If you're wondering what the average lifespan of a Maine Coon cat is, you're not alone. I get this question every week!
Read on to discover unexpected information about Maine Coon life expectancy.
The average lifespan of a Maine Coon cat is 12 to 15 years. Maine Coons are a hardy cat breed with few common health problems. Owners can extend the lifespan of their Maine Coon by feeding their cats a quality diet, getting regular veterinary health checks, and making sure their Maine Coon gets regular exercise to limit the potential for obesity.
Maine Coon cats are the oldest living natural breed of cat in the United States, admired by millions for their lush, long, thick fur and great physique.
They are considered a very hardy cat breed, as they are not prone to many of the more common feline health problems that other cat breeds face.
The Maine Coon's ability to survive even the harshest of New England winters makes them a particularly unique breed.
But what is the average lifespan of a Maine Coon cat? In this article, I share with you my top tips for increasing the average age of your Maine Coon cat.
Average life expectancy of a Maine Coon cat
In the pet world, it is widely believed that the average lifespan of a Maine Coon cat is 10 to 15 years.
The problem with using an average is that it is simply the number in the middle that is used to represent a larger list of numbers.
Therefore, owners who wonder what the average lifespan of a Maine Coon cat is are often misled into assuming that their Maine Coon cat will not live more than 15 years. When a Maine Coon cat lived to the impressive age of 27!
Between 2003 and 2006, a Swedish pet insurance company determined that the average life expectancy of a Maine Coon cat was >12.5 years.
This figure was supported by their research, which found that 74% of this cat breed lived to be 10 years or older, and 54% survived to be 12.5 years or older (Those 1).
Maine Coon Lifespan Compared to Other Big Cat Breeds
The average lifespan of a Maine Coon cat does not differ too drastically compared to other large cat breeds.
Take a look at the chart below to get a clear understanding of how the average lifespan of a Maine Coon cat compares to the lifespans of other large cat breeds.
| cat breed | Average Life expectancy (Years) |
|---|---|
| american forest cat gatos | 10 – 15 |
| Norwegian forest cat | 14 – 16 |
| siberian cat | 10 – 18 |
| Galloping | 12 – 18 |
| rag doll | 12 – 16 |
| turkish van | 13 – 17 |
| British Short hair | 14 – 20 |
| Rebellion | 14 – 16 |
| pixie-bob | 13 – 15 |
| Americano Rabishort | 13 – 15 |
| Selkirk Rex | 10 – 15 |
How to Extend the Lifespan of Maine Coons
Maine Coon cats are excellent companions. They are often considered very canine-like due to their highly intelligent brains, their ability to be trained, and their adoration for their human family.
This breed also integrates quickly into family life, offering a lot of affection and love to its owners.
With so many positive attributes about this breed of cat, it's no surprise that owners go to great lengths to extend their Maine Coon's lifespan.
The good news on this front is that owners play a big role in extending the Maine Coon's lifespan.
With proper care, attention, and focus on these factors, your Maine Coon can live for over 15 years:
- Diet
- A practice
- veterinary exams
- cleaning
On a diet
As one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world, it's important that your Maine Coon only receive a diet that meets their unique nutritional needs.
Specifically, a Maine Coon diet, for example, should be high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and moderate in fat and fatty acids. Omega 3 and 6.
I love this high quality dry food. because they keep my Maine Coons in optimal health conditions.
Maine Coon cats are prone to obesity, so it is important that owners do not overfeed their cats, as obesity is the catalyst for the development of other, more serious health conditions.
B exercise
Maine Coon cats are prone to obesity, so it is important that owners encourage their cats to exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps keep obesity at bay and is believed to significantly increase the lifespan of the Maine Coon.
There are a variety of cat toys on the market that will get your cat moving.
I found this particularly effectiveBecause they are hardy, of high quality, and adapted to a highly intelligent Maine Coon brain, they are the ideal way to get your Maine Coon moving.
c) veterinary examinations
To increase the life expectancy of a Maine Coon cat, it is important that your Maine Coon cat's vaccination history is up to date.
Owners should schedule regular veterinary checkups for their cat to ensure that their cat's health remains at optimal levels.
