Maine Coon
MAYN KOON
Gentle, Friendly, Intelligent, Dog-like. Origin: United States (Maine).
An adult Maine Coon weighs 15-25 lbs (male) or 8-14 lbs (female), needs 180-610 calories daily, and lives 10-13 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Maine Coon needs 180 to 610 calories per day. An average male (20 lbs / 9.1 kg) needs around 440 kcal; a female (11 lbs / 5.0 kg) roughly 280 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Maine Coon. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with males regularly reaching 15-25 lbs. Their large size creates specific health considerations. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most significant concern, with DNA testing available for a common mutation. Hip dysplasia occurs more frequently in Maine Coons than in smaller breeds. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a breed-specific condition with a reliable DNA test. Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
Exercise and activity
Maine Coons are playful and active but not hyperactive. They enjoy interactive play, especially fetch-style games and fishing rod toys. Their large size means they benefit from sturdy, well-built cat trees rather than flimsy ones. Despite their size, many Maine Coons remain playful well into their senior years. Daily play sessions of 15-20 minutes keep them engaged.
Care and traits
Maine Coon cats have a long, shaggy, water-resistant, with distinctive ruff coat. Origin: United States (Maine).
The largest domestic cat breed; some males exceed 25 lbs. Despite their size, they're gentle giants often called 'the dogs of the cat world.' They're chatty with a distinctive chirping/trilling voice rather than a typical meow. Their water-resistant coat is remarkably low-maintenance for a long-haired breed. The official state cat of Maine.
Expect visible shedding, especially during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall. A good lint roller and regular vacuuming become part of life with this breed. Weekly brushing reduces the amount of loose fur on furniture and clothing.
The Maine Coon is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
Tools for Maine Coon owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 180 to 610 calories per day for an adult Maine Coon. An average individual at 20 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males: 15-25 lbs (6.8–11.3 kg). Females: 8-14 lbs (3.6–6.4 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
Among Maine Coon cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most commonly flagged condition. HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken, reducing its efficiency. Screening via echocardiogram can detect it before symptoms appear. Annual cardiac checks are recommended for breeds with known HCM prevalence. Other conditions to monitor include hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy. Not every Maine Coon will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026