Maine Coon cats are one of the most beloved feline breeds in the world. With their fluffy fur, endearing personalities, and impressive size, Maine Coons are special in so many ways and are the perfect addition to any cat-loving household. In this complete guide, we’ll delve into the world of Maine Coons, from their origin and unique features to everything you need to know to keep your feline friend happy, healthy, and thriving. So, get ready to fall in love with the wonderful world of Maine Coon cats!
What Is a Maine Coon Cat?
Maine Coons are a medium to large breed of cat originally from the state of Maine, USA. They are said to be the only native American cat in existence today.
Maine Coons have a very distinctive appearance. They have a large rectangular frame, a robust and heavy bone structure, and are quite muscular. They have long, thick hair that gets thicker in the winter, a prominent ruff along their chests, bushy tails, tufty lynx-like ears, and a square muzzle.
Maine Coons have a fantastic, sociable temperament. They can also be quite chatty cats with lovely-sounding meows and other cute-sounding trills. If you respond to a Maine Coon they will often meow back, and you’ll find yourself in quite the enthralling conversation. Their friendly nature and size have earned them the nickname “the gentle giants.” They are also quite outgoing cats and keen mouse hunters. So start practising your mouse-catching skills now if you’re planning on buying a Maine Coon. You will almost certainly have to evict one or two little mice.
Where Do Maine Coon Cats Come From?
A popular story surrounding the origins of the Maine Coon breed suggests that Maine Coons are the result of semi-domesticated cats mating with racoons. Scientifically this isn’t possible, but it’s a fun origin myth all the same.
The exact origin of Maine Coon cats is uncertain, but they are believed to be a natural breed that developed in North America. It is widely accepted that Maine Coons originated in the northeastern United States, particularly in the state of Maine, where they were likely bred by early settlers, hence the name. Some sources suggest that they may have also been influenced by cats brought over by sailors from Europe and Asia. While there is no conclusive answer to their origins, it is clear that today Maine Coon cats are considered a native American breed.
Other known origins myth suggests that Maine Coons are descended from cats owned by Marie Antoinette, who attempted to escape France during the French Revolution with her beloved pets. Another theory states that Maine Coon cats were brought over to North America by Vikings, who used them as ship cats to keep rodents under control. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support these fun theories.
How to Tell if Your Cat Is a Maine Coon
Many long hair cats can look like Maine Coons. A purebred Maine Coon should have certificates to say that both the mother and father are registered Maine Coons. If pedigree is important to you, be sure to check this. Moreover, prepare yourself to pay quite a bit more, with a cross kitten costing around £300 ($400) and a purebred kitten costing between £1300 and £1800 ($1700 and $2400), on average.
Maine Coons have quite a few distinctive features, so it usually isn’t too hard to spot one. A general rule of thumb is if they have 5 or more common Maine Coon traits from the list below, then there is a good chance they may be a Maine Coon. Some common Maine Coon characteristics are:
- A medium to large size rectangular or boxy frame (in adult cats)
- A strong bone structure and muscular, broad build
- A wide head with prominent, high cheekbones
- Long, thick but silky hair that gets thicker in the winter
- A prominent ruff along their chests, like a lion’s mane
- A big bushy tail
- Tufty lynx-like ears
- Tufty toes
- A square muzzle
- The males are often larger than the females
- Large almond-shaped eyes (this is quite apparent in Maine Coon kittens compared to other kittens)
Maine Coons also have a great temperament. They are very sociable, playful, and intelligent. They can also be quite chatty – announcing themselves as they enter the room or meowing loudly if you aren’t giving them any attention.
How to Tell if Your Cat Is part Maine Coon?
A Maine Coon mix could be large but with short fur. Or smaller and more slender with longer fur. Typically if your cat has the majority of the above features, it’s most likely a Maine Coon.
Maine Coon mixed breed cats may still have some of the distinctive Maine Coon physical features, such as ear tufts or a fluffy tail. However, these traits may not be as prominent as they are in purebred Maine Coons. If you suspect your cat may be part Maine Coon, you can consult with a veterinarian. The only way to know for sure if your cat has Maine Coon ancestry is through a DNA test.
Maine Coon Colours
Maine Coons come in 84 different colour and pattern combinations. They can be a single colour or a combination of black, white, red (ginger), blue (grey-like), silver, grey, cream (cameo), or brown. They can be a solid colour, bi-colour, particolour, tortoiseshell (often called tortie), shaded, calico, and tabby.
Interestingly, a unique feature of Maine Coons is that those with a single coat color should have noses and paw pads that match that same color. A black Maine Coon will have a black nose and black paw pads. A white Maine Coon will have a pink nose and pink paw pads, and so on.
