Cat breed · Natural / Longhair
Maine Coon
One of the largest domestic cats — friendly, chirpy and famously tolerant, often described as a gentle giant.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Natural / Longhair
- Origin
- Maine, United States
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 5–11 kg (11–25 lb)
- Height
- 25–41 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Long, shaggy, water-resistant
- Temperament
- GentleSociablePlayfulDog-like
History
A natural breed developed in the harsh winters of New England, valued as a barn and ship cat.
Appearance
Large rectangular body, tufted ears and paws, and a magnificent plumed tail.
Exercise and activity
Daily play and sturdy climbing furniture sized for a big cat.
Care and grooming
Brush two or three times weekly and provide extra-large litter trays and food bowls.
Health considerations
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Obesity
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Maine Coon
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Daily play and sturdy climbing furniture sized for a big cat. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Hip dysplasia, Spinal muscular atrophy, Polycystic kidney disease, Obesity), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice