Maine Coons in the South: Texas, Florida, and the Heat Factor#

“Can I have a Maine Coon in Florida?” I get this email weekly. People worry that a cat built for snow will melt in Miami.

The answer is Yes, but with caveats. And interestingly, the South (specifically Texas and Florida) has become the new “capital” of the European/Extreme Maine Coon look in America. While the Northeast sticks to tradition, Southern breeders have heavily imported massive, feral-looking cats from Russia and Germany.

If you want a cat that looks like a lion, you probably want a Southern breeder.

The “Euro” Influence in the South#

Why the South? looser import regulations and larger property sizes allowed breeders to build massive “Catios” and import high-dollar breeding stock from Europe.

The Look: Expect huge ear tufts, strong muzzles, and heavier bone structure.
The Price: Southern prices are often higher ($3,500+) due to the cost of importing parents.

Top Ethical Catteries (Vetted History)#

Megacoon (Texas): A legendary cattery. Known for size. If you want a 25lb giant, this is a line to look at (but check those hips!).
Florida Maine Coons (Florida): Specializes in the “Wild” look but with a focus on heart health. Very transparent about their HCM scanning.
Mitcha Coons (South Carolina): A great blend of American and European lines.

Keeping a Snow Cat in the Sunbelt#

If you buy a Maine Coon in Texas or Florida, you must manage their environment.

The “Summer Shed”: Your cat will likely blow their coat almost completely in April. They may look like a Shorthair until November. This is normal.
AC Dependence: A Maine Coon cannot regulate heat well. If your AC breaks in July, your cat is in immediate danger of heatstroke.
Catio Safety: In the South, you have heartworm mosquitoes and fleas year-round. A screened-in Catio is mandatory, not optional.

Conclusion#

The South is the place to go for the “XXL” European look. Just remember: a 25lb cat generates a lot of body heat. Keep them cool, keep them brushed, and enjoy having a mini-lion in your living room.

References#

TICA South Central Region. Breeder Listings.
Florida Association of Cat Fanciers.
Journal of Thermal Biology. Heat tolerance in long-haired felines.