The Complete Guide to Maine Coon Cats

Maine Coon cats are one of the most beloved feline breeds in the world. With their fluffy fur, endearing personalities, and impressive size, Maine Coons are special in so many ways and are the perfect addition to any cat-loving household. In this complete guide, we’ll delve into the world of Maine Coons, from their origin and unique features to everything you need to know to keep your feline friend happy, healthy, and thriving. So, get ready to fall in love with the wonderful world of Maine Coon cats!

Key Takeaways

• Maine Coons are a medium to large breed from the state of Maine, USA, nicknamed “gentle giants” for being sociable, gentle, playful, chatty and intelligent.

• They’re the largest domestic breed recognised by the GCCF: males can weigh up to around 9kg (20lb), a few kilograms more than females. The record holder, Stewie, measured 123cm from nose to tail.

• Their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years. They’re a hardy breed, but hereditary conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are worth knowing about.

• They come in most colours and patterns, and they aren’t hypoallergenic: no cat is.

• As a rough guide, purebred kittens cost around £1,300 to £1,800 in the UK. Buy from a reputable breeder who can show registration certificates for both parents.

• Their long, thick coats need regular grooming, and they shed more as summer approaches.

What Is a Maine Coon Cat?

Maine Coons are a medium to large breed of cat originally from the state of Maine, USA. They are a natural breed and the official state cat of Maine, where the breed originated, and they were shown at agricultural shows in New England as early as the 1860s (GCCF). 

Bean, our Maine Coon.

Maine Coons have a very distinctive appearance. They have a large rectangular frame, a robust and heavy bone structure, and are quite muscular. They have long, thick hair that gets thicker in the winter, a prominent ruff along their chests, bushy tails, tufty lynx-like ears, and a square muzzle.

Maine Coons have a fantastic, sociable temperament. They can also be quite chatty cats with lovely-sounding meows and other cute-sounding trills. If you respond to a Maine Coon they will often meow back, and you’ll find yourself in quite the enthralling conversation. Their friendly nature and size have earned them the nickname “the gentle giants.” They are also quite outgoing cats and keen mouse hunters. So start practising your mouse-catching skills now if you’re planning on buying a Maine Coon. You will almost certainly have to evict one or two little mice.

Where Do Maine Coon Cats Come From?

A popular story surrounding the origins of the Maine Coon breed suggests that Maine Coons are the result of semi-domesticated cats mating with racoons. Scientifically this isn’t possible, but it’s a fun origin myth all the same.

The exact origin of Maine Coon cats is uncertain, but they are believed to be a natural breed that developed in North America. It is widely accepted that Maine Coons originated in the northeastern United States, particularly in the state of Maine, where they were likely bred by early settlers, hence the name. Some sources suggest that they may have also been influenced by cats brought over by sailors from Europe and Asia. While there is no conclusive answer to their origins, it is clear that today Maine Coon cats are considered a native American breed.

Other known origins myth suggests that Maine Coons are descended from cats owned by Marie Antoinette, who attempted to escape France during the French Revolution with her beloved pets. Another theory states that Maine Coon cats were brought over to North America by Vikings, who used them as ship cats to keep rodents under control. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support these fun theories.

How to Tell if Your Cat Is a Maine Coon

Many long hair cats can look like Maine Coons. A purebred Maine Coon should have certificates to say that both the mother and father are registered Maine Coons. If pedigree is important to you, be sure to check this. Moreover, prepare yourself to pay quite a bit more, with a cross kitten costing around £300 ($400) and a purebred kitten costing between £1300 and £1800 ($1700 and $2400), on average.

Bean (left) and her son Marshall, a Maine Coon cross: the same markings, face shape and size, minus the long coat.

Maine Coons have quite a few distinctive features, so it usually isn’t too hard to spot one. A general rule of thumb is if they have 5 or more common Maine Coon traits from the list below, then there is a good chance they may be a Maine Coon. Some common Maine Coon characteristics are: 

• A medium to large size rectangular or boxy frame (in adult cats)

• A strong bone structure and muscular, broad build

• A wide head with prominent, high cheekbones

• Long, thick but silky hair that gets thicker in the winter

• A prominent ruff along their chests, like a lion’s mane

• A big bushy tail

• Tufty lynx-like ears

• Tufty toes 

• A square muzzle

• The males are often larger than the females 

• Large almond-shaped eyes (this is quite apparent in Maine Coon kittens compared to other kittens)

Maine Coons also have a great temperament. They are very sociable, playful, and intelligent. They can also be quite chatty – announcing themselves as they enter the room or meowing loudly if you aren’t giving them any attention. 

