Maine Coons: Best And Worst Decision
Maine Coon cats are often described as “gentle giants,” famous for their large size, luxurious fur, and friendly personalities. But like any cat breed, they come with their own set of quirks, advantages, and potential challenges.
In this guide, I’ll share the most honest pros and cons of Maine Coon cats that you’ve ever heard!! Hopefully, the reality of these fur babies will help you decide if they’re the right feline fit for you.
Below is a picture of my latest two Maine Coons, Mika and Bali. I adopted them at 4 years old and they are brothers. They might look innocent and cute, but they can be quite naughty!
Pros And Cons Of Maine Coon Cats
After owning three Maine Coons – Pippin, Bali, and Mika, I can confidently say they are the quirkiest, most lovable furballs I’ve ever shared my life with.
But before you leap into the world of Maine Coon ownership, let me share the highs and lows from my experience, along with the daily chaos that comes from life with Maine Coon cats!
Pros Of Having A Maine Coon (Or Three!)
When I first started researching Maine Coon kittens over a decade ago, I had no idea what I was getting into. Fast forward to today, and I’ve lived with three of these fluffy giants – each with their own individual quirks and larger-than-life personalities.
They Are ‘Gentle Giants’
Maine Coons have earned the nickname, “gentle giants,” for a reason. These cats may look like small lions, but they’ve got the heart of a teddy bear (most of the time!).
When you first encounter a 20-pound, fluffy feline like my Mika, your initial thought might be: “This cat must have a wild streak, right?” But, as I’ve learned living with my own furry crew, Maine Coons defy expectations.
Naturally Friendly And Sociable
One of the things I love most about life with Maine Coons is how effortlessly friendly they are. Unlike some aloof cat breeds, they love being around their humans and are often referred to as having dog-like personalities.
For instance, Bali (my brown tabby Maine Coon) is always the first to greet visitors at the door. He’s more like a charismatic host than a cat, checking out each new arrival and deciding if they’re worthy of his regal presence!
Maine Coons are sociable creatures by nature, not the type to hide under the bed when guests come over. They like being around people and will often seek out your company, though not in an overly needy or invasive way.
Even Mika (my blue tabby Maine Coon cat), who’s a bit more reserved and nervous than Bali, has his own way of quietly following me around the house, content just being in the same room.
This large cat breed balances independence and affection making them wonderful companions without overwhelming you for attention every moment of the day.
Great With Kids And Other Pets
Another big win for Maine Coons is that they tend to do exceptionally well with kids and other animals.
My kids, Zachary and Aimee, grew up with Pippin. We then integrated Bali and Mika into our family a couple of years ago when we adopted them. All three of our cats have shown nothing but patience with the children.
No matter how many times Mika’s nap is interrupted by loud kid antics, the cats remain surprisingly tolerant. The only “revenge” might be a dramatic flop in the middle of a room, claiming their space – which is so very Maine Coon of them!
Not only are these big cats good with children, but they’re also friendly towards other pets. While I don’t have a dog myself, I’ve heard plenty of stories from other Maine Coon owners about their cats bonding with canines.
Maine Coons seem to have an easygoing personality that can adapt to multi-pet households.
Not Overly Aggressive
Despite their impressive size and formidable appearance, Maine Coons are not known for being aggressive.
Bali, for example, has all the tools to be a fearsome predator – sharp claws, a muscular build, and those tufted ears that make him look like he just walked out of a forest, yet his preferred mode of attack is SNUGGLING!!
This breed is more likely to cuddle up on the couch than engage in rough play. They’re not prone to swiping or biting unless they’re seriously provoked. And even then, a puffed-up tail might be the extent of their reaction.
Compared to some other cat breeds, which can have mood swings or a tendency to lash out when stressed, Maine Coons are typically very laidback and good-natured.
Crazily Affectionate
While not all Maine Coons are lap cats, they are incredibly affectionate. They show their love by either curling up on your lap or resting near you.
