Pros And Cons Of Maine Coon Cats: An Owner’s Experience
Maine Coons are famous for their enormous size, affectionate personalities, and beautiful shaggy coats. But are they actually good pets, and what are the disadvantages of owning one?
After more than 14 years of living with Maine Coons, I’ve discovered that these gentle giants are wonderfully entertaining companions, but they can also be expensive, demanding, messy, and surprisingly hard work.
If you are new to the breed, start with my complete guide, What is a Maine Coon? before deciding whether this breed is right for your home.
Quick Answer
Maine Coons make excellent pets for owners who want an affectionate, intelligent, playful, and sociable companion. They are often good with children and other pets, but individual personalities vary. Their main disadvantages are heavy shedding, regular grooming, expensive food and veterinary care, large equipment requirements, and their need for attention and enrichment.
After owning Pippin, Mika, and Bali, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but only if you’re prepared for the responsibility of owning such a large, interactive cat.
Pros And Cons Of Maine Coon Cats At A Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Friendly and sociable | Need regular grooming |
| Often good with children | Shed a lot |
| Intelligent and trainable | Can become bored or mischievous |
| Playful and entertaining | Need large cat furniture and equipment |
| Affectionate and loyal | Can be expensive to feed and insure |
| Often good with other pets | May have inherited health risks |
| Can live indoors with enrichment | Need daily attention and stimulation |
| Dog-like personality | Some are vocal and persistent |
| Beautiful, impressive appearance | Health problems can be emotionally difficult |
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The Pros Of Owning A Maine Coon Cat
Many of the biggest pros and cons of owning a Maine Coon come from the breed’s personality. Their sociable, intelligent, and people-focused nature can make them wonderful companions, but it also means they need attention, enrichment, and owner involvement. For a deeper look at how this breed behaves, read my full guide to Maine Coon personality.
1. Maine Coons Are Friendly And Sociable
One of the biggest reasons people love Maine Coons is their friendly, people-focused nature.
Many Maine Coons enjoy being near their owners, following them from room to room, greeting people at the door, and quietly supervising household life. They are often described as dog-like because they seem genuinely interested in what their humans are doing.
Pippin was particularly friendly because we raised him from a young kitten. He loved introducing himself to strangers, greeted visitors confidently, and adapted well to family life. He was the sort of Maine Coon who made people feel as if they had come to visit him personally.
Bali was different. He started friendly but cautious, likely because we adopted him as an adult. Over the years, though, his confidence has grown. He now willingly greets cat sitters and visitors at the door, even though he is still a scaredy cat underneath.
Mika is much more nervous and is scared of his own shadow. He proves an important point: Maine Coons are often sociable, but breed traits are not guarantees. Genetics, early socialization, previous experiences, and environment all shape personality.
2. Maine Coons Can Be Excellent Family Cats
Maine Coons are often good family cats because many are patient, gentle, and tolerant.
Pippin grew up alongside my children and seemed to understand that young children move unpredictably. He tolerated clumsy petting and formed a close bond with our family.
Since adopting Bali, a similar bond has developed, although our children know they need to be more cautious around Mika because he was not raised with children and can react if startled.
This is why I would never say Maine Coons are automatically perfect with children. A well-socialized Maine Coon can be wonderful in a family home, but children still need to be taught how to behave around cats.
Children should always be taught to respect a cat’s boundaries. This means avoiding rough handling, tail pulling, chasing, forced cuddles, and disturbing a sleeping cat. They should also recognize warning signs such as hissing, growling, tail flicking, or attempts to move away. Even the most patient Maine Coon needs somewhere quiet to retreat when family life becomes overwhelming.
3. Maine Coons Are Intelligent And Trainable
Maine Coons are clever cats. They often learn routines quickly, enjoy puzzle toys, and can be trained using positive reinforcement.
Watch Mika complete a complicated dog treat puzzle on my YouTube channel.
This intelligence makes Maine Coons surprisingly trainable. Some learn to play fetch, come when called, walk on a harness, use puzzle feeders, or respond to simple commands. Pippin learned to shake hands, Mika can solve challenging dog treat puzzles, and Bali loves playing fetch. Their different abilities have shown me how rewarding it can be to keep these clever cats mentally stimulated.
However, intelligence is also a double-edged sword. A bored Maine Coon may invent its own entertainment, such as opening cupboards, scratching furniture, jumping onto counters, pawing at doors, or demanding attention loudly.
Mika is very treat-motivated, so I have to watch his weight when using puzzle toys. For food-driven cats, it is better to use measured portions of their daily food allowance rather than endless extra treats.
For practical enrichment ideas, read how to keep a Maine Coon entertained. For training support, use my guide on how to train a Maine Coon cat.
