Maine Coon Cat: Size, Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Few cats turn heads like a Maine Coon. The breed combines impressive size, a tufted, shaggy coat and a personality often compared to that of a friendly dog. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America and the state cat of Maine, and it has remained among the most popular pedigreed cats in the United States for decades.

Origins

The Maine Coon developed in the northeastern United States, probably from longhaired cats that arrived on ships and interbred with local shorthaired cats. Farm and barn cats with thick coats suited to harsh winters were valued as rodent hunters. Cat shows in the late 1800s featured them prominently, but the arrival of Persians and other imports overshadowed them for a time. Breed fanciers revived interest in the 1960s and 1970s, and the breed has been recognized by the major registries since.

Appearance

Maine Coons are muscular and rectangular, with a broad chest, long body and a long, full tail. The head is medium with a squarish muzzle and high cheekbones. Ears are large, set high and often topped with lynx-like tufts, and the paws are large and round with tufts between the toes that help in snow.

The coat is heavy and water-resistant but not especially silky like a Persian. It is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the belly, britches and a ruff at the chest. Many colors and patterns are accepted, with brown tabby the most iconic.

Size and growth

Males commonly reach 13 to 18 pounds and females 9 to 12 pounds. Length can reach three feet from nose to tail tip. Growth is slow, and a Maine Coon may continue to fill out until three to five years of age. Because they are large and long-lived, do not rely on a package guide alone for food portions. Our cat food amount calculator and the guide on how much to feed your cat can help you set a baseline, and your vet can confirm an ideal weight.

Temperament

The Maine Coon is often called a gentle giant. Most are friendly, curious and social without being demanding. Many enjoy water, learn to fetch and follow their people around the house. They tend to have soft, chirping voices instead of loud meows, and they usually prefer staying close to being held.

They are intelligent and can learn tricks, open doors and figure out puzzle feeders. They need interaction, and bored Maine Coons can become destructive. See our indoor cat enrichment ideas for ways to keep a large, clever cat busy.

Living with a Maine Coon

Space. They do well in apartments if given vertical space, but a big cat needs sturdy furniture. Choose a tall, stable cat tree and a large litter box with low sides, ideally one at least one and a half times the cat's body length.

Family. They are good with children and other pets when properly introduced.

Alone time. They are not as clingy as some breeds, but they do not enjoy long periods of isolation. A companion cat or regular play can help.

Noise. Their quiet trills and chirps are a pleasant change from the demands of louder breeds.

Grooming

The coat has a manageable texture, but the volume requires attention. Plan on brushing two to three times a week with a steel comb and a slicker brush, focusing on the armpits, belly, britches and behind the ears where mats form. During seasonal shedding, daily brushing helps reduce hair on furniture. See how to brush a cat for technique.

Trim nails every two to three weeks, check ears for wax and brush teeth regularly. Bathing is rarely needed unless the cat gets into something messy.

Health

Maine Coons are generally robust, but there are breed-linked conditions worth knowing about.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A thickening of the heart muscle that is the most common heart disease in cats. A DNA test exists for one mutation found in the breed, but it does not rule out the disease, so breeders also use echocardiograms.
• Hip dysplasia. Abnormal development of the hip joint that can cause arthritis and pain. Screening by X-ray is available.
• Spinal muscular atrophy. A genetic condition with a DNA test. Responsible breeders test for it.
• Obesity. A big frame can hide extra weight, so monitor body condition.
• Dental disease. Common in all cats, so schedule regular checks.

Ask any breeder to show screening results for both parents, and buy from breeders who raise kittens in the home. See our cat health guides for other conditions and the emergency warning signs guide.

Is a Maine Coon right for you?

A Maine Coon suits a household that wants a large, friendly, interactive cat and is willing to groom regularly and pay for a larger food bill and bigger supplies. It is not a match for someone who wants a low-shedding cat or a lap cat that never leaves the sofa. If you are comparing similar choices, read about the Ragdoll, another large and gentle longhaired breed, and try the cat breed finder.

Cost and sourcing

Pedigreed kittens from health-tested parents are a significant purchase, and the ongoing costs of food, vet care and grooming are higher for large cats. Many Maine Coons and Maine Coon mixes also end up in shelters and breed-specific rescues, which can be a more affordable way to adopt. Our guide to cat vet visit costs gives an idea of typical expenses.