Key Differences Between Male Vs Female Maine Coons!

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Have you ever wondered how much the gender of a cat can affect both its physical and personality traits? If so, you’re not alone!

Male Maine Coons are typically larger than their female counterparts, both in size and personality. They are often described as more friendly and outgoing, seeking regular attention and interaction from their owners.

I’ve always opted for male Maine Coon boys in our household, as they’re such fun characters to live with and they get on well with young children. They love attention and love to play games. Below is a picture of Mika and Bali, my Maine Coon brothers.

On the other hand, female Maine Coons, while still affectionate, are often seen as more independent and aloof. They tend to be less demanding of attention, embodying a more traditionally cat-like demeanor.

Both genders make ideal family pets, especially for families with young children. The Maine Coon cat breed’s gentle nature and laid-back temperament enable them to fit into a variety of household environments.

Here’s a quick summary of the key differences and similarities between the two genders:

One of the most noticeable physical differences between male and female Maine Coon cats is their size and weight.

1. Size And Weight

According to TICA.org, male Maine Coons typically weigh between 18 to 22 pounds (8.2 to 10 kilograms).

All three of my male Maine Coons have ranged between 17 to 20 pounds (7.7 to 9.1 kilograms), with two achieving 20 lbs. This showcases their substantial size but also mostly supports TICA.org’s size measurements for the breed.

These cats are known for their impressive stature, making them one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world. If comparing only natural cat breeds, however, they are the biggest domestic cat, EVER!

By comparison, females are usually smaller, with a typical weight range of 12 to 15 pounds (5.4 to 6.8 kilograms).

While there can be exceptions, females generally do not reach the same large sizes as males. This size difference can be attributed to genetic factors and the natural growth patterns of the breed.

Male Maine Coons often grow taller than their female counterparts, reaching an average height of 10-16 inches (25 to 40 cm) at the shoulder. By comparison, the female height ranges between 8-14 inches (20 to 35 cm) at the shoulder.

2. Body Structure

Male and female Maine Coons often exhibit variations in their body structure, since males tend to have a more muscular build, giving them a robust and powerful appearance.

Their larger frame supports this musculature, and they often have a broader chest and larger paws.

Females, by contrast, usually have a more sleek and refined body structure, often possessing a more elongated form. Their smaller frame is less muscular compared to males, and they tend to have a more tapered body.

Despite being less muscular, female Maine Coons maintain the breed’s characteristic strength and agility.

For more detailed information on Maine Coon size, you can refer to sources such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).

Personality And Temperament

Renowned for their sociability, playfulness, and affectionate nature, male Maine Coon cats often seek out human interaction and enjoy being the center of attention.

They are known to follow their owners around the house, always curious and eager to be involved in whatever is happening.

Male Maine Coons are typically more outgoing and less reserved, making them excellent companions for families and individuals who have plenty of time to spend with their pets.

The male of the species tends to bond closely with one family member but will be affectionate towards the entire family.

My three male Maine Coons all display a unique blend of sociability and playfulness. For instance, one loves to play fetch, tirelessly bringing back his favorite toy for another round. This is how I trained Bali to play fetch!

Watch my YouTube channel to see Bali chasing after his favorite toy mouse toy!

Despite their general affection, two of my Maine Coon boys become quite spirited when faced with the grooming brush, as their fur is prone to knots!

Sound familiar? I found playing with them first, then offering treats throughout the grooming session has helped make the grooming session less spikey!

Male Maine Coon cats are often stubborn so make sure you teach them the house rules while they are still young since they become harder to train with age.

By contrast, females are considered very easygoing and laid back, so respond better to being taught new rules late in life, than their male counterparts.

Females

While still affectionate and friendly, the female of the species often exhibits more independent behaviors. They are generally more reserved than males and can be more cautious around new people or environments.

This independence means they might not demand as much attention as their male counterparts, but still form strong bonds with their owners. Females show affection on their terms!

They can be more protective of their territory, sometimes displaying territorial behavior towards other pets.

Female Maine Coons are thought to be better hunters than males, though I’ve no actual evidence to support this theory!

This could be tied to their cautious and independent nature, which may make them more patient and strategic in their approach to hunting and play.

Grooming Needs

Male Maine Coons require more frequent grooming due to their larger size and more active nature.

Their thick dense fur can tangle more easily, especially if you’ve got highly active cats that spend a lot of time playing or exploring, like mine do! I’ve lost count of the times our boy cats return from the yard with bits of bush stuck in their fur!

Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and to keep their coat in good condition. I prefer these effective cat brushes, as they are ideal for long-haired cats.

I brush Mika almost daily, as his fur loves to tangle. Bali, on the other hand, has silky fur that rarely tangles so does not need a daily brush. Generally speaking, brushing your long-haired cat 2-3 times a week should be fine.

I recommend you use a combination of brushes – a slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb can help manage their dense undercoat and long topcoat effectively.

Female Maine Coons require regular brushing to prevent matting and maintain coat health, but may not need it as frequently as males due to their smaller size and less active lifestyle.

Health

Male Maine Coons are prone to certain health issues that may not be as common in females. One such condition is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Find out more about this frightening genetic heart disease, in my complete guide to Maine Coon Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Males are also more prone to urinary tract issues, such as blockages, which require immediate veterinary attention.

Never underestimate the danger a UTI can cause your cat, as my lovely Bali was hospitalized for three days in a pet hospital after developing a urinary tract infection.

He became seriously ill and we thought we were going to lose him. £2,900 (USD 3737) later, he was all fixed, and we were massively thankful for having invested in pet insurance.

This pet insurance guide details the main types of cat insurance you can purchase and will help you determine which is best for you and your budget.

Finally, the larger size of males can sometimes predispose them to joint and bone issues as they age. Ensuring they maintain a healthy weight and providing joint supplements as recommended by a vet can help mitigate these risks.

Hopefully, your breeder ran the hip dysplasia tests before breeding their kittens. If not, and your cat experiences Feline Hip Dysplasia (like my Pippin did), you need to know this.

While generally robust, the female of the species can also face specific health concerns. For instance, they may be more prone to certain types of urinary tract infections.

Spaying is a crucial health consideration for female Maine Coons, since spayed females have a significantly reduced risk of developing mammary tumors and uterine infections (pyometra).

Social Behavior

Male Maine Coons are typically known for their sociable and affectionate nature, often seeking out human interaction and enjoying being the center of attention.

The male of the species tends to be more outgoing and engaging, making them excellent companions for families and individuals who have plenty of time to devote to their pets.

They are often described as “dog-like” in their loyalty and attachment to their owners, frequently following them around the house and participating in daily activities.

By comparison, the female Maine Coon cat tends to be more independent than their male counterparts, often more reserved, and may not seek out as much attention from their owners.

Females can be just as loving, but they generally show their affection subtly e.g. sitting close by rather than directly on you, or next to you.

This independent streak doesn’t mean they are distant; rather, they form strong bonds with their owners and show their love in quieter, more reserved ways.

Interaction With Other Pets

Maine Coon cats are well known for getting on with other household pets, however, there is a slight difference between the genders that you need to know.

Males

Male Maine Coons typically get along well with other pets, including both cats and dogs. Their playful and friendly nature means they enjoy the company of other animals and can form strong bonds with them.

But …

Don’t your cat near the school ‘pet’ hamster that UK schools like to send primary school children home with for the weekend! I had to guard the hamster’s cage from Pippin, our 20 lb Maine Coon, when my son was asked to look after the hamster!

Males are usually less territorial than female Maine Coons, therefore more willing to share their space and toys. However, their playful behavior can sometimes be overwhelming for more timid pets, so monitor all interactions.

Females

The female Maine Coon tends to be more territorial and cautious around other pets. While they can coexist peacefully, they may take longer to warm up to new animals in the household.

Their independent nature means they may prefer having their own space. However, once their territory is established and they feel secure, they’ll form close and affectionate relationships with other pets.

Females tend to be more observant and strategic in their interactions, choosing to watch from a distance before engaging. This cautious approach leads to more harmonious multi-pet households.

Training

The male of the species is generally very trainable due to its sociable and playful nature. They are known for their intelligence and curiosity, which makes them responsive to training and eager to learn new tricks.

Male Maine Coons often enjoy interactive play and are quick to pick up on commands and routines.

Their desire for human interaction can make them more willing to participate in training sessions, whether it’s learning to fetch, sit, or even walk on a leash.

Female Maine Coons, while equally intelligent, may exhibit a more independent streak, which can affect their trainability!

They are usually responsive to commands, but may not be as eager to participate in training sessions as males. Females learn at their own pace and may require a bit more patience from their owners.

Despite their independence, female Maine Coons are still very trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement but may need more motivation.

Activity Levels

Male Maine Coons are generally more energetic and playful than their female counterparts. Their larger size and muscular build support higher activity levels, and they often enjoy engaging in vigorous play.

