A Maine Coon kitten costs $1,500 to $5,000 in 2026
A pet quality Maine Coon kitten costs $1,500 to $3,000 from a breeder who health tests in 2026, and many well known TICA and CFA catteries now charge $3,000 to $5,000. Show and breeding quality kittens run $4,000 to $8,500. A retired adult from a breeder is $300 to $2,750. Adoption through a rescue is $75 to $450. In 2016 the average kitten was about $2,000, so prices have roughly doubled in ten years.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Coon Lovers | Coon Lovers lists pet kittens at $1,500 to $3,000 from health testing breeders and rescue or shelter adoption at $100 to $550. |
| LMCoonCat | LMCoonCat lists kittens from reputable U.S. breeders at $2,800 to $5,000, with most of its pet kittens at $3,000 to $3,500. |
| Sassy Koonz | Sassy Koonz lists reputable breeder kittens at $4,000 to $8,500, its own pet kittens at $5,500, and retired adults at $2,750. |
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The cattery | Small hobby breeders charge $1,200 to $2,500. Established catteries with champion lines charge $3,000 to $5,500 or more. |
| Color and traits | Silver, smoke and rare patterns, polydactyl (extra toes) and extra large lines add $200 to $1,000. |
| Health testing | HCM, SMA and hip screening cost the breeder $300 to $1,000 per cat per year and show up in the price. |
| Age | Kittens cost the most. Retired adults are half price or less. |
| Region | The Northeast and West Coast run higher. The Midwest is often $1,000 to $2,800. |
What the price includes
A kitten from a reputable breeder comes with registration papers, vaccines, deworming, a microchip, a vet exam and a health guarantee, and usually goes home at 12 to 16 weeks already spayed or neutered. Shipping is extra. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
What the price includes at a breeder
A kitten from a good breeder costs more because the breeder pays for health care before you ever see the kitten. Coon Lovers says a good breeder pays for heart scans and genetic tests, proper food, and weeks of time with people. Your price usually covers registration papers, vaccines, a vet check and a microchip. Many breeders also give a written health guarantee. Shipping, a carrier and spay or neuter fees may be extra. Ask for a contract and a list of what is included before you pay a deposit.
How to judge your quote
- Ask for proof of HCM and other health tests on both parents.
- Ask what the health guarantee covers and for how long.
- Ask if the kitten comes with vaccines, a microchip and registration papers.
- A fair breeder lets you visit and meet the mother.
- Compare the total with the range above: $1,500 to $5,000 per pet kitten for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Ask breeders about retired adults. They are already fixed, socialized and $300 to $2,750.
- Check Maine Coon rescue groups. Purebred kittens through rescue are about $400 to $450 and adults $250 to $375.
- Pick a common color. Brown tabby costs less than silver or smoke for the same cat.
- Walk away from $300 to $900 kittens. That price means no health testing or no Maine Coon at all.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Coon Lovers, LMCoonCat and Sassy Koonz. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much is a Maine Coon kitten?
Coon Lovers lists $1,500 to $3,000 for pet kittens from health testing breeders. LMCoonCat lists $2,800 to $5,000.
Is a Maine Coon worth the price?
Many owners say yes for the size and the gentle nature. They also need more food and grooming than a small cat.
Can I adopt a Maine Coon for less?
Coon Lovers lists rescue and shelter adoption at $100 to $550. Breed rescues are worth a call.
Why are some kittens much cheaper?
Coon Lovers says very low prices often mean the breeder skipped genetic and heart testing. That can lead to costly vet bills later.