Welcome to the world of Maine Coons, where the magnificence of their large stature is matched only by their remarkable lifespan. These gentle giants have earned a special place in our hearts, not just for their imposing presence but also for the intriguing question: How long do they truly live?
Our journey through Maine Coon lifespan takes us from historical echoes to tales of the world’s oldest members, showcasing a breed that defies conventional expectations. We’ll explore the factors contributing to their enduring lives, a mix of sturdy genetics, attentive care, and an active lifestyle reflecting their love for play and exploration.
Join us in this succinct exploration of the captivating world of Maine Coons, where each moment is an opportunity to cherish the extraordinary bond with these regal companions.
Contents
How long do the world’s largest domesticated cats live?
Their lifespan is so good that the breed has been included in the top 9 domestic cats in terms of average lifespan by Pettsie.com, and the Top 10 longest cat life spans by Cattitude Daily. According to Newsweek.com, Maine Coons ranks 6th out of 25 cat breeds with the longest lifetime.
Oldest Maine Coons
The Oldest Maine Coon was called Rubble, he lived up to 31 years old, which is equivalent to 150 human years! They did not register in the Guinness Book of World Records. His owner preferred for Rubble to have a quiet and peaceful life rather than be hassled with too much attention.
Currently, the oldest Maine Coon Cat on official record is Corduroy, who died in 2016 at 26 years of age. Both cats prove that Maine Coons do live above their 20s when properly taken care of.
This proves that the Maine Coons are capable of outliving the average lifespan it has been given at 12 1/2 to 15 years.
Why Maine Fluffs Live Long？
The Maine Coon’s longevity is attributed to the breed’s robust health and resistance to most common feline diseases. They are not immune to them but with a balanced diet, constant veterinary care, and scheduled check-ups, Maine Coons can live way above their twenties.
Maine Coons are the largest pure breed of cats. They can weigh around 9-18 pounds for females and 25 pounds for males. However, they are mostly not obese because of their highly active nature.
Their weight is attributed to muscle weight rather than fat. Another good thing about Maine Coons is that they combat heart issues better than other cat breeds. Breeders are working hard to minimize the prevalence of this heart disease in the breed, contributing to its longevity.
A Maine Coon’s active and playful lifestyle also improves its physical wellness. Its ability to bond with humans and other pets contributes a lot to their mental disposition. When properly monitored, their love for nature and exploration helps give them the necessary exercise to increase their lifespan and improve their health.
Maine Coon’s historical evolution also contributes to its longevity. They have adapted very well to harsh environments and their coat and fur help both in cold and hot weather. Their large paws and adherent pads also help combat the cold weather. Their double coats along with their exceptional grooming habits also help deter fleas and pests, as well as common feline skin issues.
Lifespan Based On Pet Insurance Data
Agria Insurance, a Swedish pet insurance company, researched household cat’s lifespans. They used their records to determine the average lifespan of most breeds. Based on this, the lifespan of a Maine Coon cat is above 12 1/2 years. It has been determined that 74% of the Maine Coons lived past 10 years, while 54% of the Maine Coons in their records lived above 12 1/2 years.
In the said research, they have identified 4 major causes of death among Maine Coon and other domestic cats.
First on their list was urinary disease. Maine Coons are not part of the top breeds that had this as the cause of death. The top breeds that died due to urinary diseases are Persians. British Shorthair, and Ragdolls.
The second cause of death was trauma, resulting from traffic accidents and falls from high places. The top two breeds for this reason were Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons. This is because both are known to love the outdoors.
The third cause was neoplastic disorders, with the top two breeds affected being Siamese and Maine Coon. Siamese dominated this due to its frequency of having mammary tumors. Maine Coon came in at a far second.
Fourth was other infectious diseases. With this cause, Maine Coons have the lowest result among the other cats. According to their data, Maine Coons may have better immunity to infectious diseases compared to other breeds. A contributing factor to this is the vaccination against infectious diseases particularly feline panleukopenia.
However, they concluded their research at 13 years old. Because of this, there is no study supporting that Maine Coons can live longer than 20 years. Nevertheless, given the official record of the oldest Maine Coons, we can confidently assert that the Maine Coon breed can indeed surpass 20 years.
