Maine Coon Cats for Sale: How Much Does a Maine Coon Really Cost?

1. So You’re Looking for a Maine Coon Cat for Sale...

Maine Coons are easily one of the most desirable cat breeds in the world—and understandably so. They're big, fluffy, smart, gentle, and have a personality that makes you go “this cat is basically a dog.” If you’re treading the waters of the cat market, and currently looking for a Maine Coon cat for sale, I’m guessing the first big question that comes to mind is: how much does a Maine Coon cat cost? You’ll probably see prices that have a pretty wide variance.

How much does a Maine Coon cat actually cost? You’ll probably notice prices all over the place. Some are under $1,000, others go well over $7,000. So… what gives? In this blog, we will dive into the real cost of a Maine Coon, what varies the price, how you can avoid being scammed, and what you’ll likely want to budget for after you bring your new fluffball home.

2. Price Range: What’s Normal for a Maine Coon?

Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay in the U.S. right now:

For Pet Homes: $3,000 – $4,500
These kittens are placed strictly as pets with a spay/neuter agreement. They are healthy, well-socialized, and make wonderful companions, but are not intended for breeding or show programs.
For Breeding or Show Programs: $4,000 – $8,000+
These kittens are sold with full rights and are suitable for breeding or showing. They usually come from lines with proven health, strong structure, and desirable temperament

These are ballpark numbers—actual prices depend on things like the kitten’s bloodline, the breeder’s reputation, health testing, and even your location. Remember, you’re not just paying for a pretty cat. You’re paying for health, ethical breeding, socialization, and peace of mind.

3. What Affects the Price of a Maine Coon Cat?

Let’s break down the main things that make one Maine Coon cost more than another:

3.1 Pedigree

Kittens from TICA/CFA-registered breeders with champion bloodlines will always cost more. If both parents have show titles, expect a higher price tag.

3.2 Breeder Quality

A great breeder invests time and money into proper socialization, early training, and full health testing (like HCM, PKD, SMA). They also give you a contract and lifelong support.

3.3 Nutrition, Health Care & Extras

Every breeder runs their cattery differently. Some feed high-protein raw diets or top-quality grain-free food. Others go above and beyond with care for pregnant queens and newborns. A few things that might increase the price:

Already microchipped
Spayed or neutered before going home
Fully vaccinated and dewormed
Comes with a health certificate and written health guarantee

All of these things cost money—but they give you a much healthier, happier kitten.

3.4 Color & Coat Type

Rare colors like blue silver, smoke, shaded, can drive the price up.

3.5 Where You Live

If you’re in a big city or rural area with limited breeders, prices might be higher. Also, hand-delivery, flight nanny, or long-distance transportation adds to the total cost.

4. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Unfortunately, high demand brings out scammers. If you’re looking for a Maine Coon cat for sale, here are a few red flags you should never ignore:

Too cheap to be true: Purebred Maine Coons under $1,000 are almost always fake or from bad breeders.
No video calls, just a few blurry pics or videos: If they can’t show you the kitten live, don’t trust it.
Won’t share past buyer reviews or proof of previous pet buyers
Talks a lot about how “responsible” they are, but can’t answer direct questions about the kitten’s parents, health, or paperwork.
Wants a deposit first, then asks for a “shipping fee” later using sketchy third-party transporters.
Always has 5+ kittens available? That’s a red flag too—good breeders don’t mass-produce kittens.
No vaccines, no microchip, no health records or contract.

✅ A legit breeder will happily answer your questions, show you live videos, send health docs, and never rush you into sending money.

5. Ongoing Costs: What It Takes to Care for a Maine Coon

Buying the kitten is just the beginning. Maine Coons are large, long-haired cats with big appetites and a lot of energy. Here’s what you might spend month-to-month:
Expense/Estimated Cost

High-quality food $60–$100/month
Cat litter $30–$50/month
Routine vet care $300–$500/year
Pet insurance $30–$60/month
Emergency fund $500–$1,000+ (just in case)
Grooming supplies $100–$200/year
Toys, cat trees, etc. $10–$30/month

🧾 Estimated first-year total: $3,000–$5,000+
📆 Ongoing annual costs: ~$1,500–$2,500
You’ll also spend time—lots of it—playing, brushing, and bonding. But trust us, it’s so worth it.

6. Are Maine Coons Really Worth the Money?

Absolutely. Maine Coons aren’t just gorgeous—they’re ridiculously friendly, smart, and fun. People call them the “dogs of the cat world” for good reason.
With a good Maine Coon, you get:

A chill, easygoing personality
A cat that adjusts well to new places
A loyal but independent companion
A family member who’ll be with you for 12–17 years

So no—it’s not “just a cat.” You’re paying for health, personality, and years of joyful chaos.

7. Where Can You Find a Responsible Breeder?

Here’s how to start your search:

TICA or CFA breeder directories
Breeder websites with photos, health info, and transparent pricing
Social media pages with real updates and comments
Google reviews or Facebook recommendations
Local cat shows—talk to breeders in person!

And don’t worry if your favorite breeder isn’t nearby—many offer safe delivery or flight nanny services.

8. Final Thoughts: What Are You Really Paying For?

So, how much is a Maine Coon cat? Realistically, $3,000–$4,500 is what you should expect for a healthy, well-bred kitten from a trusted cattery. It’s not just about the price. It’s about avoiding heartbreak, getting a healthy cat, and supporting responsible breeding. You’re not buying a product—you’re bringing home a living, loving companion.

Need help choosing the right breeder? Want tips on what questions to ask or how to prepare for your Maine Coon kitten’s arrival? I’d be happy to help you create follow-up content. Just say the word!