9 Maine Coon Health Problems Vets Secretly Worry About (And Early Signs You Cannot Ignore)

Maine Coons are often described as big, tough, healthy cats, and many do live long lives with very few problems. But research shows this breed has distinct health risks that owners should understand, especially around the:

• Heart
• Joints
• Teeth
• Weight
• Urinary tract

This does not mean your cat is destined to get sick. It simply means that a Maine Coon’s body comes with a specific set of vulnerabilities. When you know what can go wrong, you can:

• Spot problems much earlier
• Ask your vet the right questions
• Make lifestyle choices that reduce risk over time

Think of this article as your Maine Coon health roadmap: detailed enough to be genuinely useful, but written in normal language so you can quickly apply it to your own cat.

Risk Overview: How Often Do These Problems Occur?

The table below summarises the main issues this article covers and the extent to which they are strongly linked to Maine Coons.

From here, we’ll walk through each problem in detail:

• What it is
• What the research says
• Signs to watch for
• What you can do right now

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): The Silent Heart Disease

What HCM Actually Is

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. When the walls of the heart thicken, the heart cannot relax and fill properly between beats. Over time, this reduces the effectiveness of blood pumping around the body.

In severe or advanced cases, this can lead to:

• Congestive heart failure (fluid in the lungs or chest)
• Dangerous blood clots (commonly blocking blood flow to the back legs)
• Sudden collapse or even sudden death

What Research Shows In Maine Coons

A specific mutation in the MYBPC3 gene (A31P) has been strongly associated with HCM in Maine Coons (Source: PMC).

• A Langford Vets genetic information sheet reports that the A31P mutation is present in around 26% of the Maine Coon population they tested (source: langfordvets.co.uk).
• A large European study found the MYBPC3-A31P mutation was highly prevalent in Maine Coons, with a reported prevalence of around 41.5% in the Maine Coon group they examined (source: PubMed+1)

Not every cat with the mutation will develop HCM, and cats without the mutation can still develop the disease, but these figures show HCM is a major genetic concern for the breed (source: vgl.ucdavis.edu+1)

Early Signs Owners Often Miss

Many Maine Coons with HCM look completely normal for years. However, subtle changes can appear long before a crisis:

• Breathing faster than about 30 breaths per minute when asleep
• Breathing with slightly more effort at rest
• Getting tired more quickly during play sessions
• A quiet reduction in activity: they simply play less or stop first
• Occasional open-mouth breathing after mild exertion

Emergency Signs Of HCM

You should treat the following as an emergency and see a vet immediately:

• Open-mouth breathing at rest
• Very fast or laboured breathing, even when calm
• Sudden collapse or fainting
• Sudden weakness, dragging, or paralysis of the back legs (often caused by a blood clot)

What You Can Do

Ask your vet whether your Maine Coon should have an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), especially if:

• They have a heart murmur
• There is a family history of HCM
• You plan to breed from them

Consider genetic testing if your cat comes from breeding lines where the status is unknown.

Keep your cat at a healthy weight, as obesity can worsen heart workload.

Monitor their breathing rate when they are peacefully asleep from time to time.

• Maine Coon Heart Problems
• Causes Of Heavy Breathing In Maine Coons
• 10 Reasons Why Your Maine Coon Is Breathing Loudly

2. Hip Dysplasia & Arthritis: Big Cats, Big Joint Loads

What Hip Dysplasia Is

The hip joint functions as a ball-and-socket. In a healthy joint, the ball fits tightly into the socket and glides smoothly when the cat walks or jumps.

In hip dysplasia (HD):

• The ball and socket do not fit together properly
• The joint becomes loose and unstable
• This instability causes abnormal wear, pain, inflammation, and eventually arthritis

Because Maine Coons are large and heavy, any structural imperfection in the hips is under constant mechanical stress.

What The Studies Say

Two key pieces of research highlight how common hip dysplasia is in Maine Coons:

• A large study using data from 2,548 Maine Coons reported an overall prevalence of 24.9% with feline hip dysplasia (source: PubMed).
• Another genetic epidemiology study found that the prevalence in Maine Coons can be as high as 37.4%, reinforcing that this breed carries a particularly high HD risk (source: Nature.com).

