How Much Are Maine Coon Cats? A Cat Lover’s Honest Guide

Maine Coon cats are some of the most popular cats. They are known for being large, friendly, and downright cute. If you have ever met one, then you understand they tend to leave quite an impression. 

And you probably would be thinking how much are maine coon cats! Trust me, along with this impressive charm comes an impressive price.

First, a little confession, when I saw the first price tag for my Maine Coon kitten, I thought I might faint! I had only ever adopted shelter cats and wasn’t expecting the sticker shock or the hidden expenses down the road. 

But if you are thinking about a Maine Coon, it is a good idea to think through the financial commitment. In this post, I am going to share what I’ve learned about Maine Coon ownership costs. 

After many conversations with breeders/vets, as well as trial and error, here is what I wish I had known about Maine Coon prices!

What is the Average Price of Maine Coon Cats?

When it comes to the average cost of a Maine Coon cat, the price isn’t as simple as just finding the cutest one at the local shelter. Since there are a few things to consider when contemplating what you are going to be paying for, let’s break that down. 

The factors are:

• Breeder Reputation and Location
• Color and Pattern
• Health Clearances and Screening
• Demand and Availability
• Registration and Certification
• Quality Type

Average Price Range

How much does a Maine Coon cost upfront?

Pet quality vs show quality: This distinction is key. The price depends on whether you are looking at a show-quality cat or a pet-quality cat. Maine Coons that are pet-quality are typically cheaper than show-quality Maine Coons, the latter being a much better investment due to stronger pedigree. 

• Pet quality: These cats can range anywhere from $1000 to $2,500[1].
• Show-quality: These typically cost between $1,500 and $5,000 (and sometimes even more).

Just remember that even though one Maine Coon may cost more than another, it doesn’t mean it will necessarily be a better pet for you.

Pet quality Maine Coons are typically just as loving but may have a minor flaw that makes them less desirable for a show cat, such as a coat pattern not exactly matching the breed standard.

Why Are Maine Coons So Expensive?  

Here are some of the main reasons Maine Coon prices differ:  

1. Pedigree and Lineage: Cats with champion bloodlines or long pedigree documentation are considerably more expensive. Kittens whose parents were award-winning cats or with varying generations of pure breeding can cost as much as 30-50% over those without a pedigree.  

2. Breeder’s Reputation and Location: A breeder’s reputation (especially if they are an established breeder and located in a high-demand area) can lead to them charging a price that is substantially higher than others in the area. Breeders in a city or metropolitan area can charge more than someone in a rural area because they can offer a larger amount of care and often charge more for the kittens available.

3. Color and Pattern: Rare coat colors and distinct patterns (i.e., silver, smoke with white, or uncommon combinations of colors or patterns) can raise the price by 20-30%. Brown tabbies are the standard and usually offered at the least expensive price compared to others.  

4. Health Clearances and Screening: A costlier price is usually accounted for with kittens having full health screenings (vet checks for their health) and genetic testing for hereditary diseases. The higher price is usually indicative of the breeder’s financial investment to ensure healthy kittens without the issues mentioned previously.

5. Demand and Availability: High demand coupled with limited supply drives prices up, especially as Maine Coons are popular and often have long waitlists at reputable breeders.

6. Quality Type: Show-quality Maine Coons meet breed standards to the full extent of the breed, while pet-quality Maine Coons deviate from the breed standards (only a minor level of variance). A pet-quality Maine Coon will generally be less expensive than a show-quality Maine Coon. 

7. Age: Kittens are always more expensive than an adult cat. Retired show or breeding adults are usually offered at a lower price than first-generation breeding kittens.  

These factors collectively determine the wide price range for Maine Coon cats, from a few hundred dollars for older or retired cats to several thousand for show-quality kittens from top breeders.

Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Once you’ve paid for your Maine Coon, the expenses don’t stop there. There are plenty of ongoing costs that you need to consider.

Veterinary expenses:

• Initial check-ups: After you bring your Maine Coon home, you’ll want to head to the vet for vaccinations and a new pet health check-up. This will range from $100 to $200, depending on where you live.

• Regular vet visits: Like all cats, Maine Coons need regular check-ups. Maine Coons have greater susceptibility to specific health issues, such as heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) so it’s important to get the cat health checks regularly. Expect to pay $100 to $200 a year for check-ups and vaccinations.

• Emergency care: When the unthinkable happens, you can expect emergency vet visits to range in the hundreds and can be into the thousands of dollars.

Grooming and maintenance:

Maine Coons have a great thick coat which is very beautiful too, but they will have matting if you ignore it. You will need to invest time grooming them, too.

• Tools: Maine Coons will require (high-quality) brushes, deshedding tools, nail clippers, etc. A set for you Maine Coon could cost anywhere from $20 – $60 for a set (again, depending on the brand). 

• Professional grooming: If you don’t have the time or patience to groom your Maine Coon yourself, you can take them to a professional groomer. This can cost $50 to $100 per session.

Food and nutrition:

Maine Coons are large cats, and therefore they eat A LOT. It is best to provide high-quality food to keep your Maine Coon healthy.

• Food costs: On average, Maine Coons eat 1-2 cups of dry food per day. Therefore, food costs you somewhere in the range of $30 – $100 per month, depending on the brand and if you use dry or wet food.

Toys and enrichment:

Maine Coons are smart and active, so they need a lot of stimulation. If you do not provide enough toys, scratching surfaces, and climbing spaces, your Maine Coon will likely get into things that it shouldn’t.

