The Hidden Price Of A Maine Coon Cat
While the Maine Coon is one of the most loving and popular cat breeds in the world, the price of a Maine Coon cat can be a deterrent for many fans of the breed.
Thankfully, the price varies based on a lot of factors, so you may be able to find one in your price range!
The average Maine Coon costs between $1,000 and $2,000. However, irresponsible breeders or scammers may charge as little as a few hundred dollars, but these cats are more prone to health problems so buyer beware. Maine Coons in rare colors or from Showcat lineage often cost more than $2,000.
If you are determined to get a Maine Coon, it is important to recognize how expensive they are.
Not only do they cost a lot up front, but you also need to purchase a lot of supplies and enrichment so you will need to factor in the lifetime cost of the cat.
Read on to find out if you can afford to care for this incredibly gorgeous and affectionate large cat breed.
Maine Coon Prices 2023 (Cheapest Places To Buy)
What is the price of a Maine Coon cat this year? Keep reading this cat guide to find out!
The Maine Coon is a gentle, affectionate cat breed famous for being the largest domesticated cat breed in the world.
These cats have long, thick fur that comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns.
Click here to view all the Maine Coon color and pattern options.
The popularity of this breed has soared over the last few decades, but this also means it can be hard to find a good breeder.
Here’s a great place to start if you live in the US.
So, how much does a Maine Coon cat cost?
The answer to this query is going to depend on a lot of factors, but the average price of a Maine Coon cat ranges between $1,000 and $3,000.
It is possible to find a Maine Coon cat for less, however, but it is usually better to purchase a Maine Coon kitten from a responsible breeder.
If you are wondering, what’s the average price of a Maine Coon cat, take a look at the list of general Maine Coon prices you can expect:
Backyard Breeder
Even though Maine Coons from backyard breeders usually cost between $200 and $1,000, this is also the riskiest way to purchase a Maine Coon kitten.
These breeders are not registered with any breed clubs and are often motivated by profit.
Since breeding cats is a long, expensive process, most responsible breeders hardly make any money.
Backyard breeders that sell Maine Coons cheaply are almost certainly cutting corners.
Furthermore, it is impossible to know if the cat you are getting has received good healthcare, or if the cat is even a Maine Coon at all!
Maine Coon Mix
Since Maine Coon mixes only have some Maine Coon lineage, they are usually much cheaper.
The pricing for a Maine Coon mix usually ranges from $300 to $600.
However, since registered breeders only focus on purebred cats, it can also be risky to get a Maine Coon mix.
Most Maine Coon breeders do not allow their customers to breed their cats. And, if they do, they only allow them to be bred with other purebred Maine Coons.
A lot of Maine Coon mixes come from backyard breeders, so be careful if you are specifically looking for a mixed Maine Coon cat.
Adoption Or Rescue
If you are lucky enough, you may be able to get a Maine Coon for adoption.
This is the cheapest way to get a Maine Coon, since they only cost the shelter adoption fee, which is usually between $100 and $250.
There are also a few rescue centers that only focus on Maine Coons and Maine Coon mixes.
These centers are few and far between, so this is usually only a good option if you happen to live close to one.
Ex-Breeder Cat
Some breeders choose to sell retired breeding cats. However, most breeders choose to keep their retired kings and queens, since they usually develop close bonds with all of their cats.
While you may expect an ex-breeder cat to cost less, that is not necessarily the case.
Breeding cats of exceptional appearance and lineage can often cost $2,000 or more!
Giant Maine Coon Cat
If you want a giant Maine Coon, you might wonder about the price of a large Maine Coon cat.
This is tricky, though, since breeders typically only sell kittens and there is no way to determine what size a kitten will be when fully grown.
Whilst it is possible to purchase a kitten from large cat parents, this is not a guarantee that your kitten will also grow to be big!
Purebred Adult or Senior
Purebred Maine Coons cost a lot more than mixes, but having proof that your cat is purebred is worth a lot to many owners.
Some people assume that getting an adult or senior cat will be cheaper, but they are actually much more difficult to find.
Breeders rarely sell adult or senior Maine Coons, and if they do, they do not cost less than a kitten.
