Male vs Female Maine Coons
Comprehensive Comparison of the key differences between male and female Maine Coons, including size, personality, price, grooming, and more.
Clarification note: All comparisons can be read and understood as “in general” or as though they had edge case qualifiers beside them, because nothing will be the case in 100% of situations for every cat for all of eternity.
The Most Important Difference
Individual Personality
The biggest difference between Maine Coon kittens and cats is not gender, but their individual personality which is unique to each cat. That is why we provide a description of each of our kitties' personalities to all of our buyers!
Parents have an influence on the personality of the kittens. Each of our cats have personality profiles on their pages!
Summary
| Features | Male Maine Coons | Female Maine Coons |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Weight | Larger | Smaller |
| Litter Cleanliness | Messier | Cleaner |
| Grooming | More brushing | Less brushing |
| Price | More | Less |
| Colors & Patterns | No exclusive colors | 3 exclusive colors/patterns |
| Food | Eats more | Eats less |
| Affection Level | Same as females | Same as males |
| Compatibility with Children | Same as females | Same as males |
| Compatibility with Pets | Same as females | Same as males |
| Energy | Lazier when older | More energy |
| Neuter/Spay | Neuter at ~12 months | Spay ~6-10 months |
Compatibility
Other Pets
Will Maine Coons get along with my pet bird?
We have been asked this a few times and our answer is: better safe than sorry, no.
Are Males better with other pets?
Males will get along with your existing pets - dogs, or cats - the same way that females will.
Female Maine Coons with Other Pets
Females will get along with your existing pets - dogs, or cats - the same way that males will.
I have a Male Cat, should I get another Male, or a Female?
Getting a female cat would let you enjoy the benefits of both! The male will have a female to protect and look after.
Getting another male is also totally okay, and they will end up getting along. We recommend that your existing cat is neutered before getting another male (or an unneutered female above four months of age.)
I have a Female Cat, should I get another Female, or a Male?
Females tend to enjoy having another female around, they become closer friends, and more frequently exchange tongue- licking-baths!
That being said, getting a male cat would give you the best of both worlds! If your female is not spayed, getting another male is also totally okay, and they will end up getting along and becoming friends.
Either way, having two or more cats lets them have buddies their own size to play with.
Male, or female, two or more cats is better than one!
Small Children
Male Maine Coons with Small Human Children
Maine Coon Males are ≈ the same as Maine Coon females. Individual personality is the primary differentiator.
Female Maine Coons with Small Human Children
Individual personality is the primary differentiator.
Maine Coon Male vs Female Appearance
Male vs Female Maine Coons Size and Weight
Maine Coon Males are ≈ 20 to 30 or more pounds. Larger with a more muscular build.
Maine Coon Females are ≈ 12 to 20 or more pounds. Slightly smaller and more feminine.
You can see pictures in our gallery of Male Maine Coons and Female Maine Coons .
Maine Coon Colors & Patterns
Tortie, Torbie, and Calico are functionally exclusively female. They come in dilute (blue) and black variations: Blue Tortie, Black Tortie, Blue Torbie, Black Torbie, Blue Calico, and Black Calico.
Maine Coon Reds are usually male.
Maine Coon Price
Male Maine Coon Price
Males are generally slightly more expensive than females.
Female Maine Coon Price
Females are usually slightly less money than males.
Maine Coon Care
Maine Coon Litter & Mess
Are Males messier than Females?
Males are sometimes a little messier in the litter box until they fully mature.
Males have an increased risk of kidney stones and bladder infections. Since Maine Coons drink so much water, there is less of a risk than other breeds.
Are Females cleaner than Males?
Females are usually cleaner than males when it comes to litter box activity. This means they typically spill less litter than males, and generally cover up after they leave their leavings a bit better than males do. Females are tidier in general, though they tend to knock things off of shelves a little more in general.
Maine Coon Grooming
Do Males require more grooming than females?
Males can benefit from a bit more brushing since they groom themselves a tad less and their hormones can cause their hair to become greasier, causing their hair to stick together.
Female Maine Coon Grooming
Females tend to give themselves more self-tongue-baths, so less brushing is required.
Maine Coon Food
Do Males eat more than Females?
Males eat a bit more than females.
Do Females eat less than Males?
Females eat a little less than males.
Maine Coon Sterilization
Female Maine Coons Spaying
Females should ideally be spayed a couple of weeks after their first heat (usually ~6 to 10 months). If females are not spayed and continue to have estrus cycles, they may develop pyometra.
Male Maine Coon Neutering
If there are no unspayed females nearby, males can be neutered safely at ~12 months. This allows them to reach full size. If there are unspayed females nearby, or because of other environmental factors, unneutered males may begin spraying (peeing outside of their litter box) around that age. Neutering stops this spraying behavior.
Maine Coon Male vs Female Personality
Maine Coon Male vs Female Affection
Are Males more loving than Females?
Maine Coon Males are ≈ as loving as Maine Coon females.
Are Maine Coon Females more loving than Maine Coon Males?
Maine Coon Females are ≈ as loving as Maine Coon males.
Individual personality is the primary differentiator.
Maine Coon Male vs Female Energy
Are Males or Females more playful?
Males and females are about the same.
Are Males lazier than Females?
Older males are a bit lazier than females.
Are Females more playful than Males?
Females have a little more intensity than males, quicker to jump up and follow you around.
Maine Coon Myths
Myth: Males Maine Coons are more dominant than Female Maine Coons
A common misconception is that male Maine Coons are always more dominant or territorial. This is the case when the male is mature and not neutered. Otherwise, Maine Coons, regardless of gender, are known for their friendly and sociable nature. Both males and females can be equally loving and easygoing, so your choice should focus more on personality than gender.
Maine Coon Takeaways
Whether you choose a male or female, rest assured that you are bringing home a friendly and affectionate companion who will rule your heart, and maybe your couch or bed.