Do Maine Coon kittens cost an arm and a leg? Do Maine Coons belong to the most expensive cat breeds? If you are a Maine Coon admirer, you’ve probably asked these questions, too!
Well, several factors affect the overall price of the Maine Coon breed, so they fall on the pricey end. Maintaining these gentle giants also requires more money, so you really have to set a budget.
If you are ready for the responsibility, this guide will walk you through how much Maine Coon kittens cost, their initial and annual expenses, and where you can find them for a reasonable price. Let’s start!
The Average Cost of a Maine Coon Kitten
The average cost of a good quality Maine Coon kitten is around $400 to over $2,000. For superior pedigrees, Maine Coon breeders can charge as much as $2,500 to $3,500. This may even go higher for rare-colored kittens.
As the demand for Maine Coon cats increases, the prices are only expected to go higher as well. Nevertheless, you can find breeders that offer Maine Coon cats for a lower cost; however, they are already adults or retired cats.
To see what a Maine Coon looks like from a reputable breeder, check out this video:
Mr. ViVo | Most handsome Maine Coon cat in the world.<a href="https://youtu.be/Du_P3JOiw8I" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FDu_P3JOiw8I%2F0.jpg" alt="Mr. ViVo | Most handsome Maine Coon cat in the world." width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Maine Coon Kitten
There is no such thing as ‘one price fits all’ for any cat breed. Breeders consider many things before finalizing the Maine Coon price.
That said, here’s a list of the main factors that affect the Maine Coon kitten price:
Quality: A Maine Coon kitten with a superior bloodline that can be used for breeding cats will be priced higher than those that will only serve as household pets. Maine Coons with impeccable health records are also more expensive.
Health: This is the most crucial factor to consider when buying a Maine Coon kitten. Upon purchase, the kitten should be tested for congenital diseases and other health conditions. Many Maine Coon breeders charge higher for cats with complete veterinary checks and health certificates.
Vaccination: As is with other pets, it is important for Maine Coon kittens to have the appropriate vaccination for their age to make them immune from various illnesses. This will also help them have the best health condition as they age. Kittens with a complete vaccination history are more expensive than those who don’t.
Spaying/Neutering: As ironic as it may sound, non-spayed and non-neutered Maine Coon cats are more expensive than altered ones. This is because they are still able to reproduce, which can be a source of profit for the owner.
Age: Maine Coon kittens are more expensive than adult cats because breeders need to give them more medical care and attention. Older cats, on the other hand, are easier to maintain and usually priced lower.
Coat Color: Black, white, orange, and blue Maine Coon cats cost more than those with mixed colors because they are more challenging to breed.
Purebred Certification: A reliable breeder will give you a pedigree certification that will attest to the Maine Coon’s purebred status. This certification adds to the Maine Coon price.
Breeder Reputation and Status: Reputable breeders spend a lot of money to breed Maine Coons; thus, they charge higher costs. Their years of experience and membership in various organizations also play a role in their pricing.
Similar to the price of other pets, we cannot really say for sure what factors “each” breeder considers unless we ask them promptly.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Maine Coon Cat From a Rescue?
The price of a new purebred Maine Coon cat can be overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t have to spend that much to own these majestic creatures. You can choose to adopt this cat from a rescue for $100 to $400.
Like breeders, volunteers need funds to keep their rescues running. They spend money on food, grooming, training, and medical treatment that rescued Maine Coons need to keep them in the best condition until adoption.
The adoption fee usually covers all these expenses, but you may need to pay an additional fee for the transport of your Maine Coon cat. Regardless, it’s clear that adoption is a much cheaper alternative than buying from a breeder.
Initial Cost of Maine Coon Ownership
Now that the cost of buying a Maine Coon cat has been discussed, it’s time to learn the initial expenses of tending to these kitties.
These expenses range from basic necessities like food to a few toys and other items that will ensure the comfort and happiness of your new cat.
Make sure that you have everything in this list ready before your new Maine Coon cat arrives at your house:
Food and Treats: Your Maine Coon cat needs both dry and wet varieties of cat food, along with some treats that you can buy from pet stores at around $20 to $50. Ensure that meat is the main ingredient so your cat remains healthy.
Food and Water Bowls: To feed your Maine Coon cat properly, you will need a food bowl of the appropriate size. Similarly, they also need a water bowl to drink with minimal spilling. Food and water bowls usually cost $10 to $25.
Litter Box: You can choose a simple open pan litter box for your purebred kitten for $20 to $160. This will serve as their feces and urine collection tray indoors.
Litter Sand: Non-clumping litter sand made from natural materials like wood, paper, or plants is the best choice for your Maine Coon cat. This costs around $15 to $25.