Comparing Lifespan With Other Cats
According to Newsweek.com, the Maine Coon is ranked at #6 with an average lifespan of 16 years. Other cat breeds boast higher lifespans, with Burmese cats living approximately 18-25 years, Bombay cats reaching 20 years, Siamese cats and Cornish Rex Cats both having a lifespan of 20 years, and Balinese Cats living around 18 years.
Common Illness And Diseases of Big Maine Cats
1. HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
The top health concern for Maine Coon Cats is the thickening of muscles of the heart or HCM. This makes it harder for the heart to adequately pump blood. It is advised that Maine Coon be checked regularly for this as early detection is very crucial to ensure the Maine Coon’s health. Symptoms include being lethargic or refusing to move, coughing, and the Maine Coon seems difficult to breathe properly.
Most known breeders have bred healthy Maine Coons that do not show HCM based on their selective screening processes. Genetic testing should be done by the responsible breeder to decrease the prevalence of HCM.
Care Strategies:
- Regular heart screening and examination help identify HCM. There must be an early detection to avoid having to deal with the other symptoms.
- A balanced diet is needed to improve a Maine Coon’s chances against HCM.
2. SMA or Spinal Muscular Atrophy
SMA is one of the genetic disorders that Maine Coon breeders avoid the most. This condition affects the spinal cord’s motor neurons (those responsible for movement). This leads to muscle weakness. Because Maine Coons could be carriers of this disorder, the Maine Coons should be screened properly so that when bred, they won’t pass this down to their kittens. Responsible breeders ensure that all poor medical and health conditions are avoided through screening of the parent Maine Coons to be bred.
Care Strategies:
- Genetic testing is a must to prevent transmission of this irregularity or disorder from parent to kitten.
- Early detection is a must, if you see possible weakness and locomotor or coordination issues in kittens, they must be immediately brought to the vet for proper diagnosis and care.
3. Dental Issues
Maine Coons are also prone to dental problems. Like most cats, they suffer from periodontal disease and gingivitis. If untreated, poor dental conditions may lead to worse health issues, pain, and too much discomfort to the Maine Coon.
Care Strategies:
- Implement a good dental care routine and regimen for your Maine Coon by cleaning and brushing their teeth regularly. Dental treats or toys are also encouraged to help Maine Coons maintain their oral health.
- Professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian is required to be done periodically to prevent and immediately identify and address possible dental problems and conditions that the Maine Coon is suffering from.
4. Obesity
Obesity isn’t usual for Maine Coons despite their large size because they are quite active and love adventures. However, you must still check for obesity as this might lead to joint problems and diabetes.
Care Strategies:
- A balanced diet is a must and portions should be controlled. Regular exercise and fun activities should also be implemented to control the weight and fat percentage of your Maine Coon.
Certainly! On our website, you can find more information about effective ways to manage and control the weight of Maine Coons.
5. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is hereditary, it is a condition passed down to kittens if the breeder is not too particular in checking the Maine Coons being bred. This is common for dogs and large cats. Therefore, you should find a responsible breeder who ensures that medical conditions especially those that are recessive or hereditary are avoided.
Care Strategies:
- Responsible breeding is a must to ensure proper screening before the breeding of the Maine Coon.
- Joint support and supplements should be provided by the veterinarian to ensure the overall health of the joints of the Maine Coon.
6. Parasites
Maine Coon also tends to suffer from infestation of fleas, ticks, and worms. What’s good is that they have better tolerance compared to other cat breeds.
Care Strategies:
- Purging and prevention of these parasitic infections must be administered regularly. Deworming and regular administration of flea and tick prevention sprays should be done.
- Regular Vet check-ups can detect and remove the parasites early on before they proliferate.
To Sum It Up
In reflecting upon the lifespan of Maine Coon cats, it becomes evident that these majestic felines possess a remarkable capacity for longevity, often surpassing 20 years with proper care. From their inclusion in top rankings to the stories of Rubble and Corduroy, the breed’s resilience and adaptability shine through. The key to their extended life lies in responsible breeding, active lifestyles, and vigilant veterinary care, addressing potential health concerns.
As stewards of these magnificent creatures, our role extends beyond ensuring a lengthy existence to providing a life rich in love and exploration. Whether gracing our homes for a decade or well into their 30s, each moment with a Maine Coon is an opportunity to cherish the bond we share and celebrate the extraordinary journey of these regal companions.