4. Maine Coons Are Affectionate, But Not All Are Lap Cats
Not every Maine Coon wants to sit on your lap. Some show affection by following you around, sleeping nearby, head-butting, chirping, or simply choosing to spend time in the same room. Mika is a perfect example. He is affectionate in his own way, even though he has never been a lap cat.
Pippin was the most affectionate cat I have ever owned. He licked our hands, arms, and faces, and as he aged, he became a devoted lap cat.
Bali adores physical closeness, too, but he does not always sit neatly. He prefers to stretch across us, which is sweet but can also lead to all of us overheating and interrupted sleep.
A Maine Coon does not need to be a lap cat to be loving.
5. Maine Coons Are Playful And Entertaining
Maine Coons often remain playful well into adulthood. They may chase toys, carry objects around, play fetch, race through the house, jump onto cat trees, or stalk ribbons with intense concentration.
Bali often experiences intense early-evening zoomies, sprinting across our wooden floors at full speed and sliding to a stop on his claws. If you value pristine flooring, be warned: my once beautiful oak floors are now covered in scratches from enthusiastic feline drifting!
All three of my Maine Coons have loved playing with thick, long ribbons. If you plan the game carefully, two cats can play with the same ribbon at the same time, each attacking a different end. It is funny, active, and a brilliant way to get them moving together.
Ribbon play must always be supervised, though. Long ribbons, string, wool, and similar toys can be dangerous if swallowed, so they should be put away safely after play.
For toy ideas, read my guide to the best toys for Maine Coon cats.
6. Maine Coons Are Communicative And Expressive
Maine Coons are famous for their chirps, trills, chatter, warbles, and conversational noises.
Some do meow, but many owners notice a wider range of sounds than expected. These noises are often used for greeting, excitement, play, attention, food requests, or general conversation.
Bali will pace outside our bedroom, chirping loudly when he decides it is playtime. Sometimes he leaves a toy at the door like a gift. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the middle of a work call, if Bali thinks it’s playtime!
Mika communicates by standing upright on his hind legs and pawing repeatedly at the closed door while talking nonstop until his demands are met. He also likes to chat as he walks up to us, as if he has a long list of things to say!
This is charming, but owners should be realistic. Maine Coons are not always quiet cats. If they want something, some will tell you repeatedly.
You can watch Mika chatting away to me on my Maine Coon Central YouTube channel. His constant conversations are one of the things I love most about his personality!
For more on unusual Maine Coon sounds, read why Maine Coons chirp, trill, and make weird noises.
7. Maine Coons Can Live Happily Indoors With Enrichment
Maine Coons can be good indoor cats if their environment is set up properly. They’ll need more than a food bowl and a sofa, though. These are large, intelligent, active cats that need places to climb, scratch, hide, stretch, observe, and play.
Indoor Maine Coons benefit from:
- Large, sturdy cat trees and scratching posts
- Daily interactive play and puzzle feeders
- Comfortable resting places and window views
- Extra-large litter boxes
- Safe places to hide and retreat
- Enough room to climb, explore, and stretch
A secure outdoor enclosure or supervised harness walks can also provide additional enrichment for suitable cats.
If you are planning an indoor setup, read my article: Can Maine Coon cats be kept indoors? and my guide to the best cat trees for Maine Coons.
8. Maine Coons Often Get Along With Other Pets
Maine Coons often do well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs because many are sociable, confident, and companionship-focused.
However, introductions still need to be gradual. Even a friendly Maine Coon can become stressed if a new pet is introduced too quickly. Scent swapping, separate rooms, supervised meetings, and safe retreat spaces are still important.
Here’s a full guide on How to introduce your Maine Coon cat to a dog.
Maine Coons should also be kept away from small pets such as hamsters, mice, rats, birds, or rabbits unless there is secure separation. They are still cats with hunting instincts.
When my daughter was 8 and announced it was her turn to look after the school’s hamster for the weekend, I was horrified! Pippin was immediately VERY interested in the hamster that entered the house, and I had to take special measures to keep it safe in our open-plan home!
9. Maine Coons Are Beautiful And Impressive
Maine Coons have an unmistakable appearance, with large muscular bodies, shaggy coats, bushy tails, tufted ears, and expressive faces.
Pippin and Mika are particularly impressive examples, with the substantial frames and thick coats people associate with the breed. Their coats also come in an enormous variety of colors and patterns, which I explain in my Maine Coon colors and patterns guide.
The Cons Of Owning A Maine Coon Cat
1. Maine Coons Shed A Lot
Shedding is a daily reality with Maine Coons.
While Pippin shed moderately, Mika and Bali shed heavily. I think it feels more intense with the brothers, as when they play-fight, Mika’s thick fur flies EVERYWHERE …I’m surprised he has any left!!
