The Maine Coon is a big, shaggy, slow-growing cat with tufted ears, a long plumed tail and a famously easygoing nature. It's sociable, playful and usually fine with children, dogs and other cats, but it needs space to climb, regular combing and a close eye on its weight. The UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) says it ranks third in registrations with both the GCCF and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), so plenty of people are asking whether a Maine Coon is the right cat for them.

At a glance

  • Size: Large. The GCCF calls it the largest domestic breed it recognizes. VCA Animal Hospitals says a Maine Coon's body can stretch up to 40 inches (about 1 m) long. None of the sources we read gives a shoulder height.
  • Weight: 10 to 20 lb (about 4.5 to 9 kg) according to the GCCF, with males reaching 18 to 20 lb. Hill's Pet Nutrition puts females at 8 to 12 lb and males at over 12 lb. VCA says males can weigh up to 20 lb, about 8 lb more than females.
  • Lifespan: The sources disagree. The GCCF gives 9 to 15 years (10 to 15 in its health section), Hill's says 9 to 13 and VCA says 12 to 15.
  • Energy: High, says the GCCF, though they also like a lot of sleep.
  • Shedding: Heavy in spring (GCCF). VCA rates shedding 4 out of 5.
  • Grooming effort: Moderate. Weekly combing according to the GCCF and VCA; Hill's recommends daily attention.
  • Trainability: Good. VCA rates it 4 out of 5 and the GCCF says they can learn to fetch and walk on a leash.
  • Vocal level: Low to moderate. A soft chirping voice rather than loud meows, though the GCCF says they may yowl for food. VCA rates "chattiness" 2 out of 5.
  • Good with kids: Yes. VCA rates it 5 out of 5.
  • Good with other cats and dogs: Yes, says the GCCF; VCA gives it 5 out of 5 with dogs.
  • Alone-time tolerance: Not rated by the sources we read. They describe a cat that bonds strongly with its family.
  • Apartment suitability: Possible with effort. Hill's says it adapts to most homes if it has room to exercise; the GCCF asks for plenty of room and a strong climbing frame that can take its weight.
  • Cold tolerance: Good. The CFA standard describes a rugged cat that "can endure a harsh climate."
  • Heat tolerance: Not covered by the sources we read. Ask your vet if you live somewhere hot.

Where the Maine Coon comes from

The Maine Coon grew up as a working farm cat in rural New England, prized for catching vermin, according to the GCCF. VCA says 1800s farmers valued them as mousers. It's now the official state cat of Maine.

How it got there is less clear. Hill's says seamen sailing into New England probably brought cats whose descendants bred with local cats. VCA repeats a popular legend: a sea captain named Nathaniel Cloud failed to rescue Marie Antoinette, and her six Persian and Angora cats ended up mixing with local cats. It's a good story. Nobody has proved it.

Its show history is old. The GCCF says Maine Coons were shown at New England agricultural fairs in the 1860s, and a brown tabby female called Cosey was named Best Cat at Madison Square Garden in May 1895. Hill's tells it differently: a tabby named Leo won best cat in New York in 1895 and kept winning in Boston until his own son beat him in 1900. Then Persians became fashionable and the breed faded so badly that, according to the GCCF, the CFA declared it extinct in 1959. Breeders kept it going. The GCCF says the CFA granted championship status in 1976 (VCA says the 1950s), and the breed reached the UK in 1984.

You can still see the farm cat in everyday life. The CFA standard describes a solid, rugged cat with a heavy, shaggy coat, big tufted paws and a long tail. It's a cat built for cold barns, and it still likes to be busy.

Personality in real life

People call the Maine Coon a gentle giant, and the sources agree on the gentle part. The GCCF describes it as sweet-natured, friendly, playful and affectionate, with strong bonds to its family. Hill's says it plays with every member of the household. VCA calls it "very mellow" and lists it as a popular pick for dog people.

With family: Affectionate, often in a physical way. VCA says they show it with chirps, trills and head-butts, and rates them 5 out of 5 as lap cats.

With strangers: None of our sources rates this directly. VCA's "ideal cat for busy households" suggests a cat that copes with comings and goings.

With other animals: The GCCF says they get on well with other cats and dogs. Small pets are another matter. The breed was built to hunt mice, so keep hamsters, rats and birds safely out of reach.

Quirks owners talk about:

  • Water. VCA says many dunk favorite toys in the water bowl, scoop food and water with their paws, and some "may join you in the shower."
  • Clumsiness. VCA notes they can misjudge jumps, and Hill's warns that a big, heavy cat can knock things over without meaning to.
  • Thundering feet. Hill's says a Maine Coon can be loud when it runs, even though its voice is soft.
  • Door opening. The GCCF says they can be taught to open doors. Keep that in mind if you need to keep one indoors.

Daily life: exercise, training and space

The GCCF rates the Maine Coon as high energy. That means daily play, not a one-off toy on the floor. Hill's recommends cat trees, perches, room to run and interactive play, and the GCCF says plenty of toys.

