The Maine Coons gentle natured disposition and claim to fame as one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world has resulted in this cat breed becoming increasingly popular.
Thought to be descendants of longhaired cats this large cat breed can be harder to handle than cat lovers first assume. Keep reading to discover this cat breed’s possible pitfalls.
The Maine Coon is an active breed needing lots of social interaction, and enrichment. If a Maine Coon’s social and mental needs are not met they become lonely, depressed, and destructive. Known for their intelligence, high levels of energy, and expensive price tag, this cat breed is demanding. Require regular grooming to keep their long coats clean
As much as many cat lovers adore the Maine Coon cat breed, these beautiful cats are not suitable for everyone.
If you are currently in discussions with Maine Coon breeders in your area, make sure you read this Maine Coon cat guide before investing in this highly demanding cat breed.
Read on to discover why the Maine Coon personality and characteristics can make adopting or buying Maine Coon kittens a real handful!
15 Reasons Not To Get A Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large cat breed that developed naturally in the state of Maine.
These cats first became popular for their ability to hunt:
- Mice
- Rats
- Other Vermin
Sailors would take them aboard ships, and families would take them in to keep their living space pest-free.
Discover more about the origins of the Maine Coon cat breed in my article: History Of The Maine Coon Cat.
Nowadays, however, people all over the world are going crazy for these gentle giants and their playful, intelligent personalities.
However, the Maine Coon can be an acquired taste for some. Keep reading to find out why!
If you think you have what it takes to be a Maine Coon owner, take a look at the reasons to not get a Maine Coon cat below, to determine if the Maine Coon cat personality is a good fit for you.
Or read our complete guide to the Purebred Maine Coon Personality.
1. They Love To Climb
Maine Coons are notorious for their love of climbing.
If you own a Maine Coon, you must provide them with a large, sturdy cat tree made from high-quality ingredients like good sisal rope.
Failure to do this will result in your large Maine Coon jumping onto, or climbing up every tall piece of furniture in your home!
These are my favorite big cat trees, which are ideal for the extra-large Maine Coon size and weight.
You might also want to install cat shelves so your Maine Coon has another dimension of the house to run around and explore.
I love this snug-looking cat shelf sold by Amazon, as it is larger than most and is secured to the wall safely, rather than with suction pads which just will not hold 25 lbs of Maine Coon!
Even if you do buy a cat tower, be aware that these adventurous climbers DO NOT distinguish between cat-made furniture and regular furniture.
Without proper training, your Maine Coon could easily become fond of climbing on countertops, tables, or even on top of the fridge!
If you are wondering why Maine Coon cats jump on the kitchen counters, I’ve detailed the reasons behind this feline behavior in my article: Do Maine Coon’s Climb On Countertops?
As endearing as the Maine Coon’s climbing ability may sound at first, it can end up presenting some real challenges to some owners.
Especially, if you did not realize that your Maine Coon can jump THIS HIGH!!
Thankfully, Maine Coons are highly trainable felines so it is possible to prevent bad climbing behaviors, provided you teach them whilst they are still a kitten.
Still, who has the time and the patience to train a Maine Coon cat house manners?!
If you think that an adventurous climbing cat sounds like too much of a challenge for you, then the Maine Coon might not be the right breed choice.
2. Maine Coons Are Expensive
Another downside to Maine Coons is that they are REALLY expensive!
Buying one of these cats can range anywhere between $400 – $2,500, which means this cat breed might not be the best financial choice compared to a shelter cat that costs around $150.
Keep up to date with how much Maine Coon kittens and cats cost by reading this article I wrote: How Much Do Maine Coon Cats Cost.
If cost is a concern for you, then the Maine Coon is not the right fit for you as the purchase cost is simply the START of the ONGOING COSTS.
3. Backyard Breeders
There are so many deserving cat lovers in the world that find the expensive price tag of a Maine Coon kitten too much of a reach.
Unfortunately, the criminal world has decided to take advantage of these innocent souls and their craving for a Maine Coon cat of their own.
It is all too easy to fall prey to these backyard breeders though, and lose your hard-earned cash as a result of being mesmerized by these beautiful cats and their offspring.
