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Empire Maine Coons

Education

Expert articles, guides, and insights to help you make informed decisions before bringing home a Maine Coon.

Updated May 14, 2026
Interactive ToolNewUpdated May 2026

Maine Coon Kitten Cost Calculator: Real Price Estimates by Region

Calculate how much a Maine Coon kitten costs in your area. Adjust by region, breeder type, bloodline, and quality to get a realistic price range with a full cost breakdown.

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Where Did Maine Coons Actually Come From? The Legends, the Lies, and the Truth
BreedApril 23, 2026

Where Did Maine Coons Actually Come From? The Legends, the Lies, and the Truth

Vikings, Marie Antoinette, raccoons, and New England winters — the origin story of the Maine Coon is wilder than you think.

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Maine Coon Myths Debunked: Everything You Think You Know That Is Wrong
BreedApril 23, 2026

Maine Coon Myths Debunked: Everything You Think You Know That Is Wrong

Hypoallergenic? Bigger is better? Low maintenance? We are going through the most common Maine Coon myths one by one and setting the record straight.

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Maine Coon Health: What Every Prospective Owner Needs to Know
HealthApril 23, 2026

Maine Coon Health: What Every Prospective Owner Needs to Know

HCM, SMA, hip dysplasia, PKD — the health conditions that matter for Maine Coons, what to ask your breeder, and how to monitor your cat for life.

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Ringworm, Heart Murmurs & Sneezy Kittens: What New Owners Actually Need to Know
HealthApril 23, 2026

Ringworm, Heart Murmurs & Sneezy Kittens: What New Owners Actually Need to Know

The three health concerns that send new kitten owners into a panic at 11pm — explained clearly, calmly, and without the drama.

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Maine Coon Grooming 101: What You Need to Know Before You Bring One Home
GroomingApril 23, 2026

Maine Coon Grooming 101: What You Need to Know Before You Bring One Home

The coat is spectacular. It does not maintain itself. Here is the honest, practical guide to what grooming a Maine Coon actually involves before you commit to one.

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Maine Coon Breeders in Illinois: How to Find One You Can Actually Trust
SafetyApril 22, 2026

Maine Coon Breeders in Illinois: How to Find One You Can Actually Trust

The Illinois breeder landscape is complicated. Learn the red flags specific to this market, what legitimate breeders look like, price ranges, and how to ask the right questions.

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European Maine Coon: What Makes Them Different
BreedApril 20, 2026

European Maine Coon: What Makes Them Different

European Maine Coons are not a separate breed — but they do look different. Learn what drives the distinction, why they command a premium, and how to verify bloodline claims.

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Giant Maine Coon: Separating Fact from Fiction on Size
BreedApril 18, 2026

Giant Maine Coon: Separating Fact from Fiction on Size

How big do Maine Coons actually get? We break down real size data, what drives giant growth, the viral photo reality check, and what living with a truly large cat is like.

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Bathing a Maine Coon: Yes, You Can. Here Is How.
GroomingMarch 14, 2026

Bathing a Maine Coon: Yes, You Can. Here Is How.

The coat is too thick to go unbathed indefinitely. The good news: Maine Coons are one of the few breeds that actually tolerate water. Here is how to make it routine.

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How to Brush a Maine Coon Without Losing a Finger (or Your Mind)
GroomingFebruary 28, 2026

How to Brush a Maine Coon Without Losing a Finger (or Your Mind)

The right tools, the trouble spots, and the brushing routine that turns a fur tornado into a manageable fluff situation.

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Maine Coon Shedding: What to Expect and How to Survive It
GroomingFebruary 6, 2026

Maine Coon Shedding: What to Expect and How to Survive It

Nobody warns you about the shedding. Then spring arrives. Here is everything you need to know about the shedding cycle, managing fur at home, and when to call the vet.

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Maine Coon vs. Other Breeds: Why They Reign Supreme
BreedJuly 4, 2025

Maine Coon vs. Other Breeds: Why They Reign Supreme

When it comes to the feline kingdom, few breeds capture hearts quite like the majestic Maine Coon. Known for their luxurious fur, intelligence, and gentle giant personalities.

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The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Maine Coon's Coat Regal & Shiny
GroomingJuly 4, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Maine Coon's Coat Regal & Shiny

Everything you need to know about brushing, bathing, diet, and professional grooming to keep that magnificent coat looking its best.

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Trimming Nails & Cleaning Ears: The Grooming Tasks Everyone Avoids
GroomingMarch 28, 2025

Trimming Nails & Cleaning Ears: The Grooming Tasks Everyone Avoids

The unglamorous side of Maine Coon grooming that everyone puts off — until the couch has structural damage. Here is how to handle both without the drama.

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Buyer Beware: Scammers, Kitten Mills & Profit Breeders
SafetyMarch 2, 2025

Buyer Beware: Scammers, Kitten Mills & Profit Breeders

Online scammers, kitten mills, and profit breeders are thriving. Learn how to spot them, verify a legitimate breeder, and protect yourself before you send a single dollar.

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Can You Trust Breeder Reviews?
SafetyFebruary 10, 2025

Can You Trust Breeder Reviews?

Online reviews are a starting point — not the whole story. Learn how to read them critically, spot fake reviews, and where to look beyond Google.

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What Ethical Breeding Actually Looks Like — And What It Does Not
SafetyFebruary 3, 2025

What Ethical Breeding Actually Looks Like — And What It Does Not

Behind the beautiful photos and heartwarming kitten videos, there is a side of the breeding world most buyers never see. Know the full picture.

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How to Spot a Profit Breeder Before It Is Too Late
SafetyJanuary 20, 2025

How to Spot a Profit Breeder Before It Is Too Late

Profit breeders often look completely legitimate on the surface. Here is how to spot them before you hand over a deposit.

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The Breeder World Nobody Talks About: Feuds, Difficult Clients, and Why We Keep Our Distance
SafetyJanuary 15, 2025

The Breeder World Nobody Talks About: Feuds, Difficult Clients, and Why We Keep Our Distance

Behind the polished websites and heartwarming kitten photos, the Maine Coon breeder world has a side most programs will never admit to.

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Why Empire Maine Coons Will Never Ship a Kitten as Cargo
SafetyJanuary 12, 2025

Why Empire Maine Coons Will Never Ship a Kitten as Cargo

Shipping a kitten as cargo is one of the most stressful and dangerous things that can happen to a young cat. Here is why Empire Maine Coons is pick-up only.

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