Maine Coon Personality, Temperament and Lifespan (2023)

FAQs

How long do indoor Maine Coon cats live? ›

Life span: 13 or 14 is considered to be typical for this hardy breed.

According to most feline experts, the Maine Coon's lifespan on average lasts for 12.5 years or up to 15 years with proper care. However, many long-time owners of this breed find this statistic baffling, reporting that the Maine Coons sharing their lives often live past 20 years of age!

Maine Coons are well known for being a very hardy cat breed, though are predisposed to developing certain Maine Coon health issues. These include hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, spinal muscular atrophy, stomatitis, periodontal disease, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and obesity.

Temper and habits

The Maine coon is known for its good and steady temper, and is often called the "gentle giant". It is kind, patient, very social and likes to stay close to humans. The Maine Coons are generally not known for beeing a "lap cat", but there are many exeptions.

Maine Coon cats can be left alone, but only for a short period of time. These highly sociable felines prefer company and do not enjoy spending time on their own. They love human companionship and interaction with other pets.

Due to their highly sociable nature, it is beneficial for a Maine Coon to have a companion, whether that be another cat to play with or a human with whom they can spend their days.

Maine Coons are canine-like in their protective instincts and will often make it a personal mission to protect their family, especially young children, or their special someone. They are fiercely loyal and that is reflected in their need to protect their owners.

Maine Coons are impressive in size, but not necessarily more demanding in maintenance needs. Despite being one of the largest domestic breeds of cats, it does not take much effort to keep a Maine Coon happy and you will find these impressive felines are relatively easy to care for.

Maine Coon growth stages

Once your feline is nine months old, their growth will slow down, but it won't stop. Maine Coons grow longer than other breeds and reach their full size when they're four or five years old.

What issues do Maine Coons have? ›

The three most common inherited diseases in Maine coon cats are a type of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). HCM, a common cause of heart disease in purebred and mixed-breed cats, is characterized by heart walls so thick they don't contract normally.

Due to their large size, it's best to have a fair amount of space in your home for them to roam around. Not only are they big, but they can be strong, so giving them space away from breakables is always a good idea. With any house cat, it's important to make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Friendly, furry, and intelligent are general attributes of many cat breeds, but Maine Coon cats are especially friendly, furry, and intelligent. In fact, they're quite adaptable and seem to get along with everyone (kids, dogs, and other cats included).

Maine Coon cats are not naturally aggressive felines but will act aggressively if they feel threatened or stressed. Whilst Maine Coons are known for their gentle disposition, poor socialization, environmental factors, or an underlying medical issue can lead to them exhibiting aggressive behaviors.

Maine Coon cats suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Signs of Maine Coon separation anxiety include overgrooming, loss of appetite, vomiting, biting, excessive meowing, destructive behavior, and litter box issues.

Generally, bathing your Maine Coon once a month will help control shedding and keep the coat clean and healthy. What is this? The only exception when you should wash your Maine Coon more than once a month is when it covers itself with something it should not lick off, like paint or oil (source 1).

12 reasons why Maine Coon cats follow their owners everywhere include: hunger, thirsty, attention, loneliness, feeling sick, company, safety, curiosity, sixth sense, learned behavior, treats, and separation anxiety.

1. Maine Coon cats are extremely loyal. Maine coon cats decide, early on in their kitty lives, that they have a “person.” They are 100% dedicated to their chosen person, following them from room to room, being distraught if they leave the house, and always choosing to spend time with their person above all other people ...

Maine Coon cats eat a combination of meat like chicken and fish, dry cat food, and wet cat food. Main Coons are large and energetic, so they need plenty of protein to fuel their play. While they don't need a specialized diet per se, they need to consume raw or cooked meat.

Like raccoons, the Maine Coon cat breed is totally fascinated by water in any form. Not only do they not seem fearful of it, they revel in it. Many Maine Coons will spend several amusing minutes every day playing with their water bowl or attempting to turn on the faucet.

How can you tell if a cat has imprinted on you? ›

When cats don't feel threatened by other cats, they will show affection by rubbing on them, sleeping near them, and being in their presence. If your cat replicates those behaviors with you, Delgado says it has officially imprinted on you. They rub against you.

If you are looking to buy a cat with a large personality and outgoing nature, then opt for a male Maine Coon. Although there are always exceptions to each breed, it is more likely that your male Maine Coon kitten will grow up to have a bigger personality, than a female kitten would.

If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.

Begin training your Maine Coon to walk on a leash by first getting them accustomed to a leash and harness at a young age. Once your Maine Coon tolerates its harness and leash, you can take your cat outside for a short exploration. Over time, you can take your Maine Coon out for longer and longer walks.

Purebred Main Coon kittens will cost anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000. The high price makes choosing the right breeder essential. Meet the breeder before the official purchase to ask questions. Don't be afraid to inquire about the cats and their personalities.

Maine Coon cats should be fed at least twice every day. If your cat isn't fed every twelve hours, it can lead to serious nausea. Many owners opt to purchase a food dispenser, which is a great tool to provide their cats with dry food.

A common question among cat owners is do Maine Coons need a companion? You're not alone in wondering whether your cat might be lonely. After all, humans become lonely if they don't have human companionship. Maine Coons are happiest when they have another companion to keep them company.

