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Home » Blog » Cat Breeds » Maine Coon - Cat Breed Characteristics & Personality Traits
Maine Coon is a large, smart, and affectionate cat breed. These cats love to play with humans. This cat breed is quite popular because of its large size - up to 40 inches in height.
Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds and at one point this breed was almost extinct. Maine coon was recognized as the 5th most popular cat breed by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).
But these cats have a lot more interesting to know about than just their big size. They are affectionate, adaptable, and have great hunting skills. In this blog, you can learn more about the characteristics of the Maine Coon.
Maine Coons are considered native to the United States because they are there since the colonial period. But how they got there is still not known and there is no clue about the progenitors as well.
However, people have come up with many stories about the origin of the Maine Coon cat breed. Some stories are more believable than others but there is no proof to back them up.
One story claims that the Maine coon is a raccoon/domestic cat hybrid. There is a myth that Maine Coons are related to Raccoons as both have long tails and brown tabby coats. But scientists have now proven that their union is biologically not possible.
Another story is that the Maine Coon was the result of bobcat/domestic cat trysts which clearly explains the ear and toe tuffs and the breed size.
Another interesting story alleges that the Maine Coon breed is a descendant of the long-haired cats of Marie Antoinette. The cats and other belongings of the Queen were smuggled to the American by a captain named Clough who was rescuing the Queen from her rendezvous with the guillotine. Unfortunately, she lost her head the cat ended up staying with the captain in Maine.
One more story is about the sea captain named Coon who brought long-haired cats with him on his journey to America’s northeastern coast. These long-haired cats mixed with the local cat breeds there.
The last story that is more believable is that the Seafarers used cats to suppress the rat population on their sailing ships. They brought some long-haired cats with them.
No matter where the breed came from. Maine Coon was one of the first breeds to be recognized by the CFA in the late 19th century. However, at the beginning of the 1900s, as new cat breeds were introduced into the country, Maine Coon was abandoned for Angoras, Persians, and other cats.
The breed was in fact declared extinct in the 1950s. But today these cats have regained their popularity. It also appeared in many cat shows. In 1985, a female Maine Coon was named best cat in a cat show organized in madison square garden.
The Maine Coon is medium to large in size, males are larger in size than females. Because of the long body and tail, she may look larger than she actually is. Below you can find more about the physical attributes of the Maine Coon cat.
| Head | |
| The head is medium in width and a bit longer in height with a squareness to the muzzle. The muzzle is medium in length and visibly square. It may give a rectangular appearance but not tapering or pointed. The muzzle length is proportionate to the rest of the head. The chin is strong and in line with the nose and upper lip. | |
| Body | |
| Board and muscular body that is medium to large in size. The body is slightly longer and creates a beautiful rectangular appearance. | |
| Ears | |
| Ears are large and wide at the base. Tapering to appear point but not flared. | |
| Eyes | |
| Large, beautiful, and expressive eyes that are set towards the outer base of the ears. Eye colors are green, gold, copper, or green gold shades. Blue or odd eyes are also acceptable for bicolor patterned cats. | |
| Legs | |
| Legs are of medium length, wide-set, and in proportion to the rest of the body. Forelegs and back legs are straight. | |
| Paws | |
| Large, round, and well-tufted paws. 5 toes in front and 4 toes in back. | |
| Tail | |
| The tail is long, tapering, and wide and base. Tail’s fur is long and flowing. | |
| Coat | |
| Heavy and flowing coat- shorter on the shoulders and longer on the lower side of the body. | |
| Colors | |
| Maine Coons come in any color and pattern. They can be found in solid colors like white, black, or red, bi-colors such as white, blue, or red, and patterns such as Calico or tortoiseshell. |
Maine Coon is a sweet and affectionate cat breed. She is a sociable cat but does not demand attention all the time. She will follow you around and show her interest in whatever you are doing.
This is one of those cats who get along well with everyone including children, dogs, and other cats. She thoroughly enjoys playing and will easily walk on a leash making her a great choice of pet for those who travel frequently and would like to bring their cat along. Provide your Maine Coon with a lot of toys or something that can keep her occupied.
Maine Coons produce a variety of sounds to communicate. Apart from meows and purr, you will hear them chirping, trilling, and cheeping. Making use of their body language, they will let you know if they want something.
This is a good-natured cat breed that can easily adapt to any lifestyle. They are best for cold outdoor living but you can also keep them indoors. It is good to keep Maine Coons indoor cats only to keep them safe from diseases spread by other cats and attacks by dogs.
Don’t let their big size fool you, deep down Maine Coons are gentle and affectionate. They love spending time with humans. They expect to be part of the family and do not require privacy.
Although Maine Coons are not usually lap cats. But they would not mind if you would like to give them some lap time. This is a good thing to consider regarding their big size.
Maine Coons are highly intelligent and fun-loving. They are usually not an aggressive cat breed but will not like much being held up and cuddled. They are friendly and get along well with children.
