History & Origin
Maine Coons descend from working barn cats and ship's cats of New England. They are America's oldest natural breed, recognized formally in the 1860s when they competed in the first U.S. cat shows. Nearly extinct in the 1950s, they were revived by dedicated breeders and are now the third most popular breed in the U.S.
Temperament & Personality
Friendly, dog-like, calm. Maine Coons follow their humans room-to-room, greet visitors, and tolerate handling well. They communicate in trills and chirps rather than meows. Confident with children, dogs and other cats when properly introduced.
Health Watchouts
Top conditions reported by CFA/TICA parent clubs, AAFP, the Winn Feline Foundation, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Breed-elevated riskThickening of the left ventricular heart wall — the most common heart disease in cats. Maine Coon-specific MyBPC3 mutation accounts for most cases — DNA test is essential before breeding.
Screening: Annual echocardiogram from a board-certified cardiologist; DNA test where available (Maine Coon, Ragdoll)
Hip dysplasia
~18% (OFA Maine Coon registry)Abnormal hip joint development, more common in this breed because of its size. Reduced by parent screening.
Screening: OFA hip x-ray of breeding stock
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Genetic carriers ~5–10%Recessive neuromuscular disorder causing muscle wasting in kittens. Not painful but causes weakness.
Screening: DNA test of both parents
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Lower than Persians but presentCysts develop in kidney tissue, causing late-life renal failure.
Screening: Abdominal ultrasound or DNA test
Periodontal disease
70%+ of cats by age 3Plaque hardens to tartar and inflames gums, leading to tooth loss and bacteremia.
Screening: Annual oral exam; daily brushing or VOHC-approved dental treats; professional cleaning every 1–2 years
Enrichment & Play
Maine Coons are playful well into old age and love water. They thrive with vertical space and interactive games.
- Tall cat trees rated for 20+ lb cats
- Puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys
- Fetch — many will retrieve toys
- Running water fountains (they love drinking from streams)
- Harness training for outdoor walks
- Window perches with bird-feeder views
Nutrition
Daily calories: Adult: 280–360 kcal/day. Large-breed kitten formulas until 15 months (slow growth).
Two measured meals daily. Maine Coons benefit from moderate-protein diets with joint support (omega-3, glucosamine) starting at age 5.
Common allergens to watch: Chicken, Fish, Beef.
⚠ Their large frame disguises weight gain — do monthly body condition scoring with hands, not by sight.
Grooming & Coat Care
Brush 2–3× weekly with a stainless-steel comb to prevent mats behind the ears, in the armpits and on the belly. Daily during spring and fall coat blows. Bathe every 2–3 months. Trim nails every 3 weeks.
Cost of Ownership
Lifetime cost depends on lifespan, vet care, and litter/food choices. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →
Cost band for Maine Coon: medium.
Living Situation Fit
Apartments work if you provide tall climbing structures and daily play. They tolerate being alone for normal workdays better than oriental breeds. Ideal household: family with kids and/or other pets, willing to brush regularly.
Choosing a Kitten
Buy from a CFA or TICA breeder who DNA-tests for HCM (MyBPC3), SMA, PKD and hip dysplasia. Kittens should stay with the queen until 12–14 weeks. Expect $1,000–$2,500 for a pet-quality kitten. Consider Maine Coon rescues — they exist in most U.S. regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Maine Coons really get?
Males average 13–18 lb at adult size (4 years); females 8–12 lb. The Guinness record holder Stewie measured 48.5 inches nose-to-tail. Most pet Maine Coons are large but not gigantic — the supersized Instagram cats are often the biggest of the breed line.
Are Maine Coons good for first-time cat owners?
Yes — they are widely considered the friendliest large breed and are forgiving of beginner mistakes. Plan for the grooming commitment and vet costs of a large cat.
Do Maine Coons really like water?
Many do. Their semi-water-resistant coat and dexterous paws make them more comfortable around water than most cats. Don't be surprised if yours plays with the bathtub stream or dunks toys in the water bowl.
How much does a Maine Coon cost over its lifetime?
Plan on $20,000–$30,000 over 12–15 years (food, litter, vet, grooming, insurance) — about 30% higher than the average cat due to their size and higher cardiac/orthopedic care needs.