Backyard breeders sell Maine Coon kittens at a far cheaper rate because they often have not put as much time or care into breeding, and might even be selling sick Maine Coon kittens.
Irresponsible breeders might also lie and say that a kitten is a purebred Maine Coon, when they know the cat is a mixed breed, or not even related to the Maine Coon cat breed at all!
Avoid these Maine Coon cat scammers by looking out for these 24 WARNING FLAGS, when buying a Maine Coon kitten.
If you are confused regards how to purchase or adopt a Maine Coon cat, take a look at my FREE: Maine Coon Buying Guide.
In this article, I detail the full-proof list of checks to make before handing over your cash to a Maine Coon seller.
Whilst price will always be a factor in your decision-making process, it is best to buy kittens from Registered Maine Coon Cat Breeders with cat fanciers’ association credentials, like:
- TICA
- CFA
4. They Are Extremely Smart
The Maine Coon is an incredibly intelligent cat breed that has an uncanny ability to sense their owner’s emotions.
These cats are often referred to as being doglike because they are able to learn tricks and even play fetch!
Some owners are also able to train their Maine Coons to walk on a leash and harness. This is how they did this.
We trained our Maine Coon cat to talk!! … Watch the video below of ‘Pippin’ our male Maine Coon cat chatting away to his dad:
Many potential owners fall in love with the idea of bringing home a super intelligent cat, not realizing that this intelligence comes with its own PROBLEMS.
For starters, the Maine Coons smart brain means that they are much more likely to get into trouble!
You might witness your smart cats doing all sorts of naughty behavior, including:
- Raiding cupboards for food
- Learn to turn on water faucets
- Opening doors
- Climbing furniture to reach their toys
- Scratching the furniture to get your attention
This, combined with the Maine Coons kitten-like love of play that spans well into adulthood can make Maine Coons quite the troublemakers!
If you want a cat that is well-mannered and can be trusted to not get into everything when your back is turned, the Maine Coon might not be the breed for you.
On the flip side, many owners relish the challenge, and find that the Maine Coon’s intelligence and penchant for troublemaking makes this breed all the more fun!
5. Not All Maine Coons Are Big
One of the biggest reasons for the Maine Coon’s increasing popularity is that these cats are the largest domesticated cat breed in the WORLD!
Male Maine Coons weigh an average of 15 – 25 pounds.
If we compare this to the average housecat, they only weigh around 10 pounds, which gives you an insight into just how large the Maine Coon can grow!
To get a better understanding of the true size of a Maine Coon cat, make sure you read my fact-filled article: Maine Coon Vs Normal Cat Size.
If the only reason you want a Maine Coon is because you want a LARGE Maine Coon cat, keep in mind that not every Maine Coon is guaranteed to grow as large as the size guidelines.
Below are two reasons that cause a Maine Coon to not grow to 25 lbs:
- Female Maine Coons are much smaller than males, rarely exceeding 12 pounds, which makes them only slightly larger than the average cat.
- You might be able to find a breeder who regularly breeds large kittens, but there is never a guarantee that your cat will grow to the size you desire.
6. They Get Lonely Easily
The Maine Coon is a highly sociable cat breed.
These cats are not known for being clingy or getting underfoot, but they do tend to follow their owners around from room to room. This is WHY Maine Coons Follow You.
Most owners find this Maine Coon trait endearing, as Maine Coon cats tend to give their owners plenty of space whilst still spending time around them. However, not everyone will like this!
Whilst Maine Coons are relatively unobtrusive, they still have high social needs. For example, if left alone for too long, they may feel:
- Lonely
- Depressed
- Bored
It is possible to alleviate this issue by purchasing a companion for your Maine Coon, such as another cat or even a dog. However, buying two Maine Coons does not come cheap!
If you work from home or have a lot of free time to spend with your cat, then owning a Maine Coon should not be a problem for you.
However, owners that spend long hours away at work, and also like going out in the evenings may want to choose a more independent cat breed.
7. Maine Coons Need A Lot Of Enrichment
One of the main reasons why Maine Coons end up being a poor choice of breed for certain owners is because they require a lot of enrichment.
