Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is an American natural breed that developed on the farms of Maine in the 19th century from long-haired ship's cats brought over by European sailors. It was almost extinct by the 1950s before a small group of American breeders revived it; the breed was recognised in the UK in the late 1980s and has grown rapidly since. The name comes from the state of Maine and the myth — genetically impossible — that the breed descends from a cat–raccoon cross.

Maine Coons are often called 'gentle giants'. They are sociable, tolerant of handling, get on well with dogs and other cats, and are known for their chirping and trilling rather than a full meow. They mature slowly — a Maine Coon is not fully grown until three or four years old — and stay playful into old age. Their size means they need larger litter trays, sturdier scratching posts and higher-capacity carriers than the average cat.

The three headline conditions are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — the Maine Coon has a specific DNA-testable mutation and any reputable breeder will screen for it — hip dysplasia, unusually common in a cat and linked to their size, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), another DNA-testable inherited condition. Ask breeders for HCM and SMA test certificates on both parents. Dental disease and obesity are also over-represented; annual vet checks should include a heart auscultation and body-condition score.

Kitten prices from GCCF-registered breeders typically run £900–£1,800. Adult Maine Coons eat around twice as much as an average moggy, so monthly food costs of £50–£80 are realistic. All-in monthly costs including insurance, litter and preventative care sit around £100–£150. See our cat vaccination guide for typical UK booster prices.

Cardiology work-ups, orthopaedic imaging and specialist referrals for HCM or hip dysplasia can each cost £1,500–£3,500 in the UK. A lifetime policy with at least £7,000 of annual vet-fee cover is the sensible minimum for the breed — check the policy does not exclude hereditary or congenital conditions and that dental cover is included.