The Most Popular Cat Breed 2025: Maine Coon
Edited by Ruoqi Lin.
September 6, 2025
In 2025, one of the most popular cat breeds in the world is the Maine Coon.
Whether we look at cat association registrations, social media buzz, or search volume from buyers, Maine Coons remain at the very top.
In this article, we will answer these important questions:
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Why are Maine Coons so popular?
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How much do Maine Coons cost?
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What should you watch out for to avoid scams when buying a Maine Coon?
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How can you make sure your Maine Coon kitten is healthy?
Evidence: Maine Coon Is the Most Popular Cat Breed Today
The popularity of Maine Coons is real and backed by data, not just social media hype.
In 2025, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially announced that the Maine Coon has surpassed the Ragdoll to become the most registered pedigree cat in the world. This shows that more families and breeders are choosing Maine Coons than ever before.
Looking at worldwide data from other major associations such as TICA, FIFe, GCCF, SVERAK, and LOOF, the same trend can be seen — Maine Coons continue to rise in registration numbers globally.
According to data shared by Lorraine Shelton, a TICA All Breeds Judge and Genetics Instructor, total registrations of Maine Coons grew from 9,513 to 24,160 between 2015 and 2024, more than doubling in less than a decade.This explosive growth proves that Maine Coons have moved from a niche breed to the most sought-after cat in the world.
The Maine Coon isn’t just popular in cat associations — it dominates online platforms as well.
TikTok: Videos under #MaineCoon have over 3.7 billion views
Instagram: More than 9.4 million posts using the Maine Coon hashtag
Google Search: 900,000+ searches per month for “Maine Coon” and related terms
On social media, Maine Coons often go viral thanks to their dog-like behaviors and massive size, which capture the attention of millions of viewers worldwide.
The Maine Coon’s rise to the top is not only because of numbers and statistics — it’s because of what they bring to a family. Their appearance, personality, and unique presence make them stand out among all cat breeds.
Appearance: Majestic and Unique
Maine Coons are often called “Gentle Giants” because of their impressive size and calm nature.
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Male weight: 14–23 lbs (6.5–10.5 kg)
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Female weight: 10–16 lbs (4.5–7.5 kg)
Maine Coons are slow-growing cats. Between 1 and 4 years old, they can gain an additional 3–7 lbs (1.5–3 kg) as they fully mature.
They have a large, heavy bone structure, which makes them look even bigger than other cats of the same weight. With their long plumed tails, lynx-tipped ears, and double-layer coat, many people mistake them for a small wild animal or even a dog at first glance.
Distinctive features:
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A long, thick, plumed tail like a luxurious scarf
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Large, upright ears with lynx-like tips
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Thick fur between their toes, like natural snowshoes
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Double-layer, water-resistant coat, perfect for cold climates
Many people, when they see a Maine Coon for the first time, think it’s a small wild animal or even a dog because of its size and presence.
Maine Coons are not just about looks — their temperament is what truly wins people over.
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They love to follow their owners around the house
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Very affectionate and loyal, forming deep bonds with their families
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Can learn simple commands, like fetch or sit, much like a dog
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Great with kids and other pets, making them ideal for multi-pet households
Choosing a Maine Coon is about more than having a pet — it’s about sharing your life with a companion unlike any other cat.
They are the largest domesticated cat breed in the world, and you can feel that difference every day.
They look bold and powerful, like a miniature mountain lion, but inside, they are gentle souls full of love for you.
Maine Coon Price Guide
Maine Coons are a premium purebred cat, and their price depends on bloodline, color, breeder reputation, location, and the care they receive.
In the U.S., pet-quality Maine coon kittens usually cost $2,800–$4,500. Rare colors and kittens from breeders who do full health testing are often at the higher end.
If you see a kitten under $2,000, it’s very likely a scam or poor-quality source.
If your budget is limited, consider adopting a retired adult Maine Coon. Retired cats are healthy, social, and much more affordable. Visit our Retired Cats Blog to learn more.
Buying Tips: Avoiding Scams
As Maine Coons become more popular, scams and irresponsible breeders are also increasing. Buyers need to be very careful.
Be cautious if you notice these red flags:
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Price is too low, especially under $2,000
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Breeder refuses video calls or live kitten viewing
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Most catteries are now closed to visitors for safety, but good breeders will gladly video chat with you
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Pressure to pay quickly for deposits or final payment
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Stolen or repeated photos in listings
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If a cattery shows many kittens with completely different backgrounds, this is a big red flag!
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How to stay safe:
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Ask for a live video call or same-day photos of the kitten
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Verify the breeder is registered with CFA or TICA
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Search the breeder’s name + “scam” or “complaints” before sending any money
Common Health Issues in Maine Coons
Maine Coons are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain genetic conditions. Knowing these issues helps you choose a healthy kitten and a responsible breeder.
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HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy): A heart disease. It’s recommended to do a heart ultrasound every year.
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Hip Dysplasia: A joint problem common in large cats. X-ray screening is needed for breeding cats.
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SMA, PKDef, and HCM Genes: These can be detected through DNA testing, which helps prevent passing them to kittens
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The Maine Coon is more than just a popular cat — it’s a breed that combines beauty, intelligence, and a loving nature.
While the price and health care require careful planning, bringing home a Maine Coon means adding a gentle giant and loyal companion to your family. With the right breeder and proper attention, you’ll have a healthy, affectionate cat that will bring joy to your home for many years to come.