You may be just now discovering the Maine Coon breed. In that case, you might be asking yourself, “Do Maine Coon Cats Make Good Pets“? I asked myself the same question.
Research for Your Maine Coon Purchase
Maine Coon Kittens for Sale
If you’re considering adding a Maine Coon to your family, you might be curious. “Do Maine Coon cats make good pets?” Having been owned by several Maine Coons myself, I can tell you these cats are absolutely amazing. But let’s dive deeper to see if a Maine Coon is the right pet for you!
16 Reasons Why Maine Coons Make Great Pets
If you’re still wondering whether a Maine Coon is the right choice for you, here are 16 reasons why they make fantastic pets:
- Highly Social: Maine Coons love to be around their people. Whether you’re in the living room or the kitchen, they’ll follow you around to stay involved in everything.
- Natural Heat Sources: Their large, furry bodies act as the perfect source of warmth during the colder months. You’ll never have to worry about feeling cold at night!
- Perfect Weight for Blankets: Maine Coons make great living, breathing weighted blankets. Their size and weight make them excellent for snuggling under the covers.
- Impressive First Impressions: Their size and majestic appearance often make people think they’re wild cats, like bobcats or lynxes!
- Alarm Clocks: They’ll wake you up bright and early. This is usually around 4:00 AM. They also let you know when it’s time for breakfast.
- Food-Driven: Maine Coons can open cabinets and doors to find their food. They’ll always let you know when they’re hungry!
- Affectionate Head Butts: Their love language often includes headbutts, which, though sometimes a little forceful, are always heartwarming.
- Photogenic: Maine Coons are incredibly photogenic. They’ll always look good in pictures, no matter how goofy or tired they look.
- Heavy Feet: Their large size and weight come with some pretty hefty feet. You’ll hear them coming from a mile away!
- Playful Personalities: They are like dogs because they enjoy playing fetch. They also sometimes enjoy water activities like swimming or playing in the sink.
- Vocal & Expressive: Maine Coons are known for their chirps, trills, and meows. They’re incredibly communicative and love to express themselves.
- Low Maintenance in Terms of Health: With proper care, Maine Coons generally have fewer health problems than other breeds.
- Loyal Companions: These cats bond deeply with their owners and are known to form strong, affectionate relationships with family members.
- Large But Not Aggressive: Despite their size, Maine Coons are gentle giants. They’re playful but rarely aggressive.
- Adaptable: They adjust easily to different living environments, whether you live in a quiet home or a busy apartment.
- Wonderful for Families: Their calm demeanor and loving nature make them perfect companions for children and other pets.
Key Questions About Maine Coon Cats
Buying a new kitten requires a lot of research. Pedigree cats have their own set of physical characteristics and personality traits. Choosing the right breed for you and your home will pay off in the long run.
Here are some essential questions. You can ask yourself these questions about having a Maine Coon. This will help you know if this breed is right for you.
What is So Special About a Maine Coon?
Maine Coons are known for their friendly, dog-like personalities. They are often called “gentle giants” because of their large size and affectionate nature. Unlike many other cat breeds, Maine Coons are not just independent animals—they love their humans and thrive on interaction. Whether you’re a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a retiree, these cats adapt to your lifestyle.
Can Maine Coons Be Left Alone?
Maine Coons are known for their sociable nature. While they are independent to an extent, they do not enjoy being left alone for long periods. If you are out of the house often, consider hiring a pet sitter or getting another pet for company. However, Maine Coons generally adjust well if properly trained from a young age.
Are Maine Coons High Maintenance?
In terms of grooming, Maine Coons do require regular maintenance. Their thick, luxurious coats need to be brushed 2-3 times a week to prevent mats and tangles. Regular grooming also helps reduce shedding. Other than grooming, they are not much more high-maintenance than any other cat breed.
Can Maine Coons Live with Dogs?
Yes! Maine Coons are often referred to as “cat-dogs” due to their playful, friendly nature. They enjoy the company of dogs, especially if the dog is friendly and well-behaved. A proper introduction is key to ensuring a peaceful coexistence between your Maine Coon and other pets.
If you’re looking for a friendly and social pet, consider a Maine Coon. They are also very affectionate. A Maine Coon might just be the perfect choice for you. They are unique, loving, and will bring plenty of joy to your home. However, keep in mind that they require regular grooming and a lot of love and attention.
Will Your Other Resident Pets Be Happy About the Newcomer?
If you have other pets in your home, you need to ensure they will get along with a kitten. It can be hard to tell whether this transition will go smoothly. If your existing pets seriously hate other animals, it may not work out. If you are unsure, there are plenty of ways to help the transition go better. Read this article about introducing your cat to other animals.
Are you considering two Maine Coon kittens instead of one? That might be a great addition to your family!
Should I Get a Male or a Female?
Male and female cats have different attributes, regardless of breed. It’s good to assess your home’s dynamics. This assessment can help determine if you should get a male or female cat. For example, females can dislike other females for no apparent reason. LOL
Do more research on a male and female kitten.
How Much are Maine Coon Kittens?
