The Ultimate Guide to Maine Coon Cats: Size, Care, Cost & Personality
- Marwood Maine Coons
- Sep 24
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Introduction
Maine Coon cats are often called the gentle giants of the cat world. They are one of the largest cat breeds and they have personalities that make them loved by families everywhere. I have spent years raising and caring for Maine Coons, and in this guide I want to share with you everything I have learned.
This guide will cover the size of Maine Coon cats, how to care for them, what they cost, and what their personality is like. By the end you will know if a Maine Coon is the right cat for you and your family.
What Makes a Maine Coon Cat Special
Maine Coon cats are famous for their large size, tufted ears, and long fluffy tails. They look wild but they are very gentle and friendly. They are playful, curious, and often act more like dogs than cats. Many people fall in love with them not only for their beauty but also for their sweet nature.
When I first started raising Maine Coons, I was amazed at how different they were from other cats. They want to be with you all the time. They like to follow you around the house, sit nearby, and sometimes even help you with whatever you are doing.
One of the first questions people ask is, “How big do Maine Coon cats get?”
Maine Coons are much larger than the average house cat. A male Maine Coon often weighs between 15 and 25 pounds. Females are usually a little smaller, around 12 to 18 pounds. Their long bodies and thick coats make them look even bigger.
My own Maine Coons never fail to surprise visitors with their size. Friends who come over are shocked when they see them walk into the room. Maine Coons are long, strong, and have fluffy tails that seem almost as big as their bodies.
It is important to remember that Maine Coons do not reach full size until they are about three to five years old. Most cats stop growing around one year, but Maine Coons take their time.
For a full breakdown of their weight, length, and growth stages, read my article on the Ideal Weight Range For Maine Coons
The Personality of Maine Coon Cats
I think of Maine Coons as family members more than pets. They are loyal, social, and very smart. They learn routines quickly and often respond to their names.
Here are some things I notice most about their personality:
Gentle: Even though they are large, they are not aggressive. They are known as gentle giants for a reason.
Playful: They love to play well into adulthood. Toys, climbing trees, and even a box can keep them entertained.
Social: Maine Coons like being with people and often follow their owners from room to room.
Dog-like: Many of mine play fetch, greet me at the door, and come when called.
Adaptable: They usually get along well with children, dogs, and other cats.
👉 Like all cats, Maine Coons sometimes use their mouths during play. I explain why this happens and how to respond in my post Why Maine Coons Bite and What Families Should Do.
Caring for a Maine Coon
Caring for a Maine Coon is not hard, but you do need to be prepared. Because of their size and coat, they have some special needs.
Maine Coons have long, thick fur. People think they need daily brushing, but in my experience that is not always true. I rarely brush mine every day. Since adding Kitty Bloom vitamins to their diet, I find their coats stay in much better shape with less matting. A good brushing once or twice a week is usually enough.
A Maine Coon eats more than an average cat. They need a healthy diet with high-quality food to keep their large bodies strong. I feed mine a raw diet with added supplements. I have noticed that a balanced diet helps with their coat, growth, and energy.
Health Care
Maine Coons are usually very healthy, but like any breed they can have health concerns. Some may have hip problems or heart conditions. This is why I test all of my cats before breeding. If you buy from a breeder, make sure they test for common health issues.
Trupanion Insurance for Marwood Kittens
At Marwood Maine Coons, every kitten goes home with 30 days of free Trupanion pet insurance for instant protection against unexpected injuries or illnesses. We encourage all families to activate this coverage within 24 hours before or after bringing their kitten home.
After the first month, families can choose to continue with Trupanion, switch to another provider, or self-
insure by saving for pet emergencies. To help you decide, we’ve created two helpful blogs:
30 Days of Free Trupanion Insurance — Learn how to activate your free offer and what it covers.
Should You Keep Trupanion After Bringing Home Your Kitten — Understand why continued coverage or steady savings can make all the difference.
Our goal is to give every Marwood family peace of mind, knowing their kitten is protected from day one and for all the days ahead.
Exercise and Play
Because Maine Coons are big, they need room to move around. Cat trees, tunnels, and toys are very helpful. I often let mine explore the backyard on a leash. Walking a Maine Coon can be fun if you start training them early.
Maine Coon cats are not cheap. The cost depends on the breeder, the health testing, and the quality of
the cat. Prices can range widely, but when you buy a Maine Coon you are not only paying for the kitten.
You are also paying for the health care, testing, food, and love that goes into raising it.
When families ask me how much a Maine Coon is, I explain that it is more than just a price tag. There is time and care in every kitten. I spend hours each day feeding, cleaning, and playing with them. I also do health testing on the parents to make sure the kittens are strong and healthy.
The cost of owning a Maine Coon also includes food, toys, grooming supplies, and vet visits. They eat more than other cats, so plan on a larger food budget.
I explain the full breakdown of pricing, breeder care, and long-term costs in
Common Questions About Maine Coons
Yes. In my home, my Maine Coons are comfortable with dogs. They are confident and usually do not run
away, which helps dogs accept them.
👉 For more information on how to introduce your Maine Coon to dogs, click here to read my full guide.
Maine Coons are patient and gentle. They usually do very well with children. I have seen my cats play softly with little ones, and it is always sweet to watch.
👉 For more information on how to introduce your Maine Coon to kids, click here to read my full guide.
👉 Sometimes kittens nip or bite as they are learning. I share helpful advice for families in Why Maine Coons Bite and What Families Should Do.
Do They Need a Lot of Grooming?
Their coats do need attention, but not as much as people think. A healthy diet and weekly brushing keep most of mine in great shape.
Can They Be Left Alone?
Maine Coons like company. They do not enjoy being left alone for long periods. If you are away often, another pet can help keep them happy.
Is a Maine Coon Right for You?
If you want a cat that is big, loving, and fun, then a Maine Coon may be perfect for you. They need space, time, and care, but they give back so much love in return.
Think about your lifestyle. Do you have time for play? Do you have space for a large cat tree? Are you ready to feed a cat that eats more than most? If yes, then you may be ready for a Maine Coon.
Ready to bring one of these gentle giants home? Visit my Available Kittens page to see current litters or to learn how to reserve your Maine Coon visit this blog Reserving a Maine Coon.
Conclusion
Maine Coon cats are amazing animals. Their size, personality, and gentle nature make them stand out. Caring for one takes commitment, but the reward is huge. They truly are gentle giants and bring so much joy to the families who love them.
For me, raising Maine Coons in my cattery has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. I get to see each kitten grow from a tiny baby into a confident, loving cat before they join their forever families. Every one of them has a different personality, but they all share that same sweet Maine Coon spirit that makes the breed so special.
If you are considering adding a Maine Coon to your family, I hope this guide has helped you. It is a joy to raise them, and it is even more wonderful to see them bring happiness to others.
👉 If you are new to the breed and want one place to start, I suggest reading my Maine Coon Care Guide for New Owners, which covers feeding, grooming, and health in detail.
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