Common Maine Coon eye colourings are gold, copper, amber, orange, or green. Only those with pure white fur or some white fur can have blue eyes. Those with some white fur can also have odd coloured eyes.
Read our guide to Maine Coon Colours and Patterns for more information.
How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?
Maine Coons can get quite big. Currently, the record-holding largest cat in the world, measuring 123cm (48.5 in) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, is a purebred Maine Coon called Stewie (Guinness World Records 2010).
Maine coons, on average, grow to be between 25cm and 40cm in height (10-16 in) and between 48cm and 82cm in length (19-32 inches). Male Maine Coons are often larger than females.
Most cat breeds reach full physical maturity at around 2 years of age – they don’t grow after this point. Maine Coons, however, can keep growing until they are 4 years old. They are commonly described as a medium to large breed, but our experience suggests they are more commonly on the larger side.
Read More: Maine Coon Cats Size & Weight – How Big Are Maine Coon Cats
How Long Do Maine Coon Cats Live?
Maine Coons are quite a hardy, healthy cat breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Some data suggests they can easily exceed 15 years with proper diet, exercise, regular vet check-ups, and good general care.
Maine Coons are known to be quite intelligent and sociable. So lots of attention and toys for stimulation should help keep them happy and healthy. Interestingly, due to their great temperament and love for the outdoors, some owners leash their Maine Coons and take them for walks.
Although they have a naturally predetermined lifespan, as in any domestic animal, their life quality and life expectancy greatly depend on nurture. Proper diet, enough exercise, and stimulation can positively affect their longevity.
How Much Does a Maine Coon Cat Weigh?
Male Maine Coon cats can weigh between 6.8kg and 11.4kg (15 to 25 lb). Some are reported to weigh up to 16kg (35 lb). Females are often smaller, weighing between 3.6kg and 5.5kg (8 to 12 lb).
Weight and size, in general, depend, of course, on genetics, diet, whether or not your Maine Coon is purebred or mixed, and so on. These are averages, so don’t worry too much if your Maine Coon falls slightly outside of these ranges.
However, it is important to note that Maine Coons have a hearty appetite, thus they can be prone to becoming overweight. Being overweight can lead to health issues such as joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease, so it’s important to monitor and help your Maine Coon maintain a healthy weight. To prevent obesity, feed a high-quality diet, monitor portion sizes, encourage exercise, and schedule regular veterinary checkups.
What Is the Temperament of a Maine Coon Cat?
Maine Coons have a fantastic temperament. They are sociable, gentle, loving, friendly, playful, chatty, and quite intelligent. Their size and friendly nature nickname them “the gentle giants.” Some even refer to them as the dogs of the cat world.
Maine Coons are pretty affectionate and like to be sat near you or on you whilst you relax. They’ll often seek you out for your company to do this. They are also quite chatty and will announce themselves to say hello as they enter the room or meow at you if you aren’t giving them any attention.
Because Maine Coons are quite intelligent, they like a lot of stimulation. You can buy them toys and play with them, even as adults. Or, if they are outdoor cats, they will disappear for a little while and go off hunting mice, often in the early morning hours. Full disclosure, prepare to evict the odd little furry mouse from your house.
Maine Coons are a great choice if you have other cats, dogs, or children. Providing younger children don’t run at them screaming, then they’ll be quite laidback around them.
Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?
Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic cats, but some people with allergies to cats may have less of a reaction to Maine Coons compared to other cat breeds.
A common allergy misconception is the assumption that cats’ hair causes them. However, cat allergies are caused by a protein in cat saliva and skin secretions. All cats produce this protein, including Maine Coons. Maine Coons, compared to other breeds, have a thicker coat, which may help to trap some of the allergens and prevent them from being released into the air. Thus, some people may have a milder allergic reaction to Maine Coons.
If you have allergies and are considering a Maine Coon, it’s important to spend time around the breed to see if you have a reaction. You may also want to consider taking allergy medication or using air purifiers to reduce your exposure to allergens.
Maine Coon Buyers Guide
How Much Does a Maine Coon Cat Cost?
Purebred Maine Coon kittens cost between £1300 and £1800 ($1700 and $2400) on average. A purebred adult should cost around £300 ($400). A cross kitten should cost about the same. A purebred should have certification to say that both the mother and father are registered Maine Coons. Be sure to check this when looking to buy a Maine Coon.
So why are they so expensive? Well, firstly, pedigree status is a huge factor in pricing, as is age. A purebred kitten will cost much more than a cross-adult cat, particularly if you manage to find one at a rehoming shelter. Another factor in price is the general popularity of the breed.
