The Maine Coon is a large, semi-longhaired cat from the United States with a sweet, playful and friendly nature. Adults usually weigh 9 to 20 pounds, live around 9 to 15 years, and need grooming about once a week.
Key takeaways
- Maine Coons are among the largest pedigree cats, and males are usually bigger than females.
- They are known as sweet-natured, playful and friendly.
- The semi-long coat needs grooming about once a week.
- The breed is generally healthy but is linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy.
- They can become overweight, so portion sizes matter.
Maine Coon at a glance
| Origin | Maine, United States |
|---|---|
| Adult weight | 9 to 20 pounds (4 to 9 kg) |
| Height | 10 to 16 inches |
| Lifespan | 9 to 15 years |
| Coat | Semi-long, with an undercoat and a glossy topcoat |
| Grooming | About once a week |
| Temperament | Sweet-natured, playful, friendly |
How big do Maine Coons get?
Most adult Maine Coons weigh between 9 and 20 pounds. Males are typically larger than females, and it is common for a male to reach 20 pounds or more. The long, rectangular body and long tail can make a Maine Coon look even bigger than its weight suggests.
Maine Coons also grow slowly. They usually reach their full size and weight at around 3 to 4 years old, so a one-year-old still has filling out to do.
What is a Maine Coon’s personality like?
Breed registries describe the Maine Coon as sweet-natured, playful and friendly. They are not the most active breed, but they still need daily play to stay fit. A few minutes with a wand toy each day is a simple way to keep one moving.
How much grooming does a Maine Coon need?
Plan to groom a Maine Coon about once a week. The coat has an undercoat beneath a longer topcoat, so regular brushing keeps loose fur from tangling. Our guide to the best cat brushes and combs covers tools that suit long coats.
What health problems do Maine Coons have?
The Maine Coon is generally a healthy breed. The conditions most often linked to it are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart disease), hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy. If you are buying a kitten, ask the breeder which health tests the parents have had.
Maine Coons can also put on too much weight, especially in middle age. Measure meals and ask your vet what a healthy weight looks like for your cat’s frame.
Where does the Maine Coon come from?
The Maine Coon is considered the only longhaired breed native to the United States. It began as a working cat that kept barns and homes clear of rodents. The Cat Fanciers’ Association accepted the breed for championship status in 1976.
Is a Maine Coon right for you?
A Maine Coon suits a home that wants a big, sociable cat and can commit to weekly grooming and daily play. Because of their size, they need sturdy furniture. See our picks for cat trees that hold larger cats.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Maine Coons live?
Maine Coons typically live 9 to 15 years.
When is a Maine Coon fully grown?
Usually at 3 to 4 years old, which is later than most cats.
Are Maine Coons bigger than normal cats?
Yes. At 9 to 20 pounds, with some males heavier, they are one of the largest pedigree breeds.
Sources
- Maine Coon breed profile, Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
- Maine Coon characteristics, Cats.com
- Maine Coon, Hill’s Pet
- Maine Coon breed guide, Trupanion
- Maine Coon guide, Weenect
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.