What is a Maine Coon?

The Maine Coon is a gentle giant – sociable, laid-back and loyal. Despite their size, they’re playful, hardy and full of personality. However, their large build can make them more prone to certain health issues.

A guide to owning a Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world. With their long flowing coats, big tufted ears and fluffy tails, they often look more like wild animals than house cats. But don’t be fooled… They’re big softies really, and are known for being affectionate, friendly and even a bit like dogs in their devotion.

If you’re thinking about welcoming one into your home, here’s everything you need to know about their personality, care, health and habits.

Are Maine Coons good family pets?

Yes, they’re friendly, tolerant and affectionate and often make strong bonds with children and other pets in the family.

Maine Coon size and appearance

Maine Coons have a majestic look, with long shaggy coats, bushy tails, lynx-like ears and a broad, square jaw. They often have a ruff of fur around their neck, making them appear a bit like a lion (albeit on a domestic scale).

They’re famously large cats. Adult males typically weigh between 6-9kg, while females usually weigh between 4-6kg. Some grow even bigger. They often don’t reach full size until they’re 3 or 4 years old.

Their long coats come in a huge variety of colours and patterns. Common ones include:

• Classic tabby (brown, silver or red)
• Solid black or white
• Tortoiseshell
• Smoke
• Blue or cream

What is a Maine Coon’s temperament?

The Maine Coon’s personality is:

• Sociable: They love being around their people, and will often follow you from room to room.
• Gentle: Despite their size, they’re known for being friendly and easy-going.
• Playful: Many keep their kitten-like love of play well into adulthood.
• Vocal: They tend to chirp, trill or meow in a sweet, chatty tone.
• Adaptable: They usually get on well with children, other cats and even dogs.

How much exercise does a Maine Coon need?

Maine Coons aren’t high-energy cats, but they do need regular stimulation and playtime to stay happy. They love interactive toys, puzzle feeders and climbing spaces. Being natural hunters, they often enjoy outdoor access (in a safe area) or time on a catio. If you don’t keep them occupied regularly, they can become bored or overweight.

Our expert says…

“Maine Coon cats are very striking cats to look at because of their large size, slowly growing to be bigger than many small breeds of dog.

“Like giant breeds of any species, as vets we see more diseases associated with slow growth to a large size, and overall life expectancy is much lower than your average moggy. In particular we are concerned about cardiomyopathy (issues with the heart muscle that lead to heart failure) and hip dysplasia (where the growing hip does not develop properly, leading to early onset arthritis).

“They are also very fluffy cats, and I see more cases of furball related disease than in other breeds! A breed specific diet tailored for steady growth and furball control is crucially important in this majestic breed.”

Dr Siân Burwood MA VetMB MRCVS

Meet our pet experts

How long do Maine Coons live?

The average lifespan of a Maine Coon is around 9-13 years, though some can live longer with good care.

What are the common health issues for a Maine Coon?

Maine Coons can suffer from a few breed-specific health issues. One of the most common is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that causes the walls of the heart to thicken, potentially leading to heart failure if left untreated. Early diagnosis is essential for managing the condition effectively. 

Their big build can sometimes lead to hip troubles like dysplasia, which can cause stiffness, soreness and early arthritis.

Furballs can also be a problem, thanks to their long coats. These can sometimes cause digestive issues that may require dietary adjustments or care from your vet.

Maine Coon grooming and hygiene

Their coat may be totally glorious, but it needs maintenance. While their fur isn’t as prone to matting as some longhaired breeds, weekly brushing is still essential to keep it tangle-free and reduce hairballs. During shedding seasons, more frequent grooming may be needed.

Do Maine Coons shed?

All cats shed, but Maine Coons shed a lot. You can also expect more loose fur in spring and autumn when they blow their coats. Generally, their shedding can be manageable with regular grooming.

Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?

No cats are truly hypoallergenic, and while some are better than others, Maine Coons aren’t a top choice for allergy sufferers. Their dense, shedding coat and dander can trigger reactions.

How to train a Maine Coon

Maine Coons are clever cats and often enjoy learning, especially when it’s on their terms.

Here are a few pointers:

• Reward-based training works best and treats, toys and praise go a long way.
• They’re often food-motivated, which you can use to your advantage when teaching them simple tricks. Think high-fives, shaking paws and paw/fist bumps.
• Start early. As with many cats, socialising them when young can help reduce nervousness later.
• Many Maine Coons are up to learning to walk on a leash and enjoy a quick, quiet stroll around the block. Importantly, don’t ever force it as not all cats will be into it.

What insurance do I need for my Maine Coon?

The level of cat insurance you choose for your Maine Coon will usually come down to your circumstances and budget. So you know exactly what you’re getting for your money, read our guide to whether pet insurance is worth it.

We think that all cats deserve the most comprehensive level of cover as possible, which is why we only sell different types of lifetime cover. We could also cover your Maine Coon for any pre-existing conditions they may have with our Lifetime Plus policy, subject to acceptance*.