They are gorgeous cats with a fantastic temperament. They are often compared to dogs because of their size, friendly, sociable, and laidback nature. They are also quite chatty and playful, thus very fun to be around. They are great with children, dogs, and other cats, and they are generally relatively healthy cats. So, on the whole, they are quite desirable.
Where Can I Buy a Maine Coon Cat?
Maine Coon cats can be purchased from various sources, such as breeders, pet stores, animal shelters, or online marketplaces. It is important to do good research and find a reputable and responsible breeder or seller who prioritizes the health and well-being of the cats.
- Breeders: Maine Coon breeders are individuals or businesses that specialize in breeding purebred Maine Coon cats. They usually have a limited number of cats available for sale and may have a waiting list for their kittens. You can find reputable breeders through online directories or recommendations from other cat owners. It’s important to research the breeder and ensure they follow ethical breeding practices and provide certificates.
- Pet Stores: Some pet stores may sell Maine Coon cats. However, it’s important to note that many pet stores source their cats from inhumane and unethical breeding facilities. Research the pet store and ensure they obtain their cats from responsible breeders.
- Animal Shelters: You can also find Maine Coon cats available for adoption at animal shelters and rescue organizations. Adopting a cat from a shelter is a great way to provide a loving home to a cat in need, and some shelters may have Maine Coon mixes available.
- Online Marketplaces: Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are online marketplaces where you can find Maine Coon cats for sale. However, you should be cautious when purchasing a cat online, as there is a risk of scams or unethical breeding practices. Be sure to thoroughly research the seller and ask for references or look to find reviews from previous customers.
Maine Coon Care Guide
What Do Maine Coon Cats Eat?
Maine Coon cats don’t really have any special dietary requirements, but they are known to have a healthy appetite due to their size. A good balance of high protein, moderate carbohydrates, low grains, and the occasional treat should do the trick. In short, feed them a good mix of quality wet and dry food. The recommended portions are; 200 – 250 grams of wet food and 80 – 100 grams of dry food per day (9 ounces / 3 ounces). Every cat is different, so find the balance and routine that suits you and your cat.
Note that the balance of wet to dry food might change depending on the time of year. For example, in hot summers, your Maine Coon might opt for less meat and more dry food. In cold winters, they might want more of everything!
Because of their size, Maine Coons may appear to eat a little more than your average house cat, but this is totally normal. Reasons for consuming more include their size, being known for having a slightly higher metabolic rate than the average house cat, and being very active cats who like to climb trees and generally seek out lots of physical and mental stimulation.
Regular routine health checks with your local vet include weighing your cat and giving you valuable feedback on its weight and general health. So it’s best to try and check in with your local vet at least once a year. If you ever have any concerns about your cat, don’t delay and call your local vet as soon as possible – better to be safe and informed.
What Do Maine Coon Kittens Eat?
Maine Coon kittens can eat regular kitten food, commonly higher in protein and calcium, to help their little bones grow strong. The average kitten will eat kitten food for 4 to 5 months before it is safe to be transitioned to adult food. However, because regular house cats reach maturity around 2 years and Maine Coons can keep growing up to 4 years, you can keep your Maine Coon on kitten food for up to 9 months.
Maine Coons are quite intelligent cats that need lots of stimulation. If you notice your Maine Coon is eating too much or not enough, this could be due to a lack of stimulation, especially if it’s an indoor cat, which they aren’t by nature. Ensure they have lots of toys and playtime. If problems persist, seek veterinary advice.
Do Cats Get Bored of Eating the Same Food?
Basically, yes. Cats aren’t unlike people in that sense. They like variety in their diets. It’s not uncommon for a cat to love a particular brand of cat food, eat it exclusively for months, and then suddenly refuse to eat another bite. Mixing up brands and occasionally introducing meat and fish will prevent them from getting bored. If you find yourself with a surplus of a brand they no longer like, you can try them on different brands for a while and then return to your stock after a few weeks. Or if that fails, your local cat shelter will happily take this off your hands.
Grooming a Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coons are long-haired cats, therefore, grooming is something you might have to consider. Because of their relaxed, playful temperament, you’ll be able to do this without worrying about scratches though – many even enjoy it. Some owners prefer to keep on top of this regularly as it keeps their cats looking soft and smooth and helps reduce cat hair on furniture or generally from around the home. Some owners do this very sparingly, though. A cat, of course, will groom itself, so it’s not mandatory.
