What Is It Like To Own A Maine Coon Cat?
[tta_listen_btn]
Maine Coon cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States, adored for their stunning looks, goofy personalities, and dog-like traits.
However, whilst the Maine Coon pros are evident, this large cat’s downsides must not be overlooked. So, what is it like to own a Maine Coon cat?
Maine Coon cats are family-friendly felines, with a gentle yet playful nature. These highly intelligent cats enjoy human company and learning tricks. These large cats share many dog-like personality traits and are known as the ‘dog of the cat world’. Purebred Maine Coons are prone to a number of health issues, such as hip dysplasia, and PKD.
Keep reading to find out why these former farm cats make great family pets, but how their average lifespan might not be as long as you first expected it to be.
You’ll also get to preview an independent research study conducted by Katrina Stewardson, in November 2023, to establish if the average Maine Coon lifespan has changed.
Table of Contents
What Is It Like To Own A Maine Coon Cat?
Maine Coons are an American breed known for being the biggest cat breed in the world, weighing 12 – 22 lbs. They measure 10-16 inches tall and reach 19-40 inches in length.
Whilst all cats are different, with their own unique and varying personalities, the purebred Maine Coon personality traits are considered to be relatively predictable.
If you buy your Maine Coon kitten from a reputable breeder, the new kitten will likely display the following Maine Coon personality traits:
- Gentle And Calm Nature
- Affectionate
- Independent Yet Loyal
- Loves Human Company And Attention
- Laid Back Temperament
- Very Vocal
- Patient With Children (Family Friendly)
- Good With Other Household Pets (Except mice and small birds)
- Enjoys Playing With Water
- Great Hunting Skills
Whilst both male and female Maine Coons enjoy human attention, male Maine Coons have a reputation for wanting to be the center of attention!
These large cats are the official State Cat of Maine and are well known for being playful, fun-loving felines that remain kitten-like until late in their adult lives.
Maine Coon Vs Normal Cat
The average cat differs wildly from a Maine Coon cat, in terms of size, vocality, sociability, affection, playfulness, temperament, etc.
If you’re wondering what makes Maine Coons so special, the table below lists the key differences between Maine Coon vs Normal cat breeds:
| Trait | Maine Coon | Normal Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Yes | Yes |
| Affectionate | Very | Varies |
| Human Company | Loves company | On its terms |
| Hunting Skills | Great | Good |
| Attention | Loves it! | Varies |
| Grooming Needs | Regular | Minimal unless long-haired |
| Vocal | Very | Less |
| Water | Loves it | Dislikes it |
| Playful | Kitten-like until old | Playful as a kitten |
| Nature | Laid back & calm | Varies |
| Family Friendly | Yes | Varies |
| Gets On With Other Pets | Yes | Mostly. Depends on nature |
| Aggressive | No | Sometimes |
Maine Coon Cat Personality
What Are Maine Coons Like As Pets?
Maine Coon cats make great family pets because they are affectionate cats with a calm and patient temperament.
Their large stature means they are not easily knocked over, so can withstand young children learning how to stroke them.
They are the type of cat that wants to spend all their time around you, watching what you are doing, yet never being needy or clingy.
Before buying a Maine Coon kitten, read the following guidance so you know what to expect from this record-breaking cat breed.
Are Maine Coon Cats Hard To Take Care Of?
Although Maine Coon cats are not considered to be high-maintenance felines, they will require a little extra care than a normal cat.
For starters, Maine Coon owners need to regularly brush these long-haired cats on a weekly basis, ideally 2-3 times a week, with these cat brushes to ensure their dense coats do not become matted.
Regular grooming will help build a strong bond and a sense of trust between the owner and the cat.
Pet parents will also need to ensure they are feeding their muscular broad-chested feline high-quality cat food, and a diet high in protein.
One of the most important differences between a Maine Coon and a normal cat is that the Maine Coon cat breed is far more sociable and energetic.
These playful and energetic felines thrive on human companionship, and should not be left alone for long periods of time, as this can result in anxiety and depression.
Finally, your fluffy friend will need roughly 30 minutes of exercise a day, to avoid them developing these Signs Of Obesity In Maine Coon Cats.
How Big Will Your Maine Coon Cat Get?
Thought to be direct descendants of the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Maine Coon cat breed features in the Guinness Book Of World Records for its massive size.
The Maine Coon size will vary depending upon the cat’s gender, however, the average full-size male Maine Coon weighs between 18 – 22 lbs and reaches 10 – 16 inches tall.
By comparison, the average full-size female Maine Coon weight according to TICA, is 12 – 15 lbs, though they still reach 10 – 16 inches tall.
If you look at the infographic below, you immediately see that both male and female Maine Coons are 19 – 40 inches in length.
Do Maine Coons Need A Lot Of Space?
Maine Coons require plenty of space to run, play, and climb, to ensure they get enough exercise each day. Experts recommend no less than 20 square feet of space.
Whilst a Maine Coon will not necessarily require extra space to live in than a normal cat, owners will need to find space for their items:
- Cat Litter Trays
- Pet Water Fountain
- Large Cat Tower
- Cat Toys / Tunnels
- Cat Beds
- Medicine
- Food
If you live in a small home or do not have a cat-safe garden, it is a good idea to purchase an Extra Large Cat Tower to make use of your room’s height.
Maine Coon cats can live in large apartments, however, small apartments would not be suitable as they limit the opportunities for your cat to run, hunt, play, and climb.
Do Maine Coons Act Like Dogs?
Maine Coon cats are well-known for their dog-like personality traits and behavior since they are loyal, affectionate, and enjoy human companionship.
