How Much Do Ginger Maine Coons Cost?

Introduction: The Allure of the Ginger Maine Coon

Few cats are as striking as the ginger Maine Coon. With coats that range from fiery orange to pale cream-red, these cats capture attention instantly. Families often describe them as looking like “mini lions.” Combine that look with the signature Maine Coon size, personality, and charm, and it’s no wonder that people specifically seek out ginger kittens.

But how much do ginger Maine Coons cost in 2025—and what exactly are you paying for? This guide breaks it down fully: from average kitten prices and regional costs to adoption fees, hidden expenses, and even how to avoid scams.

👉 Want to learn more about coat genetics, lifespan, and traits? Don’t miss our in-depth Orange Maine Coon guide.

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Average Cost of a Ginger Maine Coon Kitten

• Pet quality ginger Maine Coon: $4,000 – $6,500
• Show/breeding quality: $5,500 – $8,000+
• Rare variations (cream, silver-red, imported lines): $4,500 – $7,500+

Some catteries, especially those in high-demand areas like California and New York, list pet kittens starting around $5,000–$6,900. Others in the Midwest and South sometimes start closer to $3,000–$4,500.

👉 If you see kittens advertised for under $1,000, pause—this is almost always a red flag for scams or backyard breeders. Read about Maine Coon Kitten Colors here.

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Why Ginger Maine Coons May Cost More

While ginger Maine Coons are not genetically rarer than brown tabby or black, they are often in higher demand. That demand, paired with breeder practices, influences price.

• Breeder reputation and ethics. Experienced breeders with strong client networks charge more—but they usually include health guarantees, contracts, and lifelong support.
• Health testing. Reputable breeders test for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia, PKD, and SMA. This testing raises upfront costs but reduces long-term risk. See Cornell Feline Health Center’s HCM info for why it matters.
• Pedigree and imported lines. Breeders working with European or championship lines may price kittens higher.
• Demand for the “lion look.” Ginger coats are one of the most requested, which can nudge pricing upward.
• Gender. Larger males are sometimes priced higher due to size demand.

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Regional Price Differences: U.S. Snapshot

Prices aren’t uniform. Here’s what to expect by region:

• Northeast (NY, MA, PA): $2,500 – $4,500
• South (FL, GA, TX): $2,000 – $4,000
• Midwest (OH, MI, IL): $2,000 – $3,800
• West Coast (CA, WA, OR): $2,800 – $5,000

👉 Pro tip: Always verify a breeder’s registration with CFA or TICA.

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Adoption & Rescue Options for Ginger Maine Coons

Not everyone needs a pedigreed kitten. Adoption is a wonderful, affordable route:

• Maine Coon Rescue – nationwide network.
• Only Maine Coons Rescue – Mid-Atlantic coverage.
• East Coast Maine Coon Rescue – fosters across the East Coast.
• Arizona Maine Coon Cat Rescue – breed-specific rescue in the Southwest.

Adoption fees usually range from $150–$500. Purebred ginger Maine Coons go fast, so be prepared to apply quickly.

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Total Cost of Ownership

Buying the kitten is just the start. Here’s what to budget annually:

• Food: $500–$1,000 (high-protein diet recommended for large cats)
• Vet care: $200–$600 (routine care; emergencies extra)
• Pet insurance: $30–$60/month (worth it for major bills)
• Grooming supplies: $100+ for brushes, combs, deshedding tools
• Toys and enrichment: $100–$200 annually

Lifetime costs can exceed $15,000–$20,000 when you add food, health care, and insurance over 12–15 years.

👉 See our Complete Guide for Maine Coons? for average ownership costs.

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Ginger vs. Orange vs. Red Maine Coons

• Ginger: U.K./pet owner term.
• Orange: U.S. casual term.
• Red: The official genetic term used in registries.

They all describe the same category. Prices do not differ by name—what matters is health, breeder ethics, and demand.

👉 Want a genetics breakdown? Read our Orange Maine Coon guide.

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Scam Avoidance Checklist

Sadly, Maine Coons are one of the top breeds used in online pet scams. Protect yourself:

1. Check breeder directories: Verify listings at CFA and TICA.
2. Reverse-image search photos: Many scammers steal kitten photos from real breeders.
3. Payment methods: Avoid gift cards, wire transfers, Zelle, or PayPal Friends & Family. Stick to protected payments.
4. Video proof: Ask for a live video call showing the kitten with its mother.
5. Contracts: Legit breeders provide contracts, health guarantees, and spay/neuter clauses for pet kittens.
6. Too cheap? Too fast? If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.

👉 We’ve written a full article on Cat Scam Prevention to help you spot red flags.

