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Cats › Breeds › Maine Coon Cat

🐈 Maine Coon Cat Cat — Complete Breed Profile

✓ Profile verifiedSources: CFA · PetMDVerified: Oct 18, 2026
Maine Coon Cat cat breed profile photo

Photo: File:Maine Coon Cat Atticus.jpg by Hollakr, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Believe an image infringes your rights? Report it — we remove within 24 h.

Lifespan13–17 years
Weightup to 20 lb
Coat & colorLonghair Characteristics: Large, rugged cat; many colors and patterns are available
RecognitionCFA-recognized
Origin of profileCFA + PetMD

How long do Maine Coon Cat cats live?

13–17 years is the typical range. Published breed-specific longevity data is limited for this breed; 13–17 years is the typical range for healthy indoor cats overall (PetMD). Individual cats vary — lean body weight, dental care and regular checkups move the number more than anything else.

Personality & temperament

"Perhaps the most popular breed to have been "born" in America, and the largest of all pedigreed cats, the Maine Coon Cat is quite appropriately known as the gentle giant of the cat fancy." — CFA official breed profile

Do Maine Coon Cats need a lot of grooming?

Long-coated: expect visible shedding and commit to regular combing several times a week. A simple weekly routine covers most of it.

Health notes for Maine Coon Cats

The CFA breed profile discusses health considerations for this breed; review it with your breeder and vet. Every cat, purebred or not, needs: annual vet exams (twice-yearly after age 7), dental care, parasite prevention, weight watching, and vaccines on your vet’s schedule.

Is a Maine Coon Cat right for you?

Generally good with respectful children — interactions still need supervision, and kids must learn gentle handling. Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get certain nutrients (taurine, arachidonic acid, preformed vitamin A) from animal tissue, so a complete, balanced cat food should always be the base of the diet.

Before adopting, read the cat care library — and consider that adult shelter cats also "come in breed-ish packages" without the breeder price tag.

People also ask about Maine Coon Cat cats

How long do Maine Coon Cat cats live?

Maine Coon Cat cats typically live 13–17 years. Published breed-specific longevity data is limited for this breed; 13–17 years is the typical range for healthy indoor cats overall (PetMD). Indoor life, lean weight and routine vet care are the biggest longevity levers owners control.

Do Maine Coon Cats shed a lot?

Shedding: Long-coated: expect visible shedding and commit to regular combing several times a week.

How much do Maine Coon Cats weigh?

Adult maine coon cats typically weigh up to 20 lb. Some individuals grow larger than the standard suggests.

Are Maine Coon Cats good with kids?

Generally good with respectful children — interactions still need supervision, and kids must learn gentle handling.

Are Maine Coon Cats friendly with strangers and other pets?

High-energy and playful; needs daily interactive play, not just a window perch. Slow introductions and vertical space (cat trees, shelves) make multi-pet homes smoother.

Sources & verification