Males tend to be more adventurous, exploring their surroundings and seeking out new stimuli. This higher energy level means they require more physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

By comparison, female Maine Coons, while still active and playful, often exhibit a more moderate level of energy compared to males.

They enjoy playtime but may not be as boisterous or demanding of attention. They tend to engage in more calculated and deliberate play, preferring quieter activities like stalking toys or playing gently.

However, female Maine Coons still require regular physical and mental stimulation. Toys that encourage problem-solving and hunting behavior can be particularly engaging for them.

Male Maine Coon tend to be more active during daylight hours, whereas a female Maine Coon prefers to be active during the nighttime.

Here are some tried and tested, awesome cat toys that all three of my Maine Coon boys have enjoyed over the years.

Adaptability

Male Maine Coons generally adapt well to changes in their environment since their sociable and curious nature makes them more resilient to disruptions e.g. moving home.

Males tend to be more outgoing and confident, which can help them acclimate to new surroundings more quickly.

My male Maine Coons have handled multiple moves and changes with relative ease. They quickly explored their new homes, marked their territories, and adjusted to new routines.

By comparison, female Maine Coons can be more cautious and reserved, which might make them slower to adapt to changes. They tend to be more territorial and may take longer to feel comfortable in a new environment.

If you’re bringing home a new pet, you’ll likely find that females exhibit more territorial behavior and require a more gradual introduction process. They prefer to assess new situations from a distance before fully engaging.

Environment

The larger size and higher energy levels of males mean they generally thrive in environments with plenty of space to explore and play. Houses with yards or large indoor areas with vertical spaces (such as cat trees and shelves) are ideal.

Their playful and active nature means they benefit from environments that offer a variety of stimuli and opportunities for physical activity.

However, males can also adapt to apartment living if their need for exercise and mental stimulation is met. Providing ample toys, climbing structures, and interactive playtime can help keep them content in smaller spaces.

The female Maine Coon might suit living in either an apartment or a larger home. Their independent nature means they can entertain themselves more easily, making them adaptable to a range of living conditions.

In apartments, females can thrive with the right enrichment, such as perches near windows to observe the outside world, interactive toys, and cozy spots to retreat to.

Breeding Behavior

During the breeding season, male Maine Coons can exhibit a range of behaviors driven by their instincts to find and attract a mate.

These behaviors can include:

• Increased territorial marking
• Frequent vocalizations
• Attempts to escape the home to find a female

Unneutered males may spray urine to mark their territory and attract females, which can be problematic for indoor living.

Male Maine Coons can become more aggressive during this period, both towards other males and sometimes towards humans, due to heightened levels of testosterone. This may result in fights and injuries if multiple males live together.

Female Maine Coons, when in heat, show behaviors such as increased affection towards their owners, more vocalization, and restlessness. They may roll around on the floor, rub against objects, and present themselves in a mating position.

Females’ vocalizations can be loud and persistent as they call for a mate. The cycle of being in heat can repeat every few weeks during the breeding season if the cat does not mate, which can be taxing for the cat and disruptive to the household.

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are critical procedures that not only help control the pet population but also have significant health and behavioral benefits for Maine Coons.

Neutering males typically reduces or eliminates the undesirable behaviors associated with breeding season, such as:

• Territorial spraying
• Aggression
• Urge to roam

Neutered males are generally more docile and less likely to get into fights, which can lead to a more harmonious household.

Neutering males significantly reduces the risk of testicular cancer and can prevent prostate issues. It also lowers the risk of certain types of tumors and infections related to the reproductive organs.

Spaying females prevents the cyclical heat behaviors that can be stressful for both the cat and the owner.

Spayed females do not go into heat and, therefore do not exhibit the vocalizations and restlessness associated with the breeding cycle. This can result in a calmer and more consistent temperament.

Spaying females before their first heat cycle can drastically reduce the risk of mammary tumors, which are often malignant in cats. It also eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra) and ovarian cancer.

Summary

Choosing between a male vs female Maine Coon cat ultimately depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Both genders have unique characteristics that make them wonderful companions, but they also have distinct differences that may influence your decision.

Male Maine Coon cats are generally more outgoing and eager to please. They enjoy constant interaction and are often described as “dog-like” in their loyalty. Their larger and more muscular build can be a consideration if you prefer a big, robust cat.

Female Maine Coon cats, on the other hand, are often smaller, more reserved and independent. They bond closely with their owners but are less likely to demand constant attention.