Their affection is tangible through Maine Coon head-bumps, endearing Maine Coon kisses, rubbing against you, always staying close, following you around, and maintaining eye contact.
Maine Coons are emotionally sensitive and tend to form deep bonds with their humans. I remember Pippin standing steadfast next to me when I collapsed on the kitchen floor due to severe stomach pains. The tiled floor was freezing, but Pippin refused to leave my side. I honestly think he was trying to protect me!
Healthier Cat Breed
Maine Coons are considered a healthy breed because they are a naturally occurring cat breed rather than a hybrid. Consequently, they are sturdy cats with fewer genetic health issues compared to some other purebred cats.
While conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia can occur, responsible breeding has made these health problems less prevalent.
Independent But Loyal
Though Maine Coons are sociable, they also have an independent streak. They are perfectly content to entertain themselves when you’re busy and don’t require constant attention like some other breeds.
Despite this independence, they are fiercely loyal and will follow their humans from room to room, here’s why!
Their loyalty also means they are emotionally attuned to their owners, often sensing when you’re sad or stressed, and they’ll quietly offer their presence as comfort.
Here’s a picture of Mika my giant Maine Coon cat – he saw me working so opted to sit next to me!
Highly Intelligent
Maine Coons are known for their intelligence. They are quick learners and can even be taught tricks, like playing fetch or sitting on command.
Bali is proof of this; playing fetch is just the beginning! He’s also learned how to open cupboard doors (not my favorite trick!) and his brother, Mika has become fluent at manipulating dog treat toys with his oversized paws.
Watch Mika complete a complicated dog treat puzzle on my YouTube channel.
If Maine Coons want something, they’re usually smart enough to figure out how to get it, whether that’s sneaking out the door when you’re not expecting it or figuring out how to turn on the tap for a drink of water.
Keep in mind that while training a Maine Coon to complete tricks is possible, here’s the catch: it’s only when they feel like it! They’ve got that streak of independence!
While dogs might learn tricks for praise or treats, Maine Coons need a little extra motivation, maybe their favorite toy or a particular treat they can’t resist.
Playful And Kitten-Like
One of the things that sets Maine Coons apart from other breeds is that their playful spirit doesn’t diminish with age. While Maine Coons can range in playfulness, even the more laid-back ones still enjoy their moments of fun.
Bali, for example, is now 6 years old, but you’d think he was still a kitten with the way he darts around the house chasing after toy mice, ribbons, laser lights, or whatever catches his attention.
His favorite game? Fetch. Yes, just like a dog! He’ll bring a toy mouse over, drop it at my feet, and expect me to throw it again. And again. And again. It’s like living with an enthusiastic dog in a cat’s body!
Here’s a great video on the Maine Coon Central YouTube channel, showing my brown tabby cat chasing his mouse across the kitchen and then returning it to us.
Don’t forget to CLICK SUBSCRIBE to see more fantastic videos on the Maine Coon Central YouTube channel.
Mika, on the other hand, has a more sophisticated approach to life. He won’t chase anything that doesn’t strike him as worthy of his attention! Playtime for him is more of a sporadic event when he opts to catch a feather wand.
Vocal
Maine Coons are known for being vocal, but not in an annoying way. Instead of traditional meows, they often communicate with:
- Trills
- Chirps
- Soft Purring
They’ll use these noises to “talk” to you, whether they’re asking for food, saying hello, or just chatting about their day. This makes them even more endearing, as it feels like they’re always part of the conversation.
Here’s an awesome YouTube video of one of my three Maine Coon cats chatting away to us.
Not Very Territorial
Unlike some cats that guard their space fiercely, Maine Coons are less territorial. They don’t mind sharing their home with other pets or welcoming guests.
They are adaptable to new environments and situations, making them a great choice for families that might move or have visitors often. Their laid-back nature helps them adjust to changes without much fuss.
Stunning Good Looks
Maine Coons are undeniably stunning, with their thick, luxurious coats, tufted ears, bushy tails, and large, expressive eyes.