D.Cleaning
Believe it or not, grooming plays a big role in extending a Maine Coon's lifespan. Therefore, the owners should pay special attention to the following hygiene rituals:
| cleaning methods | Reason |
|---|---|
| regular brush | The owner must periodically coarse brushed Maine Coons dense fur to ensure that is free from us and mats. If the knots are not away, your cat will be sad and start pulling your hair |
| hair removal Katzenfell | Use a stripping tool to do this. reduce spills, therefore accidental number limitation furball whats your maine raccoon stays |
| brush Gatos Teeth | brush a cat's teeth limits daily accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar take periodontics Disease. In severe cases This disease will prove itself fatal if the problem is not quickly addressed. Good Oral hygiene takes care of that the cat does not lose Teeth |
| Maine raccoon The bath | I love Maine Coons bathe in water when introduce the concept while they are still kittens. The bad helps to unravel hair clip and removes dirt naturally, Dust, grease and dead cat fur hair |
Factors that shorten the lifespan of a Maine Coon
Although the Maine Coon cat is a very hardy breed of cat, it is still prone to developing some health problems that can shorten its lifespan.
These include:
- hip dysplasia
- obesity
- spinal muscle atrophy
- periodontal disease
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- poor diet
hip dysplasia
Maine Coon cats are prone to hip dysplasia due to their large size, which puts more pressure on their bodies.
It causes arthritis, but is not considered a major problem for most cats.
However, the symptoms should not be ignored, as persistent symptoms can become debilitating if not treated as soon as possible.
B. Obesity
Maine Coon cats are prone to obesity, which can be a trigger for the development of other health problems.
Owners should ensure that they only feed their cats high-quality dry food in the correct portions and ensure that the Maine Coon gets plenty of exercise.
w. muscle atrophy in the spine
This inherited disorder is characterized by progressive unsteadiness with unsteady gait and postural disturbances resulting from loss of motor neurons in the lower spinal cord and muscular atrophy in the hindlimbs.
Maine Coon kittens show the first signs of this condition at 3 to 4 months of age.
This condition is not considered painful, however cats suffering from spinal muscular atrophy must spend their lives indoors rather than being allowed to roam freely outdoors.
D. Periodontal disease
This particular disease is characterized by the buildup of plaque and tartar on a cat's teeth.
A cat's gums can also become inflamed, sore, and begin to recede. If not treated in time, this condition will progress to more serious problems that can be fatal.
Owners must ensure that their cats maintain good oral hygiene.
Is. hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
This is a common heart condition that occurs in cats.
It is not known why this happens, but it can be identified by the thickening of the muscular walls surrounding a cat's heart, which negatively affects the heart's ability to function properly.
F. poor diet
A Maine Coon's lifespan will be significantly shortened if they are raised on a diet that does not adequately meet their health and nutritional needs.
Maine Coon Inner Life
This controversial topic often generates conflicting opinions on the Internet.
In general though, many owners choose to keep their Maine Coon cat within the confines of their own home for the following reasons:
- Safety against poisons and predators.
- Make sure the cat is okay.
- Criminals can not take the cat to resell
- Increased traffic on our roads.
- You are not at risk of contracting infectious diseases from other animals
- The diet can be controlled, which means that no wayward rat will make them sick.
For more information on this topic, see my article:Maine Coon cats can be kept indoors.
Do Maine Coons live longer outdoors?
There is no statistical study that determines if a stray Maine Coon cat will outlive a domestic Maine Coon cat.
What we do know for sure, however, is that outdoor Maine Coon cats are less likely to:
- eat a lot
- lack of exercise
- Psychological problems
This is because Maine Coons have outdoor access to their natural habitat, which is full of emotions, scents, and smells to explore.
The freedom to exercise outdoors also ensures that a Maine Coon gets plenty of exercise, as they can hunt for prey, jump, and climb, which helps keep their bodies fit and healthy.
An added benefit of letting your Maine Coon roam free outside is that they will naturally have a diet more in line with the high protein live prey diet they would have had many decades ago.
Because while on the move, they can use their natural instincts to hunt for live prey.
However, before you assume that free-roaming your Maine Coon will extend your Maine Coon's lifespan, remember that there are always two sides to every story.
If this is the case, owners need to be aware of the many dangers their Maine Coon faces when allowed to roam freely outdoors.
Any of these factors can really negatively affect the lifespan of your Maine Coon cat:
- There is a risk of being hunted by predators.
- Traffic
- criminals
- Your cat may come into contact with deadly toxins on neighboring properties
- The cat can get stuck
- Attacks from other cats, carriers of infectious diseases
Gato maine coon mayor
If you're worried that your beloved Maine Coon cat's lifespan might seem too short, take solace in the fact that there are always exceptions to the rule.
Indeed, Corduroy, a beautiful Maine Coon tabby mix (only one of his parents was a Maine Coon), is proof of this.
Corduroy was adopted from an Oregon animal shelter in 1989 by Reed Okura, then just seven years old.
This Maine Coon cat has been named the "oldest cat" by Guinness World Records after turning 26 in 2018!