The price of a Maine Coon kitten can vary depending on location, breeder and demand. Catteries with great reputations (like Sassy Koonz) have higher prices and cater to a more exclusive market.
The research has been done for you in this blog post. Find out the price of a Maine Coon kitten from various breeders and what drives the cost.
Am I Ready for a Maine Coon Kitten?
There are a few major concerns for readiness to buy a Maine Coon kitten. These include having enough money, time, and patience. You also need access to resources. You should also ensure that your other family members are prepared. They need to be in good enough shape to welcome a new pet into your home.
Consider adopting a Maine Coon if you have the time and space for this amazing breed. You’ll have a loyal companion who will keep you company for many years to come.
Financial Responsibilities
To start, you should evaluate your financial situation. One problem is that people know that they can afford a kitten, but they don’t think about the costs that come later.
If the kitten is not already spayed or neutered and up-to-date on shots, that will typically be your responsibility. You will also have to take the kitten to the vet every year for annual vaccinations and health exams.
Your kitten may be put on certain medications, receive shots, or require additional testing from time to time. Veterinary care is not inexpensive.
Hopefully, you won’t be faced with any unexpected health issues, but it’s not out of the question. you must be prepared to take care of your pet to ensure his health and well-being.
Next, you will have to buy your Maine Coon kitten everything they need. You will need toys to keep your energetic kitten busy. You will need a cozy bed and blankets so that your kitten has a place to sleep. Food and water dishes, a collar, a carrier, a brush, and treats can all begin to add up too.
Don’t forget the monthly cost of a high-quality kitten food. This may be dry or a combination of wet and dry. A litter pan only needs to be replaced occasionally, but you will need to purchase cat litter as needed.
Something that may often be overlooked is a pet sitter or boarding. If you travel or go on vacation, you will need to hire a pet sitter. They will take care of your cat while you’re away. Cats are pretty easy to care for, but the cost can still add up quickly!
How to Prepare for a Maine Coon
Before bringing a Maine Coon home, it’s important to do some research to make sure you’re prepared for the responsibility. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations:
- Space: These cats need room to roam. Their large size and playful nature mean they appreciate a home with space to climb, jump, and explore.
- Time Commitment: While they aren’t extremely demanding in terms of attention, Maine Coons do thrive on companionship. Make sure you have enough time to give them the attention they need.
Kittens and Cats Are Messy!
Kittens and cats can be very messy little creatures. They not only kick litter out of the litter box and onto the floor. It can sometimes hit the wall. It may even be accompanied by some extra goodies (pee or poop). You may even find a random turd on the floor in the middle of your living room. Perhaps it stuck to the britches and they flung it off later.
If your kitty is kicking litter outside of the box, try offering a bigger litter box. Make sure it is deeper. You can even opt for one that they have to walk into, or a covered pan. Ultimately, you may find that your cat is the special kind. It is the kind that will always kick litter onto the floor. 🙂
Kitten Proofing Your Home
Before you buy a Maine Coon kitten and bring your kitten home – you have to get your house ready. There are several things that need to be done around the house to prepare. These preparations are going to take time and energy as well. Of course, you will need to set up a bed, litter box, and all of the other kitten accessories.
You will also need to kitten-proof your home. This includes removing any toxic plants, moving any potentially dangerous items, and hiding electronics cords. If you have any fragile decorations on shelves or tables, you should move them to a higher place. Be careful though. Kittens are known to be curious and will climb your furniture and countertops to reach their destinations!
You should ensure that they have enough space to roam around. Cat trees and other cat furniture provide more space for them. You don’t need to move to a bigger home. These pieces of furniture will keep your cat occupied since they will have more places to explore.
Kitten Mischief
Kittens are VERY energetic and mischievous for the first year of their life. They get into things they shouldn’t. They scratch places you don’t want them to. They knock things off the counters and shelves. They bite and scratch your toes and hands. They keep you up at night.
If you have only an adult cat, you may have forgotten the kitten experience. A kitten in the house is a unique experience. Kittens are bundles of energy. They run around like crazy and play with everything, even things that aren’t meant to be toys. They also jump to new heights, chew on and eat everything they find, and explore the world around them.
Most of them will calm down and become lazy lovers after they have outgrown the kitten and teenager phase. It will require patience and understanding that they are just babies, full of energy and curiosity. You can’t expect them to act like mature adults cats for a couple of years. If you hope for a calm “lap kitty,” your cat may not show these characteristics soon. They’re quite similar to a human toddler, who just doesn’t have time or interest in sitting around with you watching TV.
Kitchens Scratch Furniture and Carpets
Maine Coon cats and kittens have a natural instinct to claw on things. They do not discriminate against furniture, beds, chairs, or scratching posts. It’s important that you have scratching posts available in multiple rooms of your home.
There will still be instances when the kitten will scratch on things that you don’t want them to. Don’t ever hit or punish the kitten for doing this!! Instead, redirect them to their dedicated scratching post. You may have to do this several times. Maybe even for a couple of months before the kitten learns where is appropriate to scratch.
If you can’t tolerate a kitten clawing on your furniture, then avoid getting a kitten. ]
Does Everyone in the Home Agree to a New Kitten?