The grooming frequency and method will mainly be predetermined by the individual features of the cat’s coat. If your Maine Coon has particularly thick hair that is noticeably knotting regularly, you might have to up your grooming game. A standard cat comb and a little TLC should be sufficient.
Nail care is also an essential aspect of Maine Coon cat grooming. Regular nail trimming helps prevent painful ingrown nails and protects furniture from scratches. A scratching post or pad also helps keep their nails healthy and prevents destructive scratching. For ear and eye care, it’s important to regularly clean your cat’s ears and eyes to prevent infections and other health issues. A gentle, pet-safe cleanser can help keep your cat’s ears and eyes healthy. Dental care is also essential for Maine Coon cats, who are prone to dental problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Using dental treats or toys and scheduling professional dental cleanings with a veterinarian can help keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Maine Coon Cats Grooming With Tips and Techniques
Maine Coon Cat Shedding
Maine Coons do shed, particularly approaching summer. Maine Coons fur will get thicker in the winter months and then start to shed and thin for summer, helping them stay warm and cool according to the season. It’s worth investing in a strong vacuum cleaner to help manage this – as with owning any pet. Again every cat is different, so this might be more noticeable in your home. For some owners, it’s not very noticeable at all, no more than the average cat or dog.
Read More: Do Maine Coon Cats Shed a Lot? Understanding the Facts
Exercise and Play Time for Maine Coons
Maine Coons are an active and playful breed, and regular exercise is vital for their physical and mental well-being. Providing your cat with opportunities to play and exercise can help prevent obesity, joint problems, and health and behavioral issues. Maine Coon cats also thrive on socialization and bonding with their owners. Spending quality time with your cat through playtime, grooming, and snuggling can help strengthen your bond and improve your cat’s overall happiness and well-being. Maine Coon cats are very social and enjoy human companionship, so providing them with love and attention is an integral part of their care.
Common Health Problems With Maine Coons
Maine Coons are quite a hardy cat breed with a good average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, with some data suggesting they can live well beyond this. They do have some known health problems, though. The most notable is hereditary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which can be present from birth but not show symptoms until adulthood, around the 3-year mark. Some cases have been reported later at around 6-8 years, but this is less common. HCM is also known as a cardiac disease in cats. It can cause the muscular walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, decreasing its efficiency and sometimes causing issues elsewhere in their bodies. HCM is common in cats generally and manageable with a treatment plan from your vet. Treatment will include controlling your cat’s heart rate, alleviating lung congestion, and preventing blood clots.
DNA testing is available for Maine Coons to identify the HCM gene.
Another common health problem with Maine Coons is hereditary hip dysplasia. This disease is normally spotted in the first 6 months of a cat’s life. Again this is another common problem in cats generally but is found slightly more in purebred Maine Coons or Himalayans. Symptoms include: limping that gets gradually worse, trouble jumping, not wanting to exercise, laziness or irritability, decreased range of motion in the back legs, or muscle loss in the rear legs. Again this can be managed with medications at first and surgery as a last resort.
All cats are generally susceptible to some health issues and bacterial or viral infections. Most issues are treatable or manageable through regular vaccinations and check-ups with your local vet. So be sure to take your cat to the vet, ideally once a year, for a check-up.
Taking out cat insurance early in your cat’s life can also be very beneficial. It’s there in case of emergencies for peace of mind. And should your cat begin to show signs of any illness, insurance will help with the cost of ongoing medications or surgeries.
Read More: Maine Coon Cats Health Issues: Understanding & Preventive Care
Maine Coon Cat Insurance
Maine Coon cat insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary care, medications, and treatments if your cat becomes sick or injured. It typically includes coverage for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and other common health problems that may affect Maine Coon cats. Some policies may also include routine and preventative care coverage, such as vaccinations, check-ups, and dental cleanings.
It’s worth noting that even if your Maine Coon is a cross, your vet and your cat insurance company will just simply classify them as a Maine Coon, not a cross. This may mean you pay a slightly higher insurance premium than your average house cat. It won’t be a huge jump in cost, but it is worth noting.
Cat breeds similar to Maine Coons
- The Norwegian Forest Cat
- American Bobtail
- Siberian
- The Ragdoll
- Turkish Angora
- Persian
- The Birman
- Himalayan
- Manx
Norwegian Forest Cat
Similarities
Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are both medium to large-sized breeds of cats. They both have long, thick fur with similar colouring and patterns. They both have a great friendly temperament and are quite outgoing and fun.
