Maine Coon Breed Guide: Temperament, Food, Health & Costs (Australia 2026)

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Most take their time reaching full size, so a young adult may still be filling out.

Growth is fastest in the first 12 months. After that, the cat gradually gains muscle and bone mass over several years.

Size alone doesn’t tell you whether a cat is healthy. A vet can use body condition scoring to check whether a Maine Coon is at a healthy weight, since extra kilograms can be fat rather than frame.

Maine Coons are generally described as calm, friendly and sociable. Many follow their people from room to room, without needing constant attention on laps.

Common traits owners report include:

• Playfulness that often lasts well into adulthood
• Soft chirps and trills rather than loud meowing
• Interest in water, such as pawing at taps or bowls
• Good tolerance of respectful children and other pets, including cat-friendly dogs

They’re intelligent and usually respond well to puzzle feeders, clicker training and harness training. Without enough stimulation, some get bored and find their own entertainment.

In Australia, many councils have cat curfews or containment rules, and some require cats to be kept indoors at all times. A Maine Coon kept indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure (a "catio") will need sturdy, tall scratching posts and climbing spaces suited to its size.

A healthy Maine Coon commonly lives 12 to 15 years, and some live longer with good care.

Genetics, weight management, dental care and early detection of disease can all influence lifespan. Annual vet checks are recommended, with six-monthly visits once the cat reaches its senior years (around 10 and older).

Keeping the cat indoors or contained also lowers the risk of car accidents, snake bites, fights and some infectious diseases.

The Maine Coon has a long, shaggy, water-resistant coat. It’s less prone to matting than the coats of some longhaired breeds, but still needs regular attention.

A practical routine looks like this:

1. Brushing 2–3 times a week with a wide-toothed metal comb and a slicker brush
2. Daily brushing during heavy shedding, which often happens in spring
3. Checking the "trouser" area, belly and behind the ears, where knots tend to form
4. Nail trims every 2–4 weeks
5. Tooth brushing with cat-safe toothpaste, ideally several times a week

During hot Australian summers, the cat should have access to cool, shaded indoor areas and fresh water. A professional groomer can give a hygiene trim around the rear end if mats or soiling become a problem. Full shaving is usually not needed and should be discussed with a vet first.

Maine Coons are generally robust, but the breed has some known inherited conditions. Reputable breeders screen their cats and can show you the test results.

Contact a vet promptly if the cat shows rapid or laboured breathing, lethargy, hiding, changes in appetite or difficulty walking.

Pet insurance is worth considering for larger breeds, as heart investigations and orthopaedic treatment can be costly. Check the policy wording for exclusions relating to hereditary or pre-existing conditions.

Many large, fluffy cats in Australian shelters are described as "Maine Coon cross". Without pedigree papers or a DNA test, though, there’s no way to confirm it.

Features that may suggest Maine Coon ancestry include:

• Large, long body with heavy bones
• Ear tufts (lynx tips) and furry inner ears
• Big, tufted paws, sometimes with extra toes (polydactyly)
• Long, bushy tail that the cat can wrap around itself
• Shaggy coat that’s shorter on the shoulders and longer on the belly and hindquarters
• Chirping voice and a relaxed, people-focused personality

Many ordinary domestic longhair cats share these traits, so a cat may look the part without any Maine Coon background. Commercial cat DNA tests can estimate breed ancestry, but results for mixed cats are best treated as a guide rather than proof.

Regardless of ancestry, a large longhaired cat benefits from the same care: regular grooming, weight checks and routine vet visits. In most Australian states, all cats must also be microchipped and registered, with desexing required in several jurisdictions.