Maine Coon temperament & health

Maine Coon cat insurance

Is the Maine Coon the right cat breed for you?

Our guide to living with a Maine Coon

Curious, talkative and partial to a splash around in the water, the Maine Coon is a popular cat breed. Learn more about their temperament and origins.

Maine Coon quick facts

Size: Approx. 25-40cm. The size of a Maine Coon can vary
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Weight: 4-8 kg (adult male 6-8 kg, adult female 4-6 kg)
Colours: Almost any colour
Characteristics: Social, curious and intelligent
Common diseases and health problems: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia, gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (tooth loss)
Country of origin: US/Canada

Ginger Maine Coon cat laid on floor next to owners slipper.

Where does the Maine Coon come from?

This large, hardy breed hails from the rugged northeast of the US, specifically from the state of Maine. Their thick, bushy tails were said to resemble raccoons’ tails – hence the name ‘Maine Coon’. History suggests these cats were once working mousers on ships or farms, adapting to the local environment over time.

Looking for pet insurance for your Maine Coon?

Protect your Maine Coon with peace of mind from Agria.

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What is a Maine Coon’s temperament?

The Maine Coon is a cat breed known for being curious, charming and quick to learn, with a stable temperament.

Social

Maine Coon cats enjoy human company, so expect to get a curious friend who wants to spend lots of time with you.

Curious

Their curiosity is reflected in their willingness to splash around in water – they may even hop into the shower, or help with the dishes, given the chance!

Vocal

Maine Coons are also known for having a ‘cooing’ voice when they communicate.

Maine Coon training and exercise

Cat behaviourist consultant Anna Jönsson Bergstedt shares tips for training your Maine Coon – and keeping them active:

1
Give them space to climb
Ensure that your Maine Coon has a decent lookout spot – and one that’s big enough to support them. It’s also good to give them scratching posts, but make sure they’re high up enough that your Maine Coon can have a good stretch while scratching.
2
Let them explore their fascination with water
Maine Coons are fascinated by water, so it’s good to give them opportunities to access and explore this. You could get them water-based toys to encourage their curiosity.
3
Take them for a walk
Since they are often both curious and love company, you could consider taking your Maine Coon on a walk outside. Get them used to their harness and lead gradually, while slowly introducing them to their outdoor environment.

Avoid ‘cat backpacks’ for cats to be transported in as they are not suitable for large cats like the Maine Coon. They also do not offer the correct ventilation and protection that cats need.
4
Play fetch
Many Maine Coons seem to enjoy fetching toys. Make sure you find an appropriate size toy so that they can pick it up and carry it back to you.

If your Maine Coon enjoys this game, you could also consider teaching them the ‘fetch’ command.

Find out more about how to train your cat

Read more blogs by Anna Jönsson Bergstedt.

Maine Coon Appearance and size

The Maine Coon is a big ole cat breed, with a square head, square muzzle and high cheekbones. The breed has large eyes that are set far apart, and they have large, pointed ears with furry tufts. They also have a long, fluffy tail, which is wider at the base and tapers off towards the tip.

Maine Coon fur

The Maine Coon's coat is medium length, silky and dense. The fur is shortest on the head, making it look as though it has a ‘collar’ where the fur starts to thicken out. On the back and hind legs, the fur is longer. Maine Coons have very furry ears – both inside and out – and often have tufts on the tips of their ears.

Buying a Maine Coon kitten

Maine Coon kittens grow and develop relatively slowly, and only reach full maturity between 3-5 years old.

When you pick up your new Maine Coon kitten, be sure to ask the breeder what food to give them when you first take them home.

All kittens should be vet-inspected, vaccinated against feline distemper and cat distemper, and dewormed when you pick them up. You should also ask when their next vaccination and deworming treatment is due.

Learn more about caring for your kitten, including how to settle them into their new home.

Maine Coon cat insurance with Agria

With Agria, it's lifetime, every time

At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.

So, whatever happens throughout your Maine Coon's life, we’ll always be there for you and your cat!

Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.

Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year

So your cat can get the care they need.

We pay 98% of claims*

And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your cat.

No increase in your premiums when you claim

So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.

Free vet video calls, 24/7

Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.

Get a quote

Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.

*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.

Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.