Differences
The most noticeable difference is the shape of the face. A Maine Coon has a wide head, high cheekbones, and large oval eyes. Norwegian Forest Cats have a more slender, triangular-shaped face. Norwegian Forest Cats also have a more even coat compared to Maine Coons, who have a more prominent ruff along their chests, like a lion’s mane. Personality-wise, they are both quite close. The Maine Coon is a little more playful and a little more loyal. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a little on the lazy side by comparison and less loyal if you aren’t willing to interact with them.
Which is Bigger, the Maine Coon or the Norwegian Forest Cat?
Maine Coons are typically larger than Norwegian Forest Cats. The average weight of a male Maine Coon is between 6.8kg and 11.4kg (15 to 25 lb). Some are reported to weight up to 16kg (35 lb). Norwegian Forest Cats are typically between 4.5kg and 9kg (10 to20 lb).
American Bobtail
Similarities
American Bobtail cats and Maine Coons both have a fantastic temperament. They are both described as dog-like. They are friendly, playful, loving, and relaxed. And both get on well with other pets and children. They are both large breeds with long thick hair.
Differences
As the name implies, American Bobtail cats have short tails due to natural genetic mutation. They are sometimes referred to as pedigreed cats without tails. American Bobtails have medium to long-length hair, whereas Maine Coons have long hair. The Bobtail also comes in a greater range of colourings.
Which is bigger, the Maine Coon or the American Bobtail?
Maine Coons are typically larger than the American Bobtail. The average weight of a male Maine Coon is between 6.8kg and 11.4kg (15 to 25 lb). The average weight of American Bobtail cats is between 3.6kg and 7.2kg (8 to 16 lb).
Siberian
Similarities
Siberian cats and Maine Coons are so similar they are very easily confused. Both are quite large cat breeds with long, thick fur and similar colourings. Both are friendly, outgoing, and affectionate. As the name suggests, the Siberian comes from the cold forests of Siberia.
Differences
Maine Coons have pretty wide, boxy, or square facial features. Siberians have a softly rounded head shape, rounder eyes, ear tips, and a rounder, barrel-shaped body. Siberians also come in a few different colourings, like bi-metallic (dark blacks and greys) or sunshine/golden – colouring unique to the breed.
Which is bigger, the Maine Coon or the Siberian cat?
Both breeds are on the larger size, but Maine Coons just edge it. The average male Maine Coon weighs between 6.8kg and 11.4kg (15 to 25 lb). The average Siberian male cat weighs between 5 and 9kg (11 to 20 lb).
The Ragdoll
Ragdolls and Maine Coons do share quite a few physical and personality traits, but it is quite easy to tell them apart. They can both be quite large with similar weights and heights, but Maine Coons can be quite a bit longer. Ragdolls have medium to long hair, whereas Maine Coons have long, thick hair. Maine Coons come in a wide range of different colourings and patterns. Ragdolls come in only a few colours and patterns, commonly with splashes of colour around the face, paws, chest, or tail. Both are very intelligent, loving, great with families, and fond of attention.
Turkish Angora
Turkish Angora cats are long-haired, medium-sized cats with a slender appearance. They differ quite a bit from Maine Coons in size and appearance, but they do share some personality traits. Both are loving, great with families, and love to play and climb. Turkish Angora cats can be quite sensitive and may get upset if there are any unexpected changes in the home.
Persian
Persian cats are a long-haired, medium-sized breed of cat with a very distinctive round face and short muzzle. They are apparently the most popular cat in North America and are loved worldwide. They are very friendly, sociable, and affectionate. They do require regular grooming, though.
The Birman
The Birman cat resembles the Ragdoll more than it does the Maine Coon, with similar splashes of colour around the face, paws, chest, or tail. They aren’t as large as Ragdoll cats. But like Ragdolls and Maine Coons they are all friendly, loving, and playful.
Himalayan
Himalayan cats are close relatives of Persian cats. And similar to Birmans or Ragdolls, with similar splashes of colour around the face, paws, chest, or tail. They are closer to Birmans in size, so they are a little smaller than Ragdolls.
Manx
Manx cats aren’t as large as Maine Coons. They can have similar colourings and long hair. They can also be short-haired. Manx cats are tailless. Should you see one resembling a Maine Coon this might be the stand-out difference.
Final Words
Maine Coon cats are a fascinating and unique breed that makes wonderful pets for many families. With proper care and attention, your Maine Coon cat can be a loyal and loving companion for many years to come.
In this guide, we outlined the most important information and directions for current or future Maine Coon owners; an overview of their characteristics, history, personality traits, care requirements, and potential health concerns. For further information and detailed guides on all aspects of Maine Coons cats, proceed to read the detailed and comprehensive guides featured in our blog.
