Price Of Maine Coons In 2024
The Maine Coon is one of the most beloved cat breeds, admired for its impressive size, gentle nature, and striking appearance. Known for their friendly personalities and luxurious coats, Maine Coons have won the hearts of cat lovers worldwide.
Let’s cut to the chase though, buying a Maine Coon in today’s marketplace is a significant financial commitment. When I first Googled how much do Maine Coon kittens cost, my eyes opened wide in horror!
In this article, I highlight the key factors that influence the cost of buying a Maine Coon, as well as share my experience of real-life ongoing care expenses (the vet bills can hurt, even if you’re insured!).
I’ll also let you into my secret about how I didn’t pay more than $825 (£1,090) for ALL THREE of my pedigree Maine Coon cats! Below is a picture of my Maine Coon cats – Pippin, Bali and Mika.
How Much Do Maine Coon Kittens Cost?
When purchasing a Maine Coon kitten in the United States, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2,500. This price range is influenced by several factors, including:
- Kitten’s pedigree
- Potential for participation in cat shows
- Reputation of the breeder
- Whether the cat is neutered
- Maine Coon cat color and pattern
- Kitten’s health record/vaccinations
- Size of the kitten’s parents (i.e. giant Maine Coons cost more)
To ensure you’re making an informed decision, it’s important to rely on information from reputable sources like the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA), oh, AND us at Maine Coon Central!!!
Factors Influencing Price
When considering the purchase of a Maine Coon kitten, several factors can influence the final price. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Pedigree And Lineage
A kitten’s pedigree and lineage play a significant role in its price. Kittens that come from a long line of award-winning or show-quality Maine Coons tend to be more expensive.
These kittens often have documentation that traces their ancestry, confirming their purebred status and the health and temperament of their lineage.
Kittens with strong show potential or those bred specifically to meet or exceed breed standards can command prices at the higher end of the range.
Breeder Reputation
The reputation of the breeder also impacts the cost of a Maine Coon kitten. Established breeders with a track record of producing healthy, well-socialized kittens, and adhering to ethical breeding practices, often charge more.
These breeders typically invest in comprehensive health testing for their breeding cats, provide superior care, and ensure their kittens are raised in a nurturing environment.
The higher prices reflect the breeder’s expertise, the quality of their breeding program, and the assurance of acquiring a well-bred kitten.
Color And Pattern
The color and pattern of a Maine Coon’s coat can affect its price. Rarer colors and patterns are often more sought after. Our guide on Maine Coon colors and patterns highlights the most common colors.
For example, silver and blue Maine Coons, or those with unique patterns like the classic or spotted tabby, may be priced higher due to their rarity.
The cost of a Maine Coon kitten will be high if buyer demand for specific colors and patterns is high.
Location
Geographical location is another factor that can influence the price of a Maine Coon kitten. In areas where Maine Coons are in high demand, prices may be higher due to limited availability.
Conversely, in regions where breeders are more plentiful, or the demand is lower, prices might be more competitive.
Additionally, if a breeder is located far from potential buyers, additional costs like transportation or shipping fees can further increase the overall price.
Here’s our 2024 TICA Registered Maine Coon Cat Breeder Guide. Find a breeder near you!
Hidden Breeder Costs
When purchasing a Maine Coon kitten from a breeder, it’s worth keeping in mind that registered breeders incur hidden costs that ensure the health and well-being of their kittens.
1. Health Testing And Certifications
Reputable breeders conduct genetic testing for common health issues specific to Maine Coons, such as:
HCM, in particular, is a prevalent heart condition in the breed, and testing breeding cats for this disease helps reduce the risk of passing it on to the kittens.
These tests and certifications ensure the breeder is producing healthy kittens. A breeder who invests in comprehensive health screenings for their breeding cats and provides health certificates for the kittens may charge more to cover these expenses.
2. Vaccinations And Vet Visits
Many breeders include the cost of initial veterinary care in the price of their kittens. This typically covers the cost of:
- The first round of vaccinations
- Deworming treatments
- General health check-up
These early veterinary expenses are essential for setting the foundation for a healthy start in life, and protecting the kitten from common diseases and parasites.
The breeder should provide documentation of these vet visits, and ensure the kitten is up-to-date on necessary medical care before going to its new home.
While these services contribute to the overall cost of the kitten, they offer peace of mind and reduce immediate out-of-pocket veterinary expenses for the buyer.
3. Spaying / Neutering
Some breeders include spaying or neutering as part of the package when selling a kitten. If a kitten is sold spayed or neutered, the price includes this cost.
Spaying and neutering are important procedures that prevent unwanted litter and can reduce certain health risks.
If the breeder does not provide this service, it will be an additional expense for the new owner, typically ranging from $100 to $400 depending on the location and veterinary clinic.
This is the best age to neuter or spay your Maine Coon kitten.
Costs Of Owning Maine Coon Kittens
When purchasing or adopting a Maine Coon kitten be realistic about the ongoing costs of caring for your feline friend by factoring in the following extra costs.
Initial Setup Costs
The table below provides an overview of the initial expenses involved in bringing a Maine Coon kitten into your home.
| Item | Cost in USD (Cost in GBP) |
|---|---|
| Cat Tree | $50 – $200 (£40 – £160) |
| Scratching Posts | $20 – $100 (£16 – £80) |
| Cat Beds | $20 – $80 (£16 – £64) |
| Litter Box | $15 – $50 (£12 – £40) |
| Litter | $10 – $25 (£8 – £20) |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $30 (£8 – £24) |
| High-Quality Cat Food | $30 – $60 per month (£24 – £48) |
| Grooming Tools | $15 – $50 (£12 – £40) |
| Toys | $10 – $50 (£8 – £40) |
| Cat Carrier | $20 – $100 (£16 – £80) |
| Veterinary Visit | $100 – $300 (£80 – £240) |
| Vaccinations | $75 – $150 (£60 – £120) |
| Flea, Tick, Worm Prevention | $50 – $100 (£40 – £80) |
Ongoing Care And Maintenance
1. Regular GRooming
Maine Coons, known for their long, luxurious coats, require regular grooming sessions 2-3 times a week. This means you need to invest in high-quality grooming tools such as brushes and mat combs, costing approximately $15-$50.