Training works better than most people expect from a cat. VCA says they can be clicker-trained for basic commands and tricks, and the GCCF says some learn to fetch and walk on a leash. Short sessions with food rewards are the way in. Forcing a cat into a harness on day one is not.

Space: A small apartment can work if you build up. The GCCF stresses a strong climbing frame that holds a cat's full weight, because a wobbly tree designed for a 9 lb cat won't survive a 20 lb one.

Climate: The heavy, shaggy coat suits cold weather. The sources we read don't cover heat, so if summers are hot where you live, talk to your vet about keeping a long-coated cat comfortable.

Coat and grooming

The Maine Coon's coat is heavy, shaggy and silky, shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and back legs (the "britches"), according to the CFA standard. The GCCF describes a soft undercoat under a glossier top coat, a ruff on the chest that's heavier in males, and a long, flowing tail.

How much grooming it needs depends on who you ask. VCA says it mats less than many longhaired breeds, Persians especially, and recommends a metal comb once a week. The GCCF suggests weekly grooming and regular checks for knots and mats. Hill's recommends daily brushing and combing. Our take: start weekly, then add sessions in spring, when the GCCF says the breed sheds heavily, and any time you find knots behind the legs or under the belly.

Other basics:

  • Bathing: Not covered by our sources. Ask your vet or a cat groomer if your cat gets dirty or greasy.
  • Ears: The GCCF says to check them regularly for cleanliness.
  • Nails: Not covered by our sources. Ask your vet to show you how to trim them.
  • Start young. Hill's says grooming is easiest if your cat learns young that it's fun.
  • Tools: A metal comb, as VCA suggests.

Food and weight

All three of our main sources warn about weight. The GCCF says Maine Coons can tend to become overweight, Hill's says the breed can become soft or overweight without careful diet control, and VCA says not to allow free feeding.

VCA suggests a high-protein, nutritionally balanced food fed three or four times a day, and asks owners to check with a vet before adding vitamins, minerals or supplements. None of our sources gives calorie figures for the breed. Your vet can help you work out the right amount for your cat's age, size and activity.

Health

The GCCF considers the Maine Coon generally healthy, but a few conditions come up again and again. This is awareness only. Talk to your vet about your own cat.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a thickening of the heart muscle. Cornell University's Feline Health Center calls it the most common heart muscle disease in cats and lists the Maine Coon among predisposed breeds.

There's a DNA test for one mutation linked to HCM in the breed (A31P in the MYBPC3 gene). According to UC Davis's Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, about two thirds of Maine Coons worldwide are free of it. Cats with one copy are 1.8 times more likely to develop HCM than cats without; cats with two copies are 18 times more likely. The test isn't the whole story. UC Davis notes HCM was also found in 5.4% of cats without the mutation in the studies it cites.

The GCCF says breeding cats can also have a heart ultrasound (echocardiogram), which Cornell calls the gold standard for diagnosis.

What to watch for: Cornell says many cats show no signs early on. Later signs can include fast or labored breathing, lethargy and a poor appetite. Sudden paralysis of the back legs, often with severe pain, can mean a blood clot. Cornell calls rapid or labored breathing and sudden paralysis medical emergencies: get to a vet immediately.

Hip dysplasia

People think of hip dysplasia as a dog problem. In a large Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) study of 2,548 Maine Coon hip X-rays (data up to 2015), 24.9% of the cats had hip dysplasia, males slightly more often (27.3%) than females (23.3%). The GCCF says there's no simple gene test, but breeding cats can be X-rayed before breeding.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

SMA is an inherited condition in Maine Coons that causes loss of nerve cells in the lower spinal cord and wasting of the back-leg muscles. UC Davis says kittens first show signs at about 3 to 4 months of age, with an unsteady walk. It's neither painful nor fatal, and affected cats can live comfortably indoors. It's recessive, so two carriers can produce affected kittens, and a DNA test identifies carriers.

What breeders should screen for

Based on the GCCF and UC Davis:

  • HCM: DNA test for the A31P mutation, plus heart ultrasound of breeding cats.
  • Hips: X-rays before breeding.
  • SMA: DNA test for carriers.

Ask to see the results for both parents.

Kitten, adult and senior years

Kitten and teen: Maine Coons grow slowly. The GCCF says they can take up to four years to mature, and VCA calls them one of the slowest-growing cat breeds. That long kittenhood means years of play, climbing and the occasional broken ornament. SMA signs, if present, usually show by 3 to 4 months (UC Davis).

Adult: A full-grown Maine Coon is still playful, but heavier. Keep an eye on weight and keep the climbing frames solid. The OFA data showed hip dysplasia becoming more severe with age, and cats without it tended to be younger.

Senior: With a lifespan of roughly 9 to 15 years depending on the source, plan for regular vet checks as your cat ages. Joint stiffness and heart health are worth asking your vet about.

Cost of ownership

We couldn't find a reputable, current source for Maine Coon kitten prices, so we're not quoting one. Prices vary hugely by country and breeder.

