Maine Coons are large cats so it’s no surprise that people think they need a lot of space. Compared to the average feline, Maine Coons tend to be half as big again. Does this mean Maine Coons need 50% more space than smaller cats?
How much space do Maine Coons actually need?
In reality, Maine Coons need the same amount of space as any other cats. It’s not the size of the space that’s important for a Maine Coon, it’s how you utilize it. Instead of worrying about how much space a Maine Coon ought to have, concentrate on how to adapt the space you do have to cater for a Maine Coon’s needs.

The space a Maine Coon inhabits simply needs to allow room for them to run, stretch, climb, jump and play. It should also include somewhere they feel safe to sleep, a spot to hide in if they want to, and a view of the outside world from a window.
Throw in a selection of toys and ensure you take the time to play with a Maine Coon several times a day even when it is no longer a kitten.
If you can offer a Maine Coon outside time in a reasonably sized catio or a securely enclosed garden, even better.
How much space does an indoor Maine Coon need?
All over the world, Maine Coons are thriving equally well in spaces, small and large: basically any type of home you can imagine. So don’t let anyone make you feel your home isn’t spacious enough.
Although the square footage of your living accommodation isn’t paramount, it wouldn’t be fair to keep a Maine Coon cooped up in one small room all the time: they do need a bit of variety and a change of scenery.
Whether your home is a small apartment or a sizeable mansion, you can adapt it to suit a Maine Coon.
The ideal space for a Maine Coon allows them enough room to expend energy through running, playing, and climbing. This is important for the physical and mental well-being of any cat, not just Maine Coons.
Imagine how wild cats hunt by stalking, sprinting, and pouncing. You should ensure a Maine Coon has enough space to engage in this type of natural cat behavior in your home.
If you don’t have a great deal of floor space, use the space between the floor and the ceiling: add shelves and walkways to your walls, invest in tall scratching posts, or even a purpose-built cat tree/condo.
Our four Maine Coons love cat trees. These come in all shapes, sizes, and colors – have a look on Amazon and you’ll see a wide selection.
We’ve had the Amazon basic tree pictured below for 2 years and can thoroughly recommend it as a good budget tree. You can find it on Amazon by clicking this link.

How much space do Maine Coons need in a catio?
Many people invest in a cat enclosure (often referred to as a catio) in order to give their Maine Coon safe outdoor time. These are often constructed from wood and mesh and can be attached to your home or free-standing.
If you plan to install a catio, the bigger the better! If it’s not possible to have one with a large floor area, try to ensure it is tall and has plenty of space for a Maine Coon to climb and jump. Add lots of enrichment features such as shelves, walkways, bridges, and toys.
If your Maine Coon does not have free access from a catio back into your home, ensure there is shade from the sun at all times, shelter from bad weather, a litter box, and a food and drink area.
Can Maine Coons live in a small house or apartment?
Maine Coons are active cats but can live in a small house or apartment provided there is room to run, climb, jump and play. Allowing a Maine Coon access to as many rooms as possible will ensure it keeps occupied by exploring its territory.
A Maine Coon should not be kept for long periods in one room so it’s not ideal to have one in a shared home where it would need to be confined to your bedroom a lot of the time. Any cat in this situation will get bored, lethargic, and even depressed.

Do Maine Coons need outside space?
In our experience, Maine Coons are always happier if they get daily outside time. If you can’t offer your Maine Coon any outside space at home, you might consider harness training so that you can walk them in a safe area.
It’s easier to do this if you invest in a harness when your Mane Coon is a kitten and get it used to wearing one before you attempt to venture outside. Make sure it is an approved one and fits snuggly and securely to prevent escape.
When you take a Maine Coon for a walk, remember cats like to feel safe at all times and naturally want to get away from perceived danger.
It might be better to also use a cat stroller so you have a safe space to put your cat in if anything scares it. I know people who have had their arms badly clawed after picking up a cat when a dog has approached.
What size carrier do I need for a Maine Coon cat?
When you take a Maine Coon to the vet or in a car for any other reason, it’s best to have a sturdy carrier. This should allow your cat space to stand and turn around.
I prefer hard carriers to soft ones as they feel more secure. Our Maine Coons have large Karlie Nomad Aeroplane boxes because one of them is 26 lbs and needs extra space. They are currently available on Amazon and you can see more details by clicking this link.

Do Maine Coons need a lot of room?
Maine Coons need a reasonable amount of room but no more than any other cat. Ideally, they should have the freedom to roam around several different rooms in your home and plenty of places where they can jump and climb.
This will ensure they are physically and mentally stimulated which is important to keep healthy in mind and body.
It’s always a good idea to cat-proof each room in your house for your Maine Coon’s safety. This is something I spend a lot of time thinking about as there are many potential dangers in a home – some you might not even think about.
If you’re interested in making your home a really safe space for a Maine Coon, I’ve written a whole article on this subject. It covers all the ways you can possibly think of to make any home and garden as safe as possible for a cat and you can read it by clicking here.
Conclusion
It’s possible to make virtually any home spacious enough to keep a Maine Coon happy and healthy. It might take a little ingenuity and effort but it’s worth it, especially if you don’t have a lot of room but really want a Maine Coon.
Once you have your space set up to cater for a Maine Coon, don’t forget to encourage it to make the most of the space you have through stimulating play.
What do Maine Coons enjoy playing with? Read my article on this very subject by clicking here!