Why Your Maine Coon Might Die

Maine Coons mainly die from health problems, which can be severe, leading to sudden deaths. These health problems include Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Maine Coon cancer, seizures, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Hip Dysplasia, and Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

Native to Maine, US, Maine Coons are among the oldest natural cat breeds in North America and continue to be one of the most beloved domestic cats.

Despite being regarded as a generally healthy and hardy cat breed, though, Maine Coons are prone to a number of health problems that can cause sudden death.

Here are the key health problems known to kill s Maine Coon (source 1):

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common form of heart disease in Maine Coon cats, occurring when the muscle walls surrounding the heart thickens, consequently affecting the heart’s efficiency levels.

Maine Coons with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at risk of sudden cardiac deaths.

This is because this genetic disorder causes multiple problems and, at some stages, prevents normal heart functions.

The severity of heart failure progresses gradually up to a point where the heart fails to pump blood adequately.

Notably, although the exact cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown, researchers suspect a genetic component is involved.

Primarily, this is because the issue tends to affect Maine Coons with certain heart gene mutations.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a heart disease commonly labeled the “silent killer” since Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy symptoms can be nonexistent.

However, this doesn’t mean there are no warning signs to watch out for.

Here are the key Maine Coon HCM symptoms to watch out for:

• Fast, shallow, or labored breathing
• Lethargy
• Severe weight loss
• Paralysis of the rear legs
• Severe coughing
• Anorexia
• Blood clots in the heart
• Arrhythmias (irregular, too slow, or rapid heartbeats)
• Thromboembolism

Although HCM signs and symptoms might be non-existent, you should take your Maine Coon to the vet immediately when you notice that your feline is experiencing any of the conditions above.

An echocardiogram is the only means of detecting and diagnosing HCM, and a qualified veterinarian should help you rule out this life-threatening disorder.

If HCM is proven to be present, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and beta-blockers may be prescribed as treatment.

Ultimately, this will help prevent the tragic deaths of Maine Coons (source 1).

2. Cancer

The sad news is that Maine Coon cats have the tendency to mask illnesses, even the most life-threatening conditions.

Although cancer is not the most expected health problem in felines, it still affects some Maine Coons.

In Maine Coons, cancer is characterized by unusual lumps and bumps over the feline’s body.

Maine Coon cancer is one of the serious health conditions that can send your beloved Maine Coon cat to an early grave.

While the cause for most cancers is not known, infection with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can increase the chances of a Maine Coon getting cancer.

In fact, lymphoma, the most common type of cancer in Maine Coons is associated with the feline leukemia virus.

Other types of cancer your Maine Coon cat is prone to include (source 1):

• Mast Cell Tumors
• Bone Cancer
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Here are symptoms to watch out for, which could indicate your feline is suffering from Maine Coon cancer:

• Persistent sores
• Unusual lumps and bumps on the body
• Unexplained bleeding
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty with bathroom chores
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Acting poorly

Maine Coons are good at hiding their medical problems.

While this makes it hard to diagnose Maine Coon cancers, with some special testing, your veterinarian can help tell if your Maine Coon has any type of cancer.

The good news is that most types of cancers in Maine Coons are preventable at early stages.

Neutering and spaying Maine Coons is thought to help protect them against certain cancerous illnesses.

At the bare minimum, neutering male Maine Coons prevents testicular cancer and prostate problems, while spaying females prevent uterine infections and breast tumors.

Ensuring your Maine Coon gets vaccinated against the feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus can also significantly reduce the chances of other types of cancer.

In many cases, regardless of the type of cancer your feline has, surgery followed by a biopsy should help treat Maine Coon cancer (source 1,2).

Learn the 5 Ways to PREVENT Maine Coon cancer.

If the worst happens, and your beloved Maine Coon does not survive cancer, maybe one of these thoughtful Maine Coon memorial ideas would bring you comfort.

3. Seizures

Just like humans, Maine Coons can suffer from seizures.

In Maine Coons, seizures are characterized by:

• Convolutions
• Fits
• Uncontrolled Body Movements

In this regard, Maine Coon seizures essentially refer to a brain disorder that causes noticeable changes in:

• Behavior
• Movement
• Feelings
• Levels Of Consciousness

Notably, although Maine Coon deaths from seizures are uncommon, the condition can be life-threatening.

Some Maine Coon seizures like feline audiogenic reflex seizures, a form of noise-triggered seizure, can cause uncoordinated firing of neurons within the cerebrum portion of the brain.

As for the causes, Maine Coons seizures can be triggered by poisoning and toxic ingestion, developmental orders, injuries to the head, encephalitis, and serious medical issues.

Maine Coons with epilepsy can experience seizures after exhibiting the following signs and symptoms:

• Aggressive behavior
• Loss of consciousness with uncontrolled shaking and twitching
• Involuntary opening and closing of the mouth
• Accidental urination or defecation
• Unusual loud cries as though in pain

If you suspect that your Maine Coon cat is suffering from seizures, the best thing is to inform your veterinarian immediately.

Your vet will identify the primary cause of seizures, explain the appropriate prognosis, and recommend treatment options.

As with most Maine Coon health problems, early intervention can be the difference between life and death (source 1).

Learn more about Maine Coon cat seizures in this article.

4. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health conditions among members of the Maine Coon family.

Although the disease affects Maine Coon’s teeth and mouth and is not fatal itself, it can lead to other life-threatening issues.

If it goes unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to fatal kidney and heart conditions.

The symptoms will vary depending on the stage of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is made up of three stages:

• Halitosis
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis

When not treated, the damaged oral tissues allow bacteria into your cat’s bloodstream, which causes other serious issues.

You can prevent all these by brushing your Maine Coon’s teeth regularly on an ongoing basis.

To get a better understanding of this Maine Coon health issue, make sure you read our complete guide to Maine Coon Teeth.

5. Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a hereditary disease that affects cats born with cysts growing on their kidneys.

Over the cat’s lifespan, the cysts grow, supplanting the cat’s normal kidney tissue. Ultimately, this decreases the renal capacity, consequently causing Maine Coon urinary problems.

The bad news is that, unlike many other Maine Coon health problems, PKD is irreversible and may never be manifested until it causes sudden death.

Symptoms of PKD start showing up when the cat is around seven years old and include:

• Torpidity
• Frequent Urination
• Vomiting
• Loss Of Appetite
• Lethargy
• Increased Thirst
• Weight Loss

Here is my full guide to identifying Polycystic Kidney Disease in a Maine Coon cat.

Life Expectancy

The average Maine Coon lifespan is 12.5 years, however, some reach over 15 years!

If you own a Maine Coon, you can potentially help your beloved cat live longer by ensuring that the feline gets the best level of care. This is achieved by:

• Feeding the cat a high-quality diet
• Ensuring the cat gets enough exercise regularly
• Taking the cat for regular veterinary checkups

With good quality care, you can potentially extend the life of your Maine Coon.

Maine Coon Sudden Death

There are various health issues known to cause tragic Maine Coon deaths, for instance, Maine Coons affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at risk of sudden cardiac death.

For Maine Coons with two copies of the disease-associated mutation, cardiac complications can send your beloved cat to an early grave, even at the age of 4 years or less.

The bad news is that HCM and other health problems that cause sudden deaths of Maine Coons are not curable.

While this makes it impossible to prevent Maine Coon sudden death altogether, some treatments help improve the overall health of your companion, potentially preventing sudden death.