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FAQ: Ginger Maine Coon Costs

Are ginger Maine Coons more expensive than other colors?
Not officially. But higher demand sometimes nudges prices up.

Do males cost more than females?
Yes, sometimes. Larger males are requested more often.

Can I get a ginger Maine Coon under $1,000?
Rarely—and usually it’s a scam. Reputable breeders do not price this low.

Are ginger Maine Coons purebred?
Only a pedigree from CFA/TICA confirms purebred status. Many rescues have mixes.

What’s the cheapest way to get a ginger Maine Coon?
Adoption through rescues, where fees are usually $150–$500.

Do ginger Maine Coons shed?
Yes, ginger Maine Coons shed, just like other Maine coon cats. Read the full post about Maine Coon shedding here.

How Do Ginger Maine Coons Compare to Other Ginger Cats?

Not every ginger cat is a Maine Coon. In fact, many cat breeds and mixes can produce the classic orange coat, and prices vary dramatically depending on breed, pedigree, and whether you adopt or buy from a breeder. Let’s compare:

Ginger Cat Breed Price Comparison Table

Breed	Average Cost (USD)	Availability	Coat Type	Notes
Maine Coon (Ginger/Red)	$2,000 – $5,000+	High demand, moderate availability	Longhaired	Largest domestic breed; ginger is highly requested
Domestic Shorthair (Ginger Mix)	$50 – $150 adoption fee	Very common	Shorthaired	Not a pedigree breed; widely available in shelters
British Shorthair (Red/Tabby)	$1,500 – $3,500	Moderate	Short, plush	Teddy-bear build; ginger/red less common than blue
Persian (Red/Tabby)	$1,800 – $4,000	Moderate	Longhaired	Sweet, calm cats; high grooming needs
Abyssinian (Red Variant)	$1,200 – $2,500	Rare	Shorthaired, ticked	Ancient breed; ginger “red” is a less common variant
American Shorthair (Red Tabby)	$1,000 – $2,500	Limited	Shorthaired	Larger than domestic shorthairs; good family cats
Exotic Shorthair (Red/Tabby)	$1,500 – $3,000	Moderate	Plush short coat	Shorthaired Persian look; lower grooming needs
Norwegian Forest Cat (Red/Tabby)	$1,500 – $3,500	Rare in U.S., more common in Europe	Longhaired	Large, rugged northern breed; ginger/red is less co

Ginger Domestic Shorthairs

• Overview: By far the most common “ginger cat” is the domestic shorthair, also called a “marmalade cat.” These are mixed-breed cats without pedigrees, often found in shelters.
• Cost: Adoption fees usually range from $50–$150, making them the most affordable ginger cats. Some shelters may even waive fees during adoption events.
• Availability: Very high. Ginger domestic shorthairs are easy to find in shelters and rescues.

Ginger British Shorthairs

• Overview: The plush-coated British Shorthair comes in many colors, including a beautiful solid red or red tabby. Their round faces and teddy-bear appearance make them a popular choice.
• Cost: Expect $1,500–$3,500 from a breeder, depending on pedigree. Show-quality ginger British Shorthairs may exceed $4,000.
• Availability: Moderate. Breeders may produce ginger occasionally, but blue/cream colors are more common.

Ginger Persians

• Overview: The long, flowing coats of Persians look stunning in red (ginger). These cats are known for their sweet, calm personalities and high grooming needs.
• Cost: Typically $1,800–$4,000, with show or breeding cats higher.
• Availability: Moderate. Persians are popular worldwide, but ginger isn’t the most requested color.

Ginger Abyssinians

• Overview: The Abyssinian is one of the oldest cat breeds and is best known for its ticked coat. The “red” Abyssinian variation has a rich, warm ginger tone.
• Cost: Usually $1,200–$2,500.
• Availability: Somewhat rare, since Abyssinians are less common overall in the U.S.

Ginger American Shorthairs

• Overview: This breed has a history as a working cat in the U.S. and is recognized in red tabby patterns. They are larger than domestic shorthairs but smaller than Maine Coons.
• Cost: Around $1,000–$2,500 from breeders.
• Availability: Limited, as American Shorthair breeders are not as widespread as Maine Coon breeders.

Ginger Exotic Shorthairs

• Overview: Often described as the “shorthaired Persian,” the Exotic Shorthair can also come in red tabby. Their plush coats and round faces make them a lower-maintenance alternative to Persians.
• Cost: $1,500–$3,000 typically.
• Availability: Moderate, depending on breeder focus.

