Maine Coon Cats: Gentle Giants with Big Personalities

Maine Coons are massive, fluffy, and surprisingly dog-like cats. They are one of the largest domestic cat breeds - males can weigh 20+ pounds - but also one of the friendliest and most social breeds.

If you want a cat who acts more like a loyal companion than an aloof feline, who greets you at the door, follows you around, and plays fetch, Maine Coons are perfect. Despite their intimidating size, they are gentle, patient, and excellent with children and other pets.

They are America’s native cat breed with fascinating history, distinctive tufted ears and bushy tails, and charming chirping voices. Maine Coons are consistently ranked as one of the most popular cat breeds worldwide.

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 10-25 pounds (males 15-25 pounds, females 10-15 pounds)
  • Lifespan: 12-15 years (some live longer)
  • Temperament: Friendly, playful, social, gentle, dog-like
  • Grooming needs: Moderate (weekly brushing, more during shedding)
  • Energy level: Moderate
  • Intelligence: High
  • Vocal level: Moderate (chirps and trills, not loud meows)
  • Good with kids: Excellent (patient and gentle)
  • Good with dogs: Excellent (social and adaptable)
  • Nickname: “Gentle giants” or “dogs of the cat world”

What Makes Maine Coons Special

America’s Native Breed

Maine Coons are the oldest natural cat breed in North America. They:

  • Originated in Maine (likely from ships’ cats in the 1800s)
  • Adapted to harsh New England winters
  • Became working cats on farms and ships
  • Were nearly extinct in the early 1900s but were revived
  • Are Maine’s official state cat

Legend: Folklore says Maine Coons descended from cats and raccoons (impossible biologically), which is how they got their name and bushy ringed tails.

Massive Size

Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. They:

  • Weigh 10-25 pounds (males often 18-25 pounds)
  • Measure 40+ inches from nose to tail tip
  • Take 3-5 years to reach full size (longer than most breeds)
  • Have long, muscular bodies with substantial bone structure

The world record holder for longest cat was a Maine Coon named Stewie at 48.5 inches.

They are gentle giants - intimidating in size but sweet in personality.

Distinctive Appearance

Maine Coons have unique features:

  • Large, tufted ears with lynx tips (hair extending from ear tips)
  • Bushy, flowing tails (as long as their bodies)
  • Tufted paws (fur between toes acts like snowshoes)
  • Ruff around neck (like a lion’s mane)
  • Square muzzle with prominent whisker pads
  • Large, expressive eyes (green, gold, copper, or blue)

They look like miniature lynxes.

Coat colors: Maine Coons come in nearly every color and pattern except chocolate, lilac, and Siamese-type points. Common colors include:

  • Brown tabby (most iconic)
  • Black, white, cream, red
  • Tortoiseshell, calico
  • Silver, smoke

Dog-Like Personalities

Maine Coons act more like dogs than cats. They:

  • Follow you from room to room
  • Greet you at the door
  • Play fetch (many Maine Coons love retrieving toys)
  • Walk on leashes (with training)
  • Want to be involved in everything you do

They are loyal companions, not aloof cats.

They Love Water

Unlike most cats, many Maine Coons are fascinated by water. They:

  • Dip paws in water bowls
  • Play in sinks and bathtubs
  • Watch showers with fascination
  • “Paddle” water before drinking (instinct from drinking from streams)

This trait likely comes from their working cat heritage on ships.

Chirping Voices

Maine Coons rarely meow. Instead, they:

  • Chirp and trill (bird-like sounds)
  • “Talk” to their humans with soft vocalizations
  • Make quiet, melodic sounds

They are not loud or demanding like Siamese cats.

Slow to Mature

Maine Coons take 3-5 years to reach full physical and mental maturity (most cats mature by 1-2 years). They:

  • Remain kitten-like for years
  • Grow slowly and steadily
  • Maintain playful personalities into adulthood

Be patient - they become magnificent adults.

Temperament

Maine Coons are:

  • Friendly - Get along with everyone: family, strangers, kids, other pets. They are social butterflies.
  • Playful - Enjoy interactive toys and games even as adults. They never lose their kitten spirit.
  • Gentle - Patient and rarely aggressive. They use soft paws and avoid conflict.
  • Social - Want to be near their humans constantly. They follow you everywhere.
  • Smart - Learn tricks, open doors, and solve puzzles. They are highly trainable.
  • Adaptable - Adjust well to changes, new environments, and routines.
  • Patient - Tolerate handling, grooming, children, and chaos without complaint.
  • Loyal - Bond deeply with family members and show dog-like devotion.

