been mine ever since. His birthday is in October where he will be 1 year old.

Jude - Orange Boy

By: Kathy Miller Stewart in San Bernardino, CA

bright orange fluffy maine coon mix looking off to the side.

Jude

Jude picked me, not the other way around. When I went to the shelter to adopt, he placed his paw on my shoulder.

I turned around, and there he was - a little orange guy with a runny nose. He came home with me that day, and 9 years later, he’s still one of my closest friends. He’s definitely part of the family and loyal to all of us, though I have to admit, he prefers me.

Physically, he's a beautiful cat with lots of Maine Coon traits - the "M" on his forehead, black whiskers, wide paws, and a lion’s mane. His personality fits the breed too, with his silly sleeping positions and affectionate nature.

He doesn't like sitting on laps or being held, but he loves cuddling up next to me and purring loudly.

Jude’s most interesting trait is his hunting ability. He spends the day hunting gophers and lizards, though we keep him inside at night due to coyotes. If he stays out past dark, his face changes - his eyes widen, and he stays alert.

He’s also very smart. When he wants to come in, he sometimes hesitates at the door. I count down from 5, and by 1, he always comes in.

Another fun thing is that Jude loves having his picture taken. It started when I needed motion shots for my Photography class. I'd try to get him to run beside me for a shot, and now, he photobombs every time I take my camera outside. It's easy to share his best photos, as there are plenty!

Ready to Share Your Own Adoption Story?

We hope these stories have inspired you on your adoption journey. If you’re considering adoption or have already adopted a Maine Coon look-alike, we’d love to hear from you!

Share your own story on our Photo Albums Page and become a part of our community’s ongoing journey.

Want to learn more about Maine Coon rescue? Check out our Maine Coon Rescue Resources for helpful tips and advice to guide you through the process. Every story matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!