The Maine coon is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. However, someone asked me the other day, are Maine coons illegal?
I believe this question comes from people being worried about whether they can buy one or not and they are just trying to save themselves the hassle of it, in case they turn out to be illegal.
Additionally, because Maine Coons are so big some might think they are exotic cats. But they’re not exotic cats, they are just really huge and exotic-looking at times.
So, Are Maine Coons Legal? Allowed Or Not?
A Maine coon is not illegal. There’s no law against owning a Maine coon in any state or country. If you want to breed Maine coons, then you may require a license. However, these regulations change depending on the country you are in. So generally, it is legal to own a Maine coon. Don’t fret, you’re allowed to have your new fur monster!
If you’re considering buying a Maine coon, check out our in-depth guide on how much you should pay for a Maine coon. A Maine coon kitten is not as expensive as you may expect.
Are Maine Coon Cats Endangered?
Thankfully, a Maine coon is not considered endangered. In fact, they are one of the most popular breed of cats in the world. So you don’t have to worry about your new kitty becoming extinct any time soon!
However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t in danger at all. There are some things that could potentially endanger a Maine coon as well as all cats.
One thing that could endanger a Maine coon is if its popularity declines. If people stop wanting to own Maine coons, it will put them at risk of becoming endangered.
This happened to the Maine coon in the 1950s because the Persian Cat was introduced to America. Pet lovers began to adopt more Persians and the Maine coon population declined so much that they almost faced extinction.
The good news is that there are plenty of people who love the Maine coon and want to help keep them safe!
So, if you’re one of those people, be sure to do your part in keeping this beautiful breed safe. Spread the word about how great they are!
Are Maine Coons Rare?
Are Maine coons rare you ask? The Maine coon is not considered a rare breed of cat.
In fact, they are the 3rd most popular breed in the United States according to the CFAs latest Top Breeds Statistics.
This may be due to the fact that they require more grooming than some other breeds.
But for those who love this big, fluffy breed of feline, there is no question that a Maine coon is worth the extra effort!
Are Maine Coons Dangerous or Aggressive?
Is a Maine coon dangerous? How dangerous are they? Do they bite and scratch people? This is something that many cat lovers ask themselves, especially if they have small children.
Cats as a whole aren’t considered to be particularly violent creatures, but let’s take a closer look at whether or not these big cuddly felines live up to their reputation of being “gentle giants”.
A Maine coon isn’t considered dangerous at all. Probably the most dangerous part of a Maine coon is its bites.
Like all cats, they have large sharp canines that can do damage. But as with all cats, your Maine coon would never bite you if unprovoked.
In some cases, a Maine coon may have been abused as a kitten so is therefore extra cautious around people and may even scrab or hiss at its owners from time to time.
But this is not characteristic of the breed in normal circumstances.
Generally, Maine coons as pets are wonderful companions; they’re very smart, and playful and have been known to be quite affectionate.
This means they are very calm and great to have around children and newborns.
So overall, while there is always the potential for danger with any animal, a Maine coon is not inherently more dangerous than any other breed of feline. With proper socialization and training from an early age, they can make great family companions.
Can I Have A Maine Coon Cat As A Pet?
As mentioned before, the Maine coon cat is not illegal anywhere or endangered so having one as a pet isn’t an issue anywhere in the world.
If you’re thinking about adding a new member to your family, a Maine coon is an excellent choice.
They’re intelligent, affectionate, and loyal pets that will love you unconditionally. You’ll never have to worry about them getting bored or wanting attention all the time because they don’t need it!
They have a lot of personalities and can be very playful. They also tend to be very relaxed and laid back so if you’re looking for a furry friend to cuddle with on the couch, a Maine coon is definitely worth considering.
On top of that, if you’ve got kids at home who are looking for something fun to do, get yourself a Maine coon.
These animals make great companions for any age group – especially those between ages four through ten years old (and older).
Do You Need A License To Own A Maine Coon?
Many big cats such as lions and tigers require a license to legally own one. However, Maine coon cats are not considered wild, so you don’t need a license to own one.
Although they are huge and can look like lions. They are domesticated cats and as such, they do not require ownership licenses.
However, it is still wise to have the proper identification for your Maine coon even if licensing them is not legally required.
This will help ensure that your cat can be identified as yours should it ever become lost or go missing and end up at an animal shelter or veterinary clinic.
Without this proper identification, there’s no telling what might happen should no owner come forward to claim the cat after a period of time has passed.
What’s The Biggest Cat You Can Legally Own?
Maine coons are big cats but they’re certainly not the biggest cats you can own. The biggest cats you can own are in fact a species of cat that isn’t even in the top 10 in terms of popularity.
It is in fact a tiger. Tigers weigh an average of 200 to 660 pounds and can be up to 10 feet in length.
While it’s generally illegal in most states and countries to own a tiger some states in America still allow it. States such as Oklahoma, Texas, Idaho, Maine, and Mississippi, as well as others.
While these states do allow you to own a tiger, regulations are very tight and you must obtain a state-level permit. This also includes having the appropriate land and facilities to cater to the animal.
So technically, the biggest cat you can own is the tiger. However, for most people owning a tiger is out of reach financially.
Other less expensive yet big cats people can own are Servals, Caracals, Ocelots, Bobcats, and Lynxes.
Is It Legal To Breed Maine Coons Cats?
It’s possible to legally breed Maine coons but you need to consider the laws and regulations where you live in.
Most of the time if you want to breed cats, you will need to acquire a license. Oh, and of course a female Maine coon(joke).
If you’ve been thinking of breeding Maine coons, keep in mind the costs that are involved including veterinary inspections, vaccinations, worming procedures, and examinations by accredited cat specialists.
These examinations are done regularly and you must keep a standard to maintain your breeding license.
It’s certainly not as easy as just buying a few cats and making them mate. It’s quite often very costly.
The best thing to do is visit some Maine coon breeders and ask them how to get into it.
Conclusion – Are Coon Cats Legal?
So there you go, if you’re wondering are Maine coon cats illegal, there’s your answer. There is no such thing as an illegal Maine coon.
If you’re interested in breeding them, be sure to check with your local municipality as regulations may vary depending on where you live.
And finally, rest assured that these beautiful cats are not endangered and will be around for many years to come!
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.