Purebred Kitten
The most sought-after Maine Coons are purebred kittens. These usually start at $1,000 but can cost more than $3,000 depending on lineage and coloration.
If you want a purebred kitten, there are a lot of variations that will impact its price.
Here are some of the factors that breeders take into consideration when finding out how much is a Maine Coon cat worth (source 1):
1. Color
If you want a solid black or white Maine Coon, or a regular black or brown tabby, then you will not have to pay as much.
However, rare and popular colors and patterns like gold or silver smoke, shaded, and shell cost much, much more!
2. Lineage
The ancestry of a Maine Coon is a very important factor when it comes to cost. If your Maine Coon’s parents were winning show cats, you can expect to pay a lot more.
Maine Coons with large parents that are known for producing equally large children are also going to cost more.
3. Style
There are two different styles of Maine Coon. While they are both recognized as the same breed, their appearance varies slightly.
American Maine Coons have a softer look, with a less defined muzzle and smaller noses.
The style known as the European Maine Coon has a broader nose and muzzle, and a more wild look.
Depending on where you live, American Maine Coons and European Maine Coons might be more expensive if they have to be imported.
4. Gender
If you are wondering why are male Maine Coons more expensive, there are two reasons.
Firstly, male Maine Coons are known to be a bit more easygoing and friendly towards strangers.
Secondly, male Maine Coons are much more likely to be big!
Female Maine Coons usually only weigh between 8 and 12 pounds, while male Maine Coons weigh between 15 and 25 pounds on average.
Average Price Of Maine Coons Around The World
If you are looking for a Maine Coon, no matter where you are, there is a chance you will be able to find this beautiful breed.
Here is a quick look at the cost of Maine Coons in different parts of the world (source 1,2,3):
| Price Of Maine Coons Around The World | Various Currencies |
|---|---|
| Maine Coon Cost USA | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Price of Maine Coon Cat UK | £750 – £1,000 |
| Cost of Maine Coon Kitten in Australia | $1,000 AUD – $3,000 AUD |
| Price of Maine Coon Cat in India | 40,000 INR – 45,000 INR |
| Price of Maine Coon in the Philippines | 45,000 PHP – 60,000 PHP |
| Table created by Maine Coon Central | April 2023 |
How Much Does It Cost To Keep A Maine Coon Cat?
As expensive as Maine Coons are, once you finally have the kitten of your dreams, you are not out of the woods yet!
Caring for a Maine Coon requires a lot of one-time and recurring expenses.
If you are wondering, are Maine Coons expensive to keep, take a look at their requirements below, as well as the yearly cat costs you can expect to incur (source 1,2,3):
Spaying and Neutering
Most Maine Coon breeders require that you spay or neuter your cat once they are the proper age.
This procedure usually costs between $200 and $400.
For more information on the best age to neuter a Maine Coon kitten, read this guide.
Vet Visits and Vaccinations
You can usually expect to pay around $200 per year for routine checkups and vaccinations.
If your cat is sick or injured, though, you may end up paying a lot more since emergency vet care can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
Insurance
To avoid spending thousands of dollars on emergency care, you may want to consider getting pet insurance. Make sure you read this guide first.
This can cost between $6 and $40 per month, depending on your cat’s health and pre-existing conditions.
Food
Since Maine Coons are so big and active you may be wondering, how much does it cost to feed a Maine Coon cat?
These cats require a mix of high-quality wet and dry food. Per month, you can expect this to cost at least $50 per month.
Kittens eat a lot more than adults, so you can expect your first year or so to be more expensive.
Litter
Another cost of owning a cat is litter, which usually costs between $10 and $40 per month.
This depends on how many cats you have in your home, as well as the type and brand of litter you use.
Toys
Maine Coons are very intelligent and active. If they do not have lots of interactive, durable toys, they can become bored and destructive.
You should provide new toys often, and make sure to rotate toys so your cat does not get bored.
These are my favorite Maine Coon cat toys.
Cat Carrier
You will need a high-quality cat carrier for travel and vet visits.
Since Maine Coons can grow very big most cat carriers will not be big enough, so make sure you check the cat carrier sizes before purchasing.
