Why Buy a Maine Coon Cat?
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Adult weight: 10 – 25 lbs.
Adult height: 10 – 16 in.
Are you looking to add a gentle giant to your family? Maine Coon cats are one of the largest domestic cat breeds and are easily by their muscular build and long fur. These cats are also known for being incredibly smart and very playful. Plus, their laid-back nature makes them a great fit for families. Although these beautiful cats can come with a higher price tag than other cat breeds, they are well worth it. In this article, you’ll find out how much a Maine Coon cat will cost you over the course of their lifetime. We hope that this blog will help you decide if a Maine Coon is the next addition to your family.
How much does a Maine Coon Cost?
Adoption: $0 – $400
If you’re hoping to bring a majestic Maine Coon cat into your family at a low cost, adoption is a great option to look into. There are plenty of cat owners who decide to put their cats up for adoption for various reasons. Try looking for Main Coon cats on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a community posting board. Oftentimes when people post on these platforms in an effort to rehome their pets, they can come at a low cost to you, and at times at no cost to you. They may even include some of their pet supplies as well.
At a local animal shelter, you’ll likely pay $100 – $400 to adopt a Maine Coon cat. Often local shelters host events on certain days or weeks throughout the year, during which pet adoption fees are waived or discounted. It is not uncommon to find a Maine Coon cat at the shelter.
Adopting is a great, low-cost option if you want to bring a majestic Maine Coon cat into your home. However, there is no guarantee that the animal will be purebred.
Breeding: $1,000 – $2,000
If you want the assurance that your cat is a 100 percent purebred Maine Coon, you’ll need to purchase them from a responsible breeder. Working with a breeder is a pricier option, but it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your cat is a Maine Coon. Plus, you can have much more knowledge of their family history and any potential health issues. A great place to look for a responsible breeder near you is The International Cat Association. Every breeder that works with them is certified and gives kittens the best care possible.
How Much Does A Purebred Maine Coon Cost?
The cost of a purebred Maine Coon will depend largely on the age of the cat you are considering, their bloodline, and the color of their fur. It’s important to decide if the color of your Maine Coon is a priority for you. For example, black Maine Coon cats can be more expensive than other coat colors due to their rarity. Decide beforehand how much you are willing to spend on your Maine Coon and which color coat you may be interested in before speaking with a responsible breeder.
Purebred Maine Coon kittens will cost anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000. The high price makes choosing the right breeder essential. It's highly suggested to meet the breeder before the official purchase to ask any and all questions that may be on your mind. Don’t be afraid to inquire about the cats and their personalities.
Cost of Long-Term Maine Coon Care
Buying your Maine Coon cat will only be a portion of the overall cost. Feeding, grooming, and providing any necessary medical treatments are additional costs that should also be factored in. That’s why it’s important to decide on a budget beforehand, so you are prepared for any costs that may come down the road. Will your Maine Coon be pampered like a prince? If so, you may want to prepare a higher budget.
Healthcare: A One Time $405 – $1,145 Cost
One cost that you do not want to cut is your pet's healthcare. Your Maine Coon cat will not only be a financial investment, but it will become a loved member of your family. Initial costs to spay or neuter your cat, as well as have them microchipped, will be around $190.
However, Maine Coon breeds are known to suffer from illnesses such as Hip Dysplasia. If your cat develops this condition, the vet bills can cost thousands of dollars. In this instance, pet parents with pet Insurance plans can be reimbursed for the cost of eligible veterinary services whether from accidents or illnesses.
Food Costs: $20 – $50 per month
Maine Coon Kittens tend to eat much more than adults, so the cost of food should decrease as they age. The brand and type of food you buy for your cat is up to you, but Maine Coon cats are at their healthiest when they eat a high-protein low-carb diet. Some pet parents prefer to include a can of wet food in their cat's meal plan once a day or sometimes once a week. However, keep in mind that canned cat food is pricier and may not be the best option if you don't want to spend extra on food. In this case, dry kibble works well as well.
Materials and Supplies:
$95 – $140 one-time cost
$35 – $40 per month
If your Maine Coon is your first cat, you’ll have a lot of one-time costs for things such as a litter box, food and water bowls, and a bed. Luckily, if you already own other cats, many of these items can be shared. One supply that you do not want to skip out on purchasing is a hairbrush. Maine Coons are known for their long beautiful coats, but these coats require maintenance to keep up. Main Coons are known to have very laidback personalities; they don’t need fancy toys or fancy beds. How you pamper them is up to you. They’ll love you either way.
One ongoing cost to not forget is the cost of cat litter. The price will vary depending on how much your cat uses and the brand you decide to buy.
Lifetime Cost Of A Maine Coon Cat: $5,250 and $21,250
The lifetime cost of a Maine Coon cat in the United States is estimated to be between $5,250 and $21,250, with an average lifespan of around 15 years, making the annual cost range from $525 to $1,700. Factors contributing to these costs include:
Diet: Maine Coons require a protein-rich diet, including high-quality ingredients such as chicken, venison, lamb, and fish. Food costs vary, with dry foods being the cheapest option and freeze-dried foods being the most expensive due to their nutritional value and closeness to a natural diet.
Toys and Playthings: Maine Coons have high energy levels and require toys to keep them engaged. The cost of toys ranges from $1 to over $150, depending on the type and quality. There's also an option to make cat toys at home.
Health Insurance: Optional health insurance for Maine Coons starts at about $300 per annum. This can be a significant factor in lifetime costs, especially in emergencies.
Veterinary Services: Services like vaccinations, defleaing, deworming, medical check-ups, and neutering/spaying contribute to annual medical expenditures.
Miscellaneous CostsOther costs include litter, beds, scratching posts, and grooming supplies. Annual miscellaneous costs average around $50.
Enjoy With Your Maine Coon Cat
At the end of the day, buying your Maine Coon cat is all about adding a cuddly new member to your family. Although the price for the Maine Coon can be high, there is no double you will love having a gentle giant in your home every day. At Spot Pet Insurance, we offer pet insurance plan options that cover pet accidents and illnesses. This way, you can focus on loving your pet, rather than worrying so much about the cost of their veterinary care.