Collar and ID Tag: Maine Coons should never go without a collar and ID tag because it will serve as an identification in case they get lost. This usually contains your name as the owner and your contact details. A good pair of collars and ID tags will cost you $5 to $20.
Cat Bed: Cats sleep for about 16 hours a day, so they need a comfortable place to rest. You can buy a good quality bed for $15 to $30.
Cat Carrier: A carrier is handy if you want to bring your kitty to the vet or you want to travel with them. Carriers can range from $20 to $60 each.
Toys and Scratching Post: Like other cats, Maine Coon cats love to play. Toys like wands, balls, plushes, and cat tunnels are enough to stimulate them. Aside from toys, your cat will also enjoy sharpening its claws on a scratching post. The average cost of these items is $15 to $70.
Grooming Essentials: In grooming your Maine Coon, you would need organic shampoo, brush, de-shedding tool, and clippers. These may incur $25 to $35.
Initial Vet Visits: Right after you bring home your Maine Coon, you should get them to the vet to be examined for possible health issues. Initial vet visits roughly cost between $100 and $250.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Immunization shots should be given to your Maine Coon at three to four weeks to keep them healthy. This mainly includes vaccines against feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline distemper, and rabies. Expect to spend $25 to $50 for these shots.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: Parasites can be detrimental to your Maine Coon. Thus, you should provide them with tick treatments and other over-the-counter medications that cost between $30 and $100.
Neutering or Spaying: If you don’t plan on breeding your cat, have them spayed or neutered. This will prevent unwanted pregnancies and innocent litter from ending up in rescues or shelters. This would cost you $200 to $500.
Microchip: Installing a microchip on your cat will ensure that it will be easily identified in case they get lost. Unlike ID tags, this is inserted into their skin by a vet. The procedure usually costs around $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Depending on your preferences, you may want to purchase a water fountain, a calming diffuser, a cat tree, and some other items that can further provide a good quality of life for your cat. Prepare $15 to $30 for these expenses.
Here’s a recap of all the initial expenses needed by a Maine Coon kitten:
The total initial expenses of owning a Maine Coon will be lessened if you choose not to buy optional items or if you find cheaper alternatives without compromising their quality.
Annual Cost of Owning a Maine Coon
As Maine Coon kittens grow, their needs will change. You might need to replace old items that are inappropriate for their age and size.
You might also need to take them a couple of times to the vet when they are sick or scheduled for deworming. Note that the expenses will not be the same every year, and the total cost indicated in this section is just a reference.
Some of the expenses that add up to the annual costs of owning Maine Coons include the following:
Aside from the Maine Coon prices and some recurring expenses, you also need to get pet insurance for your pet.
Plans vary from one insurance agency to another, but you can expect the cost to be around $360 to $600.
You should also save up for your cat’s routine veterinary checkups. This is to ensure that they are diagnosed early on if they have health issues and their overall health is monitored by a professional.
Routine vet visits can only incur $100 to $200 annually because cats aren’t as high maintenance as dogs.
Other Potential Expenses
While the yearly expenses might already seem a lot to take in, you should consider allocating money for other items and services beneficial for the well-being of your Maine Coon.
Some of these additional expenses for your Maine Coon include the following:
Grooming Services: If you can’t groom your Maine Coon kitten at home, expect to pay around $50 to $150 for regular grooming services. Of course, don’t forget to give tips since they’re making your pet even better looking!
Dental Costs: Dental hygiene is also vital for your Maine Coon. Depending on your cat’s existing teeth and gum condition, you can expect to pay around $70 to $400 for teeth cleaning.
Emergency Vet Visits: As mentioned earlier, your cat might suffer from a sudden illness that will require treatment or surgery. Depending on the severity of your cat’s health condition, you will need to have an allotted $800 to $4,000 for the vet bill.
Pet-proofing: To make your home a sanctuary for your Maine Coon kitten, consider cat-proofing. This can be done by putting safety locks on cabinets, getting cord covers, or putting up a cat pen. You can expect anywhere from $345 to $755 for these services, or you can do it yourself and pay a lot less.
Travel Accessories: If you don’t want to leave your Maine Coons while you go on an adventure, take them with you! But of course, make sure they are equipped to go. Expect to pay around $45 to $130 for a cat’s travel accessories like a harness and a cat backpack.
Pet Deposit Fee: Depending on your landlord, you may need to pay a deposit fee to cover any damages your Maine Coon can do to your apartment. This fee typically starts at $50 to $60.
Except for emergency vet visits and pet deposit fees, all the items and services above are optional. If you really are on a tight budget, you can skip some of them and just save up for emergencies.
