About Maine Coon Cats - Information, Photos and Fun Facts

Maine Coons are excellent as companions for all ages, and particularly appropriate for those who like an intelligent restful companion.  It must be noted though, that all family members must be tolerant of hair shedding, and don't suffer from allergies or sensitivities to cat hair or dander.  There also needs to be a commitment to keeping the coat under control. Grooming, grooming, grooming.  

People who know and love Maine Coons say that as well as their size and coat, their intelligence, resilient disposition, and devotion to their human family all add up to a magnificent pet and companion.

In general, a Maine Coon won't necessarily become stressed and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone (though individuals may vary).  A Maine Coon will become self-contained and somewhat aloof unless adequate human companionship is provided, whether or not it has the companionship of another cat/animal.  So if you want the affection and devotion they're capable of you will need to spend time with them to nurture the relationship.

A healthy Maine Coon from a responsible, registered breeder can range in price from $1500 to $3000 (AUD) in Australia.  In the US, the average price from a registered breeder with all health checks is between $1-2000 (US), and in the UK from 900 to 1500 (GBP).   A kitten’s price will be influenced by its quality, age, health, and pedigree status, but overall males are often more expensive than females (as desexed pets).  The price of a Maine Coon kitten from a reputable breeder will include vaccinations, microchipping, desexing and individual pedigree papers from a Feline registering body.   

As well as their sheer size, which makes them a stand out in the cat world, Maine Coons have a supremely impressive coat.  Because Main Coons evolved in a very harsh climate, their glossy coat is heavy, water-resistant, and really must be felt to be appreciated.  It is like that of no other breed. To protect the cat from snow and wet weather, the fur is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches, and shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in the underbrush.   Maine coons have a magnificent long, bushy tail which they wrap around themselves to keep warm during harsh winters, and they have big and round tufted feet that serve just like snow shoes. 

Yes, but they must have company, and human interaction.

Maine Coon's are not super energetic, but they certainly like to climb, to sit up high, and absolutely love an outdoor enclosure. They are also very easy to walk on a harness.

Maine Coons are big cats that don't reach their full size until they're 3-5 years old.  On average an adult male will weigh between around 6 and 8kgs (13-18 pounds), while females average between 3.5 and 5.5kgs (8 -12 pounds).  In length (nose to tail) an adult will be 48 - 100 cm (19 - 40 inches). All that adds up to a whole lot of cat to love! 

Maine Coon Kittens and Cats - Tasslears Maine Coons

In general, a Maine Coon won't necessarily become stressed and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone (though individuals may vary).  A Maine Coon will become self-contained and somewhat aloof unless adequate human companionship is provided, whether or not it has the companionship of another cat/animal.  So if you want the affection and devotion they're capable of you will need to spend time with them to nurture the relationship.

Maine Coon's definitely require regular grooming, at least weekly, and daily towards the end of winter as the cold weather coat is shed. They can be bathed, but regular grooming should be more than adequate to prevent knot formation. It is worth noting that coat textures, both in length and density are very variable throughout the breed, dense coats being considerably more difficult to keep knot free.

No Maine Coons are not 'hypoallergenic' so they aren't the ideal breed for people with allergies.  All cat breeds produce the Fel d 1 protein that causes sensitivities in most people so no breed can really be considered truly hypoallergenic.  Cats with less hair or that shed less are more likely to be acceptable companions for people with allergies see our list of low allergy, low shedding cat breeds.

Maine Coon Kittens and Cats -  Euphoric Melody Maine Coons

Yes! Maine Coons are very intelligent.

Maine Coons are not aggressive or territorial so they are extremely accepting of all these, making interested observers and participants in all home activities.

If you work long hours and the cat is home alone, No.  Homes where there are long hours of absence do not suit the breed. Maine Coon's are not particularly rewarding as pets if they do not receive a lot of human attention, having a feline companion doesn’t necessarily compensate so getting another cat isn't the answer.  

It is well known that there is an inherited heart condition that affects Maine Coons - HCM, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the population, for which there is a DNA test.  All breeding cats should be DNA tested and free of this mutation. Not all HCM is attributable to the mutation, and other testing can be carried out and may be expensive.  Hip dysplasia is also a potential problem, hips can be assessed by X-ray, or simply by an experienced physical examination. Maine Coon breeders are generally good at utilising any new relevant DNA tests as they become available.  

As for all cats that come in pure white, and many colours and white, the pale skin of ears, nose and face are prone to sunburn and the potential to develop skin cancers.