If you’re considering buying a Maine Coon, then you probably already know all about their incredible personality, temperament and appearance. They really are the whole package as far as felines go, and now you’re just wondering if they’ll break the bank.
Average Cost of a Maine Coon
Purchasing a Maine Coon kitten from a breeder is a bit cheaper than most purebred cats, averaging between $800 to $2000 depending on a number of factors, which we’ll go into depth on in a bit.
There are there costs that go into caring for the Maine Coon kitten as well, including:
- Microchip – $50
- Cat carrier – $30
- Cat tree – $150
- Neuter/spay – $200/$400
- Food dishes – $20
- Bed or cat cave – $35
- Scratching post – $40
- Grooming kit – $20
- Vet visit – $55
As you can see, the costs can really add up, but it’s worth it in the end for your lovable Maine Coon companion!
Lifetime Costs of Owning a Maine Coon
The costs of owning a Maine Coon doesn’t end when you buy the kitten and all the necessary supplies, there are ongoing costs to maintain the best health for your Maine Coon and help them live a long and happy life.
Many of these costs are the same for every cat, but Maine Coons do have a higher risk for certain health issues and might require more frequent vet visits or specific tests to be done. Here are some of the annual costs of keeping a Maine Coon:
- Bi-Annual Vet Checkup – $300
- Food – $500
- Litter – $100
- Medications (flea, worming and tick) – $100
- Pet Insurance – $300
Factors that Affect Cost
There are a few factors that will raise or lower the price of a Maine Coon, some of which are optional.
Certification from a Vet
Certification from a recognized veterinarian ensures that the Maine Coon has received all of their vaccinations and are in good health. It also verifies that the Maine Coon is of pedigree and will give information on the genetic quality of the cat. This indicates the potential for developing certain health conditions common in purebred cats like the Maine Coon, and will determine lifespan and overall well-being for the cat.
Of course, having certification from a vet will raise the cost of the Maine Coon.
Quality Status
Quality status in terms of breed standards has nothing to do with the health of the Maine Coon, but indicates how close they are to these breed standards and therefore suitable for cat shows.
There are three main breed standards that affect the price of the Maine Coon:
- Pet Quality – In this tier the cat might have some physical traits or temperament that would not qualify them to be in cat show, but they’re still considered Maine Coons and make perfectly great pets. This is the least expensive Maine Coon quality status.
- Show Quality – In this tier the Maine Coon has all the traits to be accepted into and compete in cat shows. This is on the higher end of price with regards to Maine Coon quality status.
- Breeding Quality – In this tier the Maine Coon is suitable for breeding and can produce litters of Maine Coon kittens. Suitable for breeding doesn’t just mean they have not been spayed or neutered, but they are also free of genetic deficiencies and are of show quality. This is usually the most expensive tier of Maine Coon quality.
Age
To some people age is just a number, but it’s a big factor in the price of a Maine Coon. Kittens will almost always fetch a higher price because they’re simply in the highest demand, while older Maine Coons can sometimes be purchased for less than the average price of a Maine Coon.
Older Maine Coons might be on the market because they’re retired breeding cats or their owner has passed away or can’t take care of them anymore. In any case, they’re typically great pets and worthy of much love!
Buying vs. Adopting
Although uncommon, some Maine Coons are put up for adoption. These are the cheapest Maine Coons you’ll ever find, and only require the adoption fee, which is usually around $100. However, keep in mind that these cats are usually without registration papers and it’s difficult to verify their purebred status, so you may just be getting a cat that looks like a Maine Coon.
But it is possible to find a Maine Coon up for adoption, and that’s because there are so many of them in the United States.
You can check if there are any in your area up for adoption here: https://www.adoptapet.com/s/adopt-a-maine-coon
Health
A Maine Coon that is free of genetic disorders or birth defects is going to be slightly more expensive than one with health issues. The health of the Maine Coon is often determined by a urine sample to detect any abnormalities.
Males are usually more prone to having health issues, so on average they can be slightly cheaper than females.
Breeder Care
One of the factors that always plays a role in the higher price of a Maine Coon is the time and monetary cost that goes into caring for the mother and raising kittens. Breeding Maine Coons is not cheap and if you expect to have a healthy, well-adjusted kitten then expect to pay the price. Just some of the costs that go into breeding and raising Maine Coons are:
- Regular examinations and a clear bill of health by a licensed veterinarian
- Spay or neuter surgery
- All necessary vaccinations up to date
- Deworming
- Health records
- Official breed registration
- Housing for the Maine Coons
- High quality food, medications, toys and cat furniture
A high quality breeder might also provide:
- Microchip with registration
- A pet insurance trial
- Toys
- An airline approved carrier
- Food to help you transition
Beware of Cheap Maine Coon Breeders
It’s also good to be cautious of any breeder trying to sell a Maine Coon for super cheap. If they claim the kitten is in perfect condition, but selling for $400 or less, you might want to do a little more digging. Find reviews of the breeder or ask to see their breeding facility. You can gain a lot of information just by how open and willing they are to let you see the cats they’re breeding.
Ask a lot of questions to the breeder, including whether all their cats have been genetically tested, if any came up positive for common genetic issues in Maine Coons and the registration papers of the parents. Any reputable breeder will be able to answer these questions quickly and without hesitation and even be glad you’re asking them.
Remember, there are plenty of breeders just trying to make a quick buck, and might not even be selling you a Maine Coon at all.