How to Tell if Your Cat Is part Maine Coon?

A Maine Coon mix could be large but with short fur. Or smaller and more slender with longer fur. Typically if your cat has the majority of the above features, it’s most likely a Maine Coon.

Maine Coon mixed breed cats may still have some of the distinctive Maine Coon physical features, such as ear tufts or a fluffy tail. However, these traits may not be as prominent as they are in purebred Maine Coons. If you suspect your cat may be part Maine Coon, you can consult with a veterinarian. The only way to know for sure if your cat has Maine Coon ancestry is through a DNA test.

Maine Coon Colours

Maine Coons come in a huge range of colours and patterns: the GCCF recognises most colours except chocolate, lilac and colourpoint (GCCF). They can be a single colour or a combination of black, white, red (ginger), blue (grey-like), silver, grey, cream (cameo), or brown. They can be a solid colour, bi-colour, particolour, tortoiseshell (often called tortie), shaded, calico, and tabby. 

Interestingly, a unique feature of Maine Coons is that those with a single coat color should have noses and paw pads that match that same color. A black Maine Coon will have a black nose and black paw pads. A white Maine Coon will have a pink nose and pink paw pads, and so on.

Common Maine Coon eye colourings are gold, copper, amber, orange, or green. Only those with pure white fur or some white fur can have blue eyes. Those with some white fur can also have odd coloured eyes. 

Read our guide to Maine Coon Colours and Patterns for more information.

How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?

Maine Coons can get quite big. Currently, the record-holding largest cat in the world, measuring 123cm (48.5 in) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, is a purebred Maine Coon called Stewie, who held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat.

Marshall (6.5kg) and Max (about 6kg) sharing a footstool.

Males usually weigh 5.4–6.8kg (12–15lb), some 9kg (20lb) or more, and females 4.1–5.4kg (9–12lb) (CFA). Their bodies can stretch up to about 100cm (40 inches) long (VCA Animal Hospitals).

Most cat breeds reach full physical maturity at around 2 years of age – they don’t grow after this point. Maine Coons, however, are slow to mature and can take up to four years to reach their full size (GCCF). They are commonly described as a medium to large breed, but our experience suggests they are more commonly on the larger side. 

Read More: Maine Coon Cats Size & Weight – How Big Are Maine Coon Cats

How Long Do Maine Coon Cats Live?

Maine Coons are quite a hardy, healthy cat breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Some live longer with a good diet, exercise, regular vet check-ups and good general care. (VCA Animal Hospitals)

Maine Coons are known to be quite intelligent and sociable. So lots of attention and toys for stimulation should help keep them happy and healthy. Interestingly, due to their great temperament and love for the outdoors, some owners leash their Maine Coons and take them for walks.

Although they have a naturally predetermined lifespan, as in any domestic animal, their life quality and life expectancy greatly depend on nurture. Proper diet, enough exercise, and stimulation can positively affect their longevity. 

How Much Does a Maine Coon Cat Weigh?

Male Maine Coons can weigh up to around 9kg (20lb), and females are often a few kilograms lighter. VCA puts the breed at 3.6kg to 9kg (8 to 20lb). (VCA Animal Hospitals; our size and weight guide has more detail.)

Weight and size, in general, depend, of course, on genetics, diet, whether or not your Maine Coon is purebred or mixed, and so on. These are averages, so don’t worry too much if your Maine Coon falls slightly outside of these ranges. 

However, it is important to note that Maine Coons have a hearty appetite, thus they can be prone to becoming overweight. Being overweight can lead to health issues such as joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease, so it’s important to monitor and help your Maine Coon maintain a healthy weight. To prevent obesity, feed a high-quality diet, monitor portion sizes, encourage exercise, and schedule regular veterinary checkups.

What Is the Temperament of a Maine Coon Cat?

