Regal, fluffy, and bushy-tailed, Maine Coon cats are renowned for their beauty and are among the most popular pedigree pets in the world. These gentle giants are also one of the largest domesticated breeds, weighing up to double the size of a regular cat.
Maine Coons are an excellent choice for families, thanks to their laid-back, loyal, and social personalities. Due to their size, they’ll need to eat more than the average breed, so you’ll need to have plenty of the best cat food to hand to ensure they get enough nutrients.
The breed is native to the state of Maine, which is where they get their name, and they’re believed to be over a century old. Their long coat is water-resistant, and they have large, tufted feet, which help protect them from cold, harsh weather conditions.
To learn more about this stunning breed, including care advice and whether they’re high maintenance, keep reading. We’ve asked Dr. Hannah Godfrey, a vet with 11 years of experience working with cats, for her expert advice:
How big is a Maine Coon?
Maine Coons are one of the largest cat breeds, and can weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, whereas a standard domestic shorthair cat is usually between eight to 10 pounds.
Male Maine Coons are bigger than the female, and in some cases they can get close to 30 pounds in weight and be around four feet long, as seen on social media by some Insta-famous Maine Coons like Samson aka Castradamus.
What is the temperament of a Maine Coon?
Maine Coons are definitely gentle giants. They're considered very sweet-tempered and gentle, and are very affectionate with their owners. Often, they enjoy being held and scratched, and they're obviously extra-nice to cuddle thanks to their large size and lush coats.
Expect them to come in for headbutts and climb into your lap whenever possible. They are incredibly loveable and are reportedly easy to train. Maine Coon owners claim they are great mousers, so make sure you have toys available that mimic the hunt.
Dr. Godfrey says: “Maine Coons are usually laid back, gentle, and loyal, but they also enjoy playing. They’re sociable and vocal and enjoy spending time with their family.”
Are Maine Coon cats hypoallergenic?
Maine Coons are not a hypoallergenic cat breed, but may still be an option for those who suffer from mild to moderate allergies.
People who suffer from cat allergies are usually allergic to a specific protein found in saliva, urine, and dander - not the actual fur itself. So while Maine Coons have luscious coats, they don't shed more than your average cat, and the fur itself is not the issue here. But they still have the protein, so they can still trigger allergies.
Dr. Godfrey says: “Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic and are usually unsuitable for those with allergies. They shed a lot of fur which can be an irritant for humans, but most human cat allergies are due to a protein in cat saliva and skin, called Fel d 1. This isn’t just on fur that’s been shed, it’s also on shed skin cells and the cats themselves.”
What do Maine Coon cats eat?
Dr. Godfrey says: “Since Maine Coons are such a large cat breed, they’ll need more to eat than your standard cat, but don’t get carried away – even Maine Coons can eat too much and become overweight! Stick to the feeding guidelines on the packet and keep an eye on your cat’s weight. Every cat is different, so if they get a little bit skinny or look like they’ve gained a few pounds you can adjust their food intake as needed.
“While any nutritionally complete and balanced diet will provide the basic level of essential nutrients for any cat, many brands produce breed-specific cat food, and a cat food formulated for Maine Coon’s or large breed cats is likely to give better nutrition.”
How much exercise do Maine Coons need?
Just like any cat, Maine Coons need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Dr. Godfrey explains that while this breed enjoys relaxing, they also love to play, so be sure to stock up on the best cat toys and carve out enough time in your daily routine.
Not only does cat play reduce boredom and prevent destructive behavior, but it also helps to keep them fit and strengthens your bond. If you’re wondering how to play with a cat, they need at least an hour of playtime every day, which can be broken up into multiple sessions.
Are Maine Coons high-maintenance?
While Maine Coons aren’t typically classified as a high-maintenance cat breed, you’ll need to ensure their long hair is groomed regularly. This means having the best cat brushes, and you might also consider investing in a grooming kit to make the job easier.
To prevent their fur from matting and knotting, you’ll need to brush them every day to keep it in good condition. If you’re not sure where to start, our guide to brushing cats will come in handy.
Are Maine Coon cats good pets?
"Good" is a very subjective term here, but Maine Coon cats are considered to be affectionate and gentle cats. They aren't super active so they'll do well in an apartment, but you should make sure they still get some exercise so they don't get overweight. They can reportedly be a bit chatty, so keep that in mind, and they are a larger breed than most cats, so if size is an issue, this may not be the right cat for you.
All cats are different, and breed standards should not be considered the gospel when it comes to adopting a cat. Do your research and prepare your family and home for a newcomer, and maybe a Maine Coon will be the perfect pet for you.
Want to learn more about other breeds? Read about the ragdoll cat and the Abyssinian cat next.