Mika’s fur sticks stubbornly to cushions and clothing, and after vacuuming, one play fight can undo all your efforts.
Heavy shedding means regular vacuuming, fur-covered clothing, extra brushing, and occasionally dealing with hairballs. Loose undercoat can also contribute to tangles and mats if it isn’t removed. I’ve found that coat texture makes a considerable difference. Bali’s silky fur is relatively easy to maintain, whereas Mika’s thicker coat requires much more attention.
If shedding is a concern, read my Maine Coon grooming guide.
2. Maine Coons Need Regular Grooming
Maine Coons are not low-maintenance cats. Their coats can be easier than some long-haired breeds, but they still need regular grooming, especially around the armpits, belly, back legs, tail base, and ruff.
Mats can form quickly, and once they become tight, they pull painfully at the skin.
Pippin developed Maine Coon Arthritis and mild Hip Dysplasia as he aged. His fur was prone to painful knots, and brushing often caused discomfort, which led to defensive behavior. He would lash out when grooming became painful.
This is one of the hardest lessons I learned. What looks like aggression may actually be pain, fear, or a memory of previous discomfort.
Mika also dislikes too much handling and can become overstimulated, or frankly, just annoyed at being groomed in general! Bali is easier to groom because his coat is silkier, but he still needs regular care.
Most Maine Coons benefit from brushing several times a week, with more frequent grooming during shedding periods. Regular nail trimming, mat checks, dental care, and occasional professional grooming may also be necessary.
For a full grooming routine, read how to groom a Maine Coon cat and Maine Coon matted fur.
3. Maine Coons Can Be Expensive To Own
Maine Coons are expensive cats to buy, feed, insure, and treat medically.
Pippin cost £650 from a hobby breeder more than 15 years ago. Today, many Maine Coon kittens cost around £1,000-£2,000 or more, depending on breeder, location, pedigree, health testing, and demand.
Mika and Bali were adopted together for £450, which looked cheaper upfront. However, they arrived with dental disease, including gingivitis and teeth that needed to be removed. My insurance refused to cover pre-existing dental issues, which ultimately cost me thousands in unexpected costs.
These are examples of actual expenses from my own household in the UK, including some current costs and some historical veterinary bills. Prices vary depending on location, provider, and each cat’s individual needs:
- 7kg premium dry food bag: around £75 every 7 weeks for two cats in 2026
- Bali dental surgery: £690 in 2025 for one tooth removed, scale and polish
- Mika’s dental surgery: £720 for one tooth removed
- Lifetime insurance for two Maine Coons: £85 per month in 2026
- Bali’s emergency urinary hospital stay: over £3,500, thankfully covered by his lifetime insurance
- Pippin’s potential hip replacement quote: £7,500 in 2022 (for one hip only).
For more details, read how much Maine Coon cats cost and my Maine Coon pet insurance guide.
4. Health Problems Can Be Emotionally Difficult
Maine Coons can be strong, hardy cats, but they are not free from health problems.
Losing Pippin at just 10 years old was devastating. He developed sudden paralysis in his hindquarters and had to be euthanized. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was suspected, although I cannot say with certainty that he had the condition. His experience made me especially aware of how quickly serious health problems can change life with a much-loved cat.
Before that, he had a bent tail canal injury, arthritis, hip dysplasia, a urinary tract infection, and repeated specialist hospital visits. Some trips involved more than 1.5 hours of driving each way, which added stress for both him and us.
Maine Coons have several recognized breed-associated health concerns, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). They can also develop other feline health problems, including dental disease, arthritis, and obesity-related joint strain. These conditions do not affect every Maine Coon, but they are important reasons to choose responsible breeders, arrange appropriate veterinary screening, and maintain suitable pet insurance.
Regular veterinary care is essential throughout a Maine Coon’s life. My Maine Coon annual vet checkup guide explains what owners should discuss with their veterinarian.
5. Maine Coons Need Attention And Companionship
Maine Coons are sociable cats that often enjoy being involved in daily family life. Many need regular interaction, play, and mental stimulation to remain happy. A bored or lonely Maine Coon may become restless, excessively vocal, withdrawn, or destructive. However, every cat is different, and some cope better with time alone than others.
Another cat can provide companionship, but it doesn’t replace the attention and care owners need to provide. If you want a largely independent pet that requires minimal interaction, a Maine Coon may not be your best choice.
6. Maine Coons Can Be Messy
Some Maine Coons are messy with water and food.
Mika is a perfect example. He will lie with his paws wrapped around the pet water fountain and stick his entire face into the flow of water, soaking the front of his face. It is funny, messy, and very Maine Coon-like: curious, sensory, and completely committed to whatever has caught his interest.