Maine Coons have a fantastic temperament. They are sociable, gentle, loving, friendly, playful, chatty, and quite intelligent. Their size and friendly nature nickname them “the gentle giants.” Some even refer to them as the dogs of the cat world. 

Bean always wants to be as close to you as she can get.

Maine Coons are pretty affectionate and like to be sat near you or on you whilst you relax. They’ll often seek you out for your company to do this. They are also quite chatty and will announce themselves to say hello as they enter the room or meow at you if you aren’t giving them any attention. 

Because Maine Coons are quite intelligent, they like a lot of stimulation. You can buy them toys and play with them, even as adults. Or, if they are outdoor cats, they will disappear for a little while and go off hunting mice, often in the early morning hours. Full disclosure, prepare to evict the odd little furry mouse from your house.  

Maine Coons are a great choice if you have other cats, dogs, or children. Providing younger children don’t run at them screaming, then they’ll be quite laidback around them. 

Read more: The Temperament of a Maine Coon Cat: What Are the Personality Traits & Behaviours that Make These Felines Unique

Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?

Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic cats. In fact, hypoallergenic cats don’t exist: all cats produce allergens, whatever their breed, age or sex (Cats Protection).

A common allergy misconception is the assumption that cats’ hair causes them. However, cat allergies are mainly caused by a protein called Fel d 1, which comes from a cat’s saliva and skin. All cats produce it, including Maine Coons and even hairless cats, and the amount varies from one cat to another. 

If you have allergies and are considering a Maine Coon, it’s important to spend time around the breed to see if you have a reaction. You may also want to consider taking allergy medication or using air purifiers to reduce your exposure to allergens.

Maine Coon Buyers Guide

How Much Does a Maine Coon Cat Cost?

When we checked UK adverts in October 2026, registered Maine Coon kittens were mostly priced at around £1,000 to £1,600, and unregistered ones at around £450 to £1,200. Prices vary a lot between breeders and over time, so treat these figures as a rough guide. A purebred should have certification to say that both the mother and father are registered Maine Coons. Be sure to check this when looking to buy a Maine Coon.

Read More: Buying a Maine Coon in the UK: Price, Breeders and What to Check

So why are they so expensive? Well, firstly, pedigree status is a huge factor in pricing, as is age. A purebred kitten will cost much more than a cross-adult cat, particularly if you manage to find one at a rehoming shelter. Another factor in price is the general popularity of the breed. 

They are gorgeous cats with a fantastic temperament. They are often compared to dogs because of their size, friendly, sociable, and laidback nature. They are also quite chatty and playful, thus very fun to be around. They are great with children, dogs, and other cats, and they are generally relatively healthy cats. So, on the whole, they are quite desirable. 

Where Can I Buy a Maine Coon Cat?

Maine Coon cats can be purchased from various sources, such as breeders, pet stores, animal shelters, or online marketplaces. It is important to do good research and find a reputable and responsible breeder or seller who prioritizes the health and well-being of the cats. 

1. Breeders: Maine Coon breeders are individuals or businesses that specialize in breeding purebred Maine Coon cats. They usually have a limited number of cats available for sale and may have a waiting list for their kittens. You can find reputable breeders through online directories or recommendations from other cat owners. It’s important to research the breeder and ensure they follow ethical breeding practices and provide certificates.

2. Pet shops: In England, Lucy’s Law (2020) means a kitten under six months old can only be sold by the breeder or a rehoming centre, so a pet shop can’t sell you a young kitten it didn’t breed itself (GOV.UK). Always buy directly from the breeder, and expect to see the kitten with its mother. 

3. Animal Shelters: You can also find Maine Coon cats available for adoption at animal shelters and rescue organizations. Adopting a cat from a shelter is a great way to provide a loving home to a cat in need, and some shelters may have Maine Coon mixes available.

4. Online adverts: You’ll find Maine Coon kittens advertised on pet sale websites. However, you should be cautious when purchasing a cat online, as there is a risk of scams or unethical breeding practices. Be sure to thoroughly research the seller and ask for references or look to find reviews from previous customers.

Maine Coon Care Guide

What Do Maine Coon Cats Eat?

