It’s hard to mistake a Maine Coon because of its massive size, long fluffy coat, and elongated, pointy ears with tufts on the ends. Thanks to their loving personalities and breathtaking beauty, they are the US’s third most popular cat breed. Furthermore, Maine coons typically get along well with other pets and children, making them the ideal family pet. These cats come in an array of dazzling colors and patterns, meaning there’s something for everyone. Main coon prices in 2023 are the only downside to owning one of these cats because the initial costs of purchasing the cat should be your last worry. There are many more expenses to account for, so you need to be absolutely sure this breed is you.
How Much Does a Maine Coon Kitten Cost?
The average Maine coon price in 2023 is around $650 to $2,000, depending on several factors like:
- Location
- Breeder
- Sex
- Color
- Size
- Genetics
For example, the most expensive Maine coons are show-quality cats with breeding rights, while regular kittens will be more affordable. However, there is a cost-effective way to own one of these beauties, and that is adoption. Obtaining a Maine Coon from a shelter or rescue can cost between $100 to $400! But there might be a long wait if you take this route because they are popular and will be snapped up quickly. As a result, the best thing to do is go down to your local shelter or rescue and chat with the staff about notifying you if they find one.
©Maria Moroz/Shutterstock.com
Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Maine Coon in 2023
While size plays a huge factor in Maine coon prices in 2023, it’s not the only determining factor. There are several others, including:
Age
Maine Coon kittens are generally more expensive than older cats because more time and care go into raising them. However, many owners find the price worth it as they get to name and bond with their cats from a young age.
Pedigree Status
Another factor determining price is the Maine coon’s pedigree status, meaning a cat with a higher lineage costs more. Conversely, if the Maine coons have few lineages, their prices drop rapidly.
Pattern And Color
Color and pattern play a massive price-determining role. For example, your average brown or tortoiseshell tabby will cost less than a rare silver or gold smoke Maine coon.
Health
Health shouldn’t be a factor when buying from a reputable breeder, as they should screen for any concerns. However, some breeders go to great lengths to ensure all their breeding pairs and kittens are happy and healthy, so they charge more.
Breeders
Not all breeders charge the same prices for their Maine coons. They determine their pricing by location and all the expenses they put into their litters. Some breeders will only feed their cats top-quality foods and ensure they get the best medical care. Therefore, they will factor those extra efforts into their cost.
Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Maine Coons
Unfortunately, Maine coon kittens are susceptible to infectious diseases when they are six months or younger. Therefore, you need to provide your kitten with the right vaccinations to fight off harmful diseases. While nursing mothers pass maternal antibodies to their kittens through their milk, there is still a good chance they can get sick. In addition, the mother’s milk can interfere with the kitten’s response to vaccinations, which is why vaccinations are only recommended for kittens over six weeks old. Your little ball of fur will need repeated boosters every three to four weeks until it is 16 to 20 weeks old and then once a year after that.
Each vaccine costs approximately $25 to $50, depending on the vet, location, and the manufacturer. Furthermore, your Maine coon will also need regular checkups to ensure they are healthy. These checkups should be done at least twice a year, costing roughly $40 to $60 per visit.
Cost of Food and Supplies for Maine Coons
Most of the latest brands of cat food include ingredients like:
These ingredients provide cats with fiber, carbohydrates, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids. Maine coons need these vital nutrients to grow to their impressive weights and to maintain their luxurious, thick coats. However, you need to go the extra mile for this breed because they need a lot of protein, so not any old cat food brand will do. Most owners like to feed their Maine coons a raw diet. However, that is not sustainable for everyone, so pick brands with some sort of protein listed as their first ingredient, and ensure there is over 36% protein in the food. In addition, stay away from grain-based foods like barley or rice. Therefore maintaining your Maine coons high protein diet can set you back $20 to $50 per month.
Image: Lita Keire, Shutterstock
©Lita Keire/Shutterstock.com
How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Maine Coon?
Many owners struggle with the decision to get pet insurance for their Maine coons. While it is a much-welcomed idea when something goes wrong with your cat, it might not be necessary if your coon is healthy. But if the unthinkable happens and your cat needs emergency medical assistance, it’s good to know you can afford it. Therefore, it is always a good idea to be prepared. Pet insurance will vary in price depending on the following factors:
- Gender
- Age
- Indoor vs. outdoor cat
- Pre-existing conditions
- Location
- Purebred vs. Mixed breed
- Various Discounts
Luckily cat insurance is a lot more cost-effective than dog insurance, but location plays a big role in the price. For example:
- The cost to insure your Maine Coon in New York is around $25 per month
- In Sacramento, California, the cost of insurance for Maine coons is about $22 per month
- The cost to insure your cat in Houston, Texas, is approximately $18 per month
Additional Costs
When owning a Maine Coon you need to know about other possible monthly expenses besides your normal monthly costs. This could be for emergency medical care or cleaning up all that hair that gets on everything.
For example, here is a table of possible expenses that may occur:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Carpet Cleaning | $75 to $200 |
| Pet sitting services | $20 to $30 per day |
| Pet Rent | $20 to $50 |
| Lint/hair rollers | $10 |
Unfortunately, these expenses are unavoidable when owning a Maine Coon, so the best way to meet them head-on is to prepare by keeping some savings stashed away for a rainy day.
How to Own a Maine Coon on a Budget
Owning a Maine coon is not cheap, but if you really love this breed and can’t stand another second without one, there are ways to take care of this massive cat on a budget. You just need the basics like shelter, food, litter, medical care, and lots of love. For everything else, you will make a plan or find it on sale. While adopting a Maine coon is definitely a more cost-effective way of buying one of these beauties, be very careful. Shelters or backyard breeders may not check their cats for health issues, so additional vet bills will cost you more in the long run.
Furthermore, there are many low-cost vets or rescues that offer affordable rates for vaccinations, spaying, or neutering. Additionally, some vets offer discounts or package deals, while others will work out a payment plan for you. Lastly, feeding your Maine coon high-quality kibble instead of wet or raw food will save you a ton of money.
