The MCA shall be active in both the rescue of Maine Coon Cats, whether registered or not, and in the education of Maine Coon lovers as to the reasons cats come into rescue. The Rescue Network shall set up a liasonal relationship with shelters, animal control, and disaster agencies nationwide. The purpose of this shall be to enable on-site identification of Maine Coons in need of rescue, and to provide a ready resource in the case of cattery closures, family illnesses, natural disasters, etc. The Rescue Network shall also have in place a network of volunteers who can assist with short term care and transportation of rescued cats. How to identify a Maine Coon Maine Coons are medium or large cats with big ears, broad chest, substantial boning, a long, hard muscled, rectangular body and a long flowing tail.
Mature males can have larger, broader heads than the females.
The fur coat appears shaggy, fur is shorter on the front legs and over the shoulders, becoming gradually longer down the back and sides, with long, full shaggy britches and belly fur, giving an overall image of a big cat with long hair. Fur is very soft and silky, the glossy coat is heavy and water-resistant. Feet have long tufts of fur growing out between the paw pads. Sometimes ears have lynx tips. Maine Coon eyes are large and expressive.