Maine Coon cats don’t really have any special dietary requirements, but they are known to have a healthy appetite due to their size. A good balance of high protein, moderate carbohydrates, low grains, and the occasional treat should do the trick. In short, feed them a good mix of quality wet and dry food. How much to feed depends on the food, so start with the feeding guide on the packet, weigh the food, and adjust to keep your cat in good shape. Every cat is different, so find the balance and routine that suits you and your cat.

Read More: What Do Maine Coon Cats Eat?

Note that the balance of wet to dry food might change depending on the time of year. For example, in hot summers, your Maine Coon might opt for less meat and more dry food. In cold winters, they might want more of everything! 

Because of their size, Maine Coons may appear to eat a little more than your average house cat, but this is totally normal. Reasons for consuming more include their size, being known for having a slightly higher metabolic rate than the average house cat, and being very active cats who like to climb trees and generally seek out lots of physical and mental stimulation. 

Regular routine health checks with your local vet include weighing your cat and giving you valuable feedback on its weight and general health. So it’s best to try and check in with your local vet at least once a year. If you ever have any concerns about your cat, don’t delay and call your local vet as soon as possible – better to be safe and informed. 

What Do Maine Coon Kittens Eat?

Maine Coon kittens can eat regular kitten food, commonly higher in protein and calcium, to help their little bones grow strong. Keep your kitten on kitten food until around 12 months old before changing over to an adult food (Cats Protection). Maine Coons keep growing for longer than most cats, so ask your vet if you’re unsure when to switch.

Maine Coons are quite intelligent cats that need lots of stimulation. If you notice your Maine Coon is eating too much or not enough, this could be due to a lack of stimulation, especially if it’s an indoor cat, which they aren’t by nature. Ensure they have lots of toys and playtime. If problems persist, seek veterinary advice. 

Do Cats Get Bored of Eating the Same Food?

Basically, yes. Cats aren’t unlike people in that sense. They like variety in their diets. It’s not uncommon for a cat to love a particular brand of cat food, eat it exclusively for months, and then suddenly refuse to eat another bite. Mixing up brands and occasionally introducing meat and fish will prevent them from getting bored. If you find yourself with a surplus of a brand they no longer like, you can try them on different brands for a while and then return to your stock after a few weeks. Or if that fails, your local cat shelter will happily take this off your hands.

Grooming a Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coons are long-haired cats, therefore, grooming is something you might have to consider. Because of their relaxed, playful temperament, you’ll be able to do this without worrying about scratches though – many even enjoy it. Some owners prefer to keep on top of this regularly as it keeps their cats looking soft and smooth and helps reduce cat hair on furniture or generally from around the home. Some owners do this very sparingly, though. A cat, of course, will groom itself, so it’s not mandatory. 

The grooming frequency and method will mainly be predetermined by the individual features of the cat’s coat. If your Maine Coon has particularly thick hair that is noticeably knotting regularly, you might have to up your grooming game. A wide-toothed comb and a little TLC should be sufficient. Our guide to Maine Coon brushes and combs explains which tools are worth having.

Nail care is also an essential aspect of Maine Coon cat grooming. Regular nail trimming helps prevent painful ingrown nails and protects furniture from scratches. A scratching post or pad also helps keep their nails healthy and prevents destructive scratching. For ear and eye care, it’s important to regularly clean your cat’s ears and eyes to prevent infections and other health issues. A gentle, pet-safe cleanser can help keep your cat’s ears and eyes healthy. Dental care is also essential for Maine Coon cats, who are prone to dental problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Using dental treats or toys and scheduling professional dental cleanings with a veterinarian can help keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Maine Coon Cats Grooming With Tips and Techniques

Maine Coon Cat Shedding

Maine Coons do shed, particularly approaching summer. Maine Coons fur will get thicker in the winter months and then start to shed and thin for summer, helping them stay warm and cool according to the season. It’s worth investing in a strong vacuum cleaner to help manage this – as with owning any pet. Again every cat is different, so this might be more noticeable in your home. For some owners, it’s not very noticeable at all, no more than the average cat or dog.

Read More: Do Maine Coon Cats Shed a Lot? Understanding the Facts

Exercise and Play Time for Maine Coons

Maine Coons are an active and playful breed, and regular exercise is vital for their physical and mental well-being. Providing your cat with opportunities to play and exercise can help prevent obesity, joint problems, and health and behavioral issues. Maine Coon cats also thrive on socialization and bonding with their owners. Spending quality time with your cat through playtime, grooming, and snuggling can help strengthen your bond and improve your cat’s overall happiness and well-being. Maine Coon cats are very social and enjoy human companionship, so providing them with love and attention is an integral part of their care.

