‘Majestic cats’, ‘gentle giants’, and ‘dogs of the cat world’ are all names that are frequently given to the beautiful Maine Coons cat.
Maine Coons are very popular cats and are the largest of all domestic cat breeds. They are great as house cats, good for families, friendly towards kids, and get along well with other pets.
If you’re thinking of getting a new cat and you’re wondering about the Maine Coon cat price, personality, ongoing costs and all the other things you need to know to care for a Maine Coon, you are in the right place.
Key Characteristics
| Height | 10-16 inches |
| Weight | 12-25 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Colors | White, black, brown, blue/gray, orange, cream |
| Patterns | Bi-color, calico, solid, tabby, color-point, tortie |
| Temperament | Friendly, sociable, affectionate, intelligent |
Purebred cats can be expensive, but how does the Maine Coon compare and are Maine Coon cats worth the money? Continue reading to find out all about it.
Maine Coon Cat Price
Maine Coons are extremely beautiful, majestic-looking cats. When it comes to their price, a lot of people consider them to be rather expensive cats, too expensive for some.
Their price varies on many aspects; the breeders, the cat’s age, specific pedigree, etc.
The average price of a Maine Coon cat is between $1000 and $2000, however their price often exceeds that and these beautiful cats can cost up to $4000, all depending on the breeder.
Maine Coon Kitten Price
You should always look for a reputable breeder when you decide to buy a Maine Coon kitten or cat.
With a reputable breeder, you always know your cat is purebred, and you get all the necessary info about your kitten and its parents, including their health, the condition they’re in, etc.
This is especially important with a breed like the Maine Coon, because they’re more prone to certain health issues than other domestic cat breeds may be.
When it comes to Maine Coon prices, the Maine Coon kitten’s cost doesn’t differ a lot from the price of adult Maine Coon cats.
However, sometimes you can find older cats for less money because they have already been neutered/spayed, and perhaps they have certain health requirements or their owners don’t have the ability to look after them anymore and are therefore selling them for a much, much lower price with a focus on finding the right home rather than making money.
Why Are Maine Coons So Expensive?
The average Maine Coon cat price is high for several reasons. Some people consider them to be too expensive, but once you look at the reasons for the price, it will seem a lot more reasonable.
First of all, breeding Maine Coons requires a lot of time, effort, and money, so breeders need to set their prices accordingly. Let’s have a look at the main factors that affect the Maine Coon cat price:
• Age – the price of a Maine Coon will be determined by the age of the kitten or the cat you’re aiming to buy. Maine Coon kittens may be slightly more expensive than older Maine Coon cats, and old, i.e. senior, cats can be found for a much lower price.
• Pedigree – the pedigree status of your Maine Coon kitten has a big influence when it comes to pricing. If your kitten’s ancestry is full of pedigreed, registered, show-worthy Maine Coons, the kitten’s price will be way higher!
However, if there are some mixed breed Maine Coons, or Maine Coons that aren’t pedigree and/or purebred, somewhere in your kitten’s ancestry line, its price will be much lower.
• Health – health is another big factor that influences the Maine Coon cat price. Maine Coons with perfect health will command a higher price, however there are kittens that are born with, or develop, genetic diseases or health issues that can be treated successfully, but at the time of purchase their price will be lowered.
• Patterns & Colors – as with any cat breed, the color and/or pattern of the Maine Coon kitten will have an impact on the price. For example, the rarest silver Maine Coon or the solid black one will have the highest price.
Estimated Cost Of Maine Coon Cats
So far, we’ve discussed the prices of Maine Coon cats and kittens.
However, it is important to think about the ongoing cost of a Maine Coon cat; how much does it cost to purchase and then care for a pet cat of the Maine Coon breed?
Continue reading to learn all you need to know about the true Maine Coon cat price, including the approximate monthly costs of having one as a pet.
Maine Coon Cat Adoption
Adopting a Maine Coon from a rescue shelter is sometimes possible. It happens rarely, but it can be an option.
If you’re not in a hurry to buy a Maine Coon, and you can wait a bit in order to save some money, you might stumble upon a Maine Coon cat or kitten in a local animal shelter or rescue center.
The cost to adopt a Maine Coon will be much lower than it is when buying from a Maine Coon breeder.
