Hip Dysplasia in Maine Coons: Not Just a Dog Problem#

When we think of Hip Dysplasia, we think of German Shepherds dragging their back legs. But ask any orthopedic veterinary surgeon, and they will tell you: “Maine Coons are the German Shepherds of the cat world.”

Because of their massive size and rapid growth rate, Maine Coons are significantly more prone to Hip Dysplasia than your average domestic cat.

It is a painful, degenerative condition where the ball-and-socket joint of the hip doesn’t fit together correctly. Instead of gliding smoothly, it grinds. Over time, this grinding causes arthritis, pain, and lameness.

Is it genetic? Yes. Is it environmental? Also yes. Here is how to protect your gentle giant’s joints.

The “Bunny Hop”: Spotting the Signs#

Cats are masters at hiding pain. A dog with hip dysplasia will yelp. A cat with hip dysplasia will simply stop jumping.

You need to look for behavioral changes, not crying.

The Bunny Hop: When running, does your cat move both back legs together in unison (like a rabbit)? This is a classic sign they are trying to minimize hip movement.
Hesitation: Do they look at the sofa, crouch to jump, and then give up and walk away?
Changes in Grooming: If your cat stops grooming their lower back or base of the tail (resulting in mats), it’s often because it hurts to twist their spine/hips to reach that spot.
Touch Sensitivity: Do they growl or hiss when you pet their hips? (See our Aggression vs. Pain Guide).

The OFA Grading System#

Responsible breeders don’t just guess about hips; they X-ray them. In the USA, we use the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) grading system. Breeders send X-rays of their breeding cats to the OFA, where experts grade the hip joint.

Excellent / Good / Fair: These are passing grades. The cat is safe to breed.
Borderline / Mild / Moderate / Severe: These cats have dysplasia. They should NOT be bred.

Buyer Beware: Ask your breeder, “Do you OFA test hips?” If they say, “My vet checked them and said they felt fine,” that is not enough. You cannot feel mild dysplasia with your hands; you need an X-ray.

Environment: Don’t Make It Worse#

You cannot change your cat’s genetics, but you can change their environment. For a heavy cat like a Maine Coon (see our Weight Chart), gravity is the enemy.

1. The Flooring Factor#

Slick hardwood or tile floors are terrible for hips. When a cat jumps down and lands on a slippery floor, their legs slide outward (“Bambi on ice”). This micro-trauma damages the hip joint over time.

Fix: Put area rugs or yoga mats at the bottom of cat trees and near sofas.

2. Weight Management#

Every extra pound of fat is exponential pressure on the hips. Keeping your Maine Coon lean is the single best painkiller you can give them. (Use our Feeding Calculator to check their calories).

3. Joint Supplements#

I recommend starting a Maine Coon on a Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplement (like Cosequin or Dasuquin) early—around 2 or 3 years old. You don’t wait for the car to break down before changing the oil; don’t wait for arthritis before supporting the joints.

Treatment Options#

If your cat is diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia, it is not a death sentence.

Medical Management: Pain meds (Gabapentin), anti-inflammatories (Meloxicam - with caution), and supplements.
FHO Surgery (Femoral Head Ostectomy): This sounds scary—the surgeon removes the “ball” of the hip bone entirely. The muscles then form a “false joint.” Surprisingly, cats do incredibly well with this and can run and jump almost normally afterward.
Total Hip Replacement: Available, but extremely expensive ($6,000+ per hip).

The Bottom Line#

Hip Dysplasia is the “dirty little secret” of the Maine Coon world. It is widespread (some studies suggest up to 20% of the breed is affected to some degree).

Your best defense is buying from a breeder who performs OFA Hips screening, keeping your cat lean, and carpeting your “landing zones.”

References#

Loder, R.T. & Todhunter, R.J. (2017). “The Demographics of Hip Dysplasia in the Maine Coon Cat.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Hip Dysplasia Statistics: Maine Coon.
Perry, K. (2016). “Feline Hip Dysplasia: A Challenge to Recognise and Treat.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Hip Dysplasia in Cats.
TICA. Maine Coon Breed Seminar: Orthopedic Health.