Most cat lovers will tell you to get a dog if you want an animal that you can cuddle whenever you like.
We say those cat lovers haven’t met the cuddly-game-changing cat for feline fanatics.
The sweet-tempered and gentle souled Maine Coon.
Maine Coons are lofty, lovable cats who treasure hanging out with their humans and goofing around all day.
Maine Coons sound like a total cat-ch, don’t they?
The Pros and Cons of Maine Coon Cats.
Before you commit to bringing one into your home, here are a few fun (and not-so-fun) facts to consider.
| PROS | CONS |
| Not a shedder | Plenty of grooming required |
| Very affectionate | Needy |
| Family friendly | Expensive to buy/maintain |
| Healthy | Needs expensive food |
| Loyal & emotionally sensitive | High risk of theft |
| Playful | Toys are expensive |
| Chatty | Maybe too chatty |
| Adapts well to urban living | Needs loads of exercise |
Maine Coon cats’ pros and cons in more detail.
Maine Coons are enormously clever cats with a gentility that belies everything you want in a cuddly companion. These big softies provide years and years of endless cuddles (with a lifespan of 12-15 health years) and fun. If you’re all about intimate headbutts and furry forehead kisses, this might be the kitty for you.
However, these ultra-adorable breeds need ‘special’ toys and a ‘high-quality’ cat food to live happy and healthy lives. (That’s a lot of ‘expensive’ toys & food, considering their nine lives.) So, you should consider both the good and the bad before finally deciding whether or not a Maine Coon Cat is purr-fect for you.
To keep your Maine Coon healthy, he or she will need high-quality food that contains much protein.
Fur for fur and paw for paw – Maine Coons are a relatively healthy breed that is not besieged by all the common afflictions that their counter-companions contend with. However, they are prone to heart and kidney issues... and some dysplasia of the hip. But if that’s not an issue for you – these fuzzie friends could be the ones for you.
The great news is that Maine Coons don’t shed much fur. But they also don’t wake up looking as glorious as all the images from your google search would suggest. All that comes from several hours of weekly brushing. If you’re not looking to brush up on your grooming skills – you’d be better off with a Sphynx cat.
The not-so-great news is that Maine Coons are great home interior ‘decorators’ when they are bored or bereft of physical activity. Without mental and physical stimulation, they will find ways to amuse themselves with your furniture and other valuables in your home. Maine Coons are also likely to become obese without regular exercise. So, reserve plenty of time for play and exercise.
Oh, and they can be quite loud. You might not want to get a Maine Coon if you spend a lot of time at the library.
