What To Expect With A Maine Coon
Maine Coons are very popular and loved by millions of people worldwide, but for a good reason.
If you have set your heart on owning a Maine Coon cat, you could be wondering what it is like to own one of these fabulous felines.
Maine Coon Cats are very loyal felines. They are affectionate, like spending time with their owners, and love receiving affection as well. It’s also not uncommon for Maine Coons to greet their humans upon arriving at home. What is more, Maine Coon Cats seem to learn the daily life routines of their humans.
Another exciting thing about Maine Coons is that, unlike “normal” cats, they tend to come when called provided they are within hearing range. They can even sometimes greet guests, but they will preserve their special attention for their owners.
If you are planning to own a Maine Coons Cat, read on to find everything you need to know about these great family pets. Of course, there is much to think about before you commit.
What To Expect With A Maine Coon?
Maine Coon cat owners will tell you how wonderful it is to have one of these cats at home.
The Maine Coon breed is naturally independent and does not demand too much from their humans. However, they will definitely appreciate the love and affection they get from their owners.
Resembling the Norwegian Forest Cat, Maine Coons have become a popular breed across the planet, probably because of their distinctive wild appearance, robust nature, and unique personality.
But, where does the Maine Coon originate from?
As the name suggests, the Maine Coon Cat originates from Maine, USA, and they were so named because they partially resemble the raccoon.
There are many myths surrounding the Maine Coons heritage, including claims that it is a mix between a cat and a raccoon. Find out how true this myth is in my article ‘Is A Maine Coon Part Raccoon?‘.
They could have also been used on immigrant ships on their way to America to fight rats and mice.
If we look past the legends we can see that Maine Coons rose into popularity in the 1950s and are considered very gracious and sociable creatures.
We also know that Maine Coons make great family pets and are one of the smartest cats around. Read more about why the ‘Maine Coon Is So Smart‘ in my article.
Maine Coon Personality
Maine Coon cats are:
- Cool
- Loving
- Playful
- Social
- Active
- Personable
- Extremely Intelligent
You can teach these gentle giants various tricks, and they won’t disappoint.
Even better, they are compatible with almost every other pet and child. Just don’t expect them to play nicely with small rodents, which they will likely consume!
Besides their friendly social nature, Maine Coons are very dog-like in that they prefer human attention and interactions. Much like a dog or a toddler, you Maine Coon Cat will greet you when you arrive back home in the evening.
Maine Coon cats are also very curious felines, and will often be interested in watching everything you do.
Overall, their playful, loving personalities make them truly irresistible. You will undoubtedly adore having a Maine Coon simply because their personality remains unchanged throughout their lives.
Male Vs. Female Maine Coon Cat
Any seasoned pet parent can tell you that the gender of a cat affects their physical and personality traits.
That said, it is important to compare male vs. female Maine Coon in detail to determine which gender is suited for your lifestyle.
Generally, all Maine Coon cats share the following personality traits, which makes them perfect family pets, especially for families with young children:
- Affectionate
- Loyal
- Playful
- Laid-Back Temperament
As for their differences, the male Maine Coon cat is physically bigger than the female and tends to have a bigger personality.
Common male Maine Coon traits include:
- More demanding than the females
- Enjoys hanging out with their owners
- Needs plenty of stimulation and playtime
- Enjoys being silly
- Can be very stubborn
- Prefers to bond closely with one owner, but will also have a good relationship with other family members and guests.
By comparison, the females are usually:
- More reserved
- Can be very outgoing when they feel comfortable and familiar
In both male and female Mane Coons, you are sure to get a cat full of personality.
Even with their differences, all Maine Coons will be lovely felines to own.
For a complete summary of the similarities and differences of male vs female Maine Coons, take a look at my popular comparison table in my article ‘Male Vs Female Maine Coon Cat’.
Maine Coon Exercise
Maine Coon cats are generally active and playful.
Sadly, they are susceptible to obesity so it is extremely important to ensure that your feline gets adequate exercise, ideally 30 minutes of play each day.
Cat toys and puzzles will provide much-needed mental stimulation.
These are my favorite Maine Coon cat toys (Pippin goes crazy for them!).
Exercise and mental stimulation are also needed on a daily basis to keep these large cats happy, healthy, and fit.
You can take your cat outside, and their curiosity plus playful nature will help them find countless ways to exercise in the outdoor world. Even a leaf is considered a fun thing to play with if you are a Maine Coon cat!
Oddly enough, Maine Coons can also be leashed and walked like a dog. If this is something that interests you, you need to introduce the concept of walking on a leash whilst the Maine Coon is still a kitten.
If you’re not comfortable with your Maine Coon exercising outdoors, make sure you have plenty of space where your precious Maine Coon cat can exercise. For example, these extra-large cat towers will certainly provide ample opportunity for your cat to exercise.