Some Maine Coons also use their paws to scoop food or water, drag dry food out of bowls, splash in fountains, or leave trails of litter because of their large paws and long toe tufts.
I’ve found that waterproof feeding mats, stable water fountains, and large, high-sided litter boxes help contain some of the mess. However, no amount of preparation completely prevents a determined Maine Coon from splashing water or scattering litter!
If litter tracking is a problem, my guide to stopping Maine Coons from tracking litter explains what helps.
7. Maine Coons Can Be Nervous Or Overstimulated
The “gentle giant” label can make people assume Maine Coons are always calm, confident, and tolerant. That is not true.
Mika is highly sensitive to overstimulation. Even at eight years old, he can switch quickly from enjoying affection to needing space. Overstimulation can happen during play or petting and may escalate within seconds.
Something as small as the sound of sneakers on our wooden floors causes him visible anxiety. He will run and hide despite there being no real threat.
Bali is much gentler, but he still has nervous traits likely linked to limited early socialization. Pippin, by contrast, was confident and sociable from kittenhood.
Early socialization can help kittens become more comfortable with people, everyday sounds, and handling. However, temperament also reflects genetics and individual experiences. Adult cats can continue building confidence through patient, positive interactions.
For nervous cats, read Why is my Maine Coon so scared? and Are Maine Coons shy?.
8. Maine Coons Can Damage Floors and Furniture
Maine Coons are large, powerful cats, and their size can magnify ordinary feline behavior. Enthusiastic running, jumping, climbing, and scratching can damage wooden floors, furniture, and household items. Bali’s zoomies have certainly taught me that lesson!
Regular claw trimming, sturdy scratching posts, suitable cat trees, and strategically placed rugs can help reduce damage. However, prospective owners should accept that living with an active, large cat may result in some wear and tear.
Is a Maine Coon Right for You?
A Maine Coon may be an excellent choice if you enjoy affectionate, intelligent, interactive cats and have time for regular grooming, play, and companionship. You’ll also need enough space for large cat equipment and a realistic budget for food, insurance, and veterinary care.
However, Maine Coons may not suit people who want a quiet, low-maintenance cat, dislike shedding, spend long periods away from home, or cannot accommodate potentially expensive veterinary treatment. Most importantly, don’t choose a Maine Coon expecting every cat to be confident, cuddly, and outgoing. As Pippin, Mika, and Bali have taught me, individual personalities can vary enormously.
Related Maine Coon Guides
Still deciding whether a Maine Coon is the right cat for you? These guides cover some of the most important questions:
- What Is a Maine Coon? – A complete introduction to the breed.
- Maine Coon Personality – Understand their affectionate, intelligent, and sometimes demanding nature.
- Price of a Maine Coon Cat – Explore the costs involved in buying a Maine Coon.
- Maine Coon Grooming and Care – Learn how to maintain their beautiful coats and manage common grooming challenges.
FAQs About Maine Coon Pros And Cons
Are Maine Coons Good Pets?
Maine Coons can be excellent pets for the right owner. They are usually friendly, intelligent, playful, affectionate, and sociable. However, they need grooming, enrichment, space, attention, insurance, and regular veterinary care.
What Are The Main Downsides Of Maine Coon Cats?
The main downsides are shedding, grooming, high ownership costs, possible health issues, large equipment needs, attention needs, and the risk of boredom if they are not mentally stimulated.
Are Maine Coons High Maintenance?
Maine Coons are medium to high maintenance. They need regular grooming, daily enrichment, large cat furniture, good food, nail care, dental care, and proper veterinary support.
Are Maine Coons Aggressive?
Maine Coons are not usually aggressive, but any cat can lash out if frightened, overstimulated, in pain, or handled too roughly. Pain from mats, arthritis, dental disease, or hip problems can trigger defensive behavior.
Can Maine Coons Be Left Alone?
Maine Coons can be left alone for normal periods, but many do not cope well with long hours of isolation every day. They need companionship, play, grooming, and mental stimulation.
Conclusion: Maine Coon Pros And Cons
After more than 14 years of owning Maine Coons, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the breed to someone who understands what they’re taking on. Pippin, Mika, and Bali have brought enormous happiness into my life, but they’ve also taught me that these cats are not all alike. One was exceptionally confident and affectionate, another is clever but nervous, and the third is playful, loving, and wonderfully demanding.
The biggest advantages of owning a Maine Coon are their affection, intelligence, playful personalities, and companionship. The disadvantages include grooming, shedding, expensive veterinary care, and the time and attention they need.
For me, the positives have always outweighed the negatives, even through difficult health problems and heartbreaking losses.
My advice? Choose a Maine Coon because you love the breed’s personality and are prepared to care for one throughout its life, not simply because you love the way these magnificent cats look.
