Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

8 reasons to adopt a Maine Coon as your next family pet (and 2 reasons not to)

Paige Cerulli
By

If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, one of the more common breeds that you often hear about is the Maine Coon. This distinctive cat breed has an impressive appearance, and once you’ve met a Maine Coon, it’s hard to forget it. But is this breed right for you? When deciding, it’s important to look beyond just the cat’s physical appearance. The Maine Coon personality is the driving force behind why so many people love this breed, and why Maine Coons are so sought after. Whether you’re thinking of adopting a cat from a rescue or buying one from a breeder, you might want to include the Maine Coon on your list of top breed candidates.

A brown tabby Maine Coon stalks through the grass outside.

Do Maine Coons like to be held?

Maine Coons have a sweet and gentle nature. They tend to be affectionate toward humans, and if a cat is gradually introduced to being held, chances are they will allow it. Every cat can be different, though, so your Maine Coon may or may not like to be held.

Related Videos

Are Maine Coon cats more aggressive?

VetStreet reports that Maine Coons tend to be easygoing and adapt easily to different environments. This breed doesn’t tend to be overly aggressive, and Maine Coons often get along with everyone, both human and pet.

Top reasons to adopt a Maine Coon

There are many reasons to adopt a Maine Coon:

  • Maine Coons have a fantastic personality, and they often get along well with people and other pets.
  • These cats are sweet and friendly, and they love to spend time with their humans without being overly demanding of attention.
  • Maine Coons have dog-like personalities, and many learn to walk on a leash and to even play fetch.
  • These gentle giants are truly huge, weighing in between nine and 18 pounds.
  • These cats have thick, luxurious coats and are beautiful to look at.
  • Maine Coons are available in many different coat colors and patterns, so there’s lots of variety if you want to get several cats of the same breed.
  • Maine Coons are a historic breed of cat dating all the way back to the 1800s.
  • These cats make all sorts of noises, from meows to chirps to their deep, rich purr.

Orange Maine Coon cat climbing a tree branch

What problems do Maine Coon cats have?

Health issues

While these are some great reasons to consider this fun and affectionate breed, these cats do have a few downsides when it comes to their health. According to VetStreet, the breed is prone to some health issues like hip dysplasia and heart disease. Unfortunately, breeders can’t guarantee that cats will be free of heart disease, but hip dysplasia is hereditary, and x-raying breeding cats can help to ensure that their offspring have healthier hips to minimize the chance of their developing this condition.

High-maintenance grooming

Perhaps the biggest downside to the breed is the fact that, while they have long and luxurious coats, those coats require vigilant care. You will need to be prepared to groom your Maine Coon’s coat daily to help prevent mats from forming, and to remove any debris from the coat. This is much more care than other cat breeds require, so make sure that you have the time to dedicate to this daily grooming.

If you decide to take your cat to a professional groomer on occasion, those trips can increase the expense of caring for your cat. Most importantly, be prepared for the fact that when Maine Coons shed, they shed a lot of hair, so you’ll need to be ready with a vacuum and a lint roller.

Before you adopt any cat, it’s important to do your research into the breed that you’re considering. Different breeds have different temperaments, care needs, and health issues, so you’ll want to be prepared and know what to expect. Keep in mind that each cat is an individual, too, so while a cat’s breed might give you some insight into what its temperament is likely to be, it’s important to get to know that cat so you understand what its temperament actually is. Taking the time to find a cat who’s the right fit for your family and your life is important, and it will help to ensure that you and your cat are a purr-fect match for each other.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
What you can do to help your cat after surgery and show your pet how much you love them
Here's how to keep your kitty feeling safe, comfy, and calm post-op
A cat at the vet

You love your kitty. Sometimes, that means agreeing to send them in for cat surgery. Whether it’s a standard spay or neuter procedure, necessary dental work, or something more worrisome like removing a cancerous tumor, you’ll want to ensure you give your furry friend some extra TLC post-operation.

Your feline friend may also need you to be patient with them. Cat behavior after surgery can vary from pet to pet, but they may be slightly shyer, lethargic, or easily irritated for a while. The good news is that your cat should go back to normal — and hopefully wind up as an even healthier version of themselves soon. Knowing what to prepare for can ensure your cat feels safe, loved, and comfortable after surgery.

Read more
Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? What cat parents should know about this condition
What to know about prevention and treatment of UTIs in cats
Gray cat in a cat bed

UTIs are a common and pesky condition in humans. It’s short for urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection of a part of the urinary system, like the bladder, kidneys, or urethra, as the name implies. UTIs can involve painful burning sensations when peeing. They affect about 10 out of 25 women and 3 out of 25 men at least once, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Cat parents may wonder: What is the rate of urinary tract infections in cats? Unfortunately, it’s not zero. Cats can get UTIs. The good news is that cat health experts don’t commonly see the issue when treating felines. However, it’s still good to think about the urinary tract when approaching your cat’s health.

Read more
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

Read more