These intelligent cats will quickly become bored by regular cat toys and prefer activities that puzzle them and keep them thinking.
If Maine Coon cats do not get enough enrichment, their boredom can lead to destruction.
After having tried countless cat toys, I concluded that these are the 5 Best Maine Coon Cat toys.
Not only are these sturdy toys suited to survive the strength of a Maine Coon cat, but they also help to stimulate your clever cat’s mind!
Providing enough enrichment for your Maine Coon is not usually a problem, provided you are willing to commit to the effort and expense.
A large cat tree, some cat shelves, and regular walks on a leash and harness should all be enough to keep this cat breed entertained.
Interactive, durable toys are also helpful, as well as daily play sessions.
If you are worried that you might not be able to provide the level of enrichment that this cat breed needs, consider buying a different cat breed instead.
After all, it is not fair to your Maine Coon to be forced to live in a house where their needs are not being met.
8. They Need To Be Groomed More Than Average
A hallmark of the Maine Coon cat breed is its long coat, and thick fur that forms a characteristic mane like a lion.
As eye-catching as the Maine Coon’s fur might be though, it can become quite a challenge for owners to keep up with, if the cat in question is prone to tangles and matting.
Be prepared to groom and brush your cat thoroughly 2-3 times a week, and even more if the weather is damp, or it is the cat shedding season.
This frequency might sound a bit much, but it is vital since a Maine Coon cat’s fur can quickly become matted and out of control.
I have found these five Maine Coon cat brushes to be particularly useful in removing knots and tangles from two of my Maine Coons that were prone to matting, if not brushed regularly.
It is very upsetting when your Maine Coon cat’s fur becomes matted, despite regular grooming.
However, if this happens you still need to keep grooming your Maine Coon, even if they get upset with you.
This is because matted fur and knots will stress your Maine Coon cat out since they will not be unable to remove the knots.
Learn more about Maine Coon Matted Fur and the problems this causes.
This breed’s long fur can prove troublesome in some areas, particularly on its tummy and backside.
If your Maine Coon is prone to getting dirty or tangled in some areas, you might need to trim the fur to keep your Maine Coon clean and healthy.
Here are some other great tips on How To Keep A Maine Coon Clean.
For many owners, the extra work of grooming a Maine Coon is well worth it for the breed’s wonderful personality, but it can be a source of concern for some potential owners.
9. Maine Coons Have A High Prey Drive
Maine Coons were launched into popularity for their ability to catch mice and other vermin. Even compared to other cat breeds, the Maine Coon is a hunting expert.
This can be a huge bonus for owners who want to keep mice and rats out of their garages.
However, if you own other small pets such as mice, ferrets, or birds, then the Maine Coon would probably be a disastrous pet choice.
Even by keeping your animals separated at all times, accidents can happen, and the Maine Coon’s hunting instincts might kick in and cause the death of another beloved pet.
10. Purebred Cats Develop More Health Problems
Maine Coons are considered a healthy and hardy cat breed because they are a naturally occurring breed that developed in the harsh winter weather of New England.
Despite this, purebred cats are still inherently more likely to encounter genetic problems than other cat breeds.
Some disorders can be ruled out by genetic testing, enabling responsible Maine Coon breeders the ability to only breed cats that have tested negative for those disorders.
However, it is still possible for a Maine Coon to develop a variety of health problems, including:
If you are nervous about your Maine Coon experiencing potential health problems, and expensive medical bills, you would be better off buying a regular cat.
These are the Top 7 Maine Coon Health Problems to watch out for in your large cat.
11. Maine Coons Require Special Sizing
If you are lucky enough to own a Maine Coon that grow to an ENORMOUS size, this presents a new challenge of its own!
Most cat toys and supplies are specifically sized for the average housecat, and might not fit a Maine Coon.
Therefore, you will need to purchase an extra-large litter box, cat carrier, and pet bed.
Furthermore, these large cats require a sturdy, extra-large cat tree as the standard-sized cat tree is no match for a Maine Coon cat. They will quickly topple it over once they reach full size!
The Maine Coon’s large size also means they can cause more damage and destroy their toys more quickly than other cat breeds.
It is important to purchase durable supplies that can withstand this cat’s rough play.