In simple terms, roughly one in three Maine Coons may show radiographic signs of hip dysplasia.

How Hip Problems Look At Home

You might not see a dramatic limp. Instead, the signs are often more subtle and gradual:

• Reluctance to jump onto high surfaces that they previously used
• Hesitation or obvious effort when using stairs or cat trees
• Stiffness when rising after a nap, particularly in cooler weather
• A bunny-hopping style run with both back legs moving together
• Muscle loss in the hindquarters
• Irritability when their lower back or hips are touched

What Owners Can Do

You cannot completely change the structure of your cat’s hips, but you can make life much easier for them:

• Keep your Maine Coon at a lean body weight to remove unnecessary strain.
• Provide wide, stable steps or ramps to favourite perches.
• Use soft bedding and, where possible, non-slip flooring around jumping take-off and landing spots.
• Ask your vet about:
  • Joint supplements, if appropriate
  • Pain relief or anti-inflammatories
  • X-rays if your cat shows ongoing stiffness or reluctance to move

Take a look:

• Maine Coon Hip Dysplasia: Everything You Need To Know
• 9 Signs Of Maine Coon Arthritis
• Maine Coons Need THIS Much Exercise: Don’t FAIL Them!

3. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A Genetic Issue In Young Cats

What SMA Is

Spinal muscular atrophy is a hereditary neuromuscular disease affecting specific nerve cells in the spinal cord. These damaged nerve cells can no longer properly activate the muscles of the hind limbs, which leads to:

• Weakness
• Muscle wasting
• An unsteady, swaying gait

SMA does not typically cause pain, but it does affect how a cat moves through the world.

Genetics And Current Frequency

SMA in Maine Coons is caused by a single recessive mutation. Cats that inherit two copies of the faulty gene (one from each parent) will develop the disease, while carriers with one copy appear normal.

Because breeders now test for SMA, the number of affected kittens in well-screened lines has dropped, and the condition is considered rare in responsibly bred Maine Coons, although it still exists in the wider population.

Signs Of SMA In Kittens

• Wobbly or unstable back end when walking
• Poor ability to jump compared to littermates
• Hindquarters that look narrower and less muscular
• Sitting or lying down more frequently during play

Most affected cats show signs by 3-4 months of age.

What You Can Do

• If you are buying a kitten from a breeder, ask whether both parents have been DNA tested for SMA.
• If you suspect SMA in your kitten, a vet can arrange genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis.
• Many SMA cats can still enjoy a good quality of life indoors if you:
  • Use ramps instead of forcing jumps
  • Provide non-slip surfaces
  • Keep the environment consistent and safe

Take a look:

• Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Unveiling The Secrets

4. Kidney Disease In Maine Coons

What Happens To The Kidneys

The kidneys filter waste products, regulate body fluids, and help maintain blood pressure. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), these filters gradually deteriorate, and the kidneys can no longer perform their job properly.

CKD is extremely common in older cats, including Maine Coons, even though this breed does not share the classic Persian PKD1 mutation that causes inherited polycystic kidney disease in some other breeds.

Typical Signs Of Kidney Problems

Kidney disease is often subtle at first. Observe for:

• Drinking more water than usual
• Passing larger volumes of urine in the litter tray
• Gradual weight loss and loss of muscle over the spine
• Reduced appetite or fussiness with food
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lethargy and more time spent sleeping

How Owners Can Help Protect The Kidneys

• Encourage drinking by using water fountains and several fresh water bowls.
• Include wet food in the diet for extra moisture.
• Ask your vet for annual blood and urine tests once your cat is middle-aged, or sooner if you notice symptoms.
• If CKD is diagnosed, follow the renal diet and medication plan carefully – this can significantly extend quality and length of life.

