Can You Spot A Wild Maine Coon?

Maine Coons have a large rugged appearance which causes many owners to wonder, do Maine Coon cats live in the wild?

So, are Maine Coon cats wild animals? Keep reading to discover the truth!

Maine Coons originated in the wild, but today, these cats are almost completely domestic. It is possible for Maine Coons to escape and survive in the wild though, producing more offspring that grow up feral. However, since these cats are expensive and highly sought after, it is rare to find them in the wild.

Their mysterious origins also make them seem well-suited to life in the wild.

Maine Coons might be almost entirely domestic cats today, but long ago, they roamed freely through parts of the United States.

Read on to learn how the Maine Coon’s wild origins make these cats perfectly suited to extreme weather conditions!

Do Maine Coon Cats Live In The Wild?

The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed in the entire world, but this is only one reason for its great popularity.

Maine Coons are also a favorite cat breed among many cat enthusiasts, highly coveted for their:

Long, Thick Fur
Handsome Appearance
Loving Personality

Even though Maine Coons are known for being incredibly friendly and loving, they are also incredibly intelligent with sharp hunting instincts.

The Maine Coon’s origins can be traced back several hundred years.

This cat breed originated naturally in the frigid state of Maine, where they became popular among farmers and sailors for their ability to hunt:

Rats
Mice
Other Vermin

The Maine Coon’s exact ancestry and origins are something of a mystery though, which only adds to this breed’s rugged charm.

Read the full story of their history in my article.

Even though Maine Coons initially developed and thrived in the wild, they are almost completely domestic today.

Cat fanciers have been breeding these cats for over two hundred years now, which means that the Maine Coon we know and love today is quite a bit different from the breed’s original population.

Whilst it is possible to find Maine Coons still living in the wild, this is incredibly rare, and you are far more likely to find a Maine Coon mix than a purebred Maine Coon wandering around in the wilderness.

Where Do Maine Coon Cats Live?

Maine Coon cats are one of the most loved cat breeds in the world, which means that they are now living in almost every country that you can think of!

Although built to brave the cold winter climate of Maine in the United States, these big cats are also able to live quite happily in hotter countries, like India.

If you live in India and want to learn what minor adjustments you need to make to enable a Maine Coon cat to live in your home then make sure you click on the article link below:

Click here to read my complete guide to Maine Coon cats living in India.

What Does A Maine Coon Cat Look Like?

Maine Coons might have a distinctive appearance, yet many people still confuse this pedigree breed with other cats.

In fact, it is incredibly common for people to assume that any large, long-haired cat is a Maine Coon, when in fact these cats have a number of unique traits.

Maine Coons have long, thick fur, but what sets them apart from other long-haired cats most is that their fur length changes throughout their body.

Their fur is much longer on their:

Paws
Chest
Shoulders

Many Maine Coons also have distinctive ear tufts. Learn why the breeds lynx tips have made them famous in this article.

Maine Coons also have powerful, muscular bodies.

Their muzzles have a distinctive square shape, and the rest of their body appears more square and stocky rather than long, slender, or round.

Finally, Maine Coons can come in just about any color and pattern imaginable (these 75 different colors, to be exact), and their eyes are usually:

Green
Copper
Gold
Blue

Read our comprehensive guides to gain a full in-depth understanding of this much-loved cat breed:

Maine Coon Personality
How To Tell If Your Cat Is Part Maine Coon

Maine Coon Size Compared To Normal Cat

The average cat weighs between 8 and 10 pounds, and measures between 15 and 20 inches long and 10 inches tall.

A Maine Coon size, however, is typically much larger than the average cat since they can:

Weigh: 8 – 25 pounds
Length: Measure 19 – 40 inches
Height: 8 to 16 inches

Males are typically larger than females, who usually weigh between 8 – 15 pounds maximum.

Are Maine Coons Wild Cats?

Contrary to popular belief, Maine Coons are not actually wild cats. Instead, they are part of the species Felis silvestris, also known as the domestic cat.

Despite this, many people still think the Maine Coon is a wild cat or a feral Maine Coon.

Here’s why:

Maine Coons Have A Rugged Appearance

Their long fur creates a ruff or mane around their shoulders, and they have powerful square muzzles similar to many large cats.

Their Name Is Misleading

The name Maine Coon has caused many to wonder if Maine Coons are related to raccoons.

Another trait that helps this myth is the fact that many Maine Coons have distinctive rings around their tails, similar to raccoons.

Read more about the supposed link between these two species.

Many Maine Coons Have Lynx Tip Ears

A common trait among Maine Coon cats is lynx tip ears, which are little tufts of fur at the top of their ears that appear similar to lynxes and other wild cats.

Does this mean that Maine Coons are part lynx? Click here to find out.

They Have Mysterious Origins

Nobody knows exactly how Maine Coons came to be, which has fueled all sorts of rumors.

However, genetic testing has proven that Maine Coons are fully related to other domestic cats, and have no wild cat ancestry.

They Are Incredibly Large Cats

Finally, the Maine Coon’s huge size is another reason why people commonly believe these cats are wild.

Whilst they are much bigger than the average domestic cat, this has nothing to do with being related to wild cats.

Where Do Maine Coon Cats Originate From?

So, where do Maine Coon cats come from?

Maine Coons naturally developed in the cold state of Maine, but there are lots of wild theories about how these cats truly came to be.

Here are a few funny folktales that have done the rounds for decades.

The breed was first discovered in the 1800s, and this has led many people to posit that the Maine Coon descended from royal cats or even the cats of Vikings.

Most likely, however, the Maine Coon is the result of breeding between a regular domestic cat and some kind of longhaired cat breed brought over from Europe.

Regardless of how they came to be, these cats soon became a favorite amongst the people of Maine, who kept these intelligent hunters around to keep away mice and other vermin.

In the early 1900s, Maine Coons, unfortunately, became less popular due to the introduction of other cat breeds, such as the Persian.

As a result, the Maine Coon cat breed nearly went extinct, until cat fanciers brought the breed back and began introducing them into cat shows.

Finally, in 1985, the Maine Coon was announced as the official state cat breed of Maine.

So where do Maine Coon cats live today?

The original cats that founded the breed in the early 1800s are now nowhere to be found. They have likely been bred with other domestic cat breeds until all traces of their Maine Coon lineage disappeared.

Instead, today you can find Maine Coon cats through registered breeders, such as these, and, in rare cases, you can find some Maine Coons and Maine Coon mixes at shelters or in wild or feral cat populations (source 1,2).

What Do Maine Coon Cats Eat In The Wild?

While it is rare to find a Maine Coon or even a Maine Coon mix in the wild, these cats haven’t lost their sharp hunting instincts.

A Maine Coon left to its own devices is likely to survive, although there are many dangers in the wilderness that can easily kill a cat.

Thankfully, the Mane Coon’s intelligence and high prey drive means that these cats are likely to hunt well for themselves.

In the wild Maine Coons eat:

Rats
Mice
Birds
Rabbits
Squirrels
Some Reptiles and Amphibians

Unfortunately, many wild and feral cats are so good at hunting and reproducing that they often become a threat to local wildlife.

In fact, feral and outdoor cats are responsible for the extinction of 63 different animal species worldwide.

Some owners worry that their Maine Coon might be dangerous to the pets living within their homes. So, can a Maine Coon kill a dog? Click here to find out!

Are Maine Coon Cats Dangerous?

At first glance, the Maine Coon’s large size and rugged appearance can make them look more dangerous than they actually are.

Please keep in mind, however, that even the biggest Maine Coon cats aren’t much more dangerous than the average domestic cat.

The only real danger that Maine Coons pose, aside from a few scratches or bites, is infection.

All cats have a lot of bacteria in their mouths, which helps to weaken prey. This means that a bite from a cat if left unchecked, can lead to a serious infection.

In fact, untreated infection can lead to amputation of entire limbs or even death! (source 1).

Are Maine Coons Friendly Cats?

You might be wondering what is so special about Maine Coon cats. Well, first and foremost, Maine Coons are some of the friendliest cats out there.

They develop very close bonds with their owners, and are very social, even with strangers!

In fact, the Maine Coon’s friendly personality is so well known that it earned these cats the nickname “gentle giants.”

Maine Coons are also highly intelligent creatures that are famous for being playful and loving.

While the Maine Coon’s large size is one reason for its popularity, the unique Maine Coon temperament is even more attractive than its large, beautiful appearance.

Do Maine Coons Make Good Indoor Cats?

Maine Coons are loving, playful pets, but are Maine Coons good cats to keep indoors?

Many owners wonder if the Maine Coons highly intelligent minds mean that they will quickly become bored if kept indoors all the time.

This leads them to ask cat specialists, such as myself, will Maine Coons run away?

Since Maine Coons are more intelligent than most other cat breeds, and because they have very high prey drives, it is easier for these cats to become bored and destructive.

They need a lot of enrichment to keep themselves entertained, but if you provide enough stimulation, they make wonderful indoor cats.

Here is a list of toys and other ideas that will keep your Maine Coon perfectly happy indoors:

Motorized Cat Toys

Toys that move on their own, such as motorized mice, are a favorite among Maine Coons. Moving toys stimulate their high prey drive and keep them entertained.

Floor Toys

Your Maine Coon should always have a wide variety of floor toys to play with when it is alone.

Springs, crinkly balls, balls with bells, and toy mice are all great options to keep around the house.

Lasers And Feather Toys

Laser pointers, feather toys, and toys on a string are all great options for playing with your cat.

Maine Coons need time to play alone, but they also need to play with their owners. Moving objects are far more exciting to Maine Coons than a toy that does not move at all.

Cat Trees

Maine Coons love to jump and climb, and a large, sturdy cat tree (like this) is essential to providing enrichment.

