Maine Coon
Massive, friendly "gentle giants" with luxurious coats.
Maine Coons are among the largest domestic cats — playful, sociable, and famously dog-like. They chirp and trill rather than meow, enjoy water, and remain kitten-like in personality well into adulthood. Their thick double coat suits cold climates.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 13–25 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Medium |
| Grooming | Brush 2–3 times a week, daily during shedding season |
| Shedding | High |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●○○ |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Wonderful family companions
- Get along with dogs and other cats
- Trainable and intelligent
- Cold-tolerant
✗ Things to know
- Heavy shedders
- Need space to roam
- Higher food and grooming costs
Ideal owner
A Maine Coon may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
A Maine Coon may not suit you if you:
- Want a low-maintenance coat — this breed needs regular grooming
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Maine Coons can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Spinal muscular atrophy
Is a Maine Coon right for you?
The best way to find out if a Maine Coon suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Maine Coon a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Maine Coons are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: friendly, playful giants with a dog-like devotion.
Are Maine Coons good for apartments?
Maine Coons can manage in apartments with the right setup — climbing structures, puzzle feeders, and regular play sessions to meet their activity needs.
Are Maine Coons good with children?
Maine Coons are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?
Maine Coons are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Maine Coon suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Maine Coon on Wikipedia