cats
Maine Coon care: coat, growth and health screening
How to care for a Maine Coon through its long growth period, from coat routine and diet to the cardiac and SMA screening the breed requires.
7 min read · Updated 2026-07-16
Cats
Maine Coon
North America's native longhair, the Maine Coon is a substantial, weather-proofed working cat with an easy-going, chirping personality.
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New to the breed? Read the Maine Coon care guide — feeding, settling in, common problems and health concerns.
Maine Coon overview
Maine Coons are slow-maturing and heavily boned, with a shaggy water-resistant coat, tufted ears and a long plumed tail. They come in almost every colour and pattern except pointed, chocolate and lilac.
Temperament
Sociable, curious and talkative in trills rather than meows. They are generally tolerant of dogs and children and enjoy interactive play well into adulthood.
Grooming
Comb two to three times weekly to prevent mats behind the ears and in the britches.
Health considerations
Require HCM (MYBPC3 A31P) and SMA DNA results, hip dysplasia screening in larger lines, and PKD testing where Persian outcrosses appear in the pedigree.
Is a Maine Coon right for you?
A good fit for busy family homes wanting a large, robust and interactive cat with time for coat care.
Maine Coon FAQs
- How big do Maine Coons actually get?
- Adult males typically reach 13–20 lb. Claims of 30 lb cats are almost always either obesity or marketing.
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