How long does a Maine Coon live?

The life expectancy of the Maine Coon is 12-15 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Maine Coon weigh?

An adult Maine Coon weighs between 6-12 kg (machos hasta 15 kg), depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is grande (el más grande de gatos).

Who is the Maine Coon NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Small flats. Those who cannot brush regularly. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

How much does a Maine Coon weigh?

It is the largest domestic cat: females are around 6-8 kg and males can reach 12-15 kg. They also grow slowly, completing their development at around 3-4 years.

Is it true that it behaves like a dog?

It has a reputation as a 'dog-like cat' for its sociable, tolerant character and because it follows its family around the house. Many learn to walk on a lead, play fetch and get on well with calm dogs.

How much coat care does it need?

Its semi-long coat requires brushing 2-3 times per week (daily during the moulting season) to prevent mats and hairballs. It does not need clipping; just consistency with a brush and comb.

Which genetic disease is the most important?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), with a mutation (MYBPC3) common in the breed. It is key to choose breeders who test the parents and to carry out control echocardiograms.

Is it suited to a flat?

It can live in a flat if it has space to move and sturdy vertical structures that support its size. In very small spaces it feels restricted by its large build.

Breed profile

Maine Coon

The "gentle giant". The largest of the domestic cats. Sweet, tolerant, sociable nature. Excellent with children and dogs. A beautiful long coat, but one that requires care.

Origin: Estados Unidos (Maine) Size: Grande (el más grande de gatos) Lifespan: 12-15 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Families with children
✓Large homes
✓Those who want a "dog-like" cat
✓Homes with other cats

Reconsider if

×Small flats
×Those who cannot brush regularly

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Is the Maine Coon a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

55-90 €/month

Quality food for a large cat (35-55 €, it eats more than a medium cat), litter and preventive health care/insurance (20-35 €). Initial investment in a sturdy scratching tree and a large feeding bowl/litter tray.

History and origin

A natural breed from the north-east of the USA (Maine) and one of the largest. It has specific genetic tests for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (MyBPC3 mutation) and is predisposed to hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy.

Temperament and character

Sociable, tolerant, gentle. Vocalises with soft "chirps". Intelligent. It likes water (unusual in cats). Keeps its playful behaviour into old age.

Living together

Children: excellent. Other cats: sociable. Dogs: very good coexistence with calm ones.

Life stages of the Maine Coon

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-15 años.

Kitten

0-9 months

Socialisation, vaccination and a growth diet suited to a slow-maturing, large breed.

Junior

9 months-2 years

Neutering, HCM/SMA genetic test, musculoskeletal monitoring and continued development (matures until 3-4 years).

Adult

2-10 years

Periodic HCM echocardiography, hip dysplasia monitoring, weight and brushing of the long coat.

Senior

11+ years

Cardiac and renal follow-up, joint management and a geriatric diet.

Care

Brushing 2-3 times/week. Space: needs room because of its size. Large feeding bowl/litter tray. Large-breed feed. Early neutering (the hormones do not make the cat large anyway).

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality feed formulated for large breeds or large cats, adjusted to prevent overweight despite its appetite. Combining wet and dry supports kidney hydration. A wide bowl to suit its size.

✂️ Grooming

Brushing 2-3 times per week (daily during moult) with a brush and metal comb to prevent mats in friction areas (armpits, groin, behind the ears). Its semi-long coat does not require clipping. Check ear tufts and claws.

🎓 Training

A very sociable and intelligent cat, easy to handle and to socialise with children, dogs and other cats. Accepts a harness and puzzle games well. Large litter trays to suit its size and, ideally, N+1 (one more than the number of cats). Keeps playing into old age.

🏃 Exercise

Medium energy: enjoys daily interactive play and climbing. A sturdy scratching post/tree that can bear its weight and wide shelves or elevated areas are advisable. It is one of the few cats that usually likes water.

Breed-specific health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM genetic test). Hip dysplasia. Spinal muscular atrophy. PKD rare. Life expectancy 12-15 years.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🐈Cardiomiopatía hipertrófica felina 🦴Displasia de cadera

Common diseases in cats

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis 🦟Pulgas 🕷️Garrapatas

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Maine Coon

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Genetic test for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (MYBPC3 mutation)
✓Periodic echocardiographic HCM screening
✓Hip dysplasia radiograph
✓Genetic test for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
✓Genetic test for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD, less common)

Prevention

Acquire from a breeder who tests the parents for HCM and SMA. Keep an appropriate weight for a large breed and protect the joints. Regular brushing to prevent mats and hairballs. Early neutering, since its large size does not depend on hormones.

Check-up schedule

Annual veterinary review; echocardiographic HCM screening per the vet's schedule even if genetically negative. Preventive bloodwork (kidney function) from 7 years of age.

Warning signs

!Laboured breathing, lethargy or exercise intolerance (HCM)
!Hindquarter weakness, tremors or abnormal gait (SMA)
!Lameness or reluctance to jump (hip dysplasia)
!Increased thirst and urination, weight loss (kidney function/PKD)
!Mats in the coat or frequent hairballs

Maine Coon gallery

Foto de la raza maine coon — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Maine Coon

How long does a Maine Coon live?: The life expectancy of the Maine Coon is 12-15 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a Maine Coon weigh?: An adult Maine Coon weighs between 6-12 kg (machos hasta 15 kg), depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is grande (el más grande de gatos).
Where does the Maine Coon breed come from?: The Maine Coon originates from Estados Unidos (Maine). A natural breed from the north-east of the USA (Maine) and one of the largest. It has specific genetic tests for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (MyBPC3 mutation) and is predisposed to hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy.
How much exercise does a Maine Coon need?: The Maine Coon has media energy. Brushing 2-3 times/week. Space: needs room because of its size. Large feeding bowl/litter tray. Large-breed feed. Early neutering (the hormones do not make the cat large anyway).
Is the Maine Coon good with children?: Children: excellent. Other cats: sociable. Dogs: very good coexistence with calm ones.
Who is the Maine Coon NOT recommended for?: It isn't the right breed for: Small flats. Those who cannot brush regularly. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the Maine Coon have?: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM genetic test). Hip dysplasia. Spinal muscular atrophy. PKD rare. Life expectancy 12-15 years.
How much does a Maine Coon weigh?: It is the largest domestic cat: females are around 6-8 kg and males can reach 12-15 kg. They also grow slowly, completing their development at around 3-4 years.
Is it true that it behaves like a dog?: It has a reputation as a 'dog-like cat' for its sociable, tolerant character and because it follows its family around the house. Many learn to walk on a lead, play fetch and get on well with calm dogs.
How much coat care does it need?: Its semi-long coat requires brushing 2-3 times per week (daily during the moulting season) to prevent mats and hairballs. It does not need clipping; just consistency with a brush and comb.
Which genetic disease is the most important?: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), with a mutation (MYBPC3) common in the breed. It is key to choose breeders who test the parents and to carry out control echocardiograms.
Is it suited to a flat?: It can live in a flat if it has space to move and sturdy vertical structures that support its size. In very small spaces it feels restricted by its large build.