What common health issues can you expect to encounter over your Maine Coon’s lifetime?

Hip Dysplasia – A common issue with larger cat breeds, Maine Coon cats are prone to joint problems like Hip Dysplasia.

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - This is a condition that can be avoided by buying your cat from a reputable breeder who will screen for this disease.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy - This is a genetic spinal disease that affects mobility in the back legs due to muscle wastage.

One of the most recognisable physical attributes of a Maine Coon cat is its long, double length thick coat. A high shedding breed, they often have tufts of hair in between their foot pads and the tips of their ears. They have luxurious and thick bushy tails, and all of this fur is designed to protect them from the elements. The Maine Coon’s coat is dirt repellent so your pet won’t need regular bathing, but you will need to brush your pet’s coat daily. Luckily for you, this breed love to be bathed and groomed so keeping their coats in immaculate condition is easy.

Just how active are Maine Coons and what mental and physical stimulation do you need to provide as an owner? This breed is playful and has a higher energy level than other breeds but as long as you provide your cat with plenty of toys, this should keep them occupied. They love the outdoors and need regular outdoor play so if you have an escape proof garden, you will have a happy Maine Coon.

Of course, you will want to get your pet from an accredited breeder and this will always cost you more than if you adopt a Maine Coon. Breeding a healthy Maine Coon is expensive and the prices of Maine Coon cats reflect this. You can expect to pay between £600 and £1500 for a Maine Coon.

This breed falls into the large cat category and are in fact larger than most cat breeds. Naturally, if you are considering welcoming a Maine Coon cat into your home, you may be wondering exactly how big this cat will grow? While some Maine Coons can weigh up to 20 pounds, on average your pet will grow to between 19 and 40 inches and weigh between 3.5kg and 8kg. The size of your cat will also depend on whether you choose a male or a female. Female Maine coons are smaller than males when they reach adulthood.

On average Maine Coons live between 13 and 14 years but thanks to careful breeding practises genetic diseases are less common which means this breed is living longer.

While generally a hardy breed, Maine Coon cats are prone to a number of health issues and pet insurance can help to make sure you’re covered for those unexpected vet bills. You can find out more about your cover options with Asda Money Cat Insurance here.