Maine Coons are well-balanced cats - friendly without being clingy, playful without being hyperactive, large without being aggressive.

Living with a Maine Coon

They Are Not Lap Cats

Maine Coons show affection by:

  • Sitting next to you (not on you - they are too big)
  • Following you from room to room
  • Sleeping in the same room
  • “Helping” with tasks

They are too large to be lap cats but are always near you.

They Need Space

Maine Coons need room to move. Provide:

  • Tall, sturdy cat trees (ceiling height, rated for large cats)
  • Wide perches and beds (standard sizes are too small)
  • Space to stretch out (they are long cats)

Cheap, flimsy cat furniture will not support their weight.

They Are Patient with Everyone

Maine Coons tolerate:

  • Children’s handling
  • Other pets (cats and dogs)
  • Grooming and vet visits
  • Chaotic households

Their gentle nature makes them ideal family cats.

They Love Interactive Play

Maine Coons enjoy playing throughout their lives. They:

  • Chase feather wands
  • Play fetch (retrieving toys)
  • Solve puzzle feeders
  • Enjoy cat tunnels and boxes

Daily play keeps them healthy and prevents obesity.

They Are Social Eaters

Many Maine Coons prefer eating when family members are around. They:

  • Wait for you to be home before eating
  • “Talk” during meal prep
  • Graze throughout the day rather than eating everything at once

This is normal Maine Coon behavior.

Care Requirements

Grooming

Maine Coons have long, thick coats that require regular grooming.

Grooming routine:

  • Brush 2-3 times per week with a slicker brush and metal comb
  • Daily brushing during spring and fall shedding seasons
  • Check for mats behind ears, armpits, and rear
  • Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
  • Clean ears weekly
  • Brush teeth regularly

Their fur is silkier than Persian fur and mats less easily, but regular grooming prevents tangles.

Shedding

Maine Coons shed heavily twice per year (spring and fall). During shedding season:

  • Brush daily
  • Use a de-shedding tool
  • Expect large amounts of fur everywhere

Outside of shedding season, grooming is moderate.

Exercise and Play

Maine Coons need moderate daily exercise.

Exercise routine:

  • 15-20 minute play sessions daily
  • Interactive toys (feather wands, laser pointers, balls)
  • Teach fetch (many Maine Coons learn quickly)
  • Provide climbing opportunities

They are not hyperactive but need activity to prevent obesity.

Diet

Maine Coons are large and need more food than average cats.

Feeding tips:

  • Feed high-quality, protein-rich food
  • Measure portions (they can gain weight easily)
  • Feed 2-3 times daily
  • Budget for higher food costs due to size
  • Provide fresh water at all times

Kittens need extra calories to support their slow growth.

Space

Maine Coons need room to move. They thrive in:

  • Houses with multiple rooms
  • Homes with climbing opportunities
  • Large apartments (minimum)

Tiny studio apartments are not ideal.

Health Considerations

Maine Coons are generally healthy but watch for these conditions:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is the most common heart disease in Maine Coons.

Signs:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sudden collapse

Prevention: Ask breeders for HCM screening results (echocardiogram). Annual vet checkups are essential.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is common in large breeds like Maine Coons.

Signs:

  • Limping
  • Difficulty jumping
  • Reluctance to move

Prevention:

  • Ask breeders for hip screening results
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Avoid excessive jumping from high places as they age

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

SMA is a genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness.

Signs:

  • Muscle tremors
  • Weakness in hind legs
  • Difficulty jumping

Prevention: Reputable breeders test for SMA.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Some Maine Coon lines carry the PKD gene.

Signs:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss

Prevention: Ask breeders for PKD genetic testing results.

Obesity

Maine Coons can gain weight easily, especially as they age.

Prevention:

  • Measure food portions
  • Encourage daily play
  • Monitor weight regularly
  • Limit treats

Obesity leads to diabetes, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.

Are Maine Coons Good with Kids?

