The Lifespan of a Maine Coon: What to Expect

In a perfect world, our pets would live as long as we did. But even though animals often live much shorter lives than we do, the brief time that we do get with them is made all the sweeter because of it. Maine Coons are one of the best furry friends a human could ask for, so it’s normal to wonder what the average Maine Coon lifespan is. As you deal with the reality that comes with cat aging, you’ll have to make certain adjustments to keep your Maine Coon living happily and healthily for as long as possible.

What Is The Average Maine Coon Lifespan?

Maine Coons have an average lifespan of about 13-15 years. That means that when you adopt a Maine Coon, you’re committing over a decade of your life to caring for this gentle creature. While the average lifespan falls between 13-15 years, there are many Maine Coons who live much longer than this. Some Maine Coons live into their 20s, and the oldest Maine Coon on record has lived to at least 31 years of age.

How Does It Compare To Other Breeds?

The lifespan of the Maine Coon is slightly longer than many other breeds, though a few live much shorter. Crossbreed cats usually live about 14 years on average, while purebred cats live around 12.5 years. Larger cats also usually live less long, although the Maine Coon does seem to outlive many other large breeds. The Bengal, for instance, has an average lifespan of only seven years due to its susceptibility to disease. The Russian Blue, however, can live 15-20 years, so long as you avoid common issues like obesity.

What To Know About Maine Coon Cat Aging

Maine Coons age a bit differently than other cats due to their larger size. While most smaller breeds are fully grown by age one, Maine Coons don’t grow to their full size until around age four or five. Once they reach around seven years, they will lose some of the high energy of their youth and spend more of their time indoors. By age ten, they are considered to be in their senior stage. This is the point at which they’ll have decreased agility and their fur will become duller and less shiny.

If you feed your Maine Coon a high-quality diet, bring them in for regular checkups, and give them plenty of physical stimulation, you can extend their lifespan to the higher end of the spectrum. Cat aging doesn’t have to be sad and stressful–it can be a wonderful experience to watch your Maine Coon grow old and enter a new phase of life. Whatever your Maine Coon’s lifespan, the most important factor is that you give it the love, attention, and care it needs to live a happy life.