Finally, you need to talk to whoever you’re living with. If your spouse, roommate, or anyone else doesn’t want another cat, you shouldn’t get one. This is especially true if somebody has allergies.
If you’re renting, your landlord may have set rules for pets. You may be limited to a set number of animals in one apartment unit. You might have to pay a fee and provide vet records. It depends on the landlord, but this process is fairly straightforward. Of course, if you have already met your pet maximum, you likely won’t be able to push the limits.
You should consider the kids in the home too. Do they have allergies? Are they gentle with the animals they have been around so far? It might be good to visit a shelter. This way, you can see how they react to cats. Do this before bringing one home that’s officially yours.
Are Two Maine Coons Better Than One?
Adopting a single kitten can be a rewarding experience. However, buying two kittens is often the better option. It benefits both you and your new furry friends. Kittens are naturally social creatures and benefit greatly from having a playmate around.
Two kittens can keep each other entertained, helping to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They’ll have a companion to snuggle with when you’re not around, easing any anxiety they experience from being alone.
Growing up together lets them learn important social skills from one another. This fosters a strong bond and a happy, healthy relationship. If you have the space and resources, consider adopting two kittens. It can lead to twice the love and joy in your home!
Are You Ready for Commitment?
When you purchase a Maine Coon kitten, you are committing to care for and raise that baby. Your goal is to nurture it into a happy, healthy adult. From there, you will enjoy the company or your companion for the rest of its life. This means accepting the kitten for who it is.
Kittens and cats each have their own unique personalities. They are not meant to “replace” another cat that you may have had. They are their own “person” and should be accepted as such. When you adopt your new pet, and accept them into your home, they are yours forever.
Not every kitten, cat, dog, and especially HUMAN is perfect. Offer them the things they need to be happy, and they will reward you with reciprocating love and affection.
If you truly aren’t ready to be patient with your new kitten, it’s best to wait. You should make sure you’re prepared for a kitten and ready to help them transition into a new home. It will be best for everyone involved if you are sure of the decision before you make the leap. If a kitten doesn’t sound right for you, then you can consider adopting a retired Maine Coon.
For another reference about getting a new kitten, read this TICA resource “Finding the Purrfect Kitten”.
Have You Considered an Adult / Retired Maine Coon?
Adopting an adult or retired Maine Coon can be a wonderful option. It suits those looking for a loving companion. This choice avoids the challenges of raising a kitten. Adult Maine Coons are often already socialized, and may have calmer personalities compared to their energetic kitten counterparts.
They still offer the same affectionate, loyal, and playful traits. Additionally, they have the benefit of being more settled. They are also easier to care for. Adopting an adult or retired Maine Coon provides a great way to give a loving home. You can welcome them once they’re retired from their breeding work. For those looking for a more laid-back feline friend, an adult Maine Coon could be the perfect fit!
How to Avoid Getting Scammed When Buying a Kitten
Scammers are EVERYWHERE these days! They use my personal name and my cattery name to scam unknowing buyers. It’s impossible to get anyone to do anything about it.
When purchasing a Maine Coon kitten, it’s essential to be cautious to avoid scams. Always do thorough research on breeders, ensuring they are reputable and transparent. Ask for health records, parentage details, and references from previous buyers. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, as scam breeders often offer unusually low prices. For more tips on how to safely buy a Maine Coon kitten without getting scammed, check out our full guide!
How to Choose a Reputable Maine Coon Breeder
Choosing the right Maine Coon breeder is crucial to ensuring you get a healthy and well-socialized kitten. Look for breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their cats and are transparent about their breeding practices.
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s best to continue your search. For more tips on selecting the right breeder, check out our full guide!
My Life Before Having Maine Coons
Before I discovered Maine Coons, I had a memorable day that remains one of the most unforgettable in my life. I was owned by a Flame Point Himalayan named Jack. My husband got him for me as a Christmas present in 1998.
He kind of looked like Grumpy Cat, like he was constantly frowning. He was a cool cat, with a laid back personality, but he wasn’t very social. He was quiet and kind, but he also liked to hide under the bed. Any time we had company, he didn’t want to have any part of socializing and would disappear. Jack passed away in 2008 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). He was 14 years old.
After a year, I wanted to add a new breed of cat into my life. So my son and I started researching different cat breeds. Derek searched for Top 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds, and found the Maine Coon.
At that time, he sent me some looks and told me how cool they were because of their size. Of course, that’s usually the first thing that intrigues people into this breed. Consequently, I’m now owned by several Maine Coon Cats and couldn’t be happier with the decision to own this breed.
Maine Coons Love their Humans
Since my first Maine Coon, I’ve been enthralled by these cats. They’re not your ordinary cat. They are very unique and extraordinarily social. Somewhat dog-like as their reputation defines, and quite the expressionists!
There’s just something about having a Maine Coon that changes the way you look at cats. They are truly special in so many ways, and it’s no wonder that they are loved by so many.
I could certainly keep listing reasons. The Maine Coons make a good pet. But I think you get it. Here is a glimpse into the life of being owned by a Maine Coon. It is the most majestic goofball cat that has ever lived.
