Maine Coon Cat: How Big It Gets, Personality and Care

Big, shaggy and famously friendly: the Maine Coon is the largest of all pedigreed cats, and both major breed registries call it a "gentle giant" [1][2]. It was built for snowy winters, so it needs a little extra thought in a Saudi summer. Here is the quick guide.

Maine Coon quick facts

How big do Maine Coons get?

Very big, by cat standards. The CFA calls the Maine Coon "the largest of all pedigreed cats" [1]. Adult males commonly weigh 9 kg (20 lb) or more, and females are usually smaller [1].

They also grow slowly. A Maine Coon can take up to three years to reach its full size [1]. So a one-year-old may still be filling out.

What is a Maine Coon's personality like?

Gentle, sweet and sociable [1][2]. It tends to enjoy the whole family rather than bonding with just one person [1]. It is intelligent and easy to train [1].

It is also fairly quiet. Instead of loud meowing, many Maine Coons "talk" with soft chirping sounds [2].

Are Maine Coons good with children?

Generally, yes. The CFA says the breed gets along well with children and other animals [1]. It likes to interact with every member of the family [1].

How do I groom a Maine Coon?

The long, dense coat needs regular care. The CFA suggests combing at least two to three times a week [1]. For long-haired cats, International Cat Care recommends a short session every day [6]:

• Use a wide-toothed comb, working from head to tail.
• Check the armpits and inner back legs, where knots form most easily.
• Tease small knots apart gently with your fingers; don't cut them out.
• Finish with a rubber grooming mitt and a damp cloth.

Adapt each session to how much your cat enjoys it [6].

What should a Maine Coon eat?

Ask a licensed vet which food and portion suit your cat. How you feed matters too: measured meals (often two a day for adults) are better than a bowl left full all day, which is a known cause of overeating [8].

Because this is a big cat that grows for years [1], judge portions by body shape, not a fixed amount. Vets use a 9-point body condition scale, where 4 to 5 is ideal for adult cats [9].

A playful breed needs play, too: give it sturdy climbing and scratching furniture sized for a large cat, and interactive games every day [1][2].

Can a Maine Coon live in Saudi heat?

Yes, with care. Its heavy coat and tufted paws were made for the frosty winters of the northeast United States, not desert summers [1][2]. And any cat can get heatstroke [7]. So during the summer:

• Keep it indoors in a cool, air-conditioned room.
• Offer shaded spots, cool tiled floors and good airflow [7].
• Put out several water bowls and refresh them through the day [7].
• A pet-safe cooling mat, or a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel, can help [7].

Contact a vet right away if you see heavy panting, drooling, unusual tiredness, vomiting or collapse [7].

What health problems do Maine Coons get?

• Heart disease (HCM): thickening of the heart muscle, and the most common heart disease in cats. It appears more often in Maine Coons [3]. A specific gene change linked to HCM has been identified in this breed [4]. Many cats show no early signs. Fast or laboured breathing, open-mouth breathing or tiredness need a licensed vet promptly [3].
• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA): an inherited nerve and muscle condition documented in Maine Coons. A kitten is only affected if it inherits the gene change from both parents. Signs, such as weakness in the back legs and an unsteady walk, usually appear at about 13 to 17 weeks of age [5]. Genetic testing of breeding cats can prevent affected kittens [5].

Regular check-ups help catch problems early. Any worry about breathing, walking or energy? See a licensed vet.

Did you know? The old story that Maine Coons come from cats and raccoons is biologically impossible; both registries treat it as folklore [1][2]. The real record is still charming: in 1895, a brown tabby Maine Coon named Cosey won Best Cat at one of the first American cat shows [1].

What should I check before buying a Maine Coon?

• Ask whether the parents were tested for the HCM gene or had heart screening (an echocardiogram) [3][4].
• Ask whether the parents were tested clear of SMA [5].
• Ask about the kitten's growth and feeding plan [1][9].
• Book an independent vet health check, not just the breeder's word.
• Ask for the health record, vaccination card and microchip [10].
• Be honest about the commitment: near-daily grooming and room for large cat furniture [1][6].
• Plan for costs: more food than a small cat, a wide-toothed comb and mitt, a large litter box, check-ups and vaccinations, heart checks, and an emergency fund [1][3][6].

Can I bring a Maine Coon into Saudi Arabia?

Yes, with planning. This is general guidance only. Rules change, so confirm with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) through the Anaam platform, and with your airline, before you travel [10].

• Permit: register on Anaam and get an import permit from a permitted country [10].
• ID: an ISO microchip, plus a passport or vaccination record showing the chip number [10].
• Health: a valid rabies vaccination, no external parasites, and an original government health certificate from the exporting country [10].
• Limits: one unofficial translation of the Ministry's rules says the permit is valid for 30 days, and allows up to 2 cats every 6 months per person, each at least 4 months old. Confirm these details directly with MEWA/Anaam before you travel [10].

No cat-breed restrictions were found in that document [10].

Ask your airline: because of the Maine Coon's thick winter coat, ask about any temperature rules for your route and season before booking.

Maine Coon FAQ

How long do Maine Coons live?

We did not find a fully verified figure for this breed, so we don't quote one. Good care and regular check-ups matter at every age.

Is the Maine Coon the biggest cat breed?

Among pedigreed cats, yes. The CFA describes it as the largest of all pedigreed cats [1].

Do Maine Coons like water?

It's a popular claim, but we couldn't confirm it in the official CFA or FIFe breed profiles. Every cat is different, so let yours decide.

What colours do Maine Coons come in?

Many: solid colours, tabbies, tortoiseshell and calico, smoke, shaded and bi-colour. Chocolate, lilac and the pointed (Himalayan) pattern are not accepted in the CFA standard [1].