Large breeds
Maine Coon: personality, life span and weight
The Maine Coon is a large long-haired breed from the United States and one of the biggest domestic cats. Despite its size it is gentle and sociable, hence the name "gentle giant".
- Gentle giant
- Sociable
- Chirping voice
Maine Coon at a glance
- Adult weight
- 4.5–10 kg
- Life span
- 10–15 years
- Shedding
- heavy
- Activity
- moderate
- Origin
- Maine, United States
- Coat
- Shaggy semi-long coat, a ruff, a long tail and tufted ear tips
Maine Coon personality
It follows the family around and likes to be close, but tends to sit beside you more than on your lap. It chirps and trills more than it meows. It is interested in water and takes three to five years to mature.
Coat care and daily care
Brush two or three times a week and check for mats under the legs, on the belly and on the hind legs. It needs equipment to match its size: a large litter box, a sturdy cat tree and a wide scratcher.
Health problems Maine Coon keepers should know
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)A known genetic variant (MYBPC3) exists in Maine Coons, so genetic testing and regular heart ultrasounds are recommended.
- Hip dysplasiaA large cat puts more load on its joints. Weight control helps.
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)A rare inherited disease that can be checked with a genetic test.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Maine Coon photos from cat keepers
Photo tip Photograph it next to a familiar object or person to show its size. The ear tufts show up well with the light behind them.
Cats of this breed
Maine Coon questions and answers
- How long do Maine Coon cats live?
- An indoor Maine Coon typically lives about 10–15 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Maine Coon weigh?
- A fully grown Maine Coon usually weighs 4.5–10 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Maine Coon cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is heavy. Shaggy semi-long coat, a ruff, a long tail and tufted ear tips. Brush two or three times a week and check for mats under the legs, on the belly and on the hind legs. It needs equipment to match its size: a large litter box, a sturdy cat tree and a wide scratcher.
- What is the Maine Coon personality like?
- It follows the family around and likes to be close, but tends to sit beside you more than on your lap. It chirps and trills more than it meows. It is interested in water and takes three to five years to mature.