Profile
Originally from the United States, the Maine Coon can weigh up to 18–20 lbs. Despite its impressive size, it's a gentle cat, patient with children, and surprisingly vocal — communicating with small chirping meows.
Feeding
- Kitten: large-breed feline growth formula, up to 15 months
- Adult: 2 meals/day, larger portions than a standard cat
- Senior: joint monitoring recommended (significant body weight)
Grooming & care
- Brushing 2–3 times/week (semi-long coat, dense undercoat)
- Sturdy, large scratching post recommended
The Maine Coon is the cat breed most closely linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition sometimes informally called "Maine Coon heart disease": a mutation in the MYBPC3 gene (A31P variant) has been identified in many affected cats. Genetic testing and a cardiac check-up (echocardiogram) every 1–2 years, especially from age 3–4 onward, allow for early management if the disease develops — a carrier cat won't necessarily show symptoms, but regular veterinary monitoring remains the best protection.
Daily life
Enjoys space but adapts to apartments with vertical territory and regular play. Very sociable with other pets, including dogs.