Yes. Maine Coons are excellent family cats. They:

  • Tolerate handling well
  • Remain patient with children
  • Rarely scratch or bite
  • Enjoy gentle play

Teach kids to:

  • Handle gently (Maine Coons are large but not rough)
  • Respect the cat’s space when eating or sleeping
  • Use toys, not hands, for play

Maine Coons are one of the best cat breeds for families.

Are Maine Coons Good with Other Pets?

Yes. Maine Coons are social and adaptable. They do well with:

Other cats:

  • Get along with most cat personalities
  • Share space well
  • Often groom other cats

Dogs:

  • Excellent with cat-friendly dogs
  • Often play with dogs
  • Remain calm around dogs

Small pets:

  • Moderate prey drive (they were working cats)
  • Supervise interactions with birds, hamsters, or fish

Maine Coons prefer companionship and thrive in multi-pet households.

Common Mistakes

Expecting Them to Be Fully Grown at 1 Year

Maine Coons take 3-5 years to reach full size. They remain kitten-like for years.

Not Brushing During Shedding Season

Maine Coons shed heavily twice per year. Without daily brushing, they develop mats.

Buying Cheap Cat Furniture

Maine Coons need sturdy, large cat trees. Standard cat furniture is too small and flimsy.

Overfeeding

Maine Coons are large but can still become obese. Measure portions.

Ignoring Heart Screening

HCM is common in Maine Coons. Choose breeders who test breeding cats.

Finding a Maine Coon

Maine Coons are popular, so finding breeders or rescues is relatively easy.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. Maine Coons occasionally end up in rescues.

Where to look:

  • Maine Coon rescue organizations
  • Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “Maine Coon”)
  • Local shelters

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $1,000-$2,000 for a purebred Maine Coon from a reputable breeder.

What to ask:

  • Are parents HCM tested?
  • Are parents hip screened?
  • Are parents SMA tested?
  • Can I meet the parents?
  • How are kittens socialized?
  • What health guarantees do you offer?

Red flags:

  • Breeders with constant availability
  • No genetic testing
  • Unwilling to let you visit
  • Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Common

Quality breeders often have waitlists. Be prepared to wait 3-6 months for a kitten.

Maine Coon vs. Norwegian Forest Cat vs. Siberian

All three are large, long-haired breeds but differ in personality and origin.

Maine Coon:

  • American origin, dog-like personality, chirping voice, square muzzle

Norwegian Forest Cat:

  • Norwegian origin, independent personality, triangular face, straight nose

Siberian:

  • Russian origin, playful personality, rounded face, triple coat

Maine Coons are the most social and dog-like of the three.

What To Do Next

  • If you want a large, friendly, dog-like cat, Maine Coons are perfect
  • If you prefer small, independent cats, choose a different breed
  • If you have space for a large cat and time for regular grooming, Maine Coons thrive
  • If you have kids or other pets, Maine Coons adapt beautifully

Another genetic condition. Not all Maine Coons have it, but it is worth knowing about.

Regular vet checkups catch problems early.

Are Maine Coons Good for Families?

Yes. Maine Coons are one of the best cat breeds for families with kids.

They are patient, tolerant, and not easily startled. They do not mind noise or activity.

My kids have hauled our Maine Coon mix around like a stuffed animal. He just purrs and goes with it.

Finding a Maine Coon

From a Breeder

Expect to pay $1,000-$2,000 for a purebred Maine Coon from a reputable breeder.

Look for breeders who:

  • Health test their cats
  • Provide references
  • Let you visit their facility

From a Rescue

Maine Coon rescues exist. You can find older or mixed Maine Coons for a fraction of the breeder price.

Check Petfinder, local shelters, and breed-specific rescues.

Common Mistakes

Skipping Grooming

Long fur mats quickly. Once a mat forms, it is painful to remove.

Brush regularly. It is easier to prevent mats than fix them.

Buying a Cheap Cat Tree

Maine Coons are heavy. Cheap cat trees tip over or collapse.

Invest in a sturdy, wide-based tree. Your cat (and your walls) will thank you.

Underestimating Their Size

Maine Coons grow slowly. They do not reach full size until 3-5 years old.

That cute kitten will become a 20-pound unit. Plan accordingly.

What To Do Next

  • If you want a friendly, social, dog-like cat, consider a Maine Coon
  • If you have kids, Maine Coons are one of the best breeds
  • If you live in a small apartment, think twice. They need space
  • Check out our guide on long-haired cat grooming for maintenance tips
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