The Maine Coon is the gentle giant of the cat world, a huge, shaggy, sweet natured breed that grew up as a working barn cat in the harsh winters of the northeastern United States. Everything about the Maine Coon is oversized, from the tufted ears and bushy tail to the friendly, almost dog like personality. These are sociable, playful, people oriented cats that often follow their owners around and chirp and trill rather than meow. They make wonderful family companions, but that impressive size and coat come with specific care needs.
This guide covers what living with a Maine Coon involves, from grooming that magnificent coat to feeding a very large cat.
A Big, Friendly, Chatty Cat
Maine Coons are famously affectionate and social, getting on well with children and other pets, and our take on whether Maine Coons are good with dogs is positive with proper introductions. They are also endearingly vocal, and our piece on why a Maine Coon chirps explains those distinctive trills and chirrups. Given their size and playful, intelligent nature, they need plenty of space and enrichment, and our notes on how much space a Maine Coon needs are worth a read, along with sturdy furniture like a large scratching post built for a big cat.
Grooming That Shaggy Coat
The Maine Coon’s long, water resistant double coat is glorious and it needs regular care to stay that way. Left unbrushed it mats, especially around the belly and behind the ears, and the breed sheds heavily during seasonal changes, as our piece on the Maine Coon shedding season explains. A few sessions a week with a good brush keep the coat healthy and reduce hairballs, and our guide on how often to brush a Maine Coon sets a routine.
Feeding a Very Large Cat
A cat this size needs more food than the average moggy, and a quality, protein rich diet supports that big frame and slow maturing body, since Maine Coons take years to reach full size. Our overview of what Maine Coon cats eat covers the essentials, and portioning to a healthy weight matters, since extra weight strains their joints. A good probiotic can support digestion, and their size makes a large carrier a practical necessity for vet trips.
Health and Lifespan
Maine Coons typically live around twelve to fifteen years, and our guide to Maine Coon lifespan looks at the range. Unusually for a cat, the breed can be prone to hip dysplasia given its size, so learning the early signs of hip dysplasia in a Maine Coon is worthwhile, and they also carry a risk of a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Buying from a breeder who screens for heart and hip issues makes a real difference, as does keeping your cat lean.
Is a Maine Coon Right for You?
A Maine Coon suits people who want a large, affectionate, sociable cat and who can commit to regular grooming and a bit of extra space and food. It is a poorer fit for those wanting a low maintenance coat or a tiny lap cat. Keep up the brushing and give it room to be its playful self, and the Maine Coon is one of the most rewarding and characterful cats you can own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Maine Coons get?
They are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, and males in particular can be very large. They also mature slowly, often taking three to four years to reach full size.
Do Maine Coons need a lot of grooming?
Yes. The long double coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent mats and reduce hairballs, with extra attention during seasonal shedding.
Are Maine Coons good with children and dogs?
Generally very much so. Their friendly, easygoing nature makes them one of the better breeds for busy family homes, with proper introductions.