Maine Coon Cat History

The origins of the Maine Coon are rather mysterious. One myth holds that the Maine Coon breed is the result of breeding between cats and raccoons. Another questionable source states that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, tried to flee execution with her favorite Turkish Angora cats.

She made it to the US (along with her cats), and the cats supposedly landed on the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they began to breed with local breeds, eventually turning into the giant Maine Coon cat. While not proven, the story might also explain why this breed has the word Maine in its name.

Maine Coon Breed Information and Characteristics

A Maine Coon’s stature isn’t the only impressive trait. These majestic cats are also known for their sociable and dog-like temperament, often dubbed a “gentle giant.” They have an abundance of fluffy fur with a silky undercoat, a strong jawline that is reminiscent of that of a lion’s, and a bushy tail to top it all off. 

Coat Type

Maine Coon’s long-haired coat is an excellent adaptation for harsh winter weather, as are their large paws, allowing these cats to move through snow easily without sinking. Overall, Maine Coons are well-adapted to cold climates, and that’s where they feel best. 

Fur Color

Maine Coons can have a variety of coat colors, including black, lavender, tabby, and blotched or ticked patterns, and with a bit of research, you should be able to pick up an adorable Maine Coon kitten in any color.

Maine Coon Size

On average, males weigh from 13 to 18 pounds (5.9 to 8.2 kilograms), with females weighing from 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kilograms). The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 inches (25 and 41 centimeters), and they can reach a length of up to 38 inches (97 centimeters), including the tail, which can reach a length of 14 inches (36 centimeters).

Here’s a fun fact — the title for the longest cat in the 2010 Guinness World Records is held by a Maine Coon named Stewie. One of the largest cats to ever live, it measured 48.5 inches (123 centimeters) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail (1).

Do Maine Coon Cats Make Good Pets? 

Despite being pretty large and looking like majestic forest dwellers, Maine Coons adapt to the “pet life“ quite well. Their above-average intellect, trainability, and gentle nature certainly help.

While Maine Coons don't usually spend time curled next to their owners, they are pretty relaxed around dogs, other cats, and kids, nonetheless. You might be surprised to learn that Maine Coons love water, as well as climbing.

The only warning about keeping Maine Coons as pets is that they are pretty vocal, and you’re bound to hear lots of yowling, howling, trilling, and chirping when keeping one. So, before you come to a decision to adopt a Maine Coon, talk to your family and neighbors first, and see if they don’t mind you having a vocal pet.

Best Living Environment for Maine Coons

Maine Coon needs will vary depending on the personality, but we have put some general considerations for you.

Maine Coons require plenty of space, hiding spots, a couple of large litter boxes, and several sleeping areas. While they can sleep almost anywhere, they typically prefer quiet spots in the home that are away from heavy foot traffic.

 They also require plenty of cat toys to keep them busy and prevent them from becoming bored or understimulated. Remember to supply things like cat trees, quality scratching posts, interactive toys, and perhaps even count a cat wheel into your budget.

Maine Coons require more social interaction than most cats. They truly benefit from human companionship and prefer living in close proximity to people.

Grooming Tips

The plush Maine Coon coat needs extra care compared to other average cat breeds. Keeping the Maine Coon in great condition will require daily grooming and regular maintenance, such as claw clipping and fur trimming.

If brushing is neglected for a week or two, the coat will likely develop tangles and mats, which are very hard to remove.

Like other felines, they don't really need baths. In fact, the opposite is the case — too much bathing can lead to dry coats and dandruff.

Health and Genetic Issues

There are a few specific medical issues that prospective Maine Coon owners must be aware of.

1. Hip dysplasia: An orthopedic condition that is more often seen in larger breeds. A cat affected with hip dysplasia can struggle with arthritis and poor mobility in later life. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that of 2,604 Maine Coon cats studied, almost one-quarter of them had hip dysplasia, with the earliest detected at four months old (2).
2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: An enlarged heart can lead to signs such as rapid breathing, weakness, and trouble exercising. Sadly, sudden death can also be a sign of this cardiac disease. A 2011 study published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica Journal points towards genetic mutations being the cause of HCM in many Maine Coons (3).
3. Gingivitis: Gum inflammation can have various causes, and juvenile gingivitis is common in Maine Coons. Some cases of gingivitis are associated with viral diseases such as Calicivirus and Herpesvirus, according to a 2011 study published by Alexandre Gonçalves Teixeira Daniel of the University of São Paulo (4).
4. Spinal muscular atrophy: A disease that starts to cause symptoms in cats as young as 3-4 months of age. Cats may twitch and tremble and seem weak and wobbly. While there is currently no therapy, and signs do progress, many cats live comfortably for years with the condition.

