Cat Breed
Maine Coon
Freindliness
Energy Level
Health Issues
Social Needs
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Vocalisation Level
Gentle giant
Big in size, Maine Coons are big in personality too. These playful, friendly, affectionate cats make great family pets. Easy going and charming, they get on well with all memebers of the household, including other furry ones.
Maine Coons are like toddlers - they're highly curious, charming and somewhat stubborn. If you've got a mouse no problem, a Maine Coon will happily take care of that for you. Thanks to their quickness and huge paws, they're known to be excellent mousers.
Caring for your Maine Coon
Nutrition
Choosing the right food
Every dog is unique. From the flat-faced Persian to the sensitive Siamese.
ROYAL CANIN® Breed Health Nutrition is tailor-made to address the unique needs of pure breed cats.
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Your cat's health
Because of their large size, Maine Coons are a risk of joint and heart problems. While their large teeth can lead to large dental issues. Preventative care, like regular vet check-ups, is a great way to keep your Maine Coon healthy and happy.
Health Issues to watch out for:
Joint Problems
Heart Conditions
Dental & Gum Disease
Grooming your cat
It takes some work to look as gorgeous as a Maine Coon. Luckily, Maine Coons love attention.
Their long, double coat needs regular brushing - aim for at least 2 or 3 times a week. A deshedding tool or wide-tooth steel comb can help you get through the top coat and remove the dead hair underneath.
Maine Coons also need baths, especially when their coats begin to look greasy or stringy. A necessary task, is cleaning up their back end. With long hair around their tails, little bits of poo can get stuck there.
Exercising your cat
Stock up on plenty of cat toys and cat trees / scratchers for the kitten-like Maine Coon. Not only do they enjoy regular playtime, they need mental and physical stimulation as they’re highly intelligent cats.
Maine Coons particularly love wand cat toys which they can bat and chase. Go for a heavy duty, quality one - Maine Coons are strong enough to snap flimsy cords. This also makes Maine Coons strong enough for tug-of-war games. They’ve even been known to play fetch.
You can expect a Maine Coon to have bouts of intense energy, running, playing and jumping around the home. The rest of the time, they’ll happily snuggle down and snooze the hours away.
Another unusual thing about Maine Coons is that they’re really trainable. They can learn to walk on a lead & harness outdoors so you can take them for neighbourhood strolls.
Litter training your Maine Coon
Maine Coons are quite trainable, so litter tray training should be easy especially when done using positive reinforcement. Read our blog: Cat litter tips from our cat fanatic for tips and advice on litter and litter training.
Always use a quality litter and keep the litter tray clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene, and a clean litter tray will help to keep their coat clean as well. Speaking of litter trays, ensure to get a litter tray that fits your cat to ensure they have plenty of room to turn around and squat. That means ensuring that your litter tray is big enough for your large Maine Coon.
Key characteristics of Maine Coons
Maine Coon FAQs
If you're curious about Maine Coon cats, you're in the right place. Below you'll find answers to the most common questions about this majestic breed, including grooming needs, personality traits, and whether they suit indoor living. Whether you're researching or already living with one, this is your go-to guide.
Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?
No, Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic. While no cat is truly hypoallergenic, Maine Coons produce proteins in their saliva and skin that can trigger allergies. Regular grooming and cleaning may help reduce allergens in the home.
Maine Coons have long, thick fur that can tangle without regular care. Brush them at least two to three times per week to prevent mats and keep their coat healthy. Daily brushing is ideal during heavy shedding seasons.
Do Maine Coons like water?
Yes, many Maine Coons enjoy playing with water. Their thick, water-resistant coat and curious nature often make them more tolerant of water than other breeds. Some even enjoy baths or pawing at running taps.
Absolutely. While they love space to roam, Maine Coons can thrive indoors as long as they have enrichment like climbing towers, toys, and interactive play. Indoor living also protects them from injury or disease.
Are Maine Coons suitable for first-time cat owners?
Yes, Maine Coons are a great option for new cat owners. They are sociable, intelligent, and generally easy to care for, though their size and grooming needs may require a bit more commitment.
Maine Coons are known for their friendly and adaptable nature. They typically get along well with other cats and even dogs, especially if introduced gradually and positively.
This FAQ covers some of the key things to know about Maine Coons. Whether you're drawn to their playful personality, impressive size, or loving nature, this breed has a lot to offer. With the right care and attention, a Maine Coon will make a wonderful companion.