Maine Coon Breed Facts and Information

Updated on May 11th, 2025

The Maine Coon, often called the “gentle giant” of the feline family, is one of the world’s most beloved cat breeds. With their affectionate yet playful personalities, these cats have captured cat parents’ hearts across the U.S. and beyond.

Temperament

Friendly, affectionate, playful

Colors

Many, including tabby, white and calico

WEIGHT

12–22 pounds

HEIGHT

10-16 inches

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12-15 years

Maintenance Level

Low Maintenance

High Maintenance

Friendliness

Reserved

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About Maine Coons

Maine Coon Appearance

Thanks to their size, coat and luxurious bushy tail, Maine Coons are easily recognizable. These features aren’t just for show. Maine Coons developed in the harsh climates of New England, and their fur and build helped them survive snowy winters.

Build: Strong, substantial

Face: Expressive oval or almond-shaped eyes, ear tufts

Coat: Shaggy, water-resistant double coat

Colors: They come in nearly every color and pattern imaginable, from classic brown tabby to solid white or calico.

Brown tabby

Size & Weight

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds. They typically grow more slowly than other breeds, taking up to four years to fully mature.

Full Grown

Female

10 in. / 15 lbs.

Male

16 in. / 22 lbs.

Height is measured up to the shoulders.

null Maine Coon Characteristics

With proper care, these gentle giants typically live 12 to 15 years, and many reach their late teens with regular veterinary visits, a balanced diet and plenty of enrichment. As kittens, Maine Coons have steady growth, bursts of playful energy and a gradual transition into their large, sturdy adult form.

Size & Coat
Lifestyle

Size

Tiny

Jumbo

Weight

Light

Heavy

Shedding

Minimal

Abundant

Coat Length

Short

Long

Grooming Frequency

Occasional

Frequent

Living Space

City apartment

Ranch

Exercise

Couch potato

Bring it on!

Climate

Warm

Cold

How to Care for a Maine Coon

Maine Coon cats can make themselves right at home in family households with lots of activity and love.

Grooming

Grooming: A Maine Coon should be brushed at minimum two to three times a week. They are considered a moderate shedder with seasonal increases. Special care should be taken to ensure their luxurious coat remains free of mats and tangles. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning and dental care also help keep them healthy.

Health

Life span: The average Maine Coon lives between 12 and 15 years.

Health: Maine Coons face some genetic health risks. The most notable is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition seen in many larger cats. If choosing a Maine Coon from a breeder, you should be provided proof of DNA testing and echocardiogram results free of heart disease in the parents. Maine Coons are also prone to some bone and joint disorders such as hip dysplasia and luxating patella. Breeding cats should be screened for both.

Nutrition

Nutrition: Like all cats, Maine Coons should be fed a high-protein diet unless under a specific diet restriction recommended by a vet. A general guideline is about 30 to 35 calories per pound of body weight per day, which should be adjusted based on age and activity level.

Exercise & Lifestyle

Exercise & Play: Maine Coons thrive on exercise and enrichment. They benefit from vertical spaces like cat trees and wall shelves, interactive play sessions with wands or feather toys and puzzle feeders to stimulate their problem-solving skills.

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Cost of Owning

The annual cost of caring for a Maine Coon (food, exams, vaccinations, etc.) is $1,950 to $4,060.

$300

Vet Care

$300

Grooming & Boarding

$250

Food & Treats

$200

Other

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Fun Facts

In 1985, the Maine Coon was officially named the state cat of…yep, Maine!

A Maine Coon named Mrs. Norris starred in the Harry Potter films.

Maine Coons may carry a trait for polydactylism, which results in extra toes but is usually harmless.

A Maine Coon has even set a Guinness World Record! In 2010, Stewie was measured at 48.5 inches from nose to tail tip, making him the longest domestic cat on record.

History

With their substantial size, the Maine Coon could be considered the superhero of cats, and like every good superhero, they have an origin story. In fact, they have several! Some legends of the Maine Coon’s ancestry suggest they descended from seafaring Viking cats, while others link them to long-haired cats brought over by early European sailors. What’s clear is that the breed developed naturally in Maine, where their sturdy build and thick coat made them well suited to farm life.