Buying A Maine Coon Cat: Complete Guide
Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed in the world, known for their good temperaments, limited health issues, and varying coat colors.
Buying a Maine Coon cat or kitten comes at a high price, so make sure you follow this guide to avoid the most common Maine Coon kitten scam.
Maine Coons are a sought-after pedigree cat breed costing on average $1,000 per kitten. High-quality Maine Coon kittens can be sourced from reputable breeders, who will happily provide you with a copy of the kitten’s health certificate, proof of veterinary vaccinations, pedigree status documentation, and details of the cat’s parentage.
Read on to discover where best to purchase healthy Maine Coon kittens, and how to spot reputable Maine Coon breeders in a market full of cat scammers.
Keep scrolling to find out the results of a unique research study conducted on Maine Coon Central’s YouTube channel. We reveal the most popular place to buy a Maine Coon cat!
Buying A Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coons are famous for being the gentle giants of the cat world, often exhibiting various dog-like characteristics.
According to The International Cat Association (TICA), these former wild cats weigh up to 22lbs, reach a height of 10-16 inches, and are 19-40 inches long.
Whether you are a new owner, or a seasoned Maine Coon cat lover looking to buy a new kitten or an older cat of this breed, it’s vital you learn the pitfalls of buying a Maine Coon cat.
Whilst a new kitten is highly energetic and makes a great pet for families with young children, with proper care a 1-year-old Maine Coon also offers much:
- Love
- Playfulness
- Amusement
Before buying purebred Maine Coon kittens, think carefully about how this bundle of joy fits into your family life, and whether an older Maine Coon cat would be more suitable, with its:
- Calmer Temperament
- Kitten-like behavior
- Playful tendencies
To make an informed decision about owning one of these beautiful cats, consider the following factors:
- Research The Breed
- Where To Buy A Maine Coon
- Kitten Purchase Price
- Adult Maine Coon Price
- Lifetime Costs Of Owning A Maine Coon
- What To Ask Breeder Before Buying
- Indoor Cat Vs Outdoor Cat
- Best Toys And Accessories
- Free Maine Coon Kittens
- Pet Insurance
1. Research The Breed
Maine Coons are famous for their gentle temperaments, large size, and pet-friendly natures, but new owners should never assume this breed is like a normal cat!
With proper care these laid-back cats make great family members, however, failure to cater to this cat’s unique social and mental needs can cause unexpected issues.
New pet parents should thoroughly research the breed BEFORE buying a Maine Coon kitten so they can cater to these highly playful and sociable felines’ needs.
Start your research on this curious and dog-like cat breed by reading these articles:
2. Where To Buy A Maine Coon
Purebred Maine Coon cats should be purchased from a responsible breeder that follows an ethical breeding program where Maine Coon Queens are not overbred.
The typical Maine Coon Queen can produce 1-2 litters per year, so an important step in buying a Maine Coon kitten starts with finding an ethical Maine Coon breeder.
If you are keen to own one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, you will find Maine Coon Kittens For Sale in the following locations:
- Registered Maine Coon Breeders
- Rescue Centers And Shelters
- Gumtree
- Craigslist
- Pet Shops
- Backyard Breeders
According to the Maine Coon Cat Club a Maine Coon kitten should not be separated from its mother and siblings until it reaches 13 weeks of age. However, these rules do vary in rescue centers or shelters.
Ideally, potential pet parents should physically meet the kitten before collection, though this might not be possible and depends on the breeder’s circumstances.
If a physical meeting is not possible, or the breeder operates a closed cattery, ask the breeder to set up a video call where you can:
- Confirm the kitten’s existence
- See the kitten you are buying
- Watch the cat’s movements to check for irregularities
- Build a relationship with the breeder
A responsible breeder will provide the following to all new pet parents when they collect their kittens:
- Healthy Kitten
- Valid Registration Certificate
- Health Certificate
- Vaccination Record
- Diet Sheet
- Pedigree Documentation
Some breeders also offer a health guarantee for their Maine Coon kittens.
If you are looking at Maine Coon kittens for sale, read the pros and cons of buying this majestic feline, and discover the best place to buy a Maine Coon cat.