• Monthly expenses: Depending on how much you spoil your Maine Coon, you could spend between $20 – $50 a month on toys and scratching posts. A nice scratching post can easily range between $25 for a simple model and $100 for a more complex one.

Breeder vs. Rescue: Where to Buy Your Maine Coon

Now that you have a good idea of the startup cost, let’s discuss where you’ll be buying your Maine Coon.

You generally have two options: breeders or rescue shelters. 

Buying from a breeder:

• What to look for: If you’re going to use a breeder, be sure to use one that is reputable. A quality breeder will ensure that their kittens are healthy, that they have been tested for genetic issues, and that the kittens have been raised in a loving environment.

• What to avoid: Don’t settle for breeders that are only in it for the money. Don’t be shy about asking to see the cat’s health records, and don’t be afraid to ask hard questions regarding their breeding practices.

Adoption:

• Rescues and shelters: Maine Coons may be found in shelters or breed specific rescues. While they may not be as easy to find (especially if you want a purebred Maine Coon) you may be able to adopt a Maine Coon for much less than that of a reputable breeder.

• Adoption fees: Adoption fees typically range from $100-$200 for cats, which usually include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.

Maine Coon Cat Price Comparison

Maine Coon cats have always been a favorite of mine because of their size, friendly demeanor, and plethora of personality. However, when I began searching for a cat, I also noticed that prices can vary significantly based on the region you live in.

Different locations use different breeders and different standards for cat backgrounds, which all can impact how much you pay for a Maine Coon. If you can understand the regional differences, you will be better able to prepare your budget and find a kitten that fits your needs.

Note: Most reputable breeders do not publicly list prices; direct inquiry is required. Prices shown are based on my experience for pet-quality kittens only—show or breeding-quality Maine Coons may be significantly higher.

Long-Term Cost of Owning a Maine Coon

Owning a Maine Coon is a long-term commitment, and it’s important to factor in the ongoing costs of having one.

Monthly cost breakdown:

Yearly total: ~$2,000 (before vet emergencies!)

Lifetime cost: Over the life of your Maine Coon (which can be 12 to 15 years), you’re probably looking at spending anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 when you factor in everything. That includes the upfront cost, grooming, vet bills, food, and any emergency expenses.

Smart Buying Hacks From: My Personal Experience

Timing the Market (Yes, It’s a Thing)

• Spring litters: More availability = better prices. I saved $300 waiting for a May litter.

• Retired breeders: Adopted a 3-year-old female for $800—she’s already spayed and litter-trained!

• Rescue groups: Check Maine Coon Rescue—they occasionally get purebreds (adoption fee: $150-$400).

Red Flags I Learned the Hard Way

🚩 Too cheap: Kittens under $1,500 often skip health testing (a friend’s $900 kitten had HCM).

🚩 No video calls: Reputable breeders will FaceTime their cattery.

🚩 Immediate availability: Good breeders have waitlists—I waited 4 months for Max.

Color Matters (More Than You’d Think)

While I love my classic brown tabby, rare colors can double prices:

• Gold/Silver Smoke: $5,000+ (saw one at a cat show—glowed like a fairy cat!)

• Polydactyl (extra toes): Adds $300-$500 (Max’s sister had these—looked like snowshoes)

• Solid White: Rarest, often $6,000+ (requires sunblock on ears—yes, really!)

Fun fact: Calico Maine Coons are mostly female—males are super rare and pricey.

FAQs:

What is the price of a Maine Coon kitten?

Maine Coon kittens from reputable breeders usually cost between $2,500 to $5,000 and may cost even more if they are exceptional or breeding-quality kittens. Maine Coon kitten pricing is regionally dependent and varies based on the breeder’s reputation. 

Are Maine Coons high-maintenance cats?

While they have long, beautiful fur, Maine Coons are fairly low-maintenance cats compared to other long-haired breeds. Owners need to groom them regularly to prevent their delicious coats from matting. 

However, Maine Coons have fur that is naturally hypoallergenic, so their coats are flexible and designed to self-maintain. Maine Coons are also easy to care for because of their adaptable and friendly personality.

 Are Maine Coons more expensive if they have a rare coat color?

Yes, rare or unique coat colors (such as white, silver, smoke, or polydactyl traits) can command higher prices due to their desirability and rarity.

Are Maine Coon cats worth the money?

Yes! If you’re willing to make the long-term commitment, they are loving, intelligent, and wonderful companions. 

Why are Maine Coon cats so expensive?

Maine Coons are a popular breed and in demand. Additionally, good breeders spend money to ensure their cats are healthy and have proper genetics.

Can I adopt a Maine Coon through a shelter for less?

Yes, if you can even find a Maine Coon (which is rare), adoption fees at a shelter (as opposed to buying from a breeder) are typically much lower, ranging from $0 to $500 in the US.

Are imported Maine Coon kittens more expensive?

Yes, usually imported Maine Coon kittens (especially if they are from champion bloodlines or certified breeders from abroad) will be more expensive than general kittens raised locally.

7. Final Thoughts: Is a Maine Coon Right for You?

If you are considering getting a Maine Coon, you will find yourself with an amazing pet. You are getting a big cat with a sweet, easy-going disposition. On the other hand, be prepared for the costs of pet ownership. 

Maine Coons will require quality food, visits to the veterinarian, and regular grooming. Owning a Maine Coon requires a time and financial commitment. 

If you are ready for the time and financial commitment, you’ll get an incredibly affectionate companion for years to come!