Shocking TRUTH Behind The Maine Coon’s High Price Tag!

Maine Coons are the gentle giants of the cat world, beloved for their luxurious coats, tufted ears, and sociable personalities.

But while their affectionate nature and striking appearance win hearts across the globe, their price tag often leaves potential owners asking: Why are Maine Coons so expensive?

Understanding The High Cost Of Maine Coons

Let’s uncover the real reasons behind their high cost, and why investing in a purebred Maine Coon is more than just buying a cat…

1. Breeding Programs And Long-Term Investment

Breeding purebred Maine Coons is not a casual or low-cost endeavor.

Reputable breeders spend years developing their breeding lines, often importing cats from around the world to maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding.

The goal is to produce kittens that meet strict breed standards while being physically healthy and emotionally stable.

Behind each litter lies a significant financial and emotional investment, including:

• Maintaining multiple breeding cats requires regular veterinary care, premium diets, and socialization.
• Coordinating mating with genetically compatible partners, sometimes involving overseas shipping of cats, artificial insemination, and/or stud cat hire.
• Ensuring the queens (female cats) are not overbred, often limiting each to a few litters during her lifetime, which in turn limits the supply of kittens.

These practices prioritize cat welfare, but also significantly raise a breeder’s costs, which is reflected in the kitten’s final price.

2. Extensive Health Screening And Genetic Testing

Maine Coons are prone to certain hereditary health conditions, especially:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A heart disease common in the breed.
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A neurological disorder affecting motor neurons.
• Hip Dysplasia: A joint issue more often seen in larger cat breeds.

Reputable breeders proactively screen their breeding cats for these conditions using DNA testing, X-rays, and echocardiograms. These tests are not one-time costs:

• HCM scans typically need to be repeated every 1–2 years.
• DNA panels are performed before breeding, often with external lab fees.
• Hip scoring requires professional radiographs and evaluations by veterinary specialists.

Such testing ensures that only the healthiest cats are bred, reducing the risk of kittens inheriting debilitating genetic conditions. 

The high upfront cost of testing is a critical reason why ethically bred Maine Coons cost more.

3. Veterinary Care And Kitten Socialization

Before a Maine Coon kitten goes to its forever home, breeders often provide:

• A full series of vaccinations (including feline calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and rabies).
• Microchipping, registration, and sometimes even neutering/spaying.
• Regular deworming and flea treatments from an early age.
• At least one full veterinary checkup and a health certificate.

In addition to physical health, kittens are usually raised underfoot, meaning they are brought up in a home environment, not cages, and get used to:

• People
• Other cats
• Household sounds
• Routines

This makes them better adjusted and friendlier companions, but it also means more daily hands-on time from breeders, who may spend months caring for each litter.

4. Pedigree, Lineage, And Show-Quality Standards

The phrase “you get what you pay for” absolutely applies when it comes to Maine Coon kittens.

• Pet-quality kittens may come from champion lines but don’t quite meet show standards.
• Show-quality kittens, on the other hand, are often the most expensive, especially if their parents have won awards or are Grand Champions registered with CFA, TICA, or GCCF.

Maintaining a show line involves:

• Traveling to cat shows
• Paying for entry fees
• Grooming
• Training the cats for handling
• Adhering to the highest breed standards in coat texture, head shape, tail length, and temperament

These costs are passed on to buyers looking for a premium kitten.

5. Limited Supply Vs. Global Demand

Maine Coons have exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to their playful nature, loyalty, and distinctive looks.

With celebrity social media accounts and viral videos showcasing their size and charm, the global demand for Maine Coons has skyrocketed.

However, breeders intentionally limit the number of litters per year to maintain healthy breeding practices.

This combination of low supply and high demand naturally drives up prices.

Additionally, waitlists for kittens from top breeders can stretch 6 months to 2 years, which increases exclusivity and price.

6. Breeder Reputation And Location

A breeders reputation impacts the price of a Maine Coon kitten.

Established breeders with a history of producing healthy, well-socialized kittens typically command higher prices.

Prices also vary by location due to differences in:

• Cost of living
• Operational costs for breeders
• Local demand

Transportation costs for long-distance buyers also affect pricing.

Find your nearest TICA Maine Coon breeder by using my 2024 Breeder Guide.

7. Stud Fee And Breeding Queen

Many breeders choose to “rent” a high-quality stud, often a show cat, who will then breed with their female Maine Coons. This stud fee is not cheap!

Alternatively, some breeders purchase a stud cat, rather than ‘rent’ one, so they must pay an extra breeding fee when purchasing the cat, often costing in the range of $2,000.

Breeders will also need a queen to breed with, costing around $4,000 for a high-quality cat with a strong lineage, as well as a breeding fee.

Pregnant and nursing queens are prone to all sorts of health problems and require regular checkups. These cats also require more extensive care while they are pregnant and nursing.

6. Kitten Registration Fees

Breeders are required to register every kitten they breed for the kitten to be considered a proper pedigree.

The CFA, TICA, or another reputable association also registers good breeders – and you guessed it! Registering as a breeder costs yet more money!

Maine Coon Price List By Region (2025)

Prices vary based on breeder reputation, the kitten’s lineage, whether it is sold as pet- or show-quality, and specific physical traits such as polydactyl paws or rare colors like silver smoke or blue-cream.