The cost for adopting a Maine Coon cat is usually relatively low, typically somewhere between $100 and $400, since it usually includes you going to the vet and providing the Maine Coon with any treatment it needs.
Free Maine Coons
As hard as it is to believe, there are situations in which you can find a Maine Coon cat for free.
Perhaps you know someone who isn’t able to take care of their Maine Coon any more or perhaps their Maine Coon has had kittens and they don’t want to sell them as they would rather give their Maine Coon kittens to people they know will take good care of them.
Additionally, on rare occasions, you can stumble upon a free Maine Coon at a shelter or rescue center, however you will probably never know whether your rescue cat is a purebred or mixed breed Maine Coon.
Maine Coon Breeders
The best option, if you decide that the Maine Coon is right for you and are ready to take care of one, is to buy from a breeder.
Always look for registered and reputable breeders, especially for Maine Coons since they’re more prone to certain diseases than other domestic cats.
Maine Coon breeders are professional and responsible people who take good care of their breeding cats and of their kittens. They will be able to provide registration papers.
Cat breeders usually have TICA (The International Cat Association) and CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) registrations, which adds to their trustworthiness.
A Maine Coon cat price is much higher when buying from a breeder, however it is worth it since you know everything about your cat’s health, all about its ancestry, etc.
The average price of a purebred registered Maine Coon is usually somewhere between $1000 and $2000, but it can be higher as well, depending on the breeder.
If you’re searching for a new Maine Coon cat, and you’d like to see different options of purchase, or research different breeders, check out the following articles with lists of registered and reputable breeders located in the USA and the UK.
• List Of 15 Best Maine Coon Breeders UK
• TOP 10 Maine Coon Breeders In California
• 11 Best Maine Coon Breeders In Wisconsin
• List Of Best Maine Coon Breeders In Michigan
• List Of TOP 8 Maine Coon Breeders In Alabama
• List Of Best Maine Coon Cat Breeders In Massachusetts
Feel free to check out their info in more detail, and take some time to read the reviews of previous buyers and Maine Coon owners about the breed and the catteries.
You can also check out what each of these breeders says about their Maine Coon cats and kittens.
Browse through these articles to find out everything you want to know about Maine Coon cat breeders and their breeding processes, as well as their price range and purchase deals.
You might even find a suitable breeder near you which has available purebred cats or kittens for sale.
Average Monthly Cost Of A Maine Coon
| Initial Supplies | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Carrier | $30+ |
| Vaccinations and health checks | $50-$150 |
| Neuter/Spay | $50-$400 |
| Flea/Parasite treatment | $50+ |
| Microchip | $40+ |
| Dental exam | $250+ |
| Cat bed | $20+ |
| Brush/Comb | $10+ |
| Litter box and scoop | $30+ |
| Cat toys | $25+ |
| Food and water dishes | $15 |
Food
Adult Maine Coon cats can weigh up to 25 lbs, and they eat more than other domestic cats.
While Maine Coons are young and as adult cats, they eat approximately a full cup of dry food per day as well as their wet food meals. Older Maine Coons will eat less, just like with other cat breeds as they get old.
It is always better to choose cat food of higher quality, but with Maine Coons it is highly recommended. Maine Coon cats require a high-quality cat food that is meat-based, grain-free, and preferably with lower levels of carbs and a higher protein content.
Approximate monthly cost: $30-$50
Health
You will have to take your Maine Coon for regular check-ups to the vet. You should also purchase monthly meds for preventing fleas and other parasites.
Other health costs will depend on your Maine Coon’s health, whether it is on any other medications and whether it has any health problems or a condition that needs to be monitored more.
Of course, you need to provide the necessary vaccination shots and annual screening and testing for hereditary diseases.
Note: your monthly cost can be higher as your Maine Coon gets older, when it usually requires more vet care.
Approximate monthly cost: up to $200
Grooming
When you get a Maine Coon cat, you must buy a good brush!. Grooming your beloved Maine Coon will require lots of effort and time, rather than money.
Maine Coon cats require brushing and/or combing from you, on a regular basis; i.e. daily or weekly depending on the dirt and how much your individual Maine Coon sheds and how oily its skin gets.