Despite her size and history, the Maine Coon cat is sweet tempered and gentle. She loves her parents and adapts to any environment as long as she has some exercise room. When she runs, she can be quite loud but her soft, quiet voice reassures you that this lion is truly a lamb.

Burmese. The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats don't live that long. The average lifespan of Burmese cats is 18 to 25 years and that is certainly much longer than most cats.

It may take some time for your Maine Coon to begin using the litter box in the bathroom, especially if you have more than one litter box. Try to encourage your Maine Coon to use this litter box by sprinkling catnip in the fresh litter, or giving your cat treats or praise for successfully using the litter box.

Do Maine Coons shed alot? ›

Maine Coons are considered moderate shedders, but they tend to shed more during fall and spring, as they prepare for the extreme temperatures of Winter and Summer. Some health problems can cause extreme hair loss, but in most cases, regular brushing can help reduce shedding.

Due to their friendly and unfazed nature, Maine Coons and dogs will generally get along fine, but care should be exercised when: Introducing a new dog to the household. Bringing a Maine Coon home to a house with a dog.

The shedding situation is fairly the same for all felines—have fur, will shed. Maine Coons, unfortunately, get a bad rap about being big shedders because they are a wee bit fluffier than average cats!

Although it is not to everybody's taste, some owners do like to trim their Maine Coons fur into various different Maine Coon haircut styles. This can be beneficial if your cat is prone to matted hair, or during the Summer months when a Maine Coon often struggles with the hotter weather conditions.

The Maine Coon is a highly social and intelligent breed, however, and if they are bored, lonely, or left without stimulating things to do, they can easily become destructive. With proper care, Maine Coon Cats are unlikely to become destructive.

Maine Coons can live happily in large apartments, provided the owner spends most of their time at home. Large cats living in apartments require daily walks outside and ideally access to an enclosed garden.

So, can you be allergic to Maine Coon cats? Long-haired cats like the Maine Coon are not hypoallergenic, though their lower levels of the protein Fel d1 present in a cat's dander, saliva, and urine do make them more suited to allergy sufferers.

The average female Maine Coon height is 8-14 inches (20.32-35.56 cm) at maturity. Males grow to between 10-16 inches (25.5-40.64 cm). Maine Coons are one of a few breeds of cats that weigh more than 10 pounds in adulthood – they do tend to grow quite large and fluffy.

Most well-socialized Maine Coons love to be held. Of course, this can vary from cat to cat. For most Maine Coons, however, being held and cuddling on your lap is their favorite way to show affection. Keep an eye on your cat's body language before you pick it up.

The Maine coon is a terrific family cat and is a brilliant choice for first-time cat owners, since they are such loving, loyal and sweet gentle giants. Maine coon cats are said to be very intelligent and can be taught to fetch, walk on leads and open doors.

How do you calm down a Maine Coon cat? ›

Giving them lots of love and attention plus, getting them fixed, and socializing them, will all help. If you notice some hyperactive tendencies, then treat out some calming treats or other techniques that we discussed. Maine Coon cats are a joy to have, and your whole family is sure to love your new feline friend.

Some cats are simply clingy by nature, with some purebred cat breeds like the Siamese and the Abyssinian known for their clingy personalities.

Due to the Maine Coons fairly laid back personality, they can be kept as either indoor or outdoor cats. Many Maine Coon owners prefer to keep them indoors however, as they are a very coveted breed and they have been known to get stolen when left to go outside alone.

Average Maine Coon Lifespan

A lot of factors go into the determination of how long your Maine coon cat will live. However, the average lifespan of a Maine Coon is between 10 to 15 years.

Burmese. The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats don't live that long. The average lifespan of Burmese cats is 18 to 25 years and that is certainly much longer than most cats.

Maine Coon Cats are widely recognized as one of the smartest cat breeds out there. However, the title for smartest cat breed actually goes to the Abyssinian, a breed that's famous for its curiosity and love of puzzle toys.

Genetic testing suggests the Maine Coon is a descendant of both the Norwegian Forest cat and a mysterious extinct domestic breed, so it's likely the Vikings are responsible.

Maine Coons are notorious for finding all sorts of odd places and positions for sleeping. While many cats enjoy hidden places, like underneath the bed, others prefer sleeping on the couch or the floor.

How much is a Maine Coon cat worth? ›

Purebred Main Coon kittens will cost anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000. The high price makes choosing the right breeder essential. Meet the breeder before the official purchase to ask questions. Don't be afraid to inquire about the cats and their personalities.

If your cat is eating too much or not eating enough, they may develop food-related chronic diseases that can shorten their lifespan. A healthy diet also helps keep your cat energetic and happy. Medical Care: Sometimes, cats need to see the vet.

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Senior Care Guidelines, older cats are classified as mature or middle-aged at 7 to 10 years old, as senior cats at 11 to 14 years old, and geriatric from 15 to 25 years old.

Friendly, furry, and intelligent are general attributes of many cat breeds, but Maine Coon cats are especially friendly, furry, and intelligent. In fact, they're quite adaptable and seem to get along with everyone (kids, dogs, and other cats included).