Are Maine Coon Cats Expensive? (Read Before Purchasing!) (2024)

Maine Coon cats are some of the most expensive cat breeds in the market. As one of the oldest natural breeds, they are highly sought after for their majestic size and gentle disposition.

But before you purchase a Maine Coon cat, you must understand their upkeep and associated expenses. They need regular grooming, veterinary care, and a nutritious diet to maintain their health.

A fully grown, healthy, purebred Maine Coon cat can cost anywhere from AUD 1000. A kitten may be cheaper, ranging from AUD 600 to over AUD 1500. The prices may vary significantly depending on your chosen Maine Coon breeder and many other factors, such as coat colour, pedigree, and location.

You should be wary of some breeders who may offer extremely low prices. Some of the cheap Maine Coon kittens they sell may be mixed breeds or have genetic health problems.

It is always best to purchase a Maine Coon cat from a professional breeder who can provide health clearances and other documents.

In this article, I’ll be exploring the various costs that come along with owning a Maine Coon cat so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing one.

What is the average price of a Maine Coon cat?

A Maine Coon cat in Australia can cost anywhere from AUD 1000 to AUD 3000. The average price is usually around AUD 2000. Healthy Maine Coon kittens may be cheaper, ranging from AUD 600 to over AUD 1500.

If purchasing a Maine Coon kitten is out of your budget, you may get an older cat at a lower price. Adult Maine Coon cats are typically cheaper than kittens, costing an average of AUD 500 to AUD 1000.

Getting an adult Maine Coon cat is cheap but not without risk. Senior cats may have behavioural issues or health problems. It is also challenging to find an adult Maine Coon cat as they are not regularly available in shelters or rescues.

Local breeders offer some of the lowest prices, but you should research to ensure the breeder is reputable and trustworthy. Some breeders may offer discounts for multiple purchases or purebred cats with limited registrations.

Reputable breeders may be more expensive, but you can trust that their cats are of the highest quality. They often provide health clearance documents and a guarantee of the cat’s pedigree.

Why are Maine Coon cats so expensive?

Maine Coon cats are among the most expensive breeds due to their unique characteristics. Here are some factors that influence the cost of Maine Coon cats:

Breeding costs

A Maine Coon cat breeder needs to invest a lot of money in their breeding program. They need to invest in the best equipment and supplies and provide proper care for their cats.

It may take several years of breeding before they produce a litter of healthy Maine Coon kittens. A responsible breeder is highly selective and only chooses the best cats for breeding.

While this increases the cost of Maine Coon cats, it is worth ensuring they have good quality litter. You can be sure that a Maine Coon cat from a reputable breeder will have an excellent temperament, health, and pedigree.

Supply and demand

The demand for Maine Coon cats is high due to their popularity. They are one of the most sought-after breeds, and some breeders may take advantage of this by charging more for their cats.

The supply of Moon Coons is pretty low compared to other breeds, which further increases the cost. They are not readily available from animal shelters or rescues, so you may have to purchase one from a breeder.

Maintenance

Maintaining a Maine Coon cat even while young is quite expensive. You must provide them with a balanced diet, regular vet visits, vaccinations, and other medical expenses.

Some breeders take care of Maine Coons until they are fully grown, increasing the cost. They may also offer additional services, such as spaying and neutering, which can add to the overall cost.

They also require frequent grooming, including regular brushing, trimming their nails, bathing, and de-worming. All of these costs will affect the price of a Maine Coon cat.

Related reading:Ultimate Kitten Care Guide

Living conditions

Maine Coon cats require a large and comfortable home with plenty of space to roam around. They should also have access to an outdoor area, as they are known to be adventurous and love exploring.

These living conditions require more money to set up and maintain. A breeder provides a safe and comfortable home for their cats, which may cause them to charge more.

Breeder paperwork

Being a breeder of Maine Coon cats requires certification and paperwork. They need to have the necessary documents for registering their cats with a reputable cat registry, as well as providing health certificates.

These documents come at a cost, and the breeder needs to pass these expenses on to their customers. The paperwork makes the breeder accountable and ensures that their cats are of the highest pedigree.

What additional costs should you factor in when buying a Maine Coon?

There are many other costs associated with owning and caring for a Maine Coon cat. You should budget for various items to provide the best home possible.

Here are some of the additional costs you should consider:

Litter box and cat litter

You definitely don’t want your house to smell like a litter box, so you’ll need to invest in a good quality litter box and cat litter.

You need to train your Maine Coon kitten to use a litter box from an early age. They usually learn quickly, but it is important to provide a comfortable and private environment for them.