Common Health Problems With Maine Coons

Maine Coons are quite a hardy cat breed with a good average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, with some data suggesting they can live well beyond this. They do have some known health problems, though. The most notable is hereditary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which can be present from birth but not show symptoms until adulthood, around the 3-year mark. Some cases have been reported later at around 6-8 years, but this is less common. HCM is also known as a cardiac disease in cats. It can cause the muscular walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, decreasing its efficiency and sometimes causing issues elsewhere in their bodies. HCM is common in cats generally and manageable with a treatment plan from your vet. Treatment will include controlling your cat’s heart rate, alleviating lung congestion, and preventing blood clots.

DNA testing is available for Maine Coons to identify the HCM gene.

Another common health problem with Maine Coons is hereditary hip dysplasia. It is common in the breed: in US registry data about one in four Maine Coons had hip dysplasia on X-ray, and it tended to be more severe in older cats (Loder and Todhunter, 2018). Symptoms include: limping that gets gradually worse, trouble jumping, not wanting to exercise, laziness or irritability, decreased range of motion in the back legs, or muscle loss in the rear legs. Again this can be managed with medications at first and surgery as a last resort.

All cats are generally susceptible to some health issues and bacterial or viral infections. Most issues are treatable or manageable through regular vaccinations and check-ups with your local vet. So be sure to take your cat to the vet, ideally once a year, for a check-up. 

Taking out cat insurance early in your cat’s life can also be very beneficial. It’s there in case of emergencies for peace of mind. And should your cat begin to show signs of any illness, insurance will help with the cost of ongoing medications or surgeries. 

Read More: Maine Coon Cats Health Issues: Understanding & Preventive Care

Maine Coon Cat Insurance

Maine Coon cat insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary care, medications, and treatments if your cat becomes sick or injured. It typically includes coverage for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and other common health problems that may affect Maine Coon cats. Some policies may also include routine and preventative care coverage, such as vaccinations, check-ups, and dental cleanings. 

It’s worth noting that even if your Maine Coon is a cross, your vet and your cat insurance company will just simply classify them as a Maine Coon, not a cross. This may mean you pay a slightly higher insurance premium than your average house cat. It won’t be a huge jump in cost, but it is worth noting. 

Cat breeds similar to Maine Coons

For a side-by-side comparison of size, head shape, coat and grooming, see Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat, Siberian and Ragdoll.

• The Norwegian Forest Cat

• American Bobtail

• Siberian

• The Ragdoll

• Turkish Angora

• Persian

• The Birman

• Himalayan

• Manx

Norwegian Forest Cat 

Similarities

Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are both medium to large-sized breeds of cats. They both have long, thick fur with similar colouring and patterns. They both have a great friendly temperament and are quite outgoing and fun. 

Differences

The most noticeable difference is the shape of the face. A Maine Coon has a wide head, high cheekbones, and large oval eyes. Norwegian Forest Cats have a more slender, triangular-shaped face. Norwegian Forest Cats also have a more even coat compared to Maine Coons, who have a more prominent ruff along their chests, like a lion’s mane. Personality-wise, they are both quite close. The Maine Coon is a little more playful and a little more loyal. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a little on the lazy side by comparison and less loyal if you aren’t willing to interact with them.  

Which is Bigger, the Maine Coon or the Norwegian Forest Cat?

Maine Coons are typically larger than Norwegian Forest Cats. Male Maine Coons can weigh up to around 9kg (20lb), about 3.6kg (8lb) more than females (VCA Animal Hospitals). The GCCF puts Norwegian Forest Cats at 9 to 16lb (about 4 to 7.3kg), against 10 to 20lb for the Maine Coon (GCCF).

American Bobtail

Similarities

American Bobtail cats and Maine Coons both have a fantastic temperament. They are both described as dog-like. They are friendly, playful, loving, and relaxed. And both get on well with other pets and children. They are both large breeds with long thick hair. 