Registered Maine Coon Breeders
The safest way to buy purebred Maine Coon kittens is by purchasing your new kitten from a licensed reputable Maine Coon cat breeder.
Look for breeders that are registered with approved cat association bodies, such as:
- The International Cat Association (TICA)
- Cat Fanciers Association (CFA)
- Governing Council Of The Cat Fancy (GCCF)
Although Maine Coon kittens cost more when purchased from a registered breeder, the benefits of doing so are worth the high price:
- Passionate about the breed
- Take pedigree cat breeding seriously
- Very knowledgeable so can answer your questions
- They care who they sell their kittens to
- You know with certainty you are buying a purebred Maine Coon kitten
- Buyers can often meet the breeding cats (in person or over video)
- Screen breeding cats for genetic health issues and diseases
- Sell healthy kittens
- Kittens are fully-vaccinated
- Can give you a vaccination record and vet health certificate
- Pedigree paperwork to prove kitten’s lineage
The downsides of buying your furry friend from a registered Maine Coon breeder are minimum:
- More expensive kitten
- You may have to travel further to find an approved breeder
- Kittens are in demand so many potential owners sign up for a waiting list
Rescue Centers And Shelters
Many Maine Coons, whether purebred or of mixed heritage end up in Maine Coon Rescue Centers or shelters through no fault of their own.
In some scenarios, an owner’s life circumstances change unexpectedly, causing them to no longer be able to care for their gentle giant. In other situations, an irresponsible owner rejects their Maine Coon.
Whatever the reason, adopting an older Maine Coon cat from one of these establishments, instead of a new kitten, gives these loving cats a second chance.
Start your search for a Maine Coon kitten or cat, by visiting the following US rescue organizations:
Here are some UK rescue centers for our United Kingdom readers:
The advantages of purchasing a Maine Coon from a rescue center or shelter include:
- Giving an older Maine Coon a second chance
- Costs significantly less than kittens bought from registered breeders.
- With the proper care and love, cats from shelters make loving, wonderful pets.
- Cats are sold fully vaccinated.
- Cats have a full health check. Medical bills are often covered by the shelter.
The downsides to adopting Maine Coon from a rescue center or shelter, include:
- Often sold without pedigree paperwork
- Medical history unknown
- Impossible to know if the kitten is a purebred
- Feral Maine Coon might not adapt well to a domesticated life
- Unwanted behavioral traits are unknown.
- The cat may not have been correctly socialized as a kitten
The rise in social media has led to an increase in Maine Coon breeders advertising their kittens via Facebook.
An important factor to consider when using Facebook to buy a Maine Coon kitten is that you need to thoroughly research every breeder you consider buying from.
Whilst many legitimate and trustworthy Maine Coon breeders advertise their businesses online, there are a corrupt number of Maine Coon scammers in existence.
Watch out for these 24 Warning Signs Of A Maine Coon Scammer.
Many Facebook pages are set up by individuals who are passionate about the breed. Some popular pages include:
Although these pages do not sell Maine Coon kittens themselves, their communities offer valuable guidance on the breed.
Below are the main benefits of sourcing a new kitten from Facebook:
- Many reputable Maine Coon breeders advertise on Facebook.
- You can find local breeders
- Review the seller’s business page to get a gut feel for their authenticity and trustworthiness.
- Take note of how often the page updates and if the breeder is knowledgeable, and answering readers’ questions.
The downsides to purchasing a Maine Coon kitten from Facebook, include:
- Crooks target potential buyers via Facebook.
- Scammers advertise kittens that are not available, hoping to hook buyers in.
- Anyone can create a free Facebook page. It’s impossible to know who you are communicating with unless you know the business well.
- Misinformation can spread like wildfire on social media outlets.
- Some Facebook pages include ‘spammy clickbait links’ aimed at enticing users.
Gumtree
Whilst you can purchase a Maine Coon kitten from Gumtree, it is not recommended since you will not be able to thoroughly research the seller’s credentials.
Reputable breeders do not tend not to advertise on this platform.
Craigslist
It is not recommended that you purchase a Maine Coon kitten from this platform since registered breeders do not usually advertise on this forum.
