The Maine Coon Cat Lifespan:

Factors for a Longer Life Expectancy

by Carrie Profenno: Author, lifelong Mainer & veteran Maine Coon owner

Health Considerations for Long Life:

They are generally a healthy breed. Even so, it's a good idea to know about some illnesses and genetic conditions that can affect a Maine Coon’s lifespan before scouting for available kittens.

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In general, this is a robust and hardy breed of cat – they are strong and healthy!

This breed developed naturally, and these beautiful felines have big, strong bodies. Males may weigh 13-18 pounds, and a full size female may weigh in at about 9-12 pounds.

Both males and females can weigh substantially more on occasion! A gentle giant indeed.

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This genetic disorder results in a poorly fitting ball and socket of the hip joint.

Dogs and large size kitties will be more susceptible to the pain associated, since they bear more weight on the joint than a lightweight kitty. It impacts their quality of life.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is also a genetic disorder. It results in a loss of muscle tone in their hindquarters.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited condition that causes cysts on the kidney, and can ultimately result in kidney failure.

HCM, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is a bit more commonly known to pet owners. This genetic disease causes a thickening of the wall of the heart, gradually over time, tragically resulting in sudden heart failure.

Visit our page on these breed specific health problems for a more comprehensive look at each of these genetically inherited conditions that can shorten the Maine Coon cat lifespan.

There is no way to completely guarantee a kitty won't develop any of these health problems.

But by going to ethical and experienced Maine Coon breeders who screen and DNA test for genetic conditions, you can rest assured everything possible has been done to lower the chances.

A general health issue that affects many domestic cats, especially older ones, is periodontal disease.

Our page on feline oral health and caring for your cat's teeth talks all about what to look for, and what you can do. If left untreated, it can impact a Maine Coon cat's life expectancy.

Leo and Alice are the two Coonies who inspired this site. Leo lived to be 14, when he lost his battle with aggressive cancer.

A few years later we had to say goodbye to Alice at the nice old age of 17, also due to cancer. No matter how long they live, it's never long enough.

Maine Coon Cat Lifespan -
Indoors vs. Outdoors:

2. Because you (probably) agreed in writing with your breeder to do so.

It's really that simple! Our page on keeping your feline friend indoors has more specific info, reasons, tips and more.

Occasionally someone thinks that this is a "working breed," with a genetic predisposition to being "in the wild" or that it would be against their rough and tumble nature to keep them as house cats.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Vaccines For a Longer Lifespan

As indoor cats, some people believe that means they won't have to worry about vaccinations, but that's not true at all!

For a long lifespan, vaccinations are as essential for indoor cats as they are for outdoor ones.

Many believe that indoor cats are safe from illness, but even the coziest of indoor environments can't completely shield them from disease.

Viruses and bacteria can hitch a ride on our clothes, shoes, or through an open window. Vaccines are a crucial defense against illnesses like feline distemper, herpesvirus, and rabies.

Keeping up with vaccinations ensures your Coonie stays healthy and safe, providing peace of mind for you and a longer, happier life for your feline friend. 

For example, feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia, is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus.

Feline parvovirus can be transmitted via clothing on a visitor. The virus is incredibly resilient and can survive in the environment for a long time.

This means that if a person has come into contact with an infected cat or a contaminated area, the virus can hitch a ride on their clothes, shoes, or hands.

When they visit your home, they can inadvertently introduce the virus, posing a risk to your cat.

This is one reason why even indoor cats need to be vaccinated—to protect them from such indirect exposure to contagious diseases.

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You can expect a long lifespan with your indoor Coonie(s)! As a large breed of cat they may look tough, but they are sweet, docile and prone to long naps.

Many Coonie owners are lucky enough to provide a catio or enclosed area for outdoor excursions as well.

Just bear in mind that this opens the door for ticks and fleas, so treatments may be in order.

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Fact: Regardless of breed, the average life expectancy of outdoor cats is just 4-5 years. The more they go outside, the higher the chance they will encounter a dangerous or deadly threat.

That's how statistics work – the more often a pet is exposed to a risk, the higher the chance it'll happen.

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Most owners will say that their indoor Coonie has an amazing quality of life, and plenty of mental stimulation.

They also have the peace of mind of knowing that their Maine Coon's lifespan will as long as it possibly can be.

Good Nutrition for a Long Maine Coon Cat Lifespan:

Pet parents often ask about a healthy diet and nutrition, especially for these large indoor cats.

Because dry food is more calorie dense, kitties on a diet of mainly dry kibble may end up on a weight loss plan!

A high protein diet is especially beneficial for senior cats. It will help keep them healthier, longer, extending their Maine Coon cat lifespan.

There are so many high quality pet foods on the market now. It's a good idea to ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

Special formulas like senior food for elderly felines may help extend your senior pet's life expectancy.

The Importance of Playing Together:
Regular exercise together with fun cat toys will help keep your indoor kitty fit and healthy for a long life.

But did you know that the mental stimulation it provides also helps avoid elderly cat health problems like senility or dementia? The key to a long life!

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To read stories and experiences from other Coonie lovers, check out this page in our Q & A section, where Joann asks about the Maine Coon cat lifespan and many folks have commented.

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Tributes to some extra long-lived Coonies:

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She passed away on October 19th, 2019, and Terry and her husband still miss her so much. She was a real beauty and had a confident personality - She knew she was gorgeous!

Whenever they sat on the couch, she'd curl up between them and take turns getting petted. She was truly the best and will always hold a special place in their hearts.

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He was even smart - he understood a list of words! Whenever you asked if he wanted lunch, a treat, or anything, he'd give a quick, loud "mow" for a resounding "yes." Such a special boy.

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FAQ's (frequently asked questions):

Even though there are no guarantees in life, the Maine Coon cat lifespan can be quite long. And that's a relief! With their amazing personalities, it's impossible not to fall completely in love with them.

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