Maine Coon Cat: Breed Profile

Temperament and personality

Maine Coons are famously easy-going. They tend to follow their people from room to room, greet visitors, and get along with children and dogs. Many chirp and trill rather than meow, and some enjoy playing with water or learning to fetch.

They are affectionate without usually being clingy — many prefer sitting next to you over sitting on you. They mature slowly and often stay kitten-playful until three or four years old.

Size and appearance

One of the largest domestic breeds, with a long, rectangular body, a shaggy water-resistant coat that is longer on the ruff, belly and "britches", tufted ears and a long plumed tail. Males are noticeably bigger than females.

Activity and enrichment

Moderately active. They need daily interactive play, sturdy climbing furniture built for a heavy cat, and puzzle feeders. Many can be harness trained.

Coat care and grooming

The coat is less prone to matting than a Persian's but still needs brushing two or three times a week, and daily during seasonal shedding. Check behind the ears, the armpits and the "trousers" for tangles.

Typical health concerns

Every cat is an individual, and most cats of any breed live long, healthy lives with good preventive care. These are the conditions most often discussed for this breed — ask a breeder for health-testing results and discuss screening with your vet.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — a DNA test exists for one known mutation; responsible breeders also screen with heart ultrasound.
• Hip dysplasia — more common than in most cat breeds because of their size.
• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) — a DNA-testable inherited condition.
• Obesity and dental disease, as in any cat.

Who is the Maine Coon right for?

Featured in: Best Cat Breeds for Families With Children.