Although Maine coons are among the largest domestic cat breeds, they are known for their large size, thick long fur coats, and their friendly, affectionate, and gentle nature.
This breed enjoys interacting with people and gets along with other household pets. Due to their reputation for being excellent with kids, they make the perfect cat for large households.
They are well-proportioned powerful cats with big, expressive oval eyes.
Maine Coons Personality
The gentle giant reputation of Maine Coons exists. They are devoted, caring, and affectionate cats who cherish time with their owners. In addition to being lively and intelligent, Maine Coons frequently behaves more like dogs than cats. Maine Coons is the complete package when it comes to personality.
Gets Along with Kids and Dogs
The fact that Maine Coons gets along with everyone is one of their best qualities. They get along well with children, dogs, and even other cats. A Maine Coon is the ideal choice if you're seeking for a cat that will blend in seamlessly with your household.
High Intelligence
Maine Coons are one of the most intellectual cat breeds. They pick things up quickly and can be taught to do tricks. A Maine Coon is the ideal pick if you're seeking for a smart cat that can keep you engaged.
Low Maintenance
Cats like Maine Coons require little care. They are pretty simple to take care of and don't need a lot of upkeep other than their fur. While Maine Coons do require regular exercise, they are fine to spend the majority of the day lounging about the house.
Maine Coon Ancestry
The Maine Coon is the official state cat of Maine, as suggested by its name. There is a ton of contradictory and entertaining theories about their ancestry and how they came to be in the U.S. Ranging from the idea that their bushy tails came from domestic cats mating with raccoons (which is scientifically impossible), to the idea that they are descended from the six favorite Turkish Angoras that Queen Marie Antoinette shipped to the U.S. while plotting her escape during the French Revolution. The more likely explanation, which is somewhat similar to this one, holds that domestic short-haired cats crossed with long-haired cats brought over by Vikings or European seafarers in the early 18th century.
It is possible that the Vikings is responsible because genetic testing indicates that the Maine Coon is a relative of both the enigmatic extinct domestic breed and the Norwegian Forest cat. One explanation for the origin of the name Maine Coons is around Captain Charles Coon, a British sailor who kept long-haired cats on board his ship. The cats would be mating with local cats when he would dock in New England ports, and when long-haired kittens started to appear, where they were called "Coon's cats."
Characteristics of the Maine Coon
Some male Maine Coons can weigh more than 20 pounds, making them enormous cats. They must regularly groom their thick, lengthy fur coats. The thick, bushy tails and broad paws of Maine Coons give them a raccoon-like appearance rather than a cat-like one.
Despite being generally healthy cats, Maine Coons is prone to some illnesses like hip dysplasia and heart disease. Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to maintain your cat's health and happiness if you're thinking about bringing a Maine Coon into your home.
Ears
One of the breed's most recognizable characteristics is its ears. The ears of Maine Coons are huge, pointed, and perched high on the head.
Nose
One of the distinguishing features of the breed of Maine Coons is its large, broad nose.
Coat
Maine Coons needs frequent grooming because of their thick, lengthy fur coats. As a result of their fur's resistance to water, they can stay dry and comfortable during cold weather.
Tail
Large, bushy tails are another distinguishing trait of the Maine Coon breed. Because of how fluffy their tails are, they frequently resemble raccoons.
Paws
Maine Coons resembles raccoons more than cats because of their large paws. Their broad paws make it easy for them to move in the snow and keep them warm in chilly weather.
Size
The largest domestic cat breed is the Maine Coon, with some males reaching weights of over 20 pounds. Compared to other domestic cat species like Siamese or Persians, they are noticeably bigger.
Cost of Maine Coons
With typical costs ranging from $600 to $1,200, Maine Coons is one of the most pricey cat species.
Your best choice for locating a Maine Coon for sale is to conduct an online search or go to a nearby animal shelter. Although Maine Coons is a very uncommon breed, several breeders are experts in it.
They are well worth the cost due to their amiable dispositions and easy maintenance requirements.
Maintenance Costs
Cats like Maine Coons require little care. While Maine Coons do require frequent exercise through play or outdoor leash walking, they are fine to spend the majority of the day lounging about the house.
Regular vet visits and lots of love and attention are the best ways to keep your Maine Coon healthy and content. The amiable, devoted, and loyal cats known as Maine Coons enjoy spending time with their owners. If you treat your Maine Coon with the respect and care they require, you'll have a companion for life.
Fun Facts
- The heaviest registered Maine Coon weighed over 34 pounds and measured 48.5 inches from tip of snout to tail! The Guinness Book of World Records lists this accomplishment.
- Many Maine Coons have six toes. The majority of cats have 18 toes - five on the front paws and four on the back - and are known as polydactyl cats if they have an additional digit or two. According to experts, up to 40% of the original Maine Coons had polydactyl paws, which some claim allowed the cats to use their paws as "natural snowshoes" during the harsh winters in Maine. Even though the mutation can emerge spontaneously in any cat population, the eastern United States, Canada, and England are where the feature is most prevalent. The sailors' belief that polydactyl cats were lucky and that their additional toes helped them balance better on the open seas - as well as their purported enhanced mouser abilities - led to their appeal among sailors.
- Maine coons love water, contrary to most cats. Their fondness for water is among the most well-known and peculiar traits of Maine Coons. They may have an advantage in the chilly winter months because of the quality of their thick, partially water-resistant coats, which are longer on the stomach, ruff, and flanks and keep the lower body warm while they sit or stroll on snow or ice. This may possibly be the reason for their lack of fear of becoming wet. Because of their shorter undercoat than other long-haired cats, their coats also don't mat as quickly.