Their majestic appearance, resembling small lions or wildcats, commands attention and makes them stand out in any room. From their “snowshoe” paws to their graceful, imposing size, these cats bring a touch of wild beauty into everyday life.
Owning a Maine Coon means having a regal, striking companion that is as captivating as they are affectionate.
Worst Things About Living With Maine Coon
If these gentle giants have captivated your heart, BE WARNED!!! These long-haired cats do come with some unique challenges!
Expensive To Buy
Maine Coon cats are notably expensive, with the average cost of a purebred Maine Coon kitten from a Registered Maine Coon cat breeder being around USD 1,000 (£720).
This cat breed’s high purchase cost put these beautiful felines out of reach for many deserving cat lovers.
The risk of encountering backyard breeders and scammers in the Maine Coon marketplace is high. Unscrupulous sellers often run kitten farms, producing as many litters as they can at the expense of their breeding cats.
Many criminals also deceive unsuspecting buyers by selling them mixed-breed Maine Coons, or worst still, long-haired cats without an ounce of Maine Coon genetics in them!
Crippling Veterinarian Costs
If you think the price of buying a Maine Coon cat is bad, wait till you see these beautiful cats’ annual ‘running costs‘!!!
The following essentials for these precious creatures will quickly burn a hole in your trouser pocket:
- Lifetime Pet Insurance
- High-Quality Cat Food
- Extra-Large Cat Trees
- Annual Veterinary Injections
- Flea and Mite Treatments
To give you a realistic idea of Pet Insurance costs, I pay 75 USD (£60) to Petplan EVERY MONTH! This covers two male Maine Coon cats on their Lifetime package. My plan permits a maximum claim of 5009 USD (£4000) per year, per cat. If you can afford to though, they also have some pricier options that cover up to 15028 USD (£12,000) worth of claims per year.
Maybe I’m naive, however, I selected this plan as I never foresaw a situation whereby either cat would incur anywhere near the annual claim limit. I COULDN’T have been more WRONG!
At the start of 2024, I was gobsmacked to discover Bali had rinsed through a staggering 4007 USD (£3,200) of his annual 5009 USD (£4,000) allowance by month two of his annual plan!
His unexpected urinary tract infection resulted in a 3-day stay at a Pet Hospital (including weekend days); x-rays; drips; medicine and various veterinarian visits.
Genetic Health Problems
Maine Coon cats, while generally robust, are susceptible to certain health issues that can detract from their desirability as pets.
According to data from various cat association bodies, such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA), a notable percentage of Maine Coons may be affected by health conditions like:
Diagnostic tests, medications, and potential surgical interventions can incur significant expenses for owners.
In 2023 my eldest Maine Coon cat was quoted 8766 USD (£7,000) to have his two hips replaced if his condition worsened since he was suffering from mild hip dysplasia. At this point, I realized my mistake of not buying lifetime insurance.
Pippin sadly died at 10 years old so we never incurred these fees, however, it was a brutal eye-opener to potential cost risks.
More Space Needed
Maine Coon cats typically need more space than average-sized cats due to their large size, active nature, and explosive Maine Coon Zoomies!
Larger cat trees will take up more room within your home, but accommodate the Maine Coon breed size, whilst also providing ample climbing and scratching opportunities.
I’ve found that my huge Maine Coons also need multiple large cat scratching posts that take up a considerable amount of space. The smaller ‘normal-sized’ cat scratching posts never worked, as all three of my cats toppled them over!
Grooming Is Exhausting!
One of the key downsides of owning a Maine Coon cat is the constant need to groom their thick coat. I love my cats, but this can honestly become quite tiresome, and time-consuming!
Regular grooming sessions are also a nightmare if you own cats that WILL NOT cooperate under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!! Pippin (God rest his soul) was a key example of this, so his daily grooming sessions could often be stressful.
Mika has wildly improved over the years, yet still dislikes his bottom area being brushed. And, as you’d expect that’s where his fur likes to tangle and mat the most!
