Cat Breeds
Overview
Characteristics
Compare Breed
Origin
United States
Height
10" to 16"
Adult weight
9 to 20 pounds
Life Span
9 to 15 years
Temperament
Gregarious, kind, intelligent, family oriented
Other Names
Maine Cat, Coon Cat, American Coon Cat, Maine Shag, American Forest Cat, Gentle Giant
Group
Large Longhair
Price
$400 to $2,000
Affection Level
?Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.
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100%
Activity Level
?Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.
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50%
Pet-Friendly
?How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.
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80%
Kid-Friendly
?Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.
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100%
Sociability
?Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.
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100%
Intelligence
?Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.
Playfulness
?Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.
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60%
Independence
?Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.
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30%
Vocality
?A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.
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30%
Grooming
?Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.
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80%
Personality and Temperament
Bold features, a thick, luxurious coat, and an incredibly friendly personality set the Maine Coon cat apart from the rest. These gorgeous cats love to play, but they enjoy taking time out for a well-earned nap when the mood strikes. Often, Maine Coon cats snuggle up next to their favorite people, which can be quite helpful on chilly evenings!
The Main Coon’s purr is warmly expressive, and it’s often loud enough to be heard from several feet away. Their vocalizations are surprisingly quiet for such big cats, but their vocabularies can be extensive, with a range of chirps and meows.
One of the largest cat breeds in existence today, and one of the most popular breeds worldwide, the Maine Coon has a heart to match its stature. These cats love people and get along well with other pets. They are ideal for families as they tend to have an appreciation for children. When you meet a Maine Coon cat, you'll understand why they are called the gentle giants of the cat world.
Care
Maine Coon cats have no special nutritional needs. However, it is worth noting that these large cats need a high-protein diet, and their daily caloric needs can be far higher than that of a smaller cat. We recommend feeding your Maine Coon cat a fresh diet or offering a high-quality commercial brand that lists real fish or meat as the number one ingredient.
As your Main Coon ages, you might find it necessary to cut back a bit so your cat doesn't pack on extra pounds. Offering an age-appropriate diet is one of the best ways to help your cat enjoy good health throughout their golden years.
The Maine Coon has a thick, dense double coat with a silky soft undercoat. The coat needs thorough brushing at least two to three times a week to prevent matting. Some Maine Coons might need daily brushing. Your cat will appreciate the regular grooming sessions and view them as an additional opportunity to bond.
Teach your Maine Coon to accept nail trimming from a very young age. Keeping your Maine Coon cat's claws trimmed will spare your furniture, your clothing, and your skin.
Also consider teaching your Maine Coon to allow you to brush their teeth. Daily brushing at home is the best way to keep your cat's teeth healthy and help maintain your pet's overall wellness. Daily tooth brushing can also help cut back on the frequency of professional dental cleanings.
Maine Coon cats are playful, but they are equally fond of lounging. Too much inactivity can lead to obesity over time. Encourage your Maine Coon cat to play using feather wands and fishing pole toys, tossed balls and fuzzy mice, and laser pointers (never shine the light in their eyes and prevent frustration by giving them a real toy to "catch" at the end of the game). If possible, consider teaching your Maine Coon to walk on a leash and secure harness. The more activity your cat gets, the better their health is likely to be for the long-term.
Maine Coon cats are generally very healthy. Most pedigreed cats have certain genetically linked health conditions known in the breed. For the Maine Coon, the most common include feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and spinal muscular atrophy. Reputable breeders take care to screen adult cats prior to breeding them, which minimizes the likelihood that they will pass these problems on to their kittens.
History
As you might have guessed, the Maine Coon cat is a native of the state of Maine. Endemic to the United States of America, this breed probably originated in the 1850s, when long-haired cats were brought to America and mated with local short-haired cats. The result was a hearty, healthy, large cat with incredible hunting prowess; a heavy, shaggy coat; and a long, flowing tail.
The breed was exhibited at cat shows throughout the late 19th century. Farmers who prized these cats for their outstanding ability to keep barns and outbuildings free from rodents held their own competition, called the Maine State Champion Coon Cat contest at the Skowhegan Fair.
Maine Coon cats fell out of fashion during the early 20th century, when more exotic long-haired cat breeds such as Persians came to the United States. The breed declined until the 1950s, with some people believing the Maine Coon might have even become extinct.
Maine Coon cat aficionados Alta Smith and Ruby Dyer founded the Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) in 1953 to preserve the breed for future generations. In an effort to increase awareness about the breed, the CMCC posted cat shows and exhibitions that featured photographs of Maine Coon cats. The CMCC created the first written breed standards for Maine Coon cats, helping this unique breed regain popularity.
Ethelyn Whittemore of Augusta, Maine, whose family had continued casually breeding Maine Coons during the breed's time of unpopularity in the U.S., founded a Maine Coon cattery and kept written breeding records of her cats. Her cats were often winners at CMCC shows.
The Maine Coon Cat Club formed in 1973, with a goal of helping the breed achieve recognition by the Cat Fanciers' Association. In May 1975, the CFA granted Maine Coon cats provisional status; the Maine Coon was approved for championship status in 1976. Today, Maine Coon cats are recognized by all major cat registries.
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Did You Know?
Although female Maine Coons weigh an average of 12 to 15 pounds, it's not uncommon for male Maine Coon cats to weigh 18 to 22 pounds or more.
Did You Know?
Maine Coons are the oldest natural cat breed in the United States. Not surprisingly, Maine Coon cats are also the official cat of the state of Maine.
Did You Know?
The longest Maine Coon cat on record was named Stewie. He measured 48.5 inches from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Eyes
The Maine Coon cat has large, expressive oval-shaped eyes that slant slightly toward the outer base of the ears. The eye color complements the coat’s color.
Legs & Paws
The legs are substantial, and of medium length, well proportioned in comparison to the body. The forelegs are straight, and the back legs appear straight when viewed from behind. Maine Coon cats have large, rounded paws that are well-tufted. Polydactyl Maine Coon cats (those with extra toes) are accepted in shows sanctioned by The International Cat Cat Association (TICA).
Tail
The long tail is wider at the base, tapering toward the end. A luxuriant, flowing plume is desirable.
The Breed Standard
Body
Maine Coon cats are muscular, well proportioned, and rectangular, giving the impression of overall balance. Male Maine Coons are typically larger than females. It's common for a male to achieve a weight of 20 pounds or more.
Head
The medium-width head is a touch longer than it is wide. The medium-length muzzle has a visibly square shape. The chin is strong and firm, and in profile, chin depth appears squared, creating a 90-degree angle.
Ears
The ears are large with wide bases that taper to pointed tips. They are set approximately one ear's width apart at the base, and have ample furnishing. Ear tufts are desirable.
Coat
Maine Coon cats have a heavy and shaggy double coat that consists of an undercoat and longer guard hairs over the top. The coat has a silky texture and falls smoothly. The tail is long and flowing, and a prominent rough on the chest is desirable.
Color
Maine Coon cats come in every color and pattern other than chocolate, lavender, and the Himalayan pattern.
FAQ
How much does a Maine Coon cat cost?
Maine Coon cats cost between $400 to $2,000.
How big do Maine Coon cats get?
Maine Coon cats tend to be large in size. A fully grown Maine Coon cat might weigh between 9 to 20 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 10" to 16" inches tall.
How long do Maine Coon cats live?
The Average lifespan for Maine Coon is 9 to 15 years.
Do Maine Coon cats shed?
Maine Coon are long-haired cats, so you do have to expect a certain amount of shedding from this breed, but they don't shed as much as other cat breeds.
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