TICA gives 18-22 lb for males and 12-15 lb for females at maturity; Wikipedia gives 8-10 kg and 5-7 kg. GCCF gives 10-20 lb overall, and Hill's gives males over 12 lb and females 8-12 lb. Full size is reached slowly, at around 3-5 years.
A big, muscular, rectangular cat with a long body, large tufted ears, wide paws with tufts of fur between the toes, and a long, bushy tail. The glossy coat is short over the head and shoulders and grows longer down the back, with a shaggy belly, full 'britches' on the back legs and a frill around the chest. It sheds water well and thickens up for winter, all traits suited to snowy New England life.1523
Coloursbrown tabby (the classic look)red tabbysilver tabbyother tabby patternsblackwhitebluecreamtortoiseshellblue-creamshadedsmokebi-colourparti-colour25341
Personality what they are like
Friendly, relaxed and good-humoured, the Maine Coon likes being part of whatever the family is doing without demanding constant attention. Many drift from lap to lap rather than choosing one favourite person. They are bright, often playful well into adulthood, and famous for a soft voice full of chirps and trills rather than loud meows. Several owners describe them as almost dog-like.52341
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to high. Give them room to move, sturdy cat trees and high perches, and daily interactive play; many enjoy fetch, and some learn to walk on a harness and follow simple cues.42
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Comb the coat about once a week, or 2-3 short sessions a week, to keep it tangle-free and reduce loose hair; some coats and the spring moult need more frequent attention. Baths are rarely needed. Check and clean ears regularly, trim nails weekly for kittens and every 2-3 weeks for adults, and brush teeth regularly.5234
Home where they are happiest
Needs space to suit its size: large, stable cat trees, roomy litter boxes and scratching posts, plus a window perch or two. Adapts to most homes with an active, involved family.42
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A high-quality, high-protein complete cat food in measured portions, adjusted as the cat grows over its first few years; keep an eye on weight as adults can get soft if overfed. Fresh water daily, placed away from the food bowl. Many Maine Coons enjoy playing with water.2345
Company who they like around
Very social and family-oriented, bonds with everyone in the household, and usually gets on well with children, dogs and other cats. Likes company but is not clingy.523
The story where it all began
The Maine Coon grew up naturally on the farms and harbours of Maine as a hardy working mouser. Colourful tales tried to explain its looks, from a cat-raccoon cross (impossible) to Viking ship cats or longhairs sent ahead by Marie Antoinette, but genetic studies point to ordinary cats brought over from Britain by colonists in the 1600s and 1700s, which then adapted to the harsh winters. The breed is mentioned in cat literature from 1861, and in the 1860s farmers held 'Maine State Champion Coon Cat' contests at the Skowhegan Fair. At the first major American cat show, at Madison Square Garden in May 1895, a brown tabby female called Cosey was named Best Cat. The arrival of the Persian pushed the breed out of fashion after about 1911, and by the 1950s some people even declared it gone. Local fans formed the Central Maine Cat Club in the early 1950s, wrote the first breed standard and kept holding shows. The Maine Coon Cat Club followed in 1973, CFA granted championship status in 1976, Maine made it the state cat in 1985, and the GCCF in Britain granted full recognition in 1993. Today it is one of the most registered breeds in the world.1523
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
A brown tabby Maine Coon named Cosey won Best Cat at the first big American cat show, held at Madison Square Garden in 1895.5
2
The Maine Coon has been the official state cat of Maine since 1985.2
3
Stewie, a Maine Coon from Reno, Nevada, held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat, measuring 123 cm (48.5 in) from nose to tail tip.1
4
The 'coon' in the name comes from an old, impossible myth that the breed was part raccoon, inspired by its bushy, ringed tail.5
5
Their wide, tufted paws work like little snowshoes, and the long tail can be wrapped around the body for warmth.1
6
Many early Maine Coons had extra toes, and TICA now registers a Maine Coon Polydactyl variety.2
7
A Maine Coon can take 3 to 5 years to reach its full adult size.2
8
Instead of a typical meow, they often 'talk' in chirps and trills, and many are fascinated by running water.5
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed's name is believed to come from its origins in the state of Maine, combined with a folk tale that it is a cross between a cat and a raccoon, though this is biologically impossible.2
Famous ones stars of the breed
Cosey A Maine Coon cat who held the Guinness World Record for the longest cat (46.59 cm) in 2010.6
Stewie A Maine Coon cat who held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat (123 cm) until his death in 2013.6
I start my day by following my human to the kitchen, chirping a greeting. They laugh and say I sound like a bird. I help them make coffee by sitting on the mat. Then I patrol the house, checking every room. I leap onto my cat tree and survey my kingdom. I find a toy mouse and carry it to my human, dropping it at their feet. They throw it, and I fetch it back. Later, I sprawl on the couch, one paw hanging off. I trill when they come home. Life is good.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
CFA
Provisional status May 1975, championship status May 19761
Popularity Most registered breed in FIFe in 2024 with 24.7% of registered kittens (23,775 cats); overtook the Ragdoll as CFA's most registered breed in 20251
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Maine Coon. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 30 minutes of play a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Cat-Friendly Pancakes
A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)
How
Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.
How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Maine Coon, and at what times?
Feed measured portions of a high-quality, high-protein complete cat food, adjusting as your cat grows over its first few years. Keep an eye on weight because adults can get soft if overfed. For exact amounts and timing, check the food label and ask your vet.2345
What should a Maine Coon eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality, high-protein complete cat food in measured portions, with fresh water daily placed away from the food bowl. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, xylitol, and raw meat or eggs, ask your vet for a full list.23457
Does a Maine Coon need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for a Maine Coon. Only bathe if they get very dirty or sticky, as the coat is naturally water-resistant. For most cats, regular brushing keeps them clean.52348
How often does a Maine Coon need brushing?
Comb the coat about once a week, or 2-3 short sessions a week, to keep it tangle-free and reduce loose hair. During spring moult or for some coats, more frequent brushing helps. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 2 days and deshedding daily while shedding.5234Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Maine Coon's claws, and how often?
Trim nails weekly for kittens and every 2-3 weeks for adults, using proper cat nail clippers. Start with no more than two claws per session to help your cat get used to it. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.52348
How much play does a Maine Coon need?
Maine Coons have moderate to high activity needs and enjoy daily interactive play, often playing fetch or even walking on a harness. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests about 30 minutes of play a day to keep them happy and healthy.42Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Maine Coon's teeth and ears?
Brush your Maine Coon's teeth regularly, daily is ideal, and Furry Diary's plan suggests every 2 days. Check and clean ears regularly to keep them healthy. For specific techniques, ask your vet.5234Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Maine Coon live?
Maine Coons typically live between 9 and 15 years, with good care and regular vet check-ups. Senior years usually start around age 11, so schedule annual vet visits as recommended.3421Pet Wiki plan
Is a Maine Coon good with children and other pets?
Yes, Maine Coons are very social and family-oriented, usually getting on well with children, dogs, and other cats. They bond with everyone in the household and are friendly and relaxed without being clingy.523
Can a Maine Coon be left alone?
Maine Coons like company but are not clingy, so they can handle being left alone for reasonable periods if they have space, sturdy cat trees, and perches. However, they thrive with an active, involved family and daily interactive play.42523
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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