How Much Does It Cost to Own a Maine Coon?
As one of the largest domestic cat breeds with a long, thick coat, Maine Coons cost more than average to feed and groom.
First-year costs
- Kitten purchase price: commonly $1,000–$3,000+ from a reputable breeder, or $75–$200 from a shelter/rescue (purebred Maine Coons are less common in shelters).
- Spay/neuter surgery: $150–$400.
- Initial vaccines and vet visits: $150–$300.
- Starter supplies (larger litter box, scratching post, carrier, bowls): $150–$350 — Maine Coons benefit from extra-large gear given their size.
- Food, routine vet care, grooming for the year: roughly $1,200–$1,800.
Excluding purchase price, first-year running costs typically land around $1,650–$2,850.
Ongoing annual costs
- Food: $250–$700+/year — Maine Coons are large cats (often 12–20+ lbs) and eat noticeably more than an average housecat.
- Routine vet care: $500–$800/year for checkups, vaccines, and preventatives — plus cardiac screening is often recommended, since the breed has an elevated risk of a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Grooming: $200–$400/year if using a professional groomer for their long coat, or lower cost (just time) if brushing at home 2–3 times a week, which this breed's coat really needs to avoid matting.
- Supplies, litter, toys: $200–$350/year.
That puts typical ongoing annual costs around $1,150–$2,250, depending on grooming choices and food quality — before optional pet insurance, which commonly runs $25–$50/month for cats.
What makes Maine Coons cost more than an average cat
Their size drives most of the extra cost — more food, larger litter boxes and furniture, and a coat that needs regular brushing to prevent painful mats. The breed's predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia also makes preventive vet screening more worthwhile than for an average shorthair cat.
Get a personalized estimate
Use the Pet Cost Calculator to estimate baseline first-year and ongoing cat costs, then budget extra for this breed's larger food portions and grooming needs.