If an advertisement or seller requests you send money for a Maine Coon kitten to an account outside your country of residence, do not proceed.
Do not interact with advertisements that display broken English, or poor grammar.
Pet Shops
Whilst you can purchase Maine Coon kittens from the local pet shop, this method of buying a Maine Coon is not recommended.
Reputable breeders tend not to trust pet shops and rarely allow their precious kittens to be sold via this channel.
Backyard Breeders
Good breeders take great care to meet the written standard for the breed, only selling kittens in good health. They always screen their breeding cats for genetic diseases.
This is not the case with backyard breeders (BYBs) though, who are unscrupulous sellers solely intent on making a quick buck out of an unsuspecting buyer.
Never buy a Maine Coon from a backyard breeder. Not only do they follow unethical breeding standards, they often keep their cats and kittens in poor living conditions.
3. How Much Do Maine Coon Kittens Cost?
The average Maine Coon kitten costs $1,000 if purchased from a registered Maine Coon cat breeder, though the price can range between $600 – $2,500.
Pet parents looking to buy non-neutered, non-spayed cats suitable for breeding purposes, or show Maine Coon kittens will pay up to $2,500 per kitten.
The price of a kitten varies depending on the following factors:
- Quality of Kitten
- Where the kitten is purchased
- Breeder i.e. registered, hobby breeder, etc
- Health Certificates
- Health Guarantee
- Full veterinary history
- Pedigree of kitten
- Maine Coon Coloring i.e. rarer colors cost more.
- Neutered / Non-Neutered / Spayed / Non-Spayed
If you opt to purchase a kitten from a breeder that isn’t registered, i.e., a pet shop, rescue center, or backyard breeder, the price varies wildly from $200 – $2,000
4. How Much Is An Adult Maine Coon?
Cat lovers can purchase an older Maine Coon cat for roughly $600.
Registered cat breeders sometimes sell their retired breeding cats, who command a higher price between $600 – $1,500 due to the quality and pedigree of the cat.
Before purchasing an older Maine Coon make sure to thoroughly check their veterinary history, to ensure you are buying a cat in good health.
Maine Coon cats are prone to the following health conditions, which can prove costly:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM – Heart Disease)
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Periodontal Disease
- Hip Dysplasia
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
- Feline Leukemia Virus
5. Lifetime Cost Of A Maine Coon Cat
The average cost of owning a Maine Coon for 15 years ranges between $7,608 – $22,815.
Maine Coon cats have an average lifespan of 10 – 15 years. Indoor Maine Coons often live longer than outdoor Maine Coons, so may cost on the higher end of the scale.
The table below shows the annual costs of owning a Maine Coon (source 1,2,3,4,5,6):
| What They Need | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Pet Insurance | $415 – 453 |
| Booster Vaccination | $62 |
| Routine Vet Visits | $160 |
| Emergency Veterinary Care | $0 – 1000 |
| Liquid Dewormer | $93 |
| Flea Treatment | $62 |
| Litter | $150 |
| High-Quality Food & Treats | $225 – 500 |
| Cat Bed | $25 – 100 |
| Grooming Supplies | $50 |
| Toys | $30 |
The following table lists the additional costs of caring for a Maine Coon. Some costs are one-off, whereas others are incurred multiple times during the cat’s life:
| What They Need | Purchase Cost |
|---|---|
| Large Cat Carrier | $30 – 108 |
| Extra-Large Cat Tower | $100 – 440 |
| Sturdy Scratching Post | $51 |
| Large Litter Tray (Classic Vs Robot) | $23 – 944 |
| Neuter / Spay | $50 – $126 |
| Collar / Leash / Harness | $15 – 40 |
| Microchipping | $50 – 70 |
| Vaccination (one-off) | $92 |
| Cats Bowl and Feeders | $10 – 107 |
| GPS Tracker | $19 – 59 |
| Cattery or Pet Sitter | $12 – 20 a day |
| Pet Water Fountain | $32 |
6. What To Ask When Buying A Maine Coon Kitten
If you are planning on buying a majestic Maine Coon cat, make sure you ask the breeder the following questions:
- How old is the Maine Coon?: Never buy a kitten under 12 weeks old, unless purchased at a rescue center.
