United States
Natural
Large to Giant
10-16 in
8-18 lbs
12-15 years
Meet the Maine Coon
Maine Coons are known for their impressive size, tufted ears, and bushy tails. They have a sweet, gentle nature and are often called "gentle giants." They love being with their people and get along well with children and pets.
Where It All Began
The Maine Coon originated in the United States, specifically in the state of Maine. They are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America and became officially recognized by cat associations in the late 1970s.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed does well with regular, moderate exercise such as daily walks and playtime.
- ✓ 30–45 minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Daily walks plus some playtime
- ✓ Benefits from occasional training sessions
✂ Grooming Needs
Their semi-long, water-resistant coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and reduce shedding.
- ✓ Brush 2-3 times per week
- ✓ Pay extra attention in shedding season
- ✓ Bath every 4-6 weeks if needed
- ✓ Regular nail trimming
- ✓ Clean ears and eyes weekly
❤ Keeping Healthy
Generally a healthy breed, but regular vet care helps prevent common health issues.
- • Regular vet checkups
- • Dental care is important
- • Maintain healthy weight
- • Watch for heart conditions (HCM)
$ Cost of Ownership
Owning a Maine Coon is a moderate to high long-term investment.
Purchase Price: $800 - $2,500
Monthly Cost: $60 - $120
First Year Cost: $1,100 - $2,200
Lifetime Cost: $12,000 - $18,000
👍 Pros
- Very gentle and affectionate
- Great with children and pets
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Beautiful, majestic appearance
- Loyal and social
👎 Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- High shedding
- Needs space to move and play
- Can be expensive
- May take longer to mature
💡 Did You Know?
Maine Coons are excellent mousers and have extra toes (polydactyl) in some lines, which was helpful on ships and in barns!
Compare Maine Coon
See how the Maine Coon stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
