Maine c***s are large, affectionate cats who love to play and hang out with their humans. This cat breed is typically known for its massive size—up to 40 inches in length—but Maine c**n owners know and prize these cats for being loving family pets. Maine c***s are surprisingly popular, especially considering at one point this breed almost faced extinction. In 2019, the Cat Fanciers' Association li
sted the Maine c**n as the fifth-most popular cat breed. The average Maine c**n kitten costs between $400 and $1,500, depending on pedigree. Appearance
The Maine c**n is the largest domestic cat breed, and largeness is certainly one of its defining physical characteristics. The size of a typical Maine c**n comes in at 10–16 inches tall and up to an impressive 40 inches in length. These sturdily built felines usually weigh 8–18 pounds and have muscular bodies with wide chests and solid legs. As if their big-boned build wasn't enough, the ample fur in the Main c**ne's coat makes these majestic animals look even bigger. Their long coat is silky and smooth and grows shorter near the shoulders. You can find solid white, cream, red, blue, and black Maine c***s, as well as tabby, bi-color, particolor, tortoiseshell, shaded, and calico Maine c***s. Other defining physical features are large pointed ears often topped with wisps of hair, expressive oval-shaped eyes, and a long, bushy tail. Living Needs
The Maine c**n's first and foremost need is an affectionate, loving family with the time to play and willingness to include this cat in all aspects of day-to-day life. These patient pets are good with kids, dogs, and other cats. Maine c***s can be left alone for periods of time, but they won't be happy about it. Regularly being left alone can make these cats sad and anxious, so they're best matched with a family that often has at least one or two people home during the day for some company. Most Maine c***s love to play in water. This is great news for bath time, but it also means they'll follow you into the shower or try to interfere while you do the dishes. These big cats are surprisingly quiet—they do love to communicate and vocalize to their humans, but their soft voice may take you by surprise. Maine c***s are amazing family pets. Those with the time, patience, and attention to give to a member of this cat breed will be hard-pressed to find a more loving, adoring feline friend. Care
"Maine c***s have a heavy, shaggy coat which requires maintenance brushing to ensure it doesn't get tangled or matted," says Catherine Lenox, DVM, DACVN, a board certified veterinary nutritionist with Royal Canin. Your Maine c**n will need regular, dedicated grooming and will require anywhere from weekly to monthly bathing. Their long coats are usually silky smooth, but when they start to look greasy or stringy, it's time for a bath. They also require weekly brushing to keep their long hair and undercoat from getting tangled and matted. These cats do shed quite a bit, and regular brushing will also help get rid of loose hairs. Don't worry—the Maine c**n loves any sort of attention it can get, so grooming is usually a pleasant task. Maine c***s don't have any special exercise needs—they'll keep the same activity schedule of most cats, with long hours of sleep and playful bouts of jumping and running through the house. Cat toys and cat trees can help them work out some of that energy. Health
Maine c***s have a lifespan of 10–13 years and are typically healthy pets. But, as with all breeds, there are some health issues to be aware of. "Because of their large stature, Maine c***s can develop joint disease such as arthritis or hip dysplasia," Lenox says. "Maine c***s are also predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and dental disease can be quite common in this breed."