By comparison, grooming Bali is a dream! It’s quick and simple and he LOVES being brushed! Quite the contrast!
They Nag You When You’re Busy!
These loyal and sociable felines often exhibit behaviors that might feel like they’re “nagging” their owners.
For example, if you have a set routine of sitting down to watch TV at 9 PM, your Maine Coon may expect this and follow you around as you go about your evening tasks, hoping that you’ll adhere to the usual schedule.
They thrive on routine and can become insistent if their expectations aren’t met, even to the point of sitting on top of the washing pile you’re sorting, or tripping you up as they try to herd you to the TV!!
While this behavior can be endearing, especially considering their desire for companionship, it can also feel overwhelming when you’re busy with other responsibilities.
Learn more about why Maine Coon Cats HERD YOU!
Risk Of Theft
You’ll always be worrying about your cat’s safety whilst they are outside, particularly if you own a free-roaming Maine Coon cat.
A Maine Coon owner’s concern stems from the fact that Maine Coons, being a popular and recognizable pedigree breed, are at a higher risk of theft than the standard moggy.
Their striking appearance and considerable re-sale value make them targets for theft, whether for resale or breeding purposes.
Outdoor Maine Coons also face threats from predators like coyotes, or other cats.
Cheaper Cat Toys Aren’t Effective
Known for their large size and playful nature, these big cats require sturdy and engaging toys to keep them entertained. Due to their size and strength, they can quickly destroy flimsy toys meant for smaller cats.
Additionally, Maine Coons are highly intelligent and need mentally stimulating toys to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.
Investing in durable and interactive cat toys that can withstand their rough play and challenge their minds can become costly over time.
They Get Bored Easily
Maine Coon cats require mental and physical stimulation to thrive. When deprived of engaging activities or toys, they easily become bored, leading to destructive behaviors like scratching furniture or chewing on objects.
This need for stimulation is inherent to their nature, making it essential for owners to provide adequate outlets for their energy to prevent boredom-induced mischief.
You’ll Need A Huge Cat Tower
Known for their substantial size reaching up to 22lbs, they require sturdy and spacious cat trees designed specifically for their dimensions.
Ordinary cat trees are inadequate and pose safety risks due to their weight. Investing in expensive cat trees, towers, and condos tailored for large breeds ensures both their safety and your peace of mind.
My cats have an RHR Cat Tower (available in the UK). It cost me an eye-watering $288 (USD equivalent). I love it, and so do they. BUT … that’s a LOT of money.
Here are some of my other favorite extra-large cat trees.
Their Food Bill Is UNREASONABLE!
These cats thrive on high-quality cat food that avoids excessive fillers or carbohydrates. As obligate carnivores, they require a diet rich in protein to support their muscular build and energy needs.
Opting for specialized options like Royal Canin Urinary Dry Cat Food can help prevent urinary tract infections, but be prepared for the higher price tag.
Dirty Bottoms And Poo On Your Floor!
The fur on a Maine Coon cat’s bottoms can be disgusting if they experience digestive issues, leading to runny stools! The poop gets tangled in their thick fur – it’s gross!!
Poor little Bali experienced it when he was sick – he wasn’t a fan of having his bottom wiped with a warm flannel!
Additionally, once or twice a month I find lumps of cat poop on my wooden floor! It’s solid and not difficult to clean, but it should be in the litter tray!! I think this happens when feces get stuck on the long thick fur around the Maine Coons bottom!
My Wooden Floors Are Trashed!
The Maine Coons’ playful antics wreak havoc on wooden floors – they certainly have done on my wooden floors.
My cats love playing fetch, chasing each other, or partaking in Zoomies. Whilst this is funny to watch and they get lots of enjoyment and exercise, this Maine Coon behavior has come with a financial cost that hurts!
My beautiful wooden floors are severely scratched and scraped. I now understand why my next-door neighbors installed stone floor tiles in their house – it was clearly to protect the floor from their cat’s claws!