When the record was set, the Corduroys' owner reported that his Maine Coon cat was in excellent health, with an equally mischievous personality.
Although this famous Maine Coon cat ate a low-protein diet to protect her kidneys, she was still famous for jumping on kitchen counters every day.
His owner also confirmed that the corduroy was never declawed and despite being 26 years old, he surprisingly had no problem walking up and down the stairs in his home.
Reed Okura confirmed that Corduroy had been an outdoor Maine Coon his entire life and still loved chasing prey in the wild when he was 26 years old.
Unfortunately, the Daily Mail reported in their newspaper in November 2019 that Corduroy (now 27) passed away after a 7-week absence from his owners (Those1).
If you look at the chart above, you'll see that on average, it's the British shorthair breed that lives the longest of all large cat breeds, between 14 and 20 years.
By comparison, the Maine Coon cat has a much shorter lifespan of 10-15 years, although there are always exceptions to the rule, for example a corduroy Maine Coon half who lived to be 27!
Maine Coon Life Stages
Like other cat breeds, the Maine Coon cat goes through several different growth stages before reaching the end of its life.
The following table provides a rough overview of the Maine Coon's life stages:
| Life stages | growth | Essen |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 3 Dulce | gatito maine coon born | specially formulated cat food only |
| 3 – 7 Dulce | the kitten will grow about 1-2 pounds each month. they go have a solid coat muscle in your legs and hips of them Ribs should not be PROJECTIONS | keep feeding your kitty especially prepared food for kittens, until you reach 9 Months of age |
| 9 – 12 Dulce | accelerated growth should have finished | transfer jack high quality adult dry animal feed |
| 15 Years | The kitten will grow slowly. until they reach their maximum size | high quality adult dry animal feed |
| 3 – 5 Years | The kitten reaches its full size. for 3-5 years | high quality adult dry animal feed |
| 7 Years | The cat moves towards the top level of give life | transfer jack specially formulated dry cat food older cats |
| 10 – 15 Years | Central Maine raccoon for life | high quality senior dry animal feed |
cat age calculator
Have you ever heard someone refer to their cat's age in cat years?
While this may seem like a rather strange concept at first, there is a logic behind your madness!
This is because scientists have concluded that human years do not directly correlate with cat years.
While your Maine Coon cat may only be 7 human years old, they are more physically and mentally similar to a 44-year-old human!
According to Purina, "the first two years of a cat's life are about the same as the first 25 years of a human being."
Each human year after this phase is considered the equivalent of four additional feline years (Those 1).
check it outcat yearscalculatorto determine the age of your Maine Coon cat.
Maine-Coon-Crescendo
Maine Coon cats are known to have a very slow growth rate and do not reach their full size until the age of 3-4 years compared to normal cat breeds which reach their full size at the age of 2 years.
They become one of the largest cat breeds in the world, and during the Maine Coon's life, they develop many of the outstanding traits that are characteristic of the breed.
If you've never owned a Maine Coon cat before, it's impossible to predict how your little Maine Coon kitten will change visually over the first year.
Let alone how they will look when they turn 4!
This makes the short Youtube video below even more special, as it beautifully captures the physical development of a Maine Coon kitten from the age of 3 weeks to its first birthday.
Diploma
What is the life expectancy of a Maine Coon cat?
When answering this question, it's important to remember that any estimated useful life provided online is always only an estimate.
No one can accurately predict the exact age of your beloved Maine Coon pet. Therefore, remember that the useful life of your Maine Coon cat depends to a large extent on the care it receives throughout its life.
Owners should pay special attention to the health and well-being of their Maine Coons throughout their feline lives to ensure that their purebred cat has the best possible quality of life.
In particular, it is important that owners feed their big cats only high-quality, high-protein dry food.
If you plan to keep your Maine Coon indoors, you should make a concerted effort to encourage regular exercise to prevent obesity.
Ultimately, the genetic makeup of each Maine Coon cat plays a large role in determining the lifespan of a Maine Coon cat.
Therefore, it is recommended that individuals obtain proof that the kitten they have purchased is free of hereditary diseases before purchasing their Maine Coon kitten.
FAQs
How long do indoor Maine Coons live? ›
Life span: 13 or 14 is considered to be typical for this hardy breed.
Can Maine Coons live for 20 years? ›According to most feline experts, the Maine Coon's lifespan on average lasts for 12.5 years or up to 15 years with proper care. However, many long-time owners of this breed find this statistic baffling, reporting that the Maine Coons sharing their lives often live past 20 years of age!