The table below shows the average price for a Maine Coon across the world:

Hidden Costs Of Owning A Maine Coon

While the initial purchase price of a Maine Coon kitten may grab attention, it’s only the beginning of a long-term financial commitment.

Maine Coons are larger, more active, and often more health-sensitive than the average cat. These factors can significantly increase ongoing costs.

Below is a comprehensive list of hidden expenses that owners should budget for when welcoming a Maine Coon into their home.

Please note that breeders must also adhere to these additional costs whilst Maine Coon cats are in their care.

1. High-Quality Nutrition And Supplements

Maine Coons require a high-protein, low-carb diet to support their large size and muscular build. Cheap, low-quality supermarket kibble is not suitable and may contribute to long-term health issues.

Owners will need to purchase the following for their feline friends:

• Premium wet and dry foods tailored to large breeds
• Raw or freeze-dried diets (if following a biologically appropriate raw food diet)
• Joint support supplements (e.g., glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3)
• Taurine-rich food or additives to support heart health

Larger portion sizes and calorie requirements mean they eat more than average-sized cats, further raising the monthly food bill.

Cost: $40–$100+ per month

2. Oversized Litter Boxes And Increased Litter Use

Standard litter boxes are often too small for a Maine Coon. You’ll likely need to purchase extra-large or covered trays, which can cost significantly more upfront.

Look for:

• Extra-large or custom-made litter boxes
• High-absorbency litter to manage volume and odor
• Frequent litter changes, especially in multi-cat households
• Litter mats or furniture to reduce tracking due to their large paws

A larger cat results in more waste, meaning you’ll go through litter bags faster than with a typical domestic cat.

Cost: $20–$50+ per month

3. Grooming Tools And Coat Maintenance

Despite their reputation for being “low maintenance” in grooming, Maine Coons have dense, semi-long fur prone to matting, especially around the neck, belly, and hindquarters.

You’ll need to invest in:

• Stainless steel combs for de-shedding
• Undercoat rake to manage seasonal shedding
• Slicker brushes to remove tangles and loose hair
• Detangling sprays or grooming wipes
• Nail clippers or grinders for thick claws

Optional:

• Professional grooming (every 3–6 months), costing $70–$120 per session

Regular grooming prevents hairballs, matting, and painful knots and keeps your furniture cleaner!

Cost: $50–$150 annually (excluding professional grooming)

4. Bigger, Stronger Cat Furniture

A Maine Coon’s size and strength will destroy lightweight cat furniture.

To keep them entertained and your home intact, invest in heavy-duty structures built to support cats weighing 15 – 25 lbs.

You’ll need:

• Reinforced cat trees (with thick sisal posts and sturdy bases)
• Large wall-mounted shelves or ramps
• Heavy-duty scratching posts
• Spacious window hammocks or cat beds
• Sturdy carriers for vet visits

Regular cat gear may break under their weight, especially as your cat reaches full maturity between 3 and 5 years of age.

Cost: $200–$800+ (one-time or over time)

5. Higher Veterinary Bills And Pet Insurance

Routine vet care is more expensive for large-breed cats. Plus, Maine Coons are predisposed to:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Hip Dysplasia
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
• Periodontal disease

Expect to pay for:

• Annual exams and vaccinations
• Dental cleanings every 1-2 years
• Emergency visits for illness or injury
• Diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays, ultrasounds for heart scans)
• Blood panels and genetic screenings as they age

Pet insurance can mitigate these costs, but monthly premiums are higher than average due to breed-specific risks. Expect to pay:

• $25–$80/month, depending on provider and coverage level

Cost: $300–$800+ per year (more if uninsured)

6. Toys, Enrichment, And Mental Stimulation

Maine Coons are intelligent, active cats that become bored easily without stimulation.

Without regular mental and physical exercise, they may develop destructive habits, like these.

Necessary enrichment includes:

• Interactive toys (feather wands, puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys)
• Laser pointers, chaser toys, or cat wheels
• Water fountains (Maine Coons love water!)
• Rotating toy schedules to prevent boredom
• Cat tunnels and hideouts

Investing in quality toys prevents boredom-based aggression or furniture destruction.

Cost: $100–$300 annually

7. Time, Training, And Behavior Tools

While it doesn’t have a price tag, your time is one of the biggest investments.

Maine Coons thrive on social interaction and are known to follow their humans from room to room.

Leaving them alone for long hours can result in loneliness, anxiety, or behavior issues.

You may also need to invest in:

• Clicker training gear (Maine Coons are highly trainable!)
• Cat harnesses and leashes for outdoor walks
• Behavioral consultations (if anxiety, aggression, or spraying arises)

Unlike some independent cat breeds, Maine Coons crave companionship. Many owners often buy a second cat to provide a playmate, doubling their costs!

Cost: Variable (but not free)

8. Cleaning And Home Maintenance

Due to their size and fur, Maine Coons create more mess than the average cat.

• Air purifiers or vacuums with HEPA filters for cat dander
• Lint rollers and furniture covers
• Deodorizing sprays for litter boxes
• Robot vacuums to keep up with daily shedding
• Grooming stations or dedicated cleanup zones

Expect to clean more frequently, especially during spring and fall shedding seasons.

Cost: Ongoing (depends on household size)

Total Estimated Annual Hidden Costs: