Maine Coons are among the most popular cat breeds in the world, but are Maine Coon Cats legal?
Maine Coons are not illegal to keep as pets in any country or state to date, nor are any other domestic cat breeds. Breeders may require licenses to breed and sell Maine Coons, but this can vary from country to country. The Maine Coon is a peaceful cat that is neither endangered nor dangerous, so there is no reason for it to be illegal.
A lot of potential owners are worried that they might not be able to bring this magnificent breed into their homes because they do not know if Maine Coons are illegal or not.
Even though Maine Coons are not illegal to own, and never have been, it is common for owners to wonder if these large cats are legal to keep.
Read on to find out why the Maine Coon is a perfectly safe cat to keep as a pet.
Are Maine Coon Cats Legal?
The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed in the world.
These cats originated naturally in the state of Maine, where they developed long, thick fur and large paws that helped them survive in cold weather.
Even though these cats are domesticated, they have amazing hunting instincts and a distinctively wild look to them.
Learn how to identify a young Maine Coon, by reading my article:
How To Identify A Maine Coon Kitten
When some people first hear about the Maine Coon, they assume these cats are more wild than domestic, which is partly why a lot of people wonder, are Maine Coons illegal?
Their enormous size is often another cause for concern.
Even though Maine Coons are exceptionally large, they are gentle, peaceful cats that pose no threat to their owners.
Find out more about the Maine Coon personality, in my helpful article.
They are also fully domesticated and are not related to any wild cats.
As a result, Maine Coons are perfectly legal to own everywhere.
Are Maine Coon Cats Endangered?
It is usually illegal to keep endangered animals as pets, so some people wonder, are Maine Coons endangered?
Thankfully, these wonderful cats aren’t endangered at all, and their population only seems to be growing as they become more popular.
However, this wasn’t always the case.
In the early 1900s, Maine Coons grew in popularity for their ability to catch rats and other vermin.
They were kept on farms, in houses, and even on ships! In the 1950s, however, a new breed called the Persian was introduced, and they became all the rage amongst cat owners.
Sadly, as more cat owners began to adopt Persians, the Maine Coon took a huge hit, and they became so endangered that they were nearly declared extinct.
Thankfully, a few fanciers of the breed were able to bring the Maine Coon back from the brink of extinction, and they remain one of the most popular cat breeds in the world today.
Even though they were once highly endangered, chances are the breed won’t be in danger of extinction again any time soon!
If the history of the Maine Coon cat has sparked your interest, why not discover more about this fascinating breed in my article:
Where Do Maine Coon Cats Originate?
Are Maine Coons Rare?
The Maine Coon may have been on the brink of extinction decades ago, but today, they’re anything but rare!
People all over the world are dedicated to breeding Maine Coons, and they’re in extremely high demand.
Make sure you check this article I wrote, ‘Registered Maine Coon Breeder Near Me‘ if you are looking to buy a Maine Coon kitten or cat.
It is not particularly common to find a stray Maine Coon, or even one at a shelter.
Still, this breed has a large population across the world, particularly in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
For those of you hoping to adopt a Maine Coon cat, you will find this article of mine really useful:
Maine Coon Rescue Centers In The United States
Are Maine Coons Dangerous?
Some people are nervous about owning a Maine Coon as a pet, as they can be put off by their large size.
So exactly how big are these large felines I hear you ask?
Well, here is the answer!
However, Maine Coons are famous for being one of the gentlest, most laid-back cat breeds out there!
These cats are very patient, even with children and other pets, and are not considered dangerous.
Of course, any cat that is treated poorly, particularly in kittenhood, can become fearful and aggressive. It’s important to respect your cat’s boundaries and lookout for signs of irritation.
Even the gentlest of cats can lash out if their personal space is regularly invaded.
The most dangerous part of a Maine Coon is its bite, but this applies to all cats.
Cats’ mouths contain lots of bacteria, which can help them kill their prey faster. However, this means that cat bites are highly likely to get infected.
If left untreated, a cat bite can become so infected that you may have to amputate a limb, and some people have even died.
Even though Maine Coons are peaceful creatures that are unlikely to bite, even a little nip can result in infection.
If your Maine Coon bites you, make sure to clean the area thoroughly, and keep an eye out for signs of infection.
Are the Maine Coon cats bite bad enough to kill a human though?
Read my article ‘Can A Maine Coon Kill You?‘ to find out.
You might also be intrigued to discover if a Maine Coon can kill a dog, click here to find out!
Can You Have A Maine Coon As A Pet?
Maine Coons are not endangered, and they are not considered dangerous, either. As a result, they are perfectly legal to own and make great pets.
While part of their popularity can be traced to their magnificent size and beautiful appearance, the Maine Coon’s sweet and playful temperament is another huge reason these cats are so popular.
Maine Coons are highly intelligent, and can be trained to play fetch, do tricks, and even walk on a leash and harness!
They are highly playful and retain a kitten-like personality well into adulthood.
They’re also very laid back and gentle, which makes them perfect for households with children.
Maine Coons make ideal pets, but they also make surprisingly good actors.
Two famous Maine Coon actors include:
1. Pebbles, who played Mrs. Norris from the famous Harry Potter series
2. Leo, who played the cat Church from the 2019 iteration of Pet Sematary.
This is because Maine Coons are highly intelligent, and can be trained to do all sorts of tricks.
Do You Need A License To Own A Maine Coon?
Many wild and exotic animals require special licenses in order to be kept.
These licenses prove that you’ll have the time and resources to put towards caring for animals that require more maintenance and care than domesticated animals.
The Maine Coon is a purely domestic cat, however, and doesn’t require nearly as much care as, say, a serval or caracal.
While they do require a bit more enrichment and exercise than most cat breeds, they’re perfectly simple to care for when compared to a wild or exotic animal.
Read my article ‘How To Care For A Maine Coon‘ to be fully versed in how to look after one of these amazing cats.
As a result, Maine Coons do not require licenses to be kept as pets.
However, if you plan on breeding and selling Maine Coons, it’s possible you’ll need a license.
Some states and countries require licenses for any breeding, but most places only require a license if you’re keeping and breeding several Maine Coons.
Here’s the full guide on how to breed a Maine Coon cat.
What’s The Biggest Cat You Can Legally Own?
Believe it or not, it’s actually possible to own cats even larger than the Maine Coon!
Even though the Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed in the world, it is possible to keep wild and exotic cats as pets with proper licenses.
Of course, these cats are much more difficult to care for, and it’s usually considered unethical and irresponsible to keep wild animals as pets.
With that being said, some wild cat breeds that are possible to legally own in the proper location with the right licenses include:
- Bobcats
- Servals
- Lynxes
- Ocelots
- Caracals
Illegal Cat Breeds
While domestic cat breeds are perfectly legal to keep, wild and exotic animals are not.
This is because wild animals require a lot more care and enrichment than humans can provide, and many wild cats are also endangered.
Overall, it is dangerous and irresponsible to own wild cat breeds, even if some (such as Bobcats and Servals) are technically legal to keep if you have a license.
Some of the cat breeds that are entirely illegal to own include (source 1):
- Leopards
- Tigers
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Jaguars
How Much Is A Maine Coon Cat?
The Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, but they are unfortunately quite expensive to obtain.
These are the latest prices you will pay.
Trustworthy breeders incur a lot of expenses to keep their kittens healthy and to ensure their pedigree status, but the care and resources they put into breeding cats naturally raise prices.
You may be tempted to buy a Maine Coon from a cheaper breeder, but these breeders usually aren’t recognized by governing cat bodies such as TICA or the CFA.
They typically cut corners and cannot be expected to provide healthy kittens.
In fact, many breeders will try to pass off mixed Maine Coons, or even cats without a drop of Maine Coon blood, as purebred Maine Coons!
To avoid paying a premium price for a non pedigree Maine Coon kitten, make sure you read my article ‘How To Tell Your Cat Is Part Maine Coon‘.
A Maine Coon from a trustworthy breeder will cost between $500 and $2,000.
Male and female Maine Coons typically cost around the same, but the cat’s color, lineage, and health can all affect the cost.
If you’re looking for a Maine Coon for a cheaper price, it’s possible to find some for adoption at shelters or even Maine Coon rescues.
Learn how to adopt a Maine Coon, by reading ‘Maine Coon Adoption Facts‘.
Unfortunately, since these cats are so popular, they’re usually the first to be adopted, so it can take a long time before you find a Maine Coon at a shelter.
Still, they are significantly cheaper, usually costing between $100 and $200.
Maine Coon Vs Normal Cat
Maine Coons are unique cats with a lot of differences from regular cats.
Here is a quick summary of the key differences:
1. Size
The first main difference is size.
Maine Coons are significantly taller and longer than the average domestic cat, and they weigh significantly more, as well.
While most domestic cats weigh between 7 and 10 pounds, the average Maine Coon weighs between 12 and 25 pounds!
2. Temperament
Maine Coon temperament also varies greatly from most cats.
Maine Coons are known for being highly intelligent, as well as social and affectionate.
They are famous for their gentle, laid-back nature, as well as their patience when it comes to children.
Most regular cats can be quite affectionate towards their owners, but Maine Coons Cats are consistently more friendly than the average cat.
They are so social that they often follow their owners from room to room and can become incredibly lonely if they’re left alone for long periods of time.
In fact, these cats do best with another animal for company, such as another cat, or even a dog!
3. Enrichment
Maine Coons also need a lot more enrichment and exercise than regular cats.
Because they are so smart, regular toys can become easily boring, and they need lots of stimulation to keep from becoming bored and destructive.
Make sure you’ve purchased these top five Maine Coon cat toys, to help keep these intelligent cats’ minds stimulated.
