My 10 year old M.C. died very unexpectedly and was otherwise healthy. I loved him dearly & am considering buying another one. How long does a M.C. typically live? I was just curious what most people have experienced.

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2000

Answers

When I bought my two Main Coons I was told by the breeder that the larger breeds don't live as long as the smaller ones and by ten years old my Maine Coons would be very old. As she said, life expectancy is shorter with Maine Coons the same way the huge dogs such as Great Danes and Mastiffs don't live as long as smaller poodles. I can't bear the thought of losing my two - ten years is such a short time. Of course, good nutrition, heredity and environment will help to prolong life. I haven't experienced any age related problems yet as mine are still considered young but I just thought I'd tell you of my breeder's warning. I do have a friend with one that is healthy at twelve. I'd love to hear others' experience on this subject. I'm so sorry you lost your baby.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

Just for the record, my Dad's Maine Coon lived to be 23 and he was huge! 39 inches from nose to tail tip. He was very active most of his life and, although he weighed over 20 pounds, was slim. Maybe the fact that he was never a fat cat contributed to his longevity.

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2000

I have known several Maine Coons and Maine Coon mixes that have lived well into their late teens, one of which died at the age of 22 yrs. I have owned M.C. and mixes for over ten years, tho I lost three in a house fire a few years ago. I started a breeding program since then and am watching anxiously as some of my "babies" progress in the show ring. I know first hand how hard it is to lose a friend, but I keep them with me always in my memories and lots of pictures. These are truly extraordinary cats and I would never hesitate to have one regardless of life expectancy. I'm hooked!

-- Anonymous, January 06, 2001