Take a look:

• Lifespan Of A Maine Coon Cat
• Why Hot Weather Is Dangerous For Your Maine Coon (Links to hydration and kidney stress)

5. Dental Disease: The Pain Your Cat Hides

How Common Dental Disease Is

Dental disease is one of the most underestimated welfare problems in cats. Several sources suggest that up to 85% of cats aged three years and older have some form of dental disease (source Vetclick).

A large UK VetCompass study also found that periodontal disease was the most commonly diagnosed disease in UK cats, with an annual diagnosis rate of around 15.2%, which likely underestimates the true burden (source Royal Veterinary College).

What Dental Disease Looks Like

The mouth is an area where cats will suffer in silence. They rarely cry out; they adapt.

Typical signs include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Drooling or saliva staining around the mouth
• Dropping food or chewing on one side
• Refusing dry biscuits that they previously enjoyed
• Pawing at the face
• Becoming grumpy when the head is touched

Why It Matters

Untreated dental disease is not just a “cosmetic” problem. Chronic infection and inflammation in the mouth can affect:

• Appetite and body condition
• Comfort and mood
• The kidneys, liver, and heart are affected by bacteria entering the bloodstream

What You Can Do

• Ask your vet to check your Maine Coon’s teeth at every annual visit.
• Introduce tooth brushing gradually using cat-safe toothpaste. Even a few times a week helps.
• Use dental diets, chews, or water additives if your vet recommends them.
• Do not delay professional dental cleaning or extractions if your vet advises them – the goal is a pain-free mouth.

Take a look:

• Maine Coon Teeth Problems
• Maine Coon Grooming Guide: Coat Care, Bathing, Nails & More

6. Obesity: A Modern Disease With Old-Fashioned Causes

How Common Is Obesity

Recent UK pet obesity data highlight how widespread the problem is:

• A 2024 UK Pet Food report summarised that around 43-44% of cats are currently overweight or obese, based on veterinary assessments (source UK Pet Food).

So nearly half of all pet cats are carrying excess weight, and large breeds like Maine Coons are no exception.

Why Extra Weight Is So Dangerous

Obesity doesn’t just make a Maine Coon “chunky” – it acts as a chronic, body-wide disease that:

• Increases stress on already vulnerable hips and joints
• Raises the risk of diabetes and urinary tract disease
• Can worsen heart and breathing problems
• May be associated with a shorter lifespan and reduced quality of life

Signs Your Maine Coon May Be Overweight

• You cannot easily feel the ribs under a light fat covering
• There is no obvious waist when you look from above
• A large belly pad swings from side to side when walking
• Jumps become less confident or less frequent
• Play sessions end quickly because your cat tires fast

How To Help Your Cat Reach A Healthy Weight

• Measure food accurately instead of free-feeding dry food.
• Use interactive feeders and puzzle toys to slow eating and boost activity.
• Build small, daily play routines with wand toys or chase games.
• Ask your vet for an ideal target weight and a safe, gradual weight-loss plan.

Take a look:

• Bottomless Bellies: How Much Do Maine Coon Cats Really Eat?
• How Much Do Maine Coon Kittens Eat?
• How To Spot Your Maine Coon Is Overweight

7. Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) & Litter Box Problems

What FLUTD Is

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a broad term that covers several conditions affecting the bladder and urethra, such as:

• Idiopathic cystitis (inflammation of the bladder wall)
• Crystals or stones
• Urethral plugs and blockages (especially in male cats)

These problems cause painful urination, accidents outside the tray, and in serious cases, life-threatening obstruction.

How It Shows Up At Home

Classic signs of urinary trouble include:

• Straining to urinate, often with little or no urine produced
• Making frequent trips to the litter tray
• Crying or behaving restlessly in the tray
• Blood in the urine or pink-tinged clots in the litter
• Licking the genital area repeatedly
• Peeing on soft surfaces such as beds, sofas, or clothes

When It Is An Emergency

If a male Maine Coon:

• Repeatedly strains in the tray and produces no urine
• Seems very distressed or lethargic
• Has a hard, painful abdomen

This can indicate a blocked urethra, an emergency needing immediate veterinary treatment.