These cats also love to climb, so it’s essential to provide them with a large cat tree, like these ones.
In addition, why not purchase some cat shelves, and create other high spaces for your Maine Coon to climb on.
Maine Coons are typically considered a hardy breed, but unfortunately, any purebred cat is more likely to suffer health problems than a regular cat.
Maine Coons are prone to a variety of health problems, including:
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (click here to learn more about this health condition)
The term ‘Polycystic Kidney Disease’ (otherwise known as PKD) sounds extremely frightening.
Fear of the condition is more common when you do not understand what this Maine Coon Health Problem is though.
Owners trying to learn more about PKD should read my PKD article, to ensure they know what PKD is, and what to expect.
Maine Coon Size Compared To Normal Cat
One of the biggest reasons behind the Maine Coon’s growing popularity is this breed’s magnificent size.
These cats are often much larger than most cats.
The average cat weighs just 7 to 10 pounds. They usually measure a length of about 18 inches and stand 9 to 10 inches in height.
The average male Maine Coon, however, weighs between 15 and 25 pounds on average. They stand at a height of about 10 to 16 inches tall, and measure between 19 and 40 inches.
Females are typically a bit smaller and don’t usually weigh more than 12 pounds.
While they can still be expected to measure between 19 and 40 inches, they typically stand about 8 to 14 inches tall.
For more information on this fascinating subject, make sure you read my article:
Maine Coon Size Vs Normal Cats
Are Maine Coons Related To Bobcats?
The Maine Coon’s wild appearance makes many wonders if they’re related to any wild cats.
However, Maine Coons aren’t related to bobcats or any other kind of wild cat (source 1).
Are Maine Coon Cats Good With Dogs?
Maine Coons are famously affectionate and social animals.
They get along very well with other cats, and can even get along well with dogs.
Maine Coons are highly social animals that prefer companionship, and some have even become best friends with dogs.
Of course, this depends on whether or not the dog is friendly towards cats. You’ll need to properly introduce the two to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
Even dogs and cats that are friendly towards other animals can become aggressive and nervous when a new pet is introduced, so it’s best to let them get to know each other slowly.
If you are thinking of introducing a Maine Coon to your family, and already own a dog, then make sure you read my article:
Are Maine Coons Good With Dogs?
One key reason Maine Coon cats get on with their four-legged friends is that these large cats act like dogs!
Find out why they do this by reading my article:
Why Do Maine Coon Cats Act Like Dogs?
Are Maine Coon Cats Allowed Outside?
Choosing whether or not to keep your Maine Coon indoors versus letting it roam outdoors is a very personal decision.
However, keep in mind that it’s becoming increasingly popular for breeders to have all of their customers sign a contract saying they will keep their Maine Coons indoors.
To help you make an informed decision, read my article ‘Can Maine Coon Cats Go Outside?‘.
This article is great because it lists the ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments on this emotive subject, without pressuring you to follow either route.
Maine Coons are highly adventurous cats that need a lot of exercise and enrichment to stay happy.
Some owners argue that keeping them cooped up indoors will make them sad, so they let their cats roam outdoors, as well.
However, allowing your cat outdoors puts it at risk for all sorts of dangers. Outdoor cats are significantly more likely to be stolen, hit by cars, or injured or killed by other animals.
Outdoor cats are also more susceptible to illness, infection, and parasites.
Finally, it’s worth noting that allowing your cat outdoors can have an impact on the environment.
Cats have led to the extinction of 63 different species of animals due to their expertise as hunters.
Maine Coons, who are especially good at hunting, can have a hugely negative impact on local wildlife (source 1).
Conclusion
A lot of potential owners wonder, are Maine Coon Cats legal before bringing home a cat of this magnificent breed.
The Maine Coon’s magnificent size and wild appearance can make a lot of people ask, are Maine Coons illegal?
Even though Maine Coons might look wild, they are actually entirely domesticated animals.
They also are not endangered, and they are no more dangerous to humans than any other domesticated cat breed.
As a result, there are no restrictions anywhere about keeping these cats as pets. You don’t even need a license to own a Maine Coon!
So what are you waiting for?
Here’s our ‘Complete Guide To Buying A Maine Coon Cat’.
Related Questions
Are Maine Coons Legal In Massachusetts?
Maine Coons are legal to keep as pets in Massachusetts.
Are Maine Coons Illegal In California?
It is not illegal to keep Maine Coons in California.
Are Maine Coon Cats Legal In Australia?
Maine Coons are legal to keep as pets in Australia but are harder to find in this country.
Are Maine Coon Cats Legal In UK?
Yes, Maine Coon cats are legal in the UK.
Are Maine Coon Cats Legal In Texas?
It is legal to keep Maine Coons as pets in Texas.
Are Maine Coon Cats Legal In Georgia?
Maine Coons are perfectly legal to own in Georgia.
Are Maine Coon Cats Legal In Illinois?
Maine Coons are legal to keep as pets in Illinois.