If you purchase a fully grown or adult Maine Coon from a reputable breeder, they will likely have already been trained to use a litter box.

An automatic self-cleaning litter box can cost anywhere from AUD 200 to over AUD 500. It makes cleaning up after your Maine Coon much easier, and it may be worth the investment.

The automatic litter box also gives your cat a more comfortable environment. It works by rotating a sifting system to collect the waste and deposit it in a separate bin. It detects when your cat has used the litter box and starts cleaning up after them.

You can also go for the traditional litter box and litter. Litter boxes can cost anywhere from AUD 20 to over AUD 50, while cat litter starts at around AUD 10.

Initial supplies

A pet Maine Coon needs the right supplies and accessories to ensure their health and well-being. You should purchase items suitable for a Maine Coon, such as scratching posts and toys.

A cute cat bed will also be necessary for their comfort. Cats love to snuggle up in something soft and comfortable. Despite their size, they don’t necessarily need large beds as they can curl up and sleep in smaller spaces.

A scratching post is a must-have for every cat owner. Scratching posts give your Maine Coon a place to scratch and claw without ruining your furniture. They also help to keep their claws groomed and healthy.

Maine Coons love playing and exploring, so a variety of toys is essential. Look for interactive and engaging toys that stimulate their minds and keep them entertained.

You can find many toys specifically designed for Maine Coon cats, such as balls, tunnels, and scratching boards. You can also make some homemade toys with readily available materials at home.

Food and drink costs

Maine Coons cats grow to be large, and males can weigh up to 8.1 kilograms. Females are typically smaller, with a maximum weight of 6.4 kilograms.

As such, you need to feed them a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. The best option for Maine Coons is usually a mix of dry and wet food.

This can be expensive, as high-quality cat food costs more than basic supermarket brands. You should also factor in the cost of treats and specialised supplements.

As your Maine Coon kitten grows and develops, their food requirements change. You will need to adjust the type and amount of food they eat.

They are also playful, therefore, need a lot of proteins and fats to support their activity. You should monitor their eating habits, as they can become overweight if not monitored.

According to guidelines, a cat requires up to 45 calories per kilogram of body weight each day. For an adult Maine Coon, this means around 280-365 calories per day.

Medications and unexpected vet visits

Cats can be susceptible to health issues such as fleas, worms, and other parasites. They are also prone to various illnesses and injuries that may require medication and/or visits to the vet.

These costs can be expensive, especially if your cat develops serious health issues like cancer or diabetes. They may need surgeries, medications, and treatments, which can cost thousands of dollars.

When buying a Maine Coon, you should ensure that the breeder provides health screenings and certifications. This gives you an indication of any potential medical issues your cat may develop in the future. It also helps you budget for any unexpected vet visits and medications.

A responsible Maine Coon breeder will provide you with a certificate detailing their cat’s health screenings, vaccinations, and deworming. You use this information to budget for your cat’s future medical needs.

Vaccinations and annual health checks

All cats, including Maine Coons, should be vaccinated and receive yearly health checks. Vaccinations help protect your cat from diseases such as feline distemper, leukemia, and rabies.

Maine Coon kittens usually receive the initial vaccinations when they are around eight weeks old. After this, they will need booster shots every year or two to maintain their immunity.

Vaccinations are typically inexpensive and cost between AUD 100-200 per shot. Your pet insurance may cover the cost of vaccinations, depending on the policy.

Annual health checks allow you to monitor your cat’s health and catch any potential issues early on. Taking your Maine Coon for a yearly checkup can save you hundreds of dollars in potential vet bills.

As your Maine Coon ages, they will require more frequent checkups. Regular tests by a vet ensure that they address and treat any age-related health issues your cat may have.

The cost of an annual health check can range from AUD 50-200, depending on the vet and what tests they perform. They will ask questions about your cat’s health and provide advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and other vital factors.

Medical insurance costs

Pet insurance helps cover some of the costs incurred for medical treatments. Purchasing a decent insurance package guarantees that your cat is covered for any medical emergencies that may arise.

There comes an age when insurers cannot begin to cover due to the challenges animals face as they age. For example, some insurers may only cover cats up to ten. Check with your insurer for specific age restrictions.

The average lifespan of a Maine Coon is around 10-15 years. If your pet insurance covers your cat for the entirety of their life, it can save you thousands of dollars on potential vet bills.

The insurance cost varies, depending on your coverage and your cat’s age. However, some companies do not have an age limit and will cover your cat for the entirety of their life.

Additional costs, such as medication, vaccinations, and annual health checks, may arise. Factor in these costs when budgeting for your Maine Coon cat’s care to ensure you are prepared for medical expenses.