Places to Find Maine Coon Kittens for Sale or Adoption
Searching for a trusted breeder or rescue center that offers Maine Coons requires a lot of background checks and patience.
Luckily, we have the internet to make you find kittens easier. However, it pays to be mindful of scams and cats with high prices.
For breeders, you can try checking Maine Coon clubs and organizations like The International Cat Association (TICA) or The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) to see if they have a list of recommended breeders in the country.
Make sure that their website and social platforms are updated to double-check their legitimacy.
To help you out, I’ve included some reputable breeders that offer high-quality Maine Coons:
Fluffy Giants – This is an in-home breeder located in SouthEast Michigan that produces Maine Coons with European Champion bloodlines. Their Maine Coon price varies, but they come complete with insurance, registration, and a health guarantee.
Hissy Fit Coons – This is another Maine Coon breeder that manages two catteries in South Carolina. They offer rare blue eye carriers and shaded Maine Coons. They provide buyers with a contract upon reservation, and their Maine Coon cats cost $1,850 to $2,750.
MaineCoon Pride – Run by a certified felinologist, this registered cattery focuses on producing healthy Maine Coon kittens from champion European bloodlines. All of their cats live with their family in Georgia.
TaLynn King Coons – This is a family-operated cattery also based in Georgia. Each of their available Maine Coons is tested for genetic defects and screened for hip dysplasia and heart problems. Their Maine Coon cats cost $2,500 to $3,500.
For more options, check out our list of the best Maine Coon breeders in the United States.
Meanwhile, if adoption is a more suitable choice for you and you don’t mind owning an adult cat, you can reach out to these rescues to know if they have available Maine Coons:
Only Maine Coons Rescue – OMC is a rescue organization based in New Jersey that mainly rescues Maine Coons and its mixes. The adoption process requires an interview, both with the rescue volunteer and the foster parent. They can assure you that you’ll get a healthy cat since they rehabilitate their rescues prior to adoption.
Maine Coon Rescue – This is a nationwide rescue that helps purebred Maine Coons and mixes with or without health problems be adopted into loving homes. All available cats are described in detail on their website. Interested adopters are required to sign an adoption agreement.
East Coast Maine Coon Rescue – This rescue has saved and rehomed hundreds of Maine Coon cats and kittens since 2009. They are partnered with Petfinder, where you can browse all their available cats for adoption.
Arizona Maine Coon Cat Rescue – This rescue works with different vet clinics to help rehabilitate and treat rescued Maine Coon cats for any injuries or diseases before adoption. Applicants are also required to fill out and sign an adoption agreement to make sure that they will adhere to the rescue’s requirements.
Aside from the ones listed above, you can also check out our list of top Maine Coon rescues.
Also, keep in mind that when you search for a purebred kitten or a Maine Coon mix from these breeders and rescues, be very vigilant.
Never settle for sources that seem suspicious (i.e., a backyard breeder or a puppy mill). They may offer you cats with multiple health issues and require you to pay more than expected.
Money-Saving Tips for Maine Coon Owners
All Maine Coon parents want to give the best life to their pets, but sometimes, the budget is a little too tight.
Fortunately, there are low-cost tips and alternatives that can decrease your expenses substantially. Let’s get into them.
Here are some money-saving hacks for new Maine Coon cat owners:
Purchase from a local breeder. Buying from a good breeder near your area can save you the cost of shipping fees. You’ll really pay a higher price for airfare. This can be prevented if you look around your community first.
Buy cat food and litter in bulk. A large sack of cat food and litter can last a few months and is usually much cheaper. You can look for discounts and coupons at your local pet store to get them for an even lower price.
Switch to making raw cat food. Making homemade cat food is a cheaper alternative to kibbles. Just make sure to ask your veterinarian for the correct ingredients and supplements to include.
Restrict their access outside. Your Maine Coon cat is more exposed to harmful organisms when you let them play outside. Not to mention the vehicular accidents that often cause major injuries or, worse, the death of your feline companion. By keeping them inside the house, you can ensure their health and safety.
Build your own scratch post or cat tree. Cat trees can be very expensive. With some spare wood lying around the garage, you can try making your own cat tree and scratch post.
If the tips I’ve given above did not work for you, try asking fellow Maine Coon cat parents how they save money. You’ll be surprised at the strategies they’ll share!
Final Thoughts
The cost of owning a Maine Coon can be overwhelming, but you can easily cut down on a lot of unnecessary expenses with the right methods.
With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can find more economical ways to satisfy your cat’s needs.
Whether you purchase from an official breeder or adopt from a rescue, you will realize over the years that Maine Coon prices are worth every penny and effort to have.
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