Many owners can get around the issue of sizing by purchasing dog supplies rather than cat supplies, but this will work out more expensive in the long run.
Finally, the Maine Coon’s size means it needs a little bit more space than the average cat.
Therefore, if you live in a small apartment or a household over-crowded with lots of people, your Maine Coon may not feel comfortable living there.
If you are wondering if your apartment is too small for a Maine Coon kitten, read this article.
12. They Are Kittens Forever!
Many owners love that Maine Coons retain a kitten-like love of play well into adulthood.
Whereas the majority of cat breeds grow out of their kitten phase relatively early, the Maine Coon prefers to be perpetually fascinated by toys and other stimuli!
This is an adorable quality that is usually listed as a positive trait of the breed.
However, if you have ever raised kittens, you will know that as adorable as they are, they are also a lot of work. Can you cope with a Maine Coon that acts like a kitten for most of their lives?
A Maine Coon might also be too playful and too curious for you, especially if you want a calmer cat that can be counted on to not get into trouble all the time.
If you are looking for a calm lap cat that is more interested in lounging on the couch and cuddling with you than playing and running around the house, opt for Persian or Ragdoll cats.
Not sure what these breeds are like? Don’t worry, we’ve compare the Maine Coon with these other popular cat breeds for you:
13. Maine Coons Love Water
It is no secret that most cats hate water, however, the opposite is true with the Maine Coon cat!
Maine Coons have an odd fascination with water that is thought to originate from their possible descendants that traveled the seas by boat.
Whether this is true or not, we do not know. However, what is clear is that Maine Coon cats will happily spend copious amounts of time playing with their water bowls and patting the water!
Perhaps Maine Coons like water because they have a thick, oily coat that is perfect for semi-repelling moisture.
No matter the reason, the Maine Coon’s love of water is often viewed as one of the most unique and lovable features of the breed.
Like the other traits on this list though, a Maine Coon’s love of water can also be a challenge for some owners since they enjoy splashing in their water bowls, and making a mess!
Some Maine Coon cats are pretty smart and have even taught themselves how to turn on faucets so that they can drink from the running fresh water.
A few owners have even reported that their Maine Coons like to follow them into the shower or bath!
If you think that the Maine Coon’s habit of playing with water would be more troublesome than endearing, you may prefer to buy a calmer cat breed that gets into less trouble.
14. Maine Coons Are Extremely Loving
Finally, the Maine Coon is one of the most affectionate breeds out there.
Whilst these cats are known to play hard and be highly energetic, they balance this trait off by loving their owners hard too!
They will happily spend most of their days simply watching from afar, but when the mood strikes, they can become some of the cuddliest cats on the planet.
Most Maine Coon owners love this about their cats, but it is not for everybody, and some owners might even consider the Maine Coon cat to be rather needy.
If this sounds like you, this giant cat breed is not right for you, as Maine Coon cats are not known for being independent and aloof cats.
15. Risk Of Criminals
Owning a Maine Coon cat immediately puts you at risk of suffering from criminal behavior.
This is because the Maine Coon cat breed is highly sought after and is targeted more often for theft than most other cat breeds, due to their high resell price.
If you prefer to own an outdoor cat, your Maine Coon is immediately at risk of Maine Coon theft and the threat of potential predators in the outside world, e.g. coyotes.
Conclusion
It is a good idea to learn the main reasons not to get a Maine Coon, before committing to this beautiful cat breed.
You might have noticed that the reasons why some owners adore these cats are exactly the same reasons why these large cats might not be a good fit for your household.
It is important to figure out whether a Maine Coon is right for you before bringing one into your home, where it may become rather unhappy if you do not have the time to dedicate to it.
Maine Coons are highly intelligent cats, which can sometimes get them into a lot of trouble. They also need a lot of enrichment, or else they can become bored and destructive.
These cats retain a kitten-like personality for life, which, while endearing to some, can be a challenge for others.
Maine Coons also have high social needs. While these affectionate cats are not known for being clingy, they will become lonely if not given enough attention each day.
Overall, the Maine Coon is a cat with a lot of needs, and they do best with owners who can meet all of those needs with love and patience.