Maine Coon Lifespan
Maine Coons are generally hardy, and their average lifespan is 10-13 years. Other data reports that these lovable giant family pets can live up to 15 years and beyond.
Some Maine Coon owners even report having had their Maine Coon cat for 20 years!
As you would expect, taking great care of the following factors will help increase the life expectancy of your Maine Coon:
- Diet
- Adequate Exercise
- General health care
Here are some more great tips for extending your Maine Coon cat’s lifespan.
Maine Coon Maintenance Cost
Maine Coons are beautiful felines that are full of personality.
However, their extraordinary size and long fur can potentially scare first-time owners because they think the cats are high maintenance.
The idea is to ensure that your Maine Coon Cat lives a happy and healthy life.
Some of the things you need to consider include protein-rich pet food, litter, grooming kit, deworming tablets, vaccinations, cat bed, insurance, scratching post, cat toys, treats, food bowls, poop scoops, and litter box.
So, what is the likely Maine coon maintenance cost?
On average, the annual expenses of keeping a Maine Coon amount to $1490, which includes quality cat food, vet visits, vaccinations, litter, insurance, cat toys, and other cat care supplies:
| Expense | Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Quality Food | 700 – 1000 |
| Litter | 100 – 300 |
| Insurance | 300 – 600 |
| Vet Visits and Checkups | 150 |
| Vaccinations | 40 – 70 |
| Cat Toys, Treats, Miscellaneous | 200 |
Maine Coon Fur
Maine Coons are known for their luscious, long, and impressive hair.
While the beauty of their fabulous long fur may catch your eyes, Maine Coons require regular, dedicated grooming. I found these 5 grooming brushes to be the best all-rounders.
To ensure the long hair doesn’t get tangled or matted, Maine Coon grooming should be completed a minimum of 2-3 times a week.
Brushing is also important because Maine Coons shed quite a lot as the seasons change, so owners need to groom their cats regularly to maintain the famous attributes of their coats and help get rid of the loose dear hairs.
Your cat might also require monthly bathing, though bathing is not an essential requirement and many owners do not bathe their Maine Coon cats at all. This is ultimately up to you.
If you wish to bathe your Maine Coon when her coat starts looking greasy or stingy, I recommend using these cat shampoos.
These cats love any sort of attention it gets from their owners and grooming will undoubtedly build a strong bond and sense of trust between you and your Maine Coon Cat.
Dog Of The Cat World
Maine Coon cats are often nicknamed the “dog of the cat world”.
They get their nickname partly due to their large physique and partly due to their very dog-like personalities, including their love of human company.
These cats act like dogs, and with their friendly, dog-like disposition, they easily build strong bonds with their humans and get on well with other household pets.
Just like dogs, they can be comfortably leashed and walked outdoors.
Highly Intelligent
Maine Coons are very curious and incredibly intelligent cats – far more than “normal” cats.
The intelligence attribute makes Maine Coon cats easy to train. For example, they can master and perform various tricks like fetching a ball, turning a facet on, and kissing your cheeks!
Although it may take some time to teach your Maine Coon some challenging tricks, they will eventually master them, and the effort that goes into the training will feel worthwhile.
Like with training other pets, giving your Maine Coon some treats will encourage them to learn.
Vocality
If you want to have a vocal cat that talks without annoying you, a Maine Coon cat might be the right one for you.
Rather than meowing all the time when they are excited, these felines make weird sounds that most people call chirping or trilling.
Maine Coons often talk to their owners when they want something.
Despite their large physique, they are surprisingly quiet and will only vocalize when necessary – when communicating to their humans.
Typically, Maine Coons make a range of purrs and chirping sounds to express themselves. However, like other cats, they will also meow when they need your attention.
Love Of Water
Maine Coons are one of the breeds known for being obsessed with water.
They are actually fascinated with everything to do with water, including bathing and patting water in their water bowls.
To ensure your feline’s love for water is satisfied, make sure to supply her with fresh water as needed.
Maine Coon Health Problems
Maine Coon cats are known for being very hardy and capable of withstanding harsh conditions. However, this doesn’t mean they are immune to health issues.
There are various health problems that can affect your cat, ultimately hurting their health.
Typically, Maine Coons are susceptible to the following health problems (click on the link to learn more about each of the specific health issues:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Hip Dysplasia (HD)
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKM)
Considering these health problems can significantly lower the lifespan of your feline, it is important that you stay on top of your Maine Coon’s health.
Regular vet checkups can help uncover underlying health conditions that you may not be aware of, and, as well all know, detecting health problems earlier makes treatment easier.