You also need to bathe your Maine Coon regularly, or use wet wipes designed for cats, if you don’t want to bathe them too often.. You can also take them to a professional groomer, which will mean additional cost, depending on the salon’s prices.
Approximate monthly cost: up to $80
Pet Insurance
The cost of pet insurance for your Maine Coon will depend on the provider and the level of cover that you choose.
When choosing pet insurance, pay close attention to what it actually covers as some pet insurance plans are only for emergencies whereas others cover everything from required shots to chronic health conditions.
Whichever pet insurance plan you choose, rest assured that you’ll certainly worry less about any unexpected circumstances that might arise and result in illness or injury to your beloved Maine Coon.
Approximate monthly cost: up to $40
Environmental Supplies
Environment supplies include things like your cat’s litter box and the things you need to keep the litter box clean.
After the initial purchase of the litter box and scoop and the first cat litter, you need to factor in everything you might need on a regular basis.
You will need to buy litter box liners, deodorizers, cardboard scratchers, and cat litter every month, depending on how much you use. After a while, you’ll see how much you use and be able to calculate it more precisely.
Approximate monthly cost: $50
Toys And Entertainment
Entertainment is very important for every cat, and the Maine Coon is no exception. You need to provide a lot of playtime and other forms of entertainment to keep your Maine Coon active and healthy, and happy of course!
You should buy different cat toys, scratching posts, and a cat tree for climbing. This is usually a one-time cost (but it can cost a bit more than your average cat trees, as Maine Coons require bigger cat trees for large cats).
You can also subscribe to monthly cat toys that can be delivered to your address, so you know exactly how much you are spending and your Maine Coon will always have something new and different to play with.
As well as all these fun things, your Maine Coon will also need its daily dose of attention from you. Playing with your pet cat is not only healthy for them, but for you as well!
Approximate monthly cost: $10-$30
Additional Costs
You must always be aware of any additional costs that might be incurred when owning a Maine Coon cat as a pet.
The hardest additional expense to be prepared for are medical expenses, since you cannot always know what might happen to your Maine Coon.
Pet insurance will help with this, but it’s always advised that you keep about $500-$1000 to have in case of an emergency.
Other additional costs might include:
• a pet sitter: about $30 per day
• hair rollers: about $10 on a monthly basis
• carpet cleaning: about $100
Money-Saving Tips
As you might have concluded from the first sections, adopting a Maine Coon cat is the first step to money-saving when getting a Maine Coon as a pet.
However, you need to watch out when buying from pet stores or going to shelters, as you might end up spending more money on trips to the vet than the original Maine Coon cat price.
Another tip where you can save some money is to ask about discounts and all-inclusive packages at your veterinary surgery.
Some veterinary clinics offer discounts and packages that include all the necessary vaccinations, neuter/spay operations, and primary check-ups at a lower price.
Another money-saving tip would be DIY cat toys and Amazon! Amazon often offers free delivery and there are usually discounts.
You have so many options for all the products you might want on there, and it gets delivered to your address! For free! Money-saving tip on point!
You can also save on your Maine Coon’s food as long as you put together a healthy diet plan, which includes both dry food and wet food.
Buying cheaper kibble will save you money, but ask your vet for advice as some cat foods are not good for your pet.
You can check out this cat food review just to get some idea of what’s good and what’s not so good when it comes to choosing a cat food brand, type, variety, etc.
Learn More About The Maine Coon Cat Breed
Maine Coons are recognized for their gigantic size and fluffy coats. These beautiful cats are sweet and affectionate and do not behave as they appear. Their towering, imposing exterior hides a kind and caring temperament.
They are extremely intelligent, lively, and get along well with children and people of all ages. Maine Coons also get along very well with other pets.
Maine Coons are easy to teach and can become very devoted to their owners. They are, however, prone to separation anxiety, so it is advisable to have something to distract them and keep them occupied if at least one person cannot be there at all times.
To keep a Maine Coon entertained when it is alone at home, several toys, cat trees, or boxes are necessary. Another cat for company would be ideal.
The Maine Coon will only speak to you when required, so be prepared to respond. Despite their powerful roar, Maine Coons are noted for their discreet meows, chirps, and trills.
