REAL Pros And Cons Of Maine Coon Cats (From A Multi-Maine-Coon Household)
Maine Coons are often marketed as gentle giants, dog-like cats, and perfect family pets. And while there is a lot of truth in those labels, the reality of living with one (or several) is far more nuanced.
These cats are not a low-maintenance upgrade from a standard moggy – they are a lifestyle choice.
I live with multiple Maine Coons (Bali, Mika, and previously Pippin), and while I wouldn’t swap the experience for anything, I also think prospective owners deserve absolute honesty.
Some of the things people love most about Maine Coons are also the exact traits that can drive you mad if you weren’t prepared for them.
This article doesn’t just list generic pros and cons – it explains what those traits actually look like in real life.
The Pros Of Maine Coon Cats
Discover the real truth about this large domesticated cat breed:
1. Gentle Giants (In Both Body And Nature)
One of the most loved traits of Maine Coons is their reputation as gentle giants, and for the most part, that reputation is well deserved.
Bali and Pippin, in particular, have always been large, calm, and physically gentle cats. They are the type of cats who will happily sprawl across the floor, completely blocking a doorway, especially if the sun happens to be shining in that exact spot.
They don’t flinch when you step around them, they don’t dart off nervously, and they don’t react aggressively when nudged. They simply stretch, roll slightly, and continue lounging as if the house were designed around them.
That said, temperament still matters. Mika is also large, but his gentleness comes with boundaries. He likes affection, but very much on his terms. When respected, he is affectionate and playful. When ignored, he will make his feelings known.
2. Exceptionally Sociable – But Shaped By Early Life
Maine Coons are famously sociable cats, but how that sociability shows up depends heavily on early socialisation.
Pippin was raised from a young kitten in a busy household and grew into a cat who confidently approached strangers, inspected visitors, and sat nearby observing everything.
Bali, however, was adopted and is more cautious. He will approach, sniff, and retreat, watching from a safe distance before deciding whether interaction is worthwhile.
Mika was adopted at 4 years old and is a completely different story. He’s genuinely scared of his own shadow! Delivery drivers pulling onto the driveway trigger growling, followed immediately by retreat. He wants to be brave, but fear always wins.
This contrast matters because many people assume all Maine Coons are confident extroverts. In reality, their sociability is shaped as much by upbringing as by breed.
3. Brilliant With Children
If you have children, a well-socialised Maine Coon can be an outstanding family cat. Bali bonded with my son Zachary almost immediately. He is calm, tolerant, and non-reactive, and can often be found snuggled on Zachary’s bed.
This calm nature made Bali a perfect cat for a child to learn how to interact respectfully with animals.
There has never been aggression, no scratching out of irritation, and no sudden defensive reactions. That steadiness is one of the Maine Coon’s greatest strengths as a family pet.
4. Highly Intelligent (Sometimes Too Intelligent)
Maine Coons are clever – sometimes inconveniently so!
For example, Mika has worked out how to get cat treats out of a dog treat toy, something none of my previous cats ever managed.
He also opens doors using his paws, or failing that, sheer body mass. If something can be pushed, shoved, or levered open, Mika will attempt it. He literally smashed the cat flap open, because he decided he wanted to go outside whilst we slept!
This intelligence makes them fun and interactive, but it also means you cannot assume cupboards, doors, or “out of reach” items are safe.
Watch Mika complete a complicated dog treat puzzle on my YouTube channel.
5. Playful Without Being Hyperactive
Despite their size, Maine Coons are not typically frantic or destructive players.
Pippin and Bali have always played gently, batting toys rather than attacking hands. Bali also loves to catch the laser pointer or play fetch with his toy mouse.
By comparison, Mika prefers rougher play, which took some adjustment! We quickly learned that playing with hands was a mistake. Long ribbon toys became essential, allowing Mika to chase, leap, and grab without turning our arms into scratching posts.
Understanding and adapting to their play style makes a huge difference to harmony in the home.
6. They Are Exceptionally Affectionate
Maine Coons don’t just “like” their humans – they involve themselves in everything.
Bali, for example, shows affection by head-butting you repeatedly if he feels ignored. If you’re holding your phone, he will actively try to knock it out of your hand.
Sitting down on a bean bag for five minutes of peace? Not happening. You will be climbed on, nudged, or gently assaulted with love until attention is restored.
This isn’t aloof cat affection. It’s persistent, physical, and very hard to ignore.
For people who want a cat that behaves more like a needy toddler than a decorative pet, this is a huge positive.
The Cons Of Maine Coon Cats (That People Don’t Admit)
1. The Fur… And What Gets Stuck In It!
Let’s address the reality: long fur and litter trays do not always mix well. All three of my Maine Coons have, at various points, suffered from what can only be described as “dangle berries”.
Yes – poop stuck in their long bottom fur. And yes, sometimes that poop ends up on the wooden floor. It’s unpleasant, unavoidable at times, and something owners rarely talk about openly.
Regular grooming helps, but even with trimming and hygiene routines, accidents happen. If you are squeamish, this is not the breed for you.
2. They Are Vocal – Relentlessly So!
Maine Coons are talkers. Not occasional meowers … FULL-TIME communicators. They chirp, trill, howl, complain, nag, and announce their presence constantly.
Mika will nag until he gets what he wants, following me around the house until I work out what he’s after.
On the plus side, though, he genuinely appears to say “please” and “thank you” when a door is opened. On the downside, the noise never fully stops. It’s been embarrassing when the cats decide to join work conference calls!
If you want a quiet cat, Maine Coons may test your patience.
TIP: Make sure you don’t accidentally train your cat to howl and cry at night-time… you’ll regret it!
Watch Mika complete a complicated dog treat puzzle on my YouTube channel.
3. They Can Become Overstimulated
Maine Coons are not aggressive cats, but they can become overstimulated, especially during prolonged stroking or intense play. When that happens, even gentle cats may lash out with a warning swat or nip.
Understanding cat body language is essential.
Mika, in particular, needs breaks during interaction. Ignoring those signals leads to frustration, not because he is mean, but because he becomes overwhelmed.
4. Healthier Than Average – But Not Cheap
Maine Coons are often described as a relatively healthy breed, and that is generally true. However, vet bills can still be significant.
All three of my Maine Coons have experienced urinary tract infections. Bali’s most serious episode cost £3,500 in veterinary care.
Both Bali and Mika have also required tooth extractions (procedures not covered by our current pet insurance). The extractions cost me a staggering £679 and £720, respectively.
Pet insurance is not optional with this breed. It is essential.
5. Big Cats, Big Presence, Big Chaos
Their size alone creates challenges. They knock things over simply by walking past. They take up entire sofas. They block doorways. They sprawl where they want, when they want.
Mika, in particular, uses his body weight strategically. If something is in his way, it will move.
So… Are Maine Coons Worth It?
Despite the mess, the noise, the vet bills, and the occasional poop-related surprise, Maine Coons are deeply lovable cats. They form strong bonds, bring humour into everyday life, and feel more like furry housemates than pets.
They are not perfect. They are not low-maintenance. But for people who enjoy interaction, personality, and a cat with real presence, Maine Coons are incredibly rewarding.