Professional grooming services, if opted for, might run from $50 to $100 per session, depending on the services provided.
My two Maine Coons, Mika and Bali love these cat brushes as they are ideal for long-haired cat breeds like the Maine Coon.
2. Veterinary Care
Routine vet care for vaccinations, flea prevention, and check-ups are essential. Based on veterinary cost surveys, you can expect to spend $100-$300 annually on vaccinations and around $200-$400 on other preventative care.
3. Pet Insurance
Given the potential for breed-specific health issues, pet insurance is a prudent investment. The cost for a comprehensive insurance plan ranges from $200 to $600 annually, depending on coverage details and which company you insure with.
I pay Petplan approximately £57 ($75.34) per month for two Maine Coon cats on a lifetime cover plan, with a £4,000 ($5287) annual claim limit for each cat.
In hindsight, I should have purchased the £10,00-12,000 ($13,217 – $15,861) annual claim limit lifetime cover plan. I naively didn’t realize how expensive it would be for my cat to spend three days at the Pet Hospital!
My personal experience with Bali, who endured a severe urinary tract infection costing £3,060 (approximately USD 3,740), underscores the value of having lifetime pet insurance that covers unexpectedly expensive vet bills.
4. Unexpected Costs
Medical emergencies can arise unexpectedly and be financially taxing. Emergency veterinary care for issues like urinary tract infections or other acute ailments in Maine Coons can easily cost thousands of dollars.
Being financially prepared for such emergencies, possibly through savings or insurance, is crucial.
Adopting Maine Coon
The costs of adopting a Maine Coon vary widely but generally range from $100 to $500 (approximately £80 to £400) per cat.
I was lucky to adopt my Maine Coon cats, Mika and Bali as I wasn’t actively looking for a Maine Coon!
I believe in fate though, and despite not being an active Facebook user at the time, an alert popped up on my phone to say that two Maine Coon brothers were being given up for adoption by a former veterinary nurse.
The information was listed on a specialized Maine Coon Adoption Facebook group that I had been a member of for many years.
I jumped at the chance of adopting them, admittedly after three weeks of quizzing the owner about them non-stop!! I also researched each cat’s background thoroughly and delved deep into the breeder’s website and online reputation.
The adoption cost me £225 (approximately USD 275) per cat.
Health And Background
Adopting cats, especially from informal settings like online groups, can sometimes mean less information is available about their health and genetic background compared to purchasing from a breeder.
It’s therefore crucial to be prepared for possible health checks and initial veterinary costs, which can vary based on the cat’s health status at the time of adoption.
I was lucky to be adopting my two Maine Coons from a former veterinary nurse that was able to provide me with a full medical history of each cat.
Finding Reputable Breeders
When opting to purchase from a breeder, it’s important to conduct thorough research. Questions should focus on the cat’s health, lineage, and socialization. Here are 20 questions you must ask the breeder.
Be wary of breeders who have constant kittens available or who avoid showing you where the cats are raised. A lack of health clearances or transparency about their breeding practices are significant red flags.
Breeders should be willing to discuss their methods openly and provide detailed histories of their litters.
For those looking to purchase from breeders, directories provided by recognized organizations like TICA or the CFA are excellent starting points.
These directories list breeders who adhere to specific codes of ethics and standards, ensuring a higher level of trust and professionalism in the breeding process.
Cost Of Maine Coons Around The World
The table below provides an estimated overview of the price ranges for Maine Coon kittens and adults across different regions.
| Region | Price Range (Kitten) | Price Range (Adult) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $800 – $2,500 | $600 – $2,000 |
| Canada | AUD 1,000 – $3,000 | CAD 1,000 – $3,000 |
| United Kingdom | £600 – £2,000 | £500 – £1,500 |
| Australia | AUD 800 – $2,500 | AUD $800 – $2,500 |
| Western Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands, etc.) | €800 – €2,500 | €600 – €2,000 |
| Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, etc.) | €500 – €1,500 | €400 – €1,200 |
| Russia | RUB 40,000 – RUB 150,000 | RUB 30,000 – RUB 100,000 |
| Japan | ¥100,000 – ¥400,000 | ¥80,000 – ¥300,000 |
| China | CNY 6,000 – CNY 25,000 | CNY 5,000 – CNY 20,000 |
| India | ₹50,000 – ₹150,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹120,000 |
| Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.) | AED 3,000 – AED 12,000 | AED 2,500 – AED 10,000 |
| South Africa | ZAR 12,000 – ZAR 35,000 | ZAR 10,000 – ZAR 30,000 |
| South America (Brazil, Argentina, etc.) | $800 – $2,000 | $600 – $1,500 |
| Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, etc.) | $1,000 – $3,000 | $800 – $2,500 |
This pricing information was sourced from various websites, including Tica, CFA, Petfinder, TheCatSite, The American Veterinary Medical Association, and ASPCA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a Maine Coon kitten can vary significantly based on factors like pedigree, breeder reputation, and location.
Initial expenses such as purchasing price, essential supplies, and initial veterinary care need to be considered alongside ongoing costs like high-quality food, regular grooming, and routine healthcare.
Investing in pet insurance is also a wise decision, especially given the breed’s potential health issues.
By understanding these costs upfront, potential owners can better prepare for the financial commitment of bringing a Maine Coon into their lives.