You might even want to consider installing shelves along the walls so your cat can run around and have additional space that is up high, away from any other pets or children.

These are my favorite Maine Coon cat toys.

Do Maine Coon Cats Run Away?

Unlike many other cat breeds, the Maine Coon is considered exceptionally loyal. They are therefore unlikely to run away.

However, if treated badly and not cared for correctly it would not be surprising if a Maine Coon cat did run away, in search of a loving home.

Can you blame them?

Can House Cats Survive In The Wild?

While Maine Coons may have originated in the wild, that does not mean all Maine Coons are suited to that lifestyle today.

Even the smartest cats cannot overcome infection, disease, or injury.

Still, there are a lot of traits that can increase a cat’s chances of surviving in the wild.

These traits include:

Claws

One of the most important factors of a cat’s survival in the wild is its claws.

Not only is declawing a painful and inhumane practice for indoor cats, but it also greatly harms a wild or outdoor cat’s chances of defending itself in the wild.

Discover more about declawing cats in my article.

High Prey Drive

A natural instinct for chasing and hunting prey is essential to a cat’s survival.

Some “lazy” domestic cats do not care much for chasing toys, which means they likely won’t be able to hunt well for themselves in the wild.

Since Maine Coons have naturally high prey drives, they are more likely to catch the prey they need to survive in the wild.

Intelligence

Intelligent cats are able to problem-solve and recognize patterns, which are valuable assets in the wild.

Unintelligent cats are more likely to end up in dangerous situations.

Resistance To Weather

Harsh weather such as rain or snow, or even extreme heat or cold can easily kill a cat.

Maine Coons have long, thick, semi-water-resistant fur, which is a great asset against the cold and snow.

However, even the fluffiest cat can succumb to frostbite and extreme temperatures.

Healthy Weight

Obese or underweight cats are far less likely to survive in the wild than cats that are at a healthy weight.

Obesity can affect a cat’s endurance and agility, making it more difficult to chase prey or escape from threats.

Underweight cats will not have as much energy to hunt or defend themselves and are more susceptible to starvation, infection, and disease.

Do Wild Cats Still Exist?

Maine Coons used to live in the wild, but they are still part of the domestic cat species, known as Felis silvestris, and have never been considered true wild cats.

Still, there are plenty of other wild cat breeds all over the world.

So if the Maine Coon isn’t one of the American wild cat breeds, what kind of wild cats are in the United States today?

In total, there are seven different kinds of wild cats that can be found throughout the United States.

These include (source 1):

Mountain Lions (also known as Cougars or Pumas)
Bobcats
Ocelots
Canada Lynxes
Jaguarundis
Jaguars

How Long Do Cats Live In The Wild?

The average expected Maine Coon lifespan is between 12 and 15 years old.

A cat named Rubble, however, ended up being the oldest Maine Coon ever recorded, and he lived for a total of 31 years!

By comparison, cats living in the wild have very high mortality rates, especially during the first year of their lives. It is thought that only 25% of feral cats even survive a year.

Infection, starvation, exposure to extreme weather, and injury can all lead to death.

While it is difficult to know for sure what the life expectancy of a cat living in the wild truly is, most estimate that a wild cat’s lifespan is between 2 and 3 years on average, although some cats can live for as long as 8- 15 years (source 1,2).

How Much Are Maine Coon Cats?

Maine Coons are highly coveted cats, but they are very expensive.

Here is what you can expect Maine Coons to cost, based on various scenarios (source 1):

Purebred Kitten

If you purchase a Maine Coon kitten from a breeder you can expect it to cost between $400 and $2,000.

It is common for breeders to require all of their kittens to be neutered, so you may have to pay an extra fee for an unneutered cat.

Stray Maine Coon

Stray Maine Coons are incredibly rare, but you can get any stray for free.

Of course, you will still have to pay a lot for supplies, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, deworming, and other medical care.

Shelter Maine Coon

It is possible to find mixed and purebred Maine Coons at shelters, and they usually only cost between $100 and $200.

Maine Coon Show Cat

If you are looking for a show cat, you will have to purchase a purebred Maine Coon through a registered breeder (like these).

High-quality show cats are more expensive, and will usually cost between $1,000 and $2,500.

Retired Maine Coon

You can sometimes purchase retired Maine Coon cats, or retired Maine Coon show cats from breeders, and they often cost less than kittens or young, healthy cats.

You should expect to pay between $400 and $1,500 for a retired Maine Coon.

Conclusion

Maine Coons may have originated in the wild, but do Maine Coon cats live in the wild today?

The realistic answer is that most Maine Coons do not live in the wild, as they are a highly coveted and expensive breed.

It is possible to find stray Maine Coons, however, that have escaped or bred in the wild, but this is incredibly rare.

Overall, Maine Coons may be well adapted to life in the wild, but living indoors with a loving family is the safest and healthiest option for them.