- Does the breeder have a full vaccination history for the advertised cat?: If yes, request a copy.
- Is the advertised cat a purebred Maine Coon, or mixed?: If purebred, request proof of the cat’s pedigree status. If mixed, request details on the cat’s parents.
- Request a copy of the kitten or cat’s registration certificates.
- Can you see the cat’s parents?: Trustworthy breeders will either let you meet the kitten’s parents, or show you photos of the parents. Ask where the parents were purchased, and how big they are.
- Have the breeding cats been screened for medical and health issues?: If yes, request evidence that proves this.
- Does the Maine Coon kitten have any health or behavioral issues?: If yes, request further information.
- How has the Maine Coon kitten been socialized?: i.e. are they used to children, dogs, other cats, etc?
- Has the cat been declawed?: If yes, ask why. Declawing is barbaric, learn more about it here.
- Is the cat an indoor or outdoor cat? Does the cat have any experience of going outside?
- Will they deflea and deworm the kitten before collection?: If yes, what product brand did they use?
- Will the kitten be neutered/spayed before collection?: If no, check if the breeder contract states a date the kitten must be fixed. This is the best age to neuter a Maine Coon kitten.
- Which veterinary practice has experience with the cat?: Request their telephone number. Contact the vet to validate the cat’s medical history.
- How many cats were in the litter?: Ask if the kitten was the largest, smallest, or average size.
- Is the cat litter trained?: If yes, confirm what type of litter the cat uses.
- What food has the cat been fed during its lifetime?: i.e. wet, dry, raw. Ask which food brands the cat likes to eat.
- What breeder credentials do they have?: i.e. are they registered with TICA, CFA, etc?
Please Note: There are many other questions you can ask the breeder since this list is there to get you started!
7. Is A Maine Coon An Indoor Or Outdoor Cat?
Maine Coons are exceptionally laid-back felines that can be kept as either indoor or outdoor cats, or a combination of both.
These highly energetic and playful felines love to run, chase, jump, and climb and particularly love to explore the outside world.
If you would like your Maine Coon to experience the outdoor world, but are not keen on them roaming free, consider cat-proofing your garden.
8. Best Maine Coon Toys And Accessories
There are many different cat toys and pet supplies designed especially with large cat breeds like the Maine Coon in mind.
Start your journey, here:
- Best Large Cat Trees
- Maine Coon Cat Beds
- Large Litter Trays
- Awesome Cat Toys
- High-Quality Cat Food
- Cat Shampoo and Conditioners
9. Where Can I Find Maine Coon Kittens For Free?
Maine Coons that end up at Maine Coon Rescue Centers, or animal shelters, can be purchased for an adoption fee in the region of $120 – $315.
Research your local rehoming shelters, then:
- Stay in regular contact with the rescue center.
- Contact the rescue centers in the Northeast US where Maine Coons Originate.
- Decide if you’d be happy with a Maine Coon mix.
10. Pet Insurance
Always purchase Maine Coon pet insurance for your precious gentle giant, as you can never predict:
- Accidents
- Emergencies
- Health Conditions
11. Independent Research: October 2023
Where Do Owners Buy Maine Coon Cats?
The safest place to purchase a Maine Coon kitten is from a registered Maine Coon cat breeder, yet the Maine Coon price often leads cat lovers to buy their cats elsewhere.
Katrina Stewardson, the Director of Maine Coon Central, conducted unique research on 150 Maine Coon cat lovers, on Maine Coon Central’s YouTube channel, in October 2023.
She asked a poll of 150 voters where they got their Maine Coon cat from.
The survey revealed:
- 33% of owners purchased their Maine Coon from a Registered Maine Coon cat breeder
- 8% of voters bought a cat from a Non-Registered Maine Coon cat breeder.
A staggering 23% of viewers voted that they found their Maine Coon at a shelter! So, do not give up hope of finding a ‘cheap’ Maine Coon!
Below are the results of Maine Coon Central’s users’ vote:
Conclusion
Buying a Maine Coon cat can be a complicated journey, but that makes owning one of these naturally curious and playful felines all the more worthwhile.
They make a great addition to their loving family, provided you can give them the proper care that they deserve.