Ginger Norwegian Forest Cats

• Overview: Like the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, longhaired breed. They also come in ginger/red, though not as commonly seen as tabbies or torties.
• Cost: $1,500–$3,500 from breeders.
• Availability: Somewhat rare in North America, more common in Europe.

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Ginger Maine Coons vs Other Ginger Cats

• Price Range: Maine Coons tend to be at the top of the scale ($2,000–$5,000+) compared to other ginger cats.
• Size: Maine Coons are the largest domestic breed, often double the weight of ginger domestic shorthairs.
• Demand: Ginger Maine Coons are specifically requested by buyers, whereas other breeds may not see such strong color demand.
• Adoption Availability: Ginger mixes (domestics, American Shorthairs) are easy to adopt, while ginger Maine Coons and Persians are rarely in rescues.

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Why People Choose Ginger Maine Coons Anyway

Even with higher price tags, many families specifically want ginger Maine Coons because:

• They combine the striking coat color with the iconic size of the breed.
• They have a loyal, affectionate, and playful personality.
• They stand out as a “status cat”—a conversation starter and household centerpiece.

👉 If you’re considering ginger cats of all kinds but want one with giant size, a flowing coat, and unmatched presence, the ginger Maine Coon remains the crown jewel.

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People Also Ask: Ginger Maine Coon Price Questions Answered

• Q: Are ginger Maine Coons rare?
  Not genetically. Ginger (or red) is a recognized color in the breed standard. However, because demand for the “lion look” is so strong, they often feel rarer since breeders’ waitlists for ginger kittens fill quickly. Breeders may only produce one or two ginger kittens in a litter, making them less available.
• Q: Why are ginger Maine Coons so expensive?
  Maine Coons in general are one of the most expensive cat breeds due to their size, health testing requirements, and popularity. Ginger coloring adds another layer of demand, which can push prices higher than average. Reputable breeders also invest in genetic testing, veterinary care, and proper socialization, all of which increase cost.
• Q: Are ginger Maine Coons more expensive than black or brown tabby Maine Coons?
  Sometimes. Breeders don’t always set prices by color, but they know demand for ginger kittens is high. Families often specifically request them, which can result in higher pricing or longer wait times compared to more common colors like brown tabby.
• Q: What is the cheapest way to get a ginger Maine Coon?
  Adoption through a Maine Coon rescue is the most affordable option. Adoption fees are usually $150–$500, compared to several thousand from a breeder. You may also find Maine Coon mixes in shelters with ginger coats, but purebred ginger rescues are adopted very quickly.
• Q: How much does a full-grown ginger Maine Coon cost?
  If you’re purchasing an adult from a breeder or retired show cat program, prices may still range from $1,500–$3,000. Adults may be less expensive than kittens, but they are far less available. Retired breeding cats are sometimes offered at reduced prices to carefully screened homes.
• Q: How much do ginger Maine Coons cost to feed each month?
  On average, $40–$80 per month. Maine Coons are one of the largest cat breeds, often weighing 15–25 pounds, so they eat more than an average cat. High-quality protein diets are essential for their growth and heart health.
• Q: How much are ginger Maine Coons with breeding rights?
  Show and breeding quality ginger Maine Coons typically cost $5,500–$8,000+. Breeders are selective about who they sell breeding rights to, and contracts often include specific restrictions or co-ownership agreements.
• Q: Can ginger Maine Coons be female?
  Yes, though the majority of ginger cats in general are male due to the way the orange gene is inherited. Roughly 80% of ginger cats are male, but females do exist. This can make ginger Maine Coon females feel especially rare—and sometimes priced slightly higher.
• Q: Do ginger Maine Coons live as long as other colors?
  Yes. Color has no impact on life expectancy. The average lifespan of a Maine Coon is 12–15 years, though some live to 18+ with excellent care. Health testing, diet, and environment play a much larger role than coat color.

Conclusion: Is a Ginger Maine Coon Worth the Cost?

Yes, they are. A maine coon can live to 15 years of age, and that is well worth the investment up front. With their lion-like coats and affectionate personalities, ginger Maine Coons are among the most popular colors of the breed. Expect to pay $4,000–$6,500+ for a kitten from a reputable breeder—or consider adoption if you’re open to a mix.

👉 Learn more about coat colors and genetics in our Orange Maine Coon article.
👉 Looking for kittens? Visit our Maine Coon Kittens for Sale page to see current availability.

Still researching Maine Coon Cats? Dive deeper into our breed guides and resources:

• Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic
• How to Spot Cat and Kitten Scams Online
• Black Maine Coon Cats
• Do Maine Coon Cats Shed?
• How to Reserve Your Almonte Kitten

Each post is packed with facts, tips, and advice to help you choose the perfect kitten for your family.