Skip to main content

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

These gentle giants could be a great addition to your family

Orange Maine Coon cat playing outside
ottawagraphics / Pixabay

If you’re thinking of 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 these beasties 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.

Recommended Videos

Do Maine Coons like to be held?

A brown tabby Maine Coon stalks through the grass outside.
Lara Celine / Pexels

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.

The best way to get a cuddly cat is to ask after his parents and siblings for one who might be so inclined to human touch. After that, make sure you start early while your new mouser is just a kitten and consistently give him pets and treats. By the time he grows up, you’ll have a dedicated pal.

Do Maine Coons have high-maintenance personalities?

A Maine Coon sits on the couch
Bobbi Wu / Unsplash

Not really. While their increased size comes with some insignificant challenges, like needing extra sturdy cat trees, you’ll generally have a low-maintenance pet when you bring one home. This breed loves the outdoors and hunting in particular. If you can, safely teach your new pet how to walk outside or take them out on supervised excursions to the fenced-in yard.

Occasionally, they catch something and you certainly don’t want to harm the local bird population (though no one would begrudge if a troublesome mouse disappears). Placing shrubs around the area for cover and monitoring your cat can help cut back on these incidents.

Are Maine Coon cats more aggressive?

Close-up of a Maine Coon's face
Pompi / Pixabay

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

Young boy outside with a Maine coon cat in a harness.
Vikentiy Elizarov / Shutterstock

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.

What problems do Maine Coon cats have?

Orange Maine Coon cat climbing a tree branch
KlausHousmann / Pixabay

While the beauties are a great choice, they have some traits you need to consider as well.

Health issues

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.

Grooming requirements

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 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 expel a lot of hair, so you’ll need to be ready with a vacuum and a lint roller.

Final thoughts on Maine Coon cats

A Main Coon stretching on a couch
RDNE Stock / Pexels

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.

Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
How to keep a cat from scratching up your furniture
Use these tricks to redirect your kitty's energy
Gray cat scratching a couch

You’d never trade your cat for peace and quiet or an empty house, but now there are scratch marks on your favorite furniture. It’s gone too far. Your cat is your companion, but it’s time to learn some manners!

Scratching is a distinct cat behavior, but you don’t have to sacrifice your furniture to keep your cat happy. You can find a way to satisfy your cat’s urge to scratch in a healthy and less irritating way. Let’s take a look at a few reasons your cat might be clawing and how to stop a cat from scratching the furniture.
Why cats need to scratch

Read more
50 fitting names for your adorable orange cat
These monikers will help your fiery feline stand out
Orange cat lying on an orange blanket

Bringing home a new cat or kitten is a super exciting experience, but you'll have to start making decisions right away. The very first thing you'll need to do is give your new pal a name! Coming up with the perfect name for your cat can take some time, so don't be afraid to get to know your new pet for a while before you decide on a name that truly fits him or her.

Brainstorming a list of names can help with the process, so we've included some great orange kitten names to help you get started. Each name is tied to your cat's color, and you might decide that one is just right.
Classic orange cat names

Read more
Your Christmas tree can be dangerous to your pet — here’s what to know
How to keep your pets (and your tree) safe this holiday season
A white cat with black spots sits beneath a Christmas tree surrounded by lit-up fairy lights

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but that doesn't mean it's free of dangers or stressors. In fact, some holiday events and decorations pose an even larger threat to your pet's well-being than you realize. Curious kitties can get tangled in Christmas lights, and food-motivated dogs can steal something from the table that's toxic to them. This isn't a reason to be afraid, but it is important to be mindful and intentional when bringing the holidays into your home.
Are Christmas trees toxic to cats or dogs? This Yuletide symbol is one of the most common holiday decorations, but they pose several risks to pets. Fortunately, we'll review them all so that you can keep your four-legged friends safe this December. You'll be Christmas shopping before you know it!

Are Christmas trees toxic to cats?

Read more