Note: When purchasing a Maine Coon cat, ensure it comes from health-tested parents to avoid potential health issues.

Are Maine Coons Hard to Find? 

While the Maine Coon was a very popular cat show breed in the 19th century, its existence became threatened with the introduction of overseas long-haired cats in the 20th century. Currently, Maine Coon cats are the third-most-popular cat breed, so it is by no means rare. In fact, according to The International Cat Breeding Association, there are hundreds of certified breeders in the US alone (5).  

Adoption may be possible, but it can be tricky to find this breed in a shelter. Plus, you also have to be aware of unscrupulous online sellers who may try to market moggies as the real deal. If you see a Maine coon cat for sale cheaply, you’re probably not purchasing a pedigree.

Cost Breakdown

Finding a Maine Coon cat is just one part of the puzzle. The cost of a Maine Coon is a factor that may put potential owners off. A purebred Maine Coon can sell for anything between $500 and $3,000.

The initial price of a Maine Coon is just the first financial outlay, however. As a pet parent, do keep in mind there will be plenty of additional costs down the road, which you should also evaluate before bringing a new pet home.

Food Cost

Maine Coon owners may expect to spend up to $1,000 annually on premium, high-quality cat food. Maine Coons need a protein-rich diet to sustain their muscle mass and energy levels. The first ingredient in their food should be a protein source like chicken, lamb, or fish. Dry food is more affordable, but most cats prefer the taste of wet food. 

Litter Boxes and Maintenance

Remember that these giants will be using a lot of kitty litter, so two litter boxes per cat are recommended, which will cost around $500 a year.

Accessories

You will need things like bowls, brushes, harnesses, scratching posts, and beds. These clever cats also require toys to keep them busy, and this should be a mix of interactive toys, food puzzles, scenting games, cat nip, etc. All of this will cost you up to $500. 

Preventative care

Just like with any other pet, be sure to factor in the cost of routine check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. These routine vet bills are not covered by insurance and will mount up to $300 a year.

Pet insurance

Pet insurance may cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 (the overall cost will vary depending on the cover type, the cat’s general health, and pre-existing medical issues). Insurance is a no-brainer as you will likely have to pay for unexpected medical bills at some point. A tip: Pick a lifetime policy that would cover the costs of medical problems for the entire life of the cat rather than just for one year. 

Boarding or Cat-Sitting

If you plan on going away often, remember that your kitty may need to have someone else take care of them. This can be costly, especially during peak seasons, such as Summer. We estimate cat-sitting costs to be around $20-40 per day. 

FAQ

Why is a Maine Coon so expensive?

As with many things, it is all about supply and demand. Maine Coons look spectacular, have a great reputation, and make wonderful family pets. For this reason, there is a great demand for these furry beasts. Sadly, there aren't enough breeders for every hopeful buyer searching for this breed, which commands a higher price overall.

How old was the oldest Maine Coon cat?

A few deceased Maine Coons have been in a heated competition for the title of the oldest cats to have ever lived. The list includes an English Maine Coon cat named Rubble, who, according to a 2020 People article by Benjamin VanHoos, may have been 31 years old at the time of his passing (6).

References

1. “Longest domestic cat ever.” Guinness World Records, August 28, 2010. | https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/108492-longest-domestic-cat-ever
2. Loder, R.T. and Todhunter, R.J. “Demographics of hip dysplasia in the Maine Coon cat.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, April 2018. | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28430011/
3. Ljungvall, I., Rishniw, M., Porciello, F., et al. “Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in young Maine Coon cats caused by the p.A31P cMyBP-C mutation - the clinical significance of having the mutation.” Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica Journal, February 2011. | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21306647
4. Alexandre Gonçalves Teixeira Daniel. “Evaluation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes count and CD4++ ratio in Maine Coon cats with chronic gingivitis and infected or not by herpesvirus type 1 and/or calicivirus.” FAPESP, January 2023. | https://www.msdvetmanual.com/circulatory-system/cardiomyopathy-in-dogs-and-cats/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-in-dogs-and-cats
5. “Maine Coon Breeders.” TICA, May 2, 2018. | https://tica.org/maine-coon-breeders
6. Benjamin VanHoos. “Rubble, World’s Oldest Cat, Dies at 31: 'He Was an Amazing Companion,' Says Owner.” July 3, 2020. | https://people.com/pets/rubble-worlds-oldest-cat-dead-at-31/