What illnesses do Maine Coons get? ›The three most common inherited diseases in Maine coon cats are a type of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). HCM, a common cause of heart disease in purebred and mixed-breed cats, is characterized by heart walls so thick they don't contract normally.
Do Maine Coon cats have health problems? ›Common Health Issues
Even though Maine Coon cats are considered a hardy breed, there are some hereditary health issues they are prone to. They include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy.
Maine Coon cats can be left alone, but only for a short period of time. These highly sociable felines prefer company and do not enjoy spending time on their own. They love human companionship and interaction with other pets.
Do Maine Coon cats like to be held? ›Most well-socialized Maine Coons love to be held. Of course, this can vary from cat to cat. For most Maine Coons, however, being held and cuddling on your lap is their favorite way to show affection. Keep an eye on your cat's body language before you pick it up.
What is the longest lived Maine Coon cat? ›Rubble - who lived to the equivalent of nearly 150 human years - was a large, fluffy Maine Coon type cat.
How much is a Maine Coon cat worth? ›Purebred Main Coon kittens will cost anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000. The high price makes choosing the right breeder essential. Meet the breeder before the official purchase to ask questions.
How smart are Maine Coons? ›Maine coons are also highly intelligent pets, and they can be trained to perform simple tricks on command. They like to play fetch, making them ideal for the more active pet owner.
What personality do Maine Coons have? ›Maine Coon temperament
Known as the 'gentle giant', the Maine Coon is known for its sweet, kitten-like disposition. They possess above-average intelligence, which makes them easy to train. They are loyal to their owner and enjoy playing fetch, playing in the water and playing with their own food.
Do Maine Coons have good personalities? ›
Personality and Temperament
Maine Coons are known for being friendly, affectionate and goofy – they're not only huge in size but also huge in personality. Much like a dog, the Maine Coon loves to be around its family and sometimes acts like a pack animal. They are obedient and will come when called.
Maine Coons can sometimes become stressed, just like humans do. The type of stress that Maine Coons feel is similar to that of humans. They are sensitive, territorial animals that get used to their environment and lifestyle. If that changes, they feel strongly affected and get stressed.
What are the cons of owning a Maine Coon cat? ›- Expensive. ...
- Health Problems. ...
- Space Needs. ...
- Grooming Requirements. ...
- Needy / Clingy. ...
- Require High Levels Of Exercise. ...
- Greater risk Of Theft. ...
- Their Toys Are More Expensive.
Maine Coon cats are extremely loyal
Maine coon cats decide, early on in their kitty lives, that they have a “person.” They are 100% dedicated to their chosen person, following them from room to room, being distraught if they leave the house, and always choosing to spend time with their person above all other people.
Maine Coon temperament & personality
They love to play and are very affectionate, so if you're looking for a cat to show you some love when you get home, this is the perfect breed for you. Maine Coons love to socialise with other people and pets, so they make great additions to a large family, whether human or feline!
They enjoy following their owners from room to room and will often investigate or try to participate in their owner's activities. Maine Coon cats have kittenish personalities throughout their lives. They're affectionate, intelligent, and trainable.
Is it better to have 2 Maine Coons? ›A common question among cat owners is do Maine Coons need a companion? You're not alone in wondering whether your cat might be lonely. After all, humans become lonely if they don't have human companionship. Maine Coons are happiest when they have another companion to keep them company.
Why do Maine Coons follow you around? ›12 reasons why Maine Coon cats follow their owners everywhere include: hunger, thirsty, attention, loneliness, feeling sick, company, safety, curiosity, sixth sense, learned behavior, treats, and separation anxiety.
How often should you bathe a Maine Coon? ›Generally, bathing your Maine Coon once a month will help control shedding and keep the coat clean and healthy. What is this? The only exception when you should wash your Maine Coon more than once a month is when it covers itself with something it should not lick off, like paint or oil (source 1).
How do Maine Coons cats show affection? ›“. A Maine Coon will show their affection towards its owners in different ways; some might enjoy sitting on your lap, whereas others might lurk around you a lot, purring and rubbing their heads against yours, or your legs. Maine Coons are also highly social creatures and will be great cats if you have children.
Are male or female Maine Coons better? ›
The male's personality is usually larger, though they can exhibit more needy behavioral traits than female Maine Coons whom many consider being more aloof and cat-like. Female Maine Coons require less human attention than males. Both Maine Coon genders are sociable and affectionate.
What two cats make a Maine Coon? ›Genetic testing suggests the Maine Coon is a descendant of both the Norwegian Forest cat and a mysterious extinct domestic breed, so it's likely the Vikings are responsible.