Grooming costs

Maine Coons cats are long coats and require regular grooming to keep their fur healthy and free from tangles. Brushing your cat’s fur at least twice a week helps keep their coat thick and glossy.

Additionally, they may need to shave during the hotter months of the year to keep them cool and comfortable. You should also check their paws regularly for any burrs or debris that may have gotten caught in the fur.

You can purchase a grooming kit at your local pet store, which includes a slicker brush and comb. It should also include a pair of scissors to help with the matting and trimming of your cat’s fur.

If you fail to keep up with your cat’s grooming needs, you may have to take them to a professional groomer. They use specialized tools to help reduce the amount of matting and tangles in your cat’s fur.

Professional groomers are typically more expensive than DIY grooming. A full grooming session, including nail trimming, hair cutting, and mat removal, can cost between AUD 50-200.

You can save money by purchasing a grooming kit for as low as AUD 20 and grooming your cat at home.

Neutering or spaying

Cats that have not been spayed or neutered are at a greater risk of health problems, such as infections and cancers. They can also become aggressive and wander away from home, increasing their chances of getting lost or injured.

Neutering or spaying your Maine Coon cat makes them healthier and safer. It also helps reduce the population of stray cats and any behavioural issues related to mating.

The procedure is best done when your cat is between four and six months old. The exact cost of neutering or spaying a Maine Coon depends on the vet. It ranges from AUD 50-200, depending on the location and whether or not you opt for additional services such as vaccinations.

Microchipping

Microchipping your cat is an easy, effective way to keep them safe. It involves implanting a tiny chip under the skin of your Maine Coon.

Vets, animal shelters, and other professionals can scan this chip to identify your cat if they get lost or stolen. It also allows for easy tracking if your cat moves to another home.

The cost of microchipping varies, depending on your location and the vet. However, it is typically much cheaper than other medical procedures and can cost as little as AUD 25.

Realistic monthly cost of owning a Maine Coon cat

Maine Coon cats cost a significant amount of money each month. These prices will differ during your first month of having a Maine Coon cat and may change over time.

First month

During the first month of owning a Maine Coon cat, you can spend up to AUD 5000. This includes purchasing the cat and the initial costs, such as neutering or spaying, microchipping, and vaccinations.

Starting off is expensive but worth it for your cat’s long-term health and safety. They also need time to adjust to a new home and family, which can require additional costs.

Monthly cost

After the first month, you can expect to pay around AUD 100-400 combined costs, depending on your cat’s age and medical needs.

The amount will mainly cover food and litter. You must also factor in routine vet visits, insurance, grooming expenses, and microchipping.

If you use an automatic litter box, the cost of litter will be lower than that of traditional cat litter. You should also consider replacing toys if they get worn out quickly, or your cat loses interest in them.

Other monthly costs you may incur are pet sitters, pet taxis, and pet hotels. When travelling and you cannot take your cat with you, these services can come in handy.

Are Maine coons expensive to own compared to other cat breeds?

Maine Coons are expensive to own compared to other cat breeds. They require more grooming and medical care than the average cat, so the cost of owning one can quickly add up.

They are huge cats with thick fur coats and high energy levels. They need more food, medical attention, and grooming than the average cat.

They can also have higher vet bills since they are at a greater risk of certain health problems. All these factors make Maine Coons more expensive to own than other cat breeds.

Is a Maine Coon worth the price?

The cost of owning a Maine Coon can quickly add up, but it is worth it. Maine Coon cats are highly intelligent, social creatures that make loving and loyal companions.

They may require more care than other cats, but they are worth the extra effort.

Maine Coons also make great family pets, as they are affectionate, intelligent, and playful.

You’ll have to weigh the costs of owning a Maine Coon cat against the joy they bring. If you’re willing to invest in their care, you’ll be rewarded with a loving companion for many years.

You should also invest your time training and socializing your Maine Coon cat. This helps them become well-adjusted, loving, and loyal cats.

Takeaway: Why Maine Coon Cats Are Worth the Cost

Maine Coons are loyal and loving companions. You’ll need to invest in their care and training, but you’ll be rewarded with a devoted pet for many years.

The cost of owning a Maine Coon cat can quickly add up, but they are worth the price. You must factor in the cost of their care, from routine vet visits and microchipping to food and litter.

However, Maine Coon cats are intelligent, social creatures and make wonderful family pets. Investing in their care will give you a loving companion for many years.

Cats of Australia is a great resource to help you find a reliable breeder and help you decide if a Maine Coon is the right fit for your family. Our directory includes reliable Maine Coon breeders across the country.