They also require a lot of maintenance because their coat is lengthy and their bodies are large, i.e. they simply have more fur to take care of than most other domestic cats.
A purebred Maine Coon also features huge ears with pointed hairs on the tips, oval-shaped eyes, and a long bushy tail. Maine Coons like cuddling and being lifted up, even though they are so big.
They are incredibly friendly, gregarious, and mild, making them a good choice of cat for households with children.
You might want to check out: Cat Comparison – Norwegian Forest Cat Vs Maine Coon
Size & Appearance
A Maine Coon cat has a square-shaped head and large pointy ears that resemble lynx cats because of their pointy ends. Maine Coons also have large oval-shaped eyes.
A Maine Coon’s weight can be as high as 25 lbs (even 30 lbs rarely), which is typical for male Maine Coons, whereas female Maine Coon cats weigh up to 18 lbs.
Maine Coons have long bodies and long-hair coats that are soft and smooth to the touch. Maine Coon cats also have an undercoat of shorthair or medium-length hair.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Maine Coon cats can have coats in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, blue/gray, orange, and cream. The patterns of a Maine Coon cat’s coat can be bi-color, calico, solid, tabby, or color-point.
See also: Maine Coon Tuxedo Cat–Types, Personality, Appearance & More
Personality & Temperament
Maine Coon cats are very friendly, playful, and outgoing. These cats love to play and they adore all the attention they can get from their owners.
Maine Coons are also very intelligent so they tend to be easily trained. They are known for their dog-like behavior and can be taught to walk on a leash.
Maine Coon cats love to climb trees (whether real or indoor cat trees) and they love to explore the outdoors. The same goes for the inside of your home; you may often see your Maine Coon climbing to the top of their cat tree and sitting there, looking down from the top.
Maine Coons can be quite chatty; they will be vocal when they need to but will occasionally also talk to you when you get home after being away for some time.
Maine Coons are quite dependent and prone to separation anxiety if left alone for a longer period of time during the day, which is why it’s a great idea to have two cats as pets, whether that means two Maine Coons, or a second cat breed.
Health & Lifespan
The Maine Coon is generally a healthy cat, but there are some diseases and health conditions that these cats are genetically predisposed to.
Maine Coons are prone to hip dysplasia, which you can prevent and cure if your cat is screened and monitored regularly.
Maine Coons are also predisposed to PKD (polycystic kidney disease), which can be treated and is usually hereditary.
If you buy from a good breeder, you will have access to the health records of the parent cats so you will be made aware of any potential underlying hereditary health issues.
The Maine Coon breed is also prone to HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), a hereditary heart condition, and SMA (spinal muscular atrophy), which is a condition that weakens Maine Coon’s leg muscles as they grow old, which can result in walking issues and/or bent posture.
The average life expectancy of the Maine Coon cat is from 12 to 15 years, but there are some records of Maine Coons living longer than this.
Activity & Living Needs
Maine Coon cats enjoy the company of their humans but they also enjoy being with other cats (or other types of pets). Maine Coons also tolerate being held and picked up; they love to cuddle and snuggle up against you.
Maine Coon cats are playful, so they require different forms of entertainment, whether it’s a cardboard box, cat tree, cat toys, or all of these!
Large cat trees are important, so your Maine Coon can be entertained and have playtime even when you’re not home. Cat scratchers and cat toys are all very welcome.
Scratching posts are not only welcome but necessary, for your cat’s entertainment, for it to feel different types of material, and also to keep them away from scratching at your furniture!
Grooming & Nutrition
As we have discussed, Maine Coons have long coats, and therefore require regular brushing and grooming sessions. You must brush their fur to remove any excess dead hairs, oils and dirt, and to prevent matting.
Regular brushing will prevent your cat from shedding around the house too much, and will prevent any furball issues.
Additionally, you will need to trim and cut your Maine Coon’s paw fur, since that fur typically creates digestive issues for them. Grooming sessions are the Maine Coon’s favorite pastime and this is good for their looks and their health, but it is also good for building your bond with them.
Brushing or combing your cat twice a week is usually advised, but I recommend you increase this during your cat’s shedding season.
Concerning nutrition, Maine Coons are larger than most other domestic cat breeds, and so it is not surprising that their food intake is bigger as well.