Thought to be the largest domestic cat breed in the world, these gentle giants are one of the most popular breeds to own and are called the ‘dog of the cat world’.
Their high levels of intelligence make these longhaired cats trainable, and many owners have taught their large cats the following tricks:
- Play Fetch
- Go For Walks On A Leash Or Harness
If you are interested in training a Maine Coon cat, reading this guide is a MUST!
Are Maine Coons Affectionate?
The first thing many cat owners notice when getting a Maine Coon, is that these long-haired cats are very affectionate felines.
Although most Maine Coons are not lapcats, these big cats love being around their human family.
These cats are neither clingy, nor needy, but do like following their owners around to simply be near them, and watch what you are doing!
Are Maine Coon Cats Loyal?
The Maine Coon cat breed is very loyal to its human family and is unlike a normal cat because despite being independent, they are not typically aloof felines.
Instead, they are sociable cats that enjoy spending time with their family, whom they consider to be their pack (like a dog would).
These large cats miss their owners, so it would not be unusual to find your Maine Coon waiting for you at the door when you return home.
Are Maine Coon Cats Trainable?
Known for their intelligence, these beautiful cats are able to learn basic dog tricks, such as fetching a ball or walking on a leash.
Whilst the males do grow stubborn with age, they are not stubborn like normal cat breeds. Instead, they thrive off time playing with their owners and entertaining them.
The most successful way to teach your cat Maine Coon tricks is to start training them whilst they are still kittens. Remember to give them a reward when they do well!
Are Maine Coon Cats Vocal?
Maine Coon cats are very vocal felines that love to trill and chirp to their owners to communicate their needs and happiness. You will also find them chattering to the birds.
Here is a short YouTube video of our Maine Coon talking.
Contrary to popular belief, these large cats do not meow like normal cats.
What Health Problems Do Maine Coons Have?
The Maine Coon is a pretty hardy, healthy breed that evolved naturally in North America, so does not suffer from a large number of health problems.
However, these former outdoor cats are still prone to certain health issues that Maine Coon breeders do their best to remove from the genetic breeding pool.
Cat owners must be alert to the signs and symptoms of the following Maine Coon health issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Periodontal Disease
- Obesity
It is a good idea to take your cat for regular vet checkups, which can help identify potential health issues early on.
Do Maine Coons Live Longer Than Other Cats?
Maine Coon cats do not live longer than normal cats, since the average lifespan of a Maine Coon is 10 – 15 years.
However, in a recent study conducted by Katrina Stewardson on Maine Coon Central’s YouTube Community Channel, in November 2023, voters were asked how long their Maine Coon lived.
Below is a screenshot of the results:
The findings of this cat research poll of 127 votes, were as follows:
- 55% of voters stated their Maine Coon lived between 15-17+ years
- 12% of voters said their cat lived for <10 years
- 33% of voters reported that their Maine Coon lived between 11-14 years
As you can see, the majority of voters owned a Maine Coon cat that lived for 15-16 years, which puts them at the top of the average Maine Coon lifespan.
A staggering 26% of voters owned a Maine Coon that lived for 17+ years. Does this indicate that this longhaired cat breed might be living for longer?
What Do Maine Coon Cats Like To Eat?
Maine Coon cats enjoy a diet that closely resembles their former wild cat years, therefore it’s essential they consume a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Feline nutrition for this large cat breed is important since high levels of protein fuel these broad-chested cats’ muscles and energy levels, and help them grow
Maine Coon cats should be fed a nutritionally balanced diet, made from high-quality cat food.
Deficiencies in particular vitamins, nutrients, or minerals will likely show in your cat’s:
- General Health
- Fur Color and Shine
- Energy Levels
- Maine Coon Size
Do Maine Coons Shed?
Maine Coon shed medium levels, though not to excess.
Shedding is a natural process whereby your cat malts their dead hair from their body. It tends to be seasonal, and dependent upon your cat’s:
- Hair Type
- Whether the cat is kept indoors or outdoors
- Weather conditions
- The temperature of your home, and if you have heated floors
To reduce shedding owners should brush their cat 2-3 times a week with these Maine Coon Grooming Tools to remove the dead fur.
If you are concerned about excessive shedding, cat foods like this also help reduce cat shedding levels.
Are Maine Coons Good Family Pets?
The Maine Coon breed is considered to be family-friendly since these large cats have a very calm, gentle, and non-aggressive temperament.
Unlike normal cats, a socialized Maine Coon kitten is not usually phased by the loud noises produced by children
Their sociable and playful nature makes these large cats ideally suited to family life.
Are Maine Coons Good With Other Cats?
Maine Coon cats are very sociable felines that are happiest when they have company, whether that be their pet owners, a dog, or another cat.
They are not considered to be a very territorial feline breed, so tend not to have issues living with other cats, provided they have their own ‘space’ within the home.
Do Maine Coon Cats Get Along With Dogs?
Known as the ‘dog of the cat world’ this large domestic cat will get along with a dog living within their household, provided the two animals are correctly introduced.
Success is dependent upon the owners selecting a dog breed that is naturally friendly towards cats, and ensuring the dog is respectful of the cat’s personal space.
Are Maine Coon Cats Violent Or Aggressive?
These gentle-natured felines are not considered to be violent or aggressive. Instead, they have a very calm and patient temperament and are family-friendly cats.
However, a Maine Coon will hiss at you if they are feeling attacked. The hiss acts as a warning to the person causing your cat stress, and should never be ignored.
Conclusion
Most people know that Maine Coon cats grow into large felines by 3-5 years of age, but what is it like to own a Maine Coon?
This family-friendly, playful, and affectionate feline is an ideal addition for pet parents who work from home, and have time to cater to this breed’s unique social needs.
