There is a moment every Maine Coon owner knows: visitors arrive, the cat walks into the room, and someone says: "What is THAT?" A male of eight, nine, sometimes ten kilos, with lynx tufts on his ears, a tail like a feather plume and a look as if he had bought the house. And then this huge animal rolls onto his back and wants his tummy scratched.
The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed and at the same time one of the friendliest. That combination makes her so popular. But she is not a sofa cushion. Here is what you should know before you fall in love.
Maine Coon in numbers
- Origin: US state of Maine, natural breed from farm cats
- Weight: males 6 to 10 kg, females 4 to 6 kg. Fully grown only at 3 to 4 years
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Coat: semi-long, water-repellent, with a ruff and britches on the hind legs
- Character: sociable, playful, chatty, affectionate like a dog
Character: The dog among cats
Maine Coons follow their people from room to room. They come when you call them, mostly. They play fetch, many of them seriously and with stamina. They sit next to you while you work and comment with a bright chirp that you would not expect from such a big animal. They rarely meow, but trill and coo constantly.
They are not pushy, but they want to be part of things. A Maine Coon who is alone all day does not become destructive, but quiet and sad. That is the reason why reputable breeders hand over kittens almost only in pairs or to households with an existing cat.
What size means in everyday life
1. She is big. Really big.
That sounds trivial until the scratching post from the DIY store tips over on the first jump. Maine Coons need scratching posts with thick trunks and lying surfaces of at least 50 cm in diameter, an XXL litter tray that is hard to find in shops, and carriers that are really made for small dogs. For the initial equipment, budget for double what you would spend on a normal cat.
2. The coat is work, but manageable
Unlike Persians, the Maine Coon does not mat straight away. Brushing twice a week is usually enough, more often under the armpits and on the britches. The problem is not the brushing but the quantity: during the coat change there is wool everywhere. If there are allergies in the family, test beforehand, not afterwards.
3. Health: HCM and hips
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common hereditary disease in the Maine Coon. There is a gene test for one of the known mutations, but it does not replace the heart ultrasound. A reputable breeder scans his breeding animals regularly and shows you the results. At this size there is also a susceptibility to hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy, and there are tests for those too. Ask about them. Anyone who dodges is out.
4. The costs do not end at the purchase
A kitten with papers and health tests costs 1,200 to 1,800 euros. After that, a ten-kilo male eats almost twice as much as a domestic cat, medication is dosed by weight, and cat insurance is no gimmick for this breed. Anyone with a tight budget should calculate honestly.
5. She stays a kid for a long time
Maine Coons are only physically and mentally fully grown at three to four years. Until then you have a kitten the size of a dachshund who thunders through the home at night and pushes things off the shelf because she can. That is charming if you are prepared for it.
Care: What she needs
- Company. A second cat or a cat-friendly dog. Non-negotiable for working owners.
- Space in height. It is not the square metres that count, but the chances to climb. Wall shelves, a sturdy tree, a window spot.
- Water. Many Maine Coons love water, play with the drinking fountain and watch you shower. A fountain makes sure they drink enough, which helps kidney health.
- Secured outdoor access or balcony. Not necessary, but a plus. Unrestricted outdoor access is not a good idea with this breed because of the risk of theft.
Who is the Maine Coon right for?
For people who actually want a dog but are cat people. For families with children, because hardly any cat is so patient. For everyone who wants a cat who lives with you rather than just in the same home. Not for people with a small flat, a small budget or a wish for an inconspicuous cat.
Frequently asked questions
Can you keep a Maine Coon on her own? If someone is at home all day, yes. Otherwise better in pairs.
Are Maine Coons lap cats? Most are, but ten kilos on your lap is an experience. Many prefer to lie beside you with a paw on your leg.
Do they get along with dogs? Often better than any other breed, especially if they grow up together.
Maine Coon as a subject
Few cats bring as much structure into a picture as a Maine Coon. The ruff, the tufted ears and the alert gaze give every style depth, from the classic oil painting to the royal portrait. A tip for the photo: shoot from slightly below so the size comes across, and use daylight from the side so the fur gets texture.
For a Maine Coon a small format is a waste. In a wooden frame the oil painting gets the space that suits the animal, and you see how it looks with your photo beforehand. The sizes are listed in the cat portraits.
Keep reading
- British Shorthair: the cat beside you: the more compact, easier-care cat
- Ragdoll: gentle giant with a heart issue: similar size, similarly gentle
- Autumn coat change: with this coat, no minor matter