Maine Coons, while they’re young, can tolerate any cat food. However, later on you might look out for some higher quality foods, including more wet food and canned foods.
Dry cat food is not as expensive as wet food, which is why most Maine Coon owners feed their cats more dry food than wet food, but a healthy balance between the two is the perfect diet plan.
You also need to pay close attention to the amount of water your Maine Coon drinks. As they’re quite large, they can get dehydrated faster than other cat breeds, especially on hot days.
Choose a good water bowl that your Maine Coon can’t easily knock over so they don’t run out of water when you aren’t around.
FAQ
Are Maine Coon cats worth the money?
Practically all Maine Coon owners believe that their cats are well worth the investment. Maine Coons are rather pricey, but their breeding is both time-consuming and costly, which is why the Maine Coon cat price is relatively high.
However, their appearance, temperament, and all of the attributes they offer as pets or show cats are proof that they are well worth the money.
How much should I pay for a Maine Coon kitten?
Maine Coon kittens from reliable breeders in the USA typically cost between $400 and $2000, whereas in the UK their price is usually somewhere between £300 to £1700.
The cost of a kitten is decided by its pedigree, age, health, and vaccination history. Maine Coon cats that are show-worthy are considerably more expensive.
What is the average price of a Maine Coon cat?
The average price of a Maine Coon cat usually begins somewhere between $1000 and $2000, but it all depends on the breeder and the Maine Coon’s age and health. Purebred Maine Coons can cost up to $4500; again, it all depends on the breeder.
Where can I buy Maine Coon cats?
The most advisable place to buy Maine Coon cats is from registered breeders.
Buying from breeders is the safest and best way to get a healthy Maine Coon, however, if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a Maine Coon at a local shelter or a rescue center, for a much lower price.
Always be cautious as buying or adopting a Maine Coon from a shelter can be tricky; you might not know their background, you probably won’t get health records, and you might end up spending more money on vets than you would on the purchase from a registered cattery.
Buying from breeders is safer as they equip you with all the info and health records of both cat parents and your Maine Coon kitten. They should also be there for you if you need any help when you take your Maine Coon home.
What color are Maine Coon cats?
Possible Maine Coon coat colors include: white, black, brown, blue/gray, orange, and cream, in either solid or tabby, calico, shaded, tortoiseshell, or bi-color patterns.
What are the pros and cons of Maine Coon cats?
Pros: great for families, friendly towards pets and people, sweet temperament, majestic looks, easily groomed, easily trained, intelligent, playful, affectionate, loyal, sociable, dog-like behavior, and last but not least, you always have a big cuddle buddy when you own a Maine Coon as a pet.
Cons: price might be too high, suitably–sized cat trees can be more expensive than those for other domestic cats.
Are Maine Coon cats very friendly?
Maine Coons are extremely friendly and sociable cats. They are intelligent and can adapt to any environment fairly easily. Maine Coons are great with other pets, kids and people of all ages.
Are Maine Coon cats good pets?
Indeed they are. Most Maine Coon owners claim that their Maine Coons make great pets. They are good for families, great with kids, and get along well with other cats (and even dogs!). Maine Coons are rather calm and sweet in temperament. These cats are just big cuddle buddies that anyone would adore!
Final Words
To sum up, Maine Coons are big, affectionate, loving pets. Their towering, imposing exterior may contradict their kind and caring temperament.
They are extremely intelligent and lively and get along well with children and people of all ages. They are also good with other pets. Maine Coons are easy to teach and devoted to their owners.
So, to sum up, looking at the Maine Coon cat price, are they worth the money? It’s a huge yes! Maine Coon cats are a domestic breed that anyone would be happy (and many people desire) to have as a pet.
The Maine Coon’s breeding process requires a lot of time and effort, and it’s quite expensive due to all the health checks and registration processes, which is why the Maine Coon cat price is rather high.
The main factors which will influence a Maine Coon cat price will be age, pedigree, health, patterns, and colors.
However, if you’ve decided and you’re ready for a new Maine Coon to come into your life, then digging a bit deeper into your pockets won’t be a problem; after all, having a Maine Coon as a pet will only bring you joy and happiness!