Male vs Female Maine Coon: Which Should You Choose?
By Royal Maine Coon Kittens · Published
Male Maine Coons are bigger and often described as goofier; females are smaller and often more independent. Here is how size, temperament and cost compare.
The short answer
Male Maine Coons are noticeably larger, typically 15 to 25 pounds, and are often described as laid-back and clownish. Females are usually 10 to 15 pounds and are often described as a little more independent and dignified. Both make loving companions once spayed or neutered, and individual personality matters more than sex.
Size
The size difference is the most reliable one. Males grow larger and heavier and keep growing until 3 to 5 years old. If you want the classic gentle giant, a male is the more likely choice. See our Maine Coon growth guide.
Temperament
- Males: frequently described as playful, goofy and eager for attention throughout the day.
- Females: frequently described as affectionate on their own terms, observant and sometimes more reserved with strangers.
These are tendencies, not rules. A kitten's temperament is shaped by its parents and how it is raised, which is why we raise our kittens in the home and describe each kitten's personality on its page.
Health and behavior
Spaying or neutering removes most sex-related behavior such as spraying or calling. Large males benefit from careful weight management and joint-friendly nutrition as they grow.
How to choose
Choose the individual, not the sex. Tell us about your household, children and other pets, and we will suggest kittens whose temperament fits. Browse our available kittens or contact us for advice.