Differences

As the name implies, American Bobtail cats have short tails due to natural genetic mutation. They are sometimes referred to as pedigreed cats without tails. American Bobtails have medium to long-length hair, whereas Maine Coons have long hair. The Bobtail also comes in a greater range of colourings. 

Which is bigger, the Maine Coon or the American Bobtail?

Maine Coons are typically larger than the American Bobtail. Male Maine Coons can weigh up to around 9kg (20lb), about 3.6kg (8lb) more than females (VCA Animal Hospitals). The average weight of American Bobtail cats is between 3.6kg and 7.2kg (8 to 16 lb).

Siberian

Similarities 

Siberian cats and Maine Coons are so similar they are very easily confused. Both are quite large cat breeds with long, thick fur and similar colourings. Both are friendly, outgoing, and affectionate. As the name suggests, the Siberian comes from the cold forests of Siberia.  

Differences

Maine Coons have pretty wide, boxy, or square facial features. Siberians have a softly rounded head shape, rounder eyes, ear tips, and a rounder, barrel-shaped body. Siberians also come in a few different colourings, like bi-metallic (dark blacks and greys) or sunshine/golden – colouring unique to the breed. 

Which is bigger, the Maine Coon or the Siberian cat?

It depends on the source. On the GCCF’s figures, Siberians are actually heavier, with males weighing 17 to 26lb and females 13 to 17lb (GCCF), while male Maine Coons can weigh up to 18 to 20lb (GCCF). The Maine Coon is longer, though, with a long, rectangular body and a tail at least as long as its back.

The Ragdoll

Ragdolls and Maine Coons do share quite a few physical and personality traits, but it is quite easy to tell them apart. They can both be quite large with similar weights and heights, but Maine Coons can be quite a bit longer. Ragdolls have medium to long hair, whereas Maine Coons have long, thick hair. Maine Coons come in a wide range of different colourings and patterns. Ragdolls come in only a few colours and patterns, commonly with splashes of colour around the face, paws, chest, or tail. Both are very intelligent, loving, great with families, and fond of attention. 

Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora cats are long-haired, medium-sized cats with a slender appearance. They differ quite a bit from Maine Coons in size and appearance, but they do share some personality traits. Both are loving, great with families, and love to play and climb. Turkish Angora cats can be quite sensitive and may get upset if there are any unexpected changes in the home.

Persian

Persian cats are a long-haired, medium-sized breed of cat with a very distinctive round face and short muzzle. They are apparently the most popular cat in North America and are loved worldwide. They are very friendly, sociable, and affectionate. They do require regular grooming, though.

The Birman

The Birman cat resembles the Ragdoll more than it does the Maine Coon, with similar splashes of colour around the face, paws, chest, or tail. They aren’t as large as Ragdoll cats. But like Ragdolls and Maine Coons they are all friendly, loving, and playful.

Himalayan

Himalayan cats are close relatives of Persian cats. And similar to Birmans or Ragdolls, with similar splashes of colour around the face, paws, chest, or tail. They are closer to Birmans in size, so they are a little smaller than Ragdolls.

Manx

Manx cats aren’t as large as Maine Coons. They can have similar colourings and long hair. They can also be short-haired. Manx cats are tailless. Should you see one resembling a Maine Coon this might be the stand-out difference. 

Final Words 

Maine Coon cats are a fascinating and unique breed that makes wonderful pets for many families. With proper care and attention, your Maine Coon cat can be a loyal and loving companion for many years to come.

John with Bean, the Maine Coon who started it all.

In this guide, we outlined the most important information and directions for current or future Maine Coon owners; an overview of their characteristics, history, personality traits, care requirements, and potential health concerns. For further information and detailed guides on all aspects of Maine Coons cats, proceed to read the detailed and comprehensive guides featured in our blog.

Sources

Sources checked in October 2026. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.

• Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF): Maine Coon breed profile
• Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1 §217: State cat
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Maine Coon breed profile
• Cat Fanciers’ Association: Maine Coon cat article
• GCCF: Norwegian Forest Cat and Siberian breed profiles
• Guinness World Records: RIP Stewie: world’s longest cat passes away
• Cats Protection: Cats and allergies and How much food should I give my kitten?
• GOV.UK: Lucy’s Law
• Loder RT, Todhunter RJ (2018). Demographics of hip dysplasia in the Maine Coon cat. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 20(4): 302–307