Do Maine Coons like water? ›Like raccoons, the Maine Coon cat breed is totally fascinated by water in any form. Not only do they not seem fearful of it, they revel in it. Many Maine Coons will spend several amusing minutes every day playing with their water bowl or attempting to turn on the faucet.
Is 15 old for a Maine Coon cat? ›What is the life expectancy of a Maine Coon cat? According to vets and feline experts, most gentle giants live about 13–15 years. Many Maine Coon cat parents question the validity of this data since their Maine Coons live past 20 years of age.
Do Maine Coons meow? ›Maine Coons are a very vocal cat breed. They chirp and trill to get an owner's attention, but rarely meow. These highly intelligent felines use a selection of Maine Coon sounds to communicate their needs. However, a Maine Coon will meow excessively if taught to, in pain, feeling lonely or hungry.
What does a Maine Coon eat? ›Maine Coon cats eat a combination of meat like chicken and fish, dry cat food, and wet cat food. Main Coons are large and energetic, so they need plenty of protein to fuel their play. While they don't need a specialized diet per se, they need to consume raw or cooked meat.
How big is a full grown Maine Coon cat? ›Adult Cat's Size
The average female Maine Coon height is 8-14 inches (20.32-35.56 cm) at maturity. Males grow to between 10-16 inches (25.5-40.64 cm). Maine Coons are one of a few breeds of cats that weigh more than 10 pounds in adulthood – they do tend to grow quite large and fluffy.
Due to their friendly and unfazed nature, Maine Coons and dogs will generally get along fine, but care should be exercised when: Introducing a new dog to the household. Bringing a Maine Coon home to a house with a dog.
Can Maine Coon cats talk? ›The simple answer is that this cat breed just loves to communicate with its owners. In fact, Maine Coon talking is one of these cat breeds' key characteristics, so if you aren't keen on owning a chatty cat, make sure to stay away from this very sociable, and chatty cat breed.
What are some fun facts about Maine Coon cats? ›- It is official state cat for Maine.
- It could be that they are descended from cats introduced by the Vikings.
- They have the nickname Gentle Giants because of their size and temperament.
- It takes 4 to 5 years for the Maine coon cat to become full grown.
- They are good mousers.
Are Maine Coons emotional? ›
The truth is, however, that Maine Coons are capable of feeling a range of emotions just like humans. Maine Coons are highly affectionate cats, but if they feel that their owner has begun to give more attention to someone else, they can become very jealous.
Do Maine Coons ever calm down? ›Maine Coons usually calm down at six months old, but since this breed of cat is very playful, they will always be active cats. However, even with their playful side, they are typically calm cats that are great around children, other pets, and people.
Why do Maine Coons cry at night? ›Older Maine Coons often cry more during nighttime hours, whilst their owners are sleeping. This is because disorientated cats are often unaware of the difference between daylight and nighttime hours. Confused Maine Coons will therefore cry for their owner's attention, and comfort.
Why are Maine Coons so clingy? ›Maine Coons are social, loving animals that thrive on companionship. They love to spend time around their owners but are rarely clingy. If a Maine Coon is needy, it means its owners are spending too much time away from the house. It can also be a sign that your Maine Coon does not have enough playtime or enrichment.
Do Maine Coons sleep a lot? ›The average Maine Coon sleeps for sixteen hours a day, mostly during the daylight hours. They sleep and rest so they have the energy to be active at night. Boredom is a key cause of Maine Coons excessive sleeping. This is a common concern felt by cat owners since these gentle giants hold a special place in our hearts.
Are Maine Coons good house pets? ›Friendly, furry, and intelligent are general attributes of many cat breeds, but Maine Coon cats are especially friendly, furry, and intelligent. In fact, they're quite adaptable and seem to get along with everyone (kids, dogs, and other cats included).
Are Maine Coons difficult to take care of? ›Despite being one of the largest domestic breeds of cats, it does not take much effort to keep a Maine Coon happy and you will find these impressive felines are relatively easy to care for. These large and fluffy felines are quite suited for families with young children.
Is 10 old for a Maine Coon? ›Average Maine Coon Lifespan
A lot of factors go into the determination of how long your Maine coon cat will live. However, the average lifespan of a Maine Coon is between 10 to 15 years.
Burmese. The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats don't live that long. The average lifespan of Burmese cats is 18 to 25 years and that is certainly much longer than most cats.
Are Maine Coons happier in pairs? ›A common question among cat owners is do Maine Coons need a companion? You're not alone in wondering whether your cat might be lonely. After all, humans become lonely if they don't have human companionship. Maine Coons are happiest when they have another companion to keep them company.