You should purchase either an XL cat carrier or opt for a dog carrier. Plan on spending $40 to $60 for a good carrier.
Litter Tray
Most litter boxes cost between $15 and $30, but larger or robotic litter boxes can cost much more.
The consensus is to have one litter box for each cat in your house.
Here are our recommended litter boxes, for your extra-large cat.
Scratching Post
You will need an extra tall scratching post for your Maine Coon to stretch and claw at.
Make sure to get one made with high-quality sisal rope, as it will last much longer.
Good scratching posts are usually about $50.
Grooming Supplies
You will need nail clippers and a brush set, which will cost between $30 and $50 altogether.
You may want to consider getting some cat-safe shampoo in case of accidents.
Cat Tree
Maine Coons love climbing and jumping.
You will need to purchase an extra large, extra durable cat tree (or two!) so your Maine Coon can satisfy all of its exercise needs.
Good cat trees are usually $200 to $400 or more.
You may also want to consider installing shelves on the walls for your cat to run along.
Why Are Maine Coons So Expensive?
A lot of people are confused by the cost of this breed and wonder, why do Maine Coons cost so much?
While some may assume that breeders are just charging too much, raising Maine Coons is very expensive.
Here are the costs that go into breeding and raising Maine Coon kittens:
1. Purchasing Breeding Cats
To get started as a breeder or cattery, you will need at least one queen.
A pedigree Maine Coon used for breeding will cost at least $4,000.
Most breeders and catteries have several breeding queens and kings.
Some breeders choose to rent studs rather than purchase them, but even stud fees are expensive, often costing the breeder about $2,000!
2. Genetic Screening
All good breeders order genetic testing on all of their breeding cats for conditions like:
Each genetic test costs about $50, which can really add up when you realize how many cats there are in a cattery.
3. Checkups
Breeders have to provide regular checkups for all of their pregnant and nursing queens, as well as vet visits for all of their kittens.
Good breeders go the extra mile and have much more frequent vet visits than the average cat owner.
4. Registration Fees
Breeders have to pay a registration fee for every kitten they sell, or else they will not be considered a true pedigree.
5. Microchips
Microchipping a cat costs about $50.
Registered breeders microchip all of their kittens before sending them to their new homes.
6. Deworming
Kittens require several rounds of deworming to ensure they are completely parasite-free before they are sent home.
7. Vaccinations
Kittens also need several rounds of vaccinations.
Considering each kitten in a litter needs to be vaccinated about three times, this adds up!
8. Living Space
Maine Coon breeders need a lot of living space to ensure all of their cats feel comfortable and secure.
Studs often need their own, separate living space to reduce spraying and behavioral problems.
Each queen also needs her own space where she can raise her kittens.
9. Food And Other Supplies
Breeders need to pay for toys, food, litter, cat trees, and all of the other supplies that go into raising cats.
Considering most catteries have several breeding cats as well as their kittens, these costs add up quickly!
10. Time
If you are still wondering why are Maine Coons so expensive, just remember how much time breeders put into caring for their kittens.
Pregnant queens require a lot of monitoring and care. When they are pregnant, breeders have to be ready for her to deliver at any moment!
Caring for kittens often means that they have to be awake late at night, too.
Where Can You Buy A Maine Coon Cat?
If you Are looking for a Maine Coon, there are thousands of places to look. However, not all of them are a good idea!
Here are the places you can buy a Maine Coon, from least to most reputable:
Backyard Breeder
Backyard breeders are easy to find on Craigslist, Petfinder, and the like. They may claim to be registered, but unless you get proof of their registration, be wary!
Backyard breeders often sell their Maine Coons for less than $1,000, which shows they might be cutting corners by denying proper supplies or healthcare to their cats.
Online Groups
It is possible to find kittens for sale on places like Facebook or Instagram, but beware!
There are many backyard breeders and scammers who disguise themselves by pretending to have an unexpected litter and offering steep rehoming fees.
Still, if you are careful, you may be able to find a Maine Coon locally from someone who ended up with a surprise litter.
