Longhair cat Large size 5-10 kg

Maine Coon

A huge, sociable, dog-like cat - gentle with kids and other pets, with a coat and a heart that both need attention.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
5-10 kg · 25-41 cm
Moderate
Exercise needs
About an hour of daily activity
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Half a workday, with preparation
Moderate
Training
Needs patience and consistency
High
Coat care
Several sessions weekly, heavy shedding
Excellent
Fit with kids
Patient even with chaotic small kids
Good
Other pets
Good with early socialization
Moderate
Health burden
Heart, hips, SMA

The Maine Coon typically weighs 5-10 kg, stands 25-41 cm, and lives 10-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a social cat that follows the family around and joins in,
kids or other pets are part of the household,
you can brush a semi-long coat several times a week,
you have room for a big cat tree and sturdy furniture.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a low-maintenance coat - matting is a real weekly job,
you are not prepared to budget for heart screening (HCM runs in the breed),
the home is empty most of the day with no second pet,
you expect a small, quiet, decorative cat - this is a big, present animal.

A typical day with a Maine Coon

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Greets you, breakfast, a chatty trill or two
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Window watching or supervising your work
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Long nap on something soft and yours
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Play session - fetch and wand toys work
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Brushing, then hangs out with the family
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Sleeps nearby, often at the foot of the bed

Temperament and training

Sociability Very high
Playfulness Moderate
Vocality Moderate
Independence Moderate
Tolerance of handling High
Hunting drive High
Common owner mistakes
Skipping brushing until the coat mats behind the ears and legs · Free-feeding a big-framed cat into obesity · Buying from a breeder who does not screen for HCM

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Famously patient; walks away rather than swats.
Other cats Good
Easygoing with proper introductions.
Dogs Good
One of the most dog-tolerant cat breeds.
Apartment Suitable
Works if there is vertical space and daily play.
House Ideal
Room to roam suits a cat this size.
Seniors Conditional
Gentle companion, but grooming and lifting 8+ kg is work.
First cat Good
Forgiving temperament; grooming is the main learning curve.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Genetic test available
Hip dysplasia Unusual for cats, real in this breed
Spinal muscular atrophy Genetic test available

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Similar look and coat, a bit more independent
Norwegian Forest Cat
A big, hardy climber that stays affectionate without being clingy - the thick double coat is the main upkeep.
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Big sturdy forest cat with a playful streak
Siberian
A powerful, playful longhair that stays affectionate and adaptable - the triple coat needs regular brushing.
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Large and family-friendly, calmer and less hunty
Ragdoll
A large, relaxed lap cat that goes limp when held and follows its people around - one of the most family-tolerant cats there is.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Maine Coon cost in the US?
A kitten from a reputable breeder commonly runs $1,000-$2,500, more for show lines. The purchase price is the small part: over a 10-14 year life, food for a large cat, grooming tools, routine vet care and possible heart monitoring can add up to $15,000-$25,000 or more, and a single major illness like HCM management or surgery can cost thousands on its own.
Are Maine Coons really dog-like?
More than most cats. Many follow their people from room to room, greet visitors, learn fetch, and some tolerate leash walks. That sociability cuts both ways: a Maine Coon left alone all day with nothing to do is a bored, sad big cat, not an independent one.
How much grooming does the coat actually need?
Plan on brushing 2-3 times a week minimum, more during seasonal shedding. The semi-long coat mats behind the ears, in the armpits and on the britches if neglected, and removing mats from a 9 kg cat is not fun for anyone. Started young, most Maine Coons accept brushing calmly.
How big does a Maine Coon get, and how fast?
Males commonly reach 7-10 kg, females somewhat less, and they mature slowly - full size often comes only around 3-4 years of age. Budget for large litter boxes, a heavy-duty cat tree and higher food bills than a standard cat.