Maine Coon Breed Guide

Maine Coons are massive by domestic cat standards, weighing up to 20 pounds. They resemble bobcats and are muscular, broad-chested, big-boned, and shaggy, with a long coat comprised of three different hair lengths. They have big tufted paws designed for walking on snow, thick ruffs around the neck, and full plumed tails they wrap around themselves for warmth; these cats evolved for harsh Maine winters and it shows. The breed comes in many different colors and patterns, but brown tabby with or without white is the classic look.

Maine Coons are intelligent and trainable. When nobody is available to entertain them, they are perfectly content to play with puzzle toys or watch wildlife out the window.

Commonly referred to as "gentle giants," Maine Coons are America's second most popular cat breed. This is largely due to their balanced nature. They're affectionate and interactive without being needy, and they are simultaneously independent and people-oriented. Additionally, these cats are moderately active but not hyper, and they get along well with children and other animals. They are easy-going and adaptive, while also being intelligent and curious without seeming mischievous or aloof.

Although much mystery surrounds the origins of this breed, Maine Coons are generally considered the oldest native American cat breed.

Maine Coons are sweet and friendly. They enjoy physical affection and are eager to settle into a lap. However, they usually won't insert themselves aggressively, beg for attention, or otherwise display the neediness of some other cat breeds; they do have their pushy moments, though. They are certainly capable of entertaining themselves and functioning independently when necessary.

These cats do require attention and appreciate being played with during active moods. They follow their favorite people around, but generally stick to the background when they aren't encouraged to make contact. Expect Maine Coons to be shy around unknown people and animals at first, but they warm up given time.

These cats are fairly vocal, using chirps and trills that sound funny coming from such a large cat, but they purr and meow, too. They get along well with children, cats, and dogs. They are adaptable and suited to most home situations. Though they are built for the cold, Maine Coons function well in any climate, but they should be kept inside.

Maine Coons are generally healthy, hardy, resilient cats. Proactive veterinary care, daily physical activity, a nutritionally balanced diet, maintenance of a healthy body weight, and adequate stimulation are important for promoting their well-being, longevity, and good disposition.

These cats have a genetic predisposition to developing a few health complications. Avoid problems as much as possible by acquiring from a breeder who offers proof of medical screenings and provides a written guarantee of good health at the time of purchase.

Maine Coons are predisposed to hip dysplasia, a hereditary, degenerative hip disorder that impairs mobility. They are also prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common cause of feline heart disease. Additionally, they are genetically more susceptible to spinal muscular atrophy, another degenerative condition that affects mobility.

Maine Coons are intelligent and trainable. They can be taught to walk on a leash and to play fetch and other games. When nobody is available to entertain them, they are perfectly content to play with puzzle toys or to watch wildlife out the window.

The adaptability these cats display also makes them good travelers. Maine Coons are good cats for people who take trips frequently and like to bring their pet along for the ride. This is especially convenient when the cat is leash trained.

Maine Coons generally become available at 12 weeks of age, when they've been weaned and are physically stable. They grow slowly, not reaching full maturity until 4 or 5 years old. These cats should only be acquired from a breeder with a solid reputation and references to ensure kittens were properly immunized and socialized. Socialization from a young age is essential to healthy behavioral development.

The Maine Coon's thick, long, silky coat is hardy and easier to care for than might be expected. It rarely mats, and matting, tangling, and hairballs are mostly preventable with a brushing or combing one to two times per week. These cats are moderate shedders, and extra grooming sessions help control hair during shedding seasons.

The Maine Coon's coat is water resistant, and these cats don't mind a bath nearly as much as other breeds. Baths are generally unnecessary, though, and best reserved for when the coat is dirtied by something sticky or dangerous to the cat.

Nails should be trimmed every 10 to 14 days and teeth should be brushed often to help prevent periodontal disease and to freshen breath. If a Maine Coon's ears become dirty or develop wax accumulation, clean them out carefully with cotton balls and a gentle feline ear cleanser. All cats are susceptible to ear infections, and common signs include a bad odor emanating from the ears, redness, and discharge.

As is occasionally the case with cat breeds, the history of the Maine Coon is fraught with myths, legends, tall tales, half-truths, and other questionable information that muddles the story. One ridiculous example includes the assertion that the breed resulted from the biologically impossible mating of a cat and a raccoon, while another tale claims the breed descended from French felines sent to the US by Marie Antoinette in preparation for her planned escape to America.

Another story tells of a British captain named Charles Coon who brought his ship's mousing longhairs ashore in New England in the late 18th century. This story may have some truth to it, and the hardiest cats that survived the Northeast's winters could have formed the foundation of the breed.

By the mid-1800s, the Maine Coon breed was known, shown, and coveted. By the turn of the 20th century, though, exotic breeds were imported with regularity and captured the world's attention. By the 1950s, Maine Coons practically disappeared. However, a small but dedicated group of breeders kept these cats alive, and eventually Maine Coon popularity skyrocketed again.

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) accepted Maine Coons for championship status in 1976.