Maine Coon is a big cat with a smooth and shaggy coat. No doubt, they were built to just work in the tough Maine climate. Despite the size of Maine Coon’s cat, it has a silky texture and that requires regular grooming.
Combing twice a week is necessary to remove dead hair. Stainless steel comb and grooming rake are some essential grooming tools that can be used to remove tangles and pull out the dead undercoat.
Be gentle as Maine Coons would not like if their hair is pulled aggressively. Clean out the tail with a baby wipe. Bathe the Maine Coon if their coat feels greasy and their fur looks straggly.
Brush their teeth regularly to prevent periodontal disease. Regular dental hygiene is important.
Trim your cat’s nails when needed. Clean the corners of the eye with a wet cotton cloth. Use a separate cloth for cleaning each eye in order to prevent eye infection.
Clean the ears once a week with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth. Do not use cotton swabs as they can damage the inside of the ears. In addition to all these, it is important to keep the litterbox clean. A clean litterbox will also help to keep the cat’s coat clean
We know that because you love your cat so much, you want to take great care of her. That’s why below we have discussed some issues that can affect the overall health of the Maine Coon. If you have a Maine Coon cat or thinking about getting one, here are some health issues that you should be well aware of.
It is a hereditary disease that affects the hip socket. It can be mild causing little to no pain in some cats or severe lameness in others. Maine Coon with this condition often moves very slowly and avoids jumping. Weight loss, medication, and surgery are effective in treating hip dysplasia.
It is an inherited disease in Maine Coons. It thickens the heart muscle. A DNS-based test is carried out to diagnose cats with cardiomyopathy. Maine Coons should be tested for this disease before they are bred.
Cats diagnosed with HCM should not be bred. Recent studies have shown that genetic mutation is the main cause of the development of the HCM. Do not purchase a cat whose parents have not been tested for HCM.
Kidney disease is very common among cats. If not treated, it can lead to renal failure. It causes multiple cysts in the kidneys. Initially, these cysts are very small but grow larger over time disrupting the kidney functions and eventually leads to kidney failure.
It is a genetic disorder that weakens the skeletal muscles. It is caused by a loss of cells called motor neurons which are responsible for the movement of muscles. A test is necessary to identify cats with this condition.
All cats are prone to some health problems. So any breeder who claims that her breed has no health problems is either lying or has not much knowledge about the specific breed. Don’t purchase a kitten from a breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on cats or says the breed is 100% healthy. Choose a reputable breeder and ask the right questions to make sure you are purchasing a healthy kitten.
The first and foremost need of Maine Coon cats is an affectionate and loving family. This cat can be a great addition for families who have time and patience to include this cat in all aspects of their lives.
Maine Coons can be left alone for a long period of time although would not like it much. So, these cats are the best option for families that often have one or two family members at home during the day.
Maine Coons are one of the few cat breeds that love to play in the water. So, they probably follow you into the shower or interfere while you are doing the dishes.
These gentle giants are not usually very vocal but they love to communicate with their favorite humans. Maine Coons are great family pets. Those with time, patience, and attention cannot find a better option than Maine Coon.
There are many other cat breeds that you can also explore to find the cat that matches your lifestyle.
Maine Coon is a loving and friendly cat and is a great option for families with children and other pets. They love the attention of humans and children. They generally get along well with everyone if treated politely and with respect. They would not mind giving you company if you are going for a ride.
They can live with other cats and cat-friendly dogs - thanks to their affectionate nature. But it is important to introduce pets slowly to ensure they learn to get along with each other.
Do you know that Maine Coon makes the best emotional support cat?
For people who struggle with their mental health, cats are a great option for emotional support. They are more quirky and require less attention than dogs.
If you are thinking of getting an emotional support cat, Maine Coon is one of the best options that you can choose. Maine Coons are of the largest cat breeds in the world. They are smart, beautiful and one of the most famous cat breeds. They make excellent family pets because they are tolerant of small children and enjoy their attention.
If you are interested in keeping a Maine Coon, you will need an ESA letter from a licensed health professional. If you are unable to get in touch with a medical professional, contact RealESALetter.com to see if you qualify for an ESA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maine Coon cats are not aggressive at all. In fact, they are popular for being the most affectionate and gentle cat breed. However, if not treated politely or undiscovered diseases can create aggressive behavior in Maine Coon cats.
Definitely, there will be shedding. But Maine Coon do not shed a lot compared to their big size and long hair. Each cat has its own shedding cycle. Some Maine Coons shed a lot while others shed less.
The average cost of a Maine Coon cat is between $400 to $1500. If the Maine Coon cat is in a healthy state, the prices may be around $1500. If the Maine coon is very young the price may be around $400 to $800.
Maine Coon cats can be left alone but not for a long period of time. They are highly social and emotional cats that need company all the time and might not like to be left alone.
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