Shelters And Rescues
Shelters and rescues are a great way to find a cheap Maine Coon cat.
But, unless the cat comes with its own registration papers or you pay for a genetic test on your own, there is no way to know if the cat is actually a Maine Coon.
Registered Breeders
Registered breeders are part of a breed club or governing cat body, like TICA or CFA.
These breeders have paperwork certifying all of their cats’ pedigrees and provide high-quality care to all of their kittens.
They also provide genetic screening for all of their breeding parents to ensure their offspring do not suffer from underlying conditions.
How To Find A Reputable Maine Coon Breeder
If you are looking for a purebred Maine Coon, your best bet is through a registered breeder like these ones.
So, how do you find a Maine Coon breeder?
Here are some ways you can ensure your breeder is responsible:
- Cat Magazines: Cat magazines like Cat Fancy often have lists of breeders who have paid to advertise themselves in the magazine. This is a great way to find lists of breeders who have already been vetted.
- Cat Shows: One great way to meet breeders is to go to cat shows! Not only is this a fun and informative experience, but you are sure to meet breeders who are reputable and responsible, especially if you see their Maine Coons winning ribbons!
- Proof Of Registration: If you find a breeder online, you should ask for proof that they are registered with a breed club or governing cat body. They should be able to show you some kind of paperwork that details the lineage of their breeding cats or their official registration.
- Ask Lots Of Questions: An irresponsible breeder will usually become apparent if you ask the right questions. Ask them how often they breed each of their cats, and at what age they began breeding. Find out what kind of food and litter they provide, and who their vet is. You can also ask for recommendations from previous clients.
Are Maine Coon Cats High Maintenance?
The Maine Coon is a charming, wonderful breed, but are they high maintenance?
When it comes to care, they are considered medium maintenance. When it comes to cost, though, they are usually on the upper end.
Maine Coons eat a lot more than the average cat since they are usually much larger and more active.
While all cats need high-quality food with lots of protein, this is especially important for Maine Coons, or else they can become malnourished.
Since Maine Coons are so big, you will also need to spend extra time and care purchasing things like:
A lot of beds and furniture designed for cats are simply too small for Maine Coons.
Oftentimes, Maine Coon owners have to purchase furniture designed for dogs to meet their Maine Coon’s needs.
Furthermore, you will need to spend more money on toys.
Maine Coons are so intelligent that they often become bored with regular cat toys. They also tend to play rougher than most cats, so they destroy cheaper toys much more quickly.
It is a good idea to get lots of durable, interactive toys that your Maine Coon can chase around while you are busy.
One nice thing about Maine Coons is that they are less likely to suffer from health problems than other cat breeds.
While they are prone to some conditions, most of these underlying health problems are genetically screened by breeders.
Are Maine Coons Worth The Money?
This is a tricky question to answer because it really depends on the person.
Most Maine Coon owners will heartily agree that yes, their Maine Coon is worth every cent!
However, if you purchase a Maine Coon without realizing just how expensive it can be, you might not feel the same way.
Maine Coons are loving, gentle, playful cats that form strong bonds with their owners. Since they require a lot of supplies, time, and attention, though, this breed is not for everybody.
It is a good idea to make sure you can afford a Maine Coon and all of the additional costs that come with owning a cat before committing to one.
Conclusion
The price of a Maine Coon cat usually ranges between $1,000 and $3,000, but they can be even more expensive if they come in a rare color or pattern, or come from show cat lineage.
Before getting a Maine Coon, though, it is important to note that you will have to pay a lot more than the upfront cost.
Maine Coons need a lot of toys, furniture, and supplies, and you will also need to pay for healthcare.
Related Questions
How Much Does A Maine Coon Cat Weigh?
Maine Coons weigh between 8 and 25 pounds. Females are usually lighter than males.
White Maine Coon Price
White Maine Coons usually cost around $1,500.
Blue Maine Coon Cat Price
Blue Maine Coons usually cost about $1,500 to $3,000.
Grey Maine Coon Cat Price
Grey Maine Coons usually cost about $1,500.
Red Maine Coon Price
Red Maine Coons generally cost between $1,000 and $2,500.