How Owners Can Reduce Risk

• Keep your cat at a healthy weight (obesity and FLUTD are linked).
• Provide plenty of fresh water, including fountains if they like moving water.
• Use multiple litter trays in multi-cat homes and keep them very clean.
• Reduce stress by providing hiding spots, predictable routines, and environmental enrichment.

Take a look:

• Why Does My Maine Coon Pee Everywhere?
• Why Is My Maine Coon Pooping Outside The Box?
• Maine Coon Litter Care: The Complete Expert Guide To Trays, Litter, Training & Troubleshooting

8. Gastrointestinal Problems: Vomiting, Diarrhoea & Sensitive Stomachs

Common GI Problems In Maine Coons

GI issues are prevalent and can range from mild and short-lived to chronic and serious.

Typical causes include:

• Sudden diet changes
• Food intolerances or allergies
• Hairballs and grooming-related issues
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Parasites
• Stress and anxiety affecting the gut

When You Should Worry

Occasional vomiting in a long-haired cat that brings up hairballs can be normal. However, seek veterinary advice if you notice:

• Vomiting more than once a week over several weeks
• Recurrent diarrhoea or very soft stools
• Blood or dark, tarry faeces
• Weight loss despite a normal appetite
• Painful or tense abdomen
• A cat that hides, stops grooming, or resists being picked up

What You Can Do

• Gradually change food over 7-10 days.
• Use regular parasite control recommended by your vet.
• Discuss any pattern of chronic vomiting or diarrhoea early – the sooner the cause is found, the easier it often is to manage.

Take a look:

• Yuck! My Maine Coon Smells. Here’s How I FIXED The Issue
• Maine Coon Suddenly Skinny: Shocking Reasons Owners Overlook!
• 18 Deadly Foods To NEVER Feed A Maine Coon

9. Cancer & Age-Related Disease

Why Risk Rises With Age

As Maine Coons get older, their cells have had more time to accumulate damage. This is why age is one of the biggest risk factors for cancer in cats, regardless of breed.

Obesity and certain environmental factors may also influence risk.

Signs That Need Investigation

The following signs do not always mean cancer, but they warrant a vet check:

• New lumps or bumps, especially if they grow or change
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea without a clear cause
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing lameness or pain
• Behaviour changes, such as hiding more or becoming unusually aggressive

Early detection allows for more treatment options and often a better outcome.

Life-Stage Health Checklist For Your Maine Coon

FAQ: Maine Coon Health Questions Owners Ask Most

1. Are Maine Coons generally healthy cats?

Many Maine Coons are robust, healthy cats and can live long, happy lives. However, research shows increased breed risk for HCM and hip dysplasia, so they benefit from more proactive screening and regular veterinary care than the average mixed-breed cat.

2. What is the most serious health problem in Maine Coons?

Most veterinarians consider hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) the most serious concern because it is common, often silent for years, and can lead to heart failure or life-threatening blood clots.

3. How often should my Maine Coon see the vet?

• Healthy adults: at least once a year
• Seniors and cats with known conditions: every six months or as your vet recommends

More frequent visits are usually needed if your cat already has heart, kidney, joint, or urinary disease.

4. When should I start heart screening for my Maine Coon?

Suppose your cat is part of a breeding programme or comes from lines with HCM. In that case, many cardiologists suggest starting echocardiogram screening around 1-2 years of age, then repeating at intervals advised by your vet or a cardiologist.

5. How can I reduce the risk of joint problems?

You can greatly protect your Maine Coon’s joints by keeping them at a lean weight, offering sturdy climbing furniture, avoiding extreme jumping games during rapid growth, and discussing joint-support options with your vet if dysplasia or early arthritis is identified.

6. What early warning signs of illness should I never ignore?

Always take notice of:

• Fast or laboured breathing at rest
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty jumping or obvious stiffness
• Blood in urine or stools
• Sudden behaviour changes, hiding, or signs of pain

These are all reasons to arrange a vet appointment promptly.