Cats are an essential part of many people’s lives. We sleep snuggled up with our cats, share our food with them, take them to the best vets, and give them unlimited attention. They are all over the internet, TV shows, and movies and have been integrated into most parts of human life. Maine coon cats are a gigantic, long-haired, and rather majestic version of the traditional domestic short-haired cat. Let’s determine what you can expect to pay for their adoption and future care.
Meet the Maine Coon Cat
Maine coon cats sound extra exotic, and for some unknown reason, that makes people want them even more. These are also cats that are generally not found in shelters but can be adopted through special Maine coon rescues and breeders. It’s important to understand what these cats need and not only be able to afford the high adoption cost but also afford the general upkeep of such an animal, this includes vet care.
Maine coon cats were first introduced to Maine in the 1600 – 1700s. Their thick fur and muscular body help keep them warm in the harsh Maine climate. Nobody knows exactly how the cats came to live in Maine; some believe they are a cross between a long-haired cat and a bobcat or raccoon. Others believe them to be descendants of Viking ship cats, which are known as Norwegian Forest Cats and are very similar to the Maine coon cat. Another legend goes on to say that Maine coon cats descended from Marie Antoinette’s six cats that escaped the ship once in America when she was killed. The cats may have been Turkish Angora or Siberian.
The extra large Maine coon cat can stretch to over 40 inches in length and 10 – 16 inches tall. They can also weigh as much as 25 pounds. These fuzzy love balls are so fluffy that even their feet are covered in what appears to be thick fur boots. Maine coon cats have very long tails, reaching 14 inches long. These lovely cats take up to five years to reach maturity. One fun fact about Maine coon cats is that many are polydactyl, meaning they have extra toes, making them look like they have hands or are wearing mittens. Hemingway’s famous cats are also known to be mostly polydactyl.
These adorable, goofball cats, reminiscent of carrying a baby, both weight and size, are also extremely docile. They can come in many different colors though some of the most popular are Maine coons that are orange and black. Many owners compare the cat’s behaviors with those of a dog. They are also extremely loyal and tend to stick near their person. They may follow the person they love most anywhere they can. They’d probably go to work with them if they could!
Cost of Adopting a Maine Coon Cat
Regarding feline adoption, prices can range from free to thousands of dollars, depending on who or what you are looking for. Maine coon color combinations also drive the cost up due to colors like lavender and Siamese entering the market. These are not “true” Maine coon cats, however. Some breed standards do not accept them. The traditional color of the Maine coon is a brownish-gray tabby.
When it comes to cost, there is a pretty wide range depending on what you’re looking for and where you’re located. The price can be as low as $500 and as much as $8,000. Then there’s travel to pick up your kitten, a vet check, and supplies. Cats can be expensive, and Maine coon cats are some of the most costly because they are the most sought-after breed. Adopting a cat from the local shelter typically comes with their first shots and spaying or neutering for the adoption fee, which is nowhere near $8,000.
Costs Further Down the Road
Adopting an animal comes with plenty of excitement, preparation, and fees. The fees do not end once you’re home with your new kitten. Any animal adopted from anywhere (even a breeder) needs to get their new friend in for a checkup as soon as possible with their preferred vet. This general checkup will introduce your vet to your new cat. Chances are that they will have plenty of suggestions for a Maine coon cat caretaker, having likely met many of these cats.
Though Maine coon cats don’t come bearing viruses and diseases typically, you never know until you’ve had them checked by your vet. A breeder will likely supply the paperwork for their first shots and check. Still, it’s important to have any cat checked for feline distemper (FPV), feline immunovirus (FIV), and feline leukemia (FeLV) before putting them around any of your household’s animals. Feline distemper or panleukopenia is often deadly, along with feline leukemia, and both are highly contagious.
Is a Maine Coon Cat for You?
Trying to decide on whether or not to adopt a Maine coon cat might be difficult, but there are a few ways to ensure you’re making the right choice. They are expensive and could require more vet care than typical domestic short-haired cats because of their potential to have kidney or heart issues. However, you can expect some variables that could change with any life. The best action is to stay current on vet appointments and give your cat plenty of love.
Maine coon cats live for an average of 12.5 years, which is a bit shorter than the average cat at 13 – 20 years. These lovely dog-like cats are fun to have around. They are definitely lap cats, enjoy snuggling, and will probably follow you everywhere you go in your house, much like a dog would. They are social and enjoy our company. Most cats are fantastic at ignoring us unless it’s dinnertime or we have something they want. A constant shadow can be offputting to some cat-people since they are not looking for a dog-like personality. Either way, Maine coons make great cats.
