Maine Coon Cat Breed Information
Also known as: Coon Cat, Gentle Giant
One of the largest domestic cat breeds. Friendly, dog-like in temperament, with a magnificent long coat and tufted ears.
A highly affectionate, highly trainable, great with young children cat. On the practical side: minimal drool. The trade-off is sheds plenty.
About the Maine Coon.
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds and one of the most family-friendly. It earned the nickname “gentle giant” for the combination of size, sociability and a relaxed, almost dog-like personality. Adults weigh 4.5 to 9 kg, with males consistently larger than females.
The breed’s defining features are the long shaggy double coat, lynx-like ear tufts, large tufted paws (originally for snow), and a flowing plumed tail.
Personality and behaviour
Maine Coons are sociable, affectionate, and famously tolerant of handling, which makes them a strong family choice. They form bonds with everyone in the household rather than fixating on one person. They are interactive, often vocal in a soft chirping or trilling way (rather than meowing), and many learn tricks, harness walking and recall.
They get on well with respectful dogs and other cats. They are not strong guarders but are alert and curious about household activity.
Care
Coat care is the main commitment: two to three brushings a week during normal shedding, daily during seasonal blow-outs in spring and autumn. The fur is water-resistant and many Maine Coons enjoy water play. The breed needs space to climb and lounge, so cat trees and shelving help.
The Maine Coon, by the numbers.
Each trait scored 1 to 5 on the AKC scale. The verdict synthesises the data; the panels below show the strengths, group averages, and the full trait table.
Top strengths
Family Life
avg 5.0Affectionate with Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Pets
Physical
avg 4.0Shedding
Grooming Frequency
Social
avg 3.5Openness to Strangers
Playfulness
Adaptability
Independence
Personality
avg 3.2Trainability
Energy Level
Vocal Level
Prey Drive
Mental Stimulation Needs
Living with a Maine Coon.
A 24-hour breakdown of how this breed's day typically goes, scaled to its energy, mental-stimulation, and grooming needs.
What a Maine Coon costs to own.
An indicative NZ lifetime cost: purchase, setup, then food, vet, insurance, grooming and other annual outgoings. Adjust the inputs to see how your choices change the total.
A Maine Coon costs about
$200per month
$46
$7
$36,372
Adjust the inputs:
Where the monthly cost goes
Food
$47 / mo
$565/yr · breed-appropriate dry & wet food
Insurance
$39 / mo
$463/yr · lifetime cover protects against breed-specific claims
Vet (avg)
$49 / mo
$590/yr · routine checks plus breed-specific risk
Grooming
$40 / mo
$480/yr · brushes, shampoo, professional clips
Other
$25 / mo
$300/yr · toys, treats, dental, boarding
Indicative NZ averages calculated from breed weight, grooming need and screened-condition count. One-off costs (purchase $2,500 + setup $300) are factored into the lifetime total but not the monthly figure.
How does the Maine Coon compare?
This breed
Maine Coon
$36,372
14-year lifetime cost
- Purchase + setup$2,800
- Food (lifetime)$7,910
- Vet (lifetime)$8,260
- Insurance (lifetime)$6,482
- Grooming (lifetime)$6,720
- Other (lifetime)$4,200
Reference
Average NZ cat
$23,600
14-year lifetime cost
- Purchase + setup$500
- Food (lifetime)$7,000
- Vet (lifetime)$5,600
- Insurance (lifetime)$5,600
- Grooming (lifetime)$1,400
- Other (lifetime)$3,500
A Maine Coon costs about $12,772 more over a lifetime than the average nz cat, mostly highergrooming and highervet.
What to ask the breeder.
Reputable NZ cat breeders test for these conditions and share results. The bigger health drivers for the breed appear in the Common group.
Common
1 conditionHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
DNA test (MyBPC3) available; reputable breeders test.
Occasional
1 conditionHip dysplasia
Larger frame increases risk.
Rare but urgent
2 conditionsSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
DNA-testable.
Polycystic kidney disease
Rare in the Maine Coon but worth knowing the warning signs.
The Maine Coon in NZ.
- Popularity: One of the more popular registered cat breeds in NZ, available through Catz Inc and NZCF breeders.
- Typical price: NZ$1500–3500 from registered breeders or rescues
- Rescue availability: occasional
- NZ climate fit: The thick double coat handles NZ winters easily. Watch for overheating in upper North Island summers; provide shade and water.
- Living space: Suits houses with space and vertical climbing. Apartments work with enrichment and a catio.
Who the Maine Coon is for.
Suits
- Families with children
- Multi-pet households (cats and dogs)
- Owners wanting an interactive, dog-like cat
Less suited to
- Tiny apartments without enrichment
- Households that dislike fur on furniture
- Owners unable to commit to grooming
Common questions.
Are Maine Coons good with NZ children and other pets?
How much grooming does a Maine Coon need?
Should a Maine Coon be indoor-only in NZ?
If the Maine Coon appeals, also consider.
Breeds with a similar profile that might suit your household.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Large, robustly-built semi-longhair developed naturally in the Norwegian forest and coast for centuries before formal recognition. Calm, independent, weather-adapted, and one of the larger pedigree cats in NZ.
Siberian
Large, agile, triple-coated cat from Russia with a reputation for producing lower levels of the Fel d 1 cat allergen. Affectionate, family-oriented, and at home in cooler NZ regions.
Ragdoll
Large, semi-longhaired and famous for going limp when picked up. Affectionate, calm, indoor-suited and great with families.
Last reviewed:
Sources for this pageInformation only. Breed traits and health notes on this page are aggregated from public registry and breed-authority sources. Individual animals vary; this page is general information, not veterinary, behavioural, or insurance advice. Always consult a registered NZ vet or breeder for guidance specific to your situation.