For more information on Maine Coon health problems, make sure you read my article ‘Top 7 Maine Coon Health Issues‘.
What To Know Before Getting A Maine Coon
Being a Maine Coon Cat owner requires a fair amount of commitment because these gentle giants like spending a large amount of their time by their owner’s side.
Whilst the majority of owners say that having a Maine Coon cat is a rewarding experience, there are a few things that first-time owner needs to know before bringing this unique breed home.
Here are some pointers you should be aware of, before adopting or buying a Maine Coon:
1. Maine Coons Need Their Own Space
First off, Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed worldwide. This means that they will need a large space.
Before bringing one of these large felines home, make sure that your Maine Coon has a space that they can call their own.
Maine Coons need a lot of toys to keep them entertained, and a safe space where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. They will not be happy living in a space that feels cramped.
If you are planning to adopt a Maine Coon, make sure you have enough space in your home or apartment where you can dedicate some space for her.
Maine Coons are also climbers, so ensure there is ample space for an extra-large cat tower, like these ones.
2. You Need To Buy An Extra-Large Cat Tree
Maine Coon cats are great climbers, and like being active. For this reason, before adopting one, you want to make sure you can get your feline an extra-large cat tree or tower.
A good cat tree should be tall enough for the cat to climb and short enough not to overwhelm the feline’s surroundings.
Still on climbing, Maine Coons are naturally gifted with claws, so make sure the cat tree is equipped with a scratching post; otherwise, they will damage your furniture.
Here are 13 hacks to stop your cat from scratching your furniture.
3. Maine Coons Are Expensive Felines
Maine Coons are a specialist pedigree cat breed, costing $1,000 on average. But the expenses do not stop here.
After buying a Maine Coon cat you will need to pay for:
- Health Insurance
- Health Checks
- Lifetime Vaccinations
- Selection Of Toys
- Good Quality Accessories
- Cat Tree
- Scratch Pads
- Spaying or Neutering
- Grooming Equipment
- Optional Monthly Treatments
So, be prepared to give your pet the best care she deserves.
4. Maine Coons Need Plenty Of Exercise
Maine Coons need a lot of activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Without enough physical activity and stimulation, your Maine Coon will have a pretty dull life, which can shorten her life expectancy.
Like other kittens, Maine Coon cats love to play, so make sure you can get enough time to play with your pet every day.
5. Need Regular Human Interaction
Maine Coons are extremely loving and sociable felines and will appreciate the affection they get from their humans.
They also have dog-like dispositions, which enables them to build a strong bond.
They will get bored and lonely if left alone for hours.
In a nutshell, the Maine Coon cat breed is not for you if you are likely to be out at work every day.
How To Know If You Have A Maine Coon
Purebred Maine Coon Cats have unique characteristics that make them easier to identify.
Here are some quick factors to check, if you are trying to tell whether your cat is a Maine Coon, or not:
- Visibly larger in size than average cats
- A long bushy tail that’s larger at the base and gradually narrows as you reach the tip
- Large ears tapering to a point
- Long, thick fur
- Mane of hair – considerably longer fur around the neck
- Slightly oblique-shaped and large eyes
- Robust bone structure and rectangular body shape
How Do Maine Coons Show Affection?
Maine Coons are known for being very affectionate creatures that express their love for you in many ways.
Here are some key signs of Maine Coon affection:
| Signs Of Affection | Description |
|---|---|
| Purring & Chirping | These sounds are traditionally associated with satisfaction. Your Maine Coon will make these sounds to express their satisfaction and love for you |
| Rubbing Against You | Maine Coons aren’t afraid of their owners and will rub against them as a way to show affection |
| Cuddling | Maine Coons love you and will often cuddle on your lap. This is actually their favorite way of showing affection |
| Direct Eye Contact | A cat staring at you could mean that she loves you. In many cases, they will stare at you because you’re the least threatening person |
| Hugging | Maine Coons will climb your chest and place a paw on your shoulder |
Conclusion
Owning a Maine Coon is a big responsibility, which makes it imperative to understand what to expect with a Maine Coon.
Overall, Maine Coons are very loyal, affectionate, laid back, and playful cats that any animal lover will be grateful to own.
They are very intelligent felines and will always return loyalty for the love they get from their owners.
If you are planning to bring a Maine Coon kitten home, hopefully, this post has given you a greater insight into what it is like to have a Maine Coon.
Related Questions
Is Maine Coon Clingy?
Maine Coons are known for their easygoing disposition and bond with humans easily. While they enjoy human company and are pretty curious, they can amuse themselves and aren’t considered clingy.
What is Black Maine Coon like?
Black Maine Coons are incredibly beautiful cats, complete with black whiskers, noses, lips, and paw pads. They may also have black ears and tufts.