What we can give you:

  • UK running costs (any cat, 2024 figures from PDSA): at least £79 a month, about £366 to set up, and £11,400 to £13,600 over a lifetime. That lifetime figure excludes vet fees and the cost of buying or adopting.
  • Adoption fee example (US): The ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City suggests a $150 adoption fee for cats and kittens.
  • Health testing: UC Davis charges $47 per cat for its SMA DNA test, one of several tests a responsible breeder pays for.
  • Insurance: PDSA recommends it for all cats but doesn't give a figure.

Our take: these are averages for any cat. A Maine Coon needs a bigger carrier, a sturdier cat tree and roomier litter boxes, so budget a little above them.

Myths and lesser-known facts

  • Extra toes are common. VCA says the breed is prone to polydactyly (extra toes), a congenital trait with no health concerns. The CFA show standard, though, expects five toes in front and four behind and disqualifies an incorrect toe count.
  • It was once declared extinct. The CFA did so in 1959, according to the GCCF.
  • The longest cat on record was a Maine Coon. The GCCF cites Barivel, listed by Guinness at 3 ft 11.2 in from nose to tail tip.
  • Not every color is allowed. Both the GCCF and the CFA exclude chocolate, lilac (lavender) and colorpoint patterns, which suggest crossbreeding.
  • They don't all need constant brushing. VCA says the coat mats less than many longhaired breeds.
  • Slow growers. Your "kitten" may not be fully grown until age four (GCCF).

Is a Maine Coon right for you?

Pros:

  • Friendly, playful and good with kids, dogs and other cats, according to our sources.
  • Trainable and interactive, a cat that will fetch and follow you around.
  • A soft voice.
  • Less matting than many longhaired breeds.

Cons:

  • Needs room to climb and sturdy (often pricey) furniture.
  • Heavy spring shedding and regular combing.
  • Prone to weight gain.
  • Known inherited risks (HCM, hip dysplasia, SMA), so where your cat comes from matters.
  • A big cat for a long time: vet visits, food and gear cost more.

Honestly, if you want an independent, low-maintenance cat that keeps to itself, look elsewhere. A Maine Coon wants to be part of what you're doing.

Getting a Maine Coon responsibly

Adopt first. Pedigree cats end up in rescue too. In the UK and Ireland, the Cat Chat directory lists pedigree rehoming groups for Maine Coons (it doesn't vouch for them, so check each one). Ask your local shelters as well.

If you buy, ask the breeder:

  • Can I see both parents' HCM DNA results and heart ultrasound reports?
  • Have the parents' hips been X-rayed?
  • Are the parents tested for SMA?
  • Can I meet the mother and see where the kittens live?
  • Are the kittens registered with a cat club like the GCCF or CFA?

Red flags: a breeder who can't show test results, won't let you meet the mother, or offers chocolate, lilac or colorpoint "Maine Coons" (colors both clubs exclude). The GCCF also publishes a breeding policy and a "find a breeder" map.

Whichever way your Maine Coon comes home, microchip it and keep the details current. If it ever slips out, you can post a lost report on Paw Alert, free on Google Play, so people nearby see it on the map.

Frequently asked questions

How big do Maine Coons get?

The GCCF gives 10 to 20 lb, with males reaching 18 to 20 lb, and VCA says their bodies can stretch up to 40 inches long. They grow slowly and can take up to four years to reach full size.

Do Maine Coons shed a lot?

Yes, a fair amount. VCA rates shedding 4 out of 5 and the GCCF says they shed heavily in spring. Weekly combing with a metal comb keeps most of it under control.

Are Maine Coons good with kids?

Generally, yes. VCA rates them 5 out of 5 with children and the GCCF calls them wonderful family pets. Teach children to handle any cat gently and give it places to get away.

Are Maine Coons good with dogs?

Usually. The GCCF says they get on well with cats and dogs, and VCA calls them a popular choice for dog people. Introduce them slowly, as you would any cat.

How long do Maine Coons live?

Sources differ: the GCCF gives 9 to 15 years, Hill's 9 to 13 and VCA 12 to 15. Health testing of the parents and regular vet checks give your cat the best chance.

Can Maine Coons live in an apartment?

They can, if you give them vertical space and daily play. Hill's says they adapt to most homes with room to exercise, and the GCCF recommends a strong climbing frame that can take their weight.

Do Maine Coons like water?

Many do. VCA says they often dunk toys in their water bowl, and some will even join you in the shower. Not every cat will, so don't force it.

What health problems do Maine Coons have?

The main ones are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). DNA tests exist for SMA and for one HCM mutation, and breeding cats can have heart scans and hip X-rays. Talk to your vet about your own cat.

Can you train a Maine Coon?

Yes, more than most cats. VCA says they can be clicker-trained for basic commands and tricks, and the GCCF says some learn to fetch, walk on a leash and even open doors. Keep sessions short and use food rewards.

Sources