Maine Coone Cat
The Maine Coon Cat breed is the biggest domestic cat you’ll find. They are instantly recognizable by their size, big, tufted ears and long, bushy coats. Despite their large size, they’re affectionately known as gentle giants, lapping up love and attention from their owners and forming strong bonds. Although a relatively healthy breed, it’s important to understand their unique traits to give them the proper care they need.
Main Coon At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, gentle, playful, and sociable |
| Suitable | Great for families with children, other pets, or first-time cat owners; adaptable to indoor and outdoor living |
| Health | Maine Coon cats are prone to hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and dental issues |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
Maine Coon cats are known for being easygoing and relatively easy to train. Their gentle, playful nature makes them responsive to basic commands, and many can learn to follow routines, such as using scratching posts or even walking on a leash. Maine Coons also tend to enjoy interactive play, which can make training sessions fun and engaging. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise works best when teaching them new behaviors.
Grooming
For many owners, the Maine Coon’s thick, fluffy coat adds to their charm and appeal, but they do need help to keep it healthy. Although they will groom themselves, they can’t reach the undercoat, so you’ll need to offer regular grooming to prevent matting. To keep their luxurious coat shiny and healthy and your Maine Coon in top condition, you’ll need to:
○ Brush them at least 3 times per week with a cat comb or brush to reduce excess shedding and prevent matting
○ Clip their claws if they’re an indoor cat as they will get long (a groomer or your vet can help with this)
○ Brush their teeth every day (ideally) with a vet-approved toothbrush to help prevent dental diseases
○ Bathe them once a month with specialized cat shampoo to help get rid of knots and dead skin (Maine Coon’s love water, so this will double as a fun treat!)
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Common Health Complaints - Maine Coon Cat
If you love a giant cat but are wondering how healthy they are, you’ll be pleased to know that the Maine Coon breed is known for being generally healthy. They may, however, experience some genetic health conditions due to their larger size. These conditions can include:
- Hip dysplasia (their hip and ball socket wears out from constant rubbing, causing inflammation and discomfort for your cat)
- Patella luxation, where the kneecap moves or is dislocated entirely, causing lameness, limping, or the inability to jump
- Stomatitis, which are painful mouth ulcers and inflammation, causing your cat to lose interest in food and eating
- Obesity, as they are larger cats, so it’s essential that you control their diet
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common form of heart disease often found in the Maine Coon breed
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic disorder causing muscle weakness and loss of spinal cord neurons, leading to mobility issues
- Periodontal disease, where plaque build-up leads to inflammation, tooth loss, and gum infections
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a condition that causes the development of cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney dysfunction
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), causing difficulty urinating, pain, and increased risk of bladder infections
- Arthritis, especially in older Maine Coons, as their joints can degenerate due to their size, leading to stiffness and discomfort
Exercise Requirements
Despite their large size, Maine Coon cats are very active cats and require regular exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy playtime with toys that stimulate their hunting instincts, such as feather wands, balls, or laser pointers. Maine Coons are also known for their love of climbing, so providing tall cat trees or shelves will help keep them active and happy. Regular exercise is essential to prevent obesity, which can be a concern due to their size.
Intelligence
Maine Coons are highly intelligent cats, often displaying problem-solving skills and a keen ability to learn new things. They are curious and enjoy exploring their environment, making puzzle toys and interactive feeders a great way to keep their minds sharp. Their intelligence also makes them quite independent, though they remain affectionate and people-oriented, always eager to participate in family activities.
Family Friendly
This breed won’t constantly seek your attention, but as highly people-oriented cats, they will want to be near you whenever you’re home. They will sense when you’re leaving the room and jump up to follow you, see what you’re doing, and be involved in the family fun. They are peaceful and patient, making them excellent for families with children. As a sociable cat who’s easy to live with, you’ll find your Maine Coon cat will get along well with other cats as well as dogs.
Indoor/outdoor?
Due to their size, many people are surprised to hear that a Maine Coon cat is incredibly athletic, needing room to run around and explore, whether that’s inside or outdoors. As loyal cats who love affection, they thrive living indoors with their owners but will appreciate a garden to roam around. Their thick coat will keep them warm in colder months, but it’s best to keep them indoors during the heat to prevent them from overheating.
Responsible Breeding
Responsible breeding is critical for maintaining the health and temperament of Maine Coons. Ethical breeders carefully select breeding pairs to avoid passing on genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Breeders should also prioritize early socialization to ensure kittens are well-adjusted and confident when they join their new families. Prospective owners should always seek breeders who provide transparency regarding health screenings and breeding practices.
Contact PIA to Get Pet Insurance for Maine Coon Cats
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Maine Coon Cats. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
