Maine Coon
The Maine coon is considered as the biggest cat breed in terms of size. They are the natural and oldest cat breed that was brought to Maine in the 1850s. Due to their large size and astonishing personality, they are known as “the gentle giants”. These cats are also called “American Coon Cats”.
Even though these cats are expensive, people love owning them due to their popularity. Along with their big size, they have a majestic appearance that everyone loves. They are first-choice pets not only in the United States but worldwide. People love keeping them as pets due to their personality and appearance. Despite their big size, they are calm and level-headed.
These cats are not considered normal cats, they are unique and intelligent. These cats won many awards and appeared in movies and many writers wrote about these beautiful cats in their books. Moreover, this cat breed comes in 3rd number as the most famous cat.
Key Features:
Name:
Maine Coon
Other Names:
Gentle Giant, American Coon, Coon Cat
Origin:
Popularity:
Top 3
Size:
Large
Lifespan:
12-15 Years
Coat:
Long, Silky, Double Coat
Nature:
Friendly, Affectionate, Interactive, Playful, Loyal
Average Price:
$2000 – $4000
Colors:
80+
Weight:
Male: 6.7 to 11.35 kg, Female: 4.53 to 6.8 kg
Adaptability:
Kids Friendly:
Other Pets Friendly:
Affection Level:
Intelligence
Energy Level:
Origin:
In the mid-19th century, the Maine coon breed originated in the northeastern parts of America. This cat breed is naturally established in the northeastern United States. There is a myth that states the Maine coon cat is a cross between the bobcat and raccoon.
Many breeders believe that this cat breed originated when longhaired foreign cats and already existing domestic shorthairs mate. However, the study of phylogenetics showed that this breed belongs to the cat branch of the Western European monophyletic.
Population:
The estimated number of Maine Coon Cat is 600000 that are present in the world. This breed used to be a rare cat breed but now you can find them everywhere. The estimated population of this breed is over 600000 which are registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) We have seen that during the last decade, the population number of these cats increased. However, these gentle giants exist all over the world but most of the cats can be found in Maine state.
Average Price:
The average price of the Maine coon cat is between $2000 and $4000. However, their prices may be influenced by factors like breeder location, kitten color, pedigree, etc. If you are going to buy a black cat it will be more costly than other colors because of their rarity. Moreover, finding a reputable breeder is also essential to purchase a well-bred pedigree kitten.
These cats are expensive if you purchase them from a registered breeder, but you can have these majestic cats at a lower price by adopting them from a local animal shelter. There is a big price difference between buying and adopting them. To adopt Maine coon cats, you just have to spend on their adoption fees which would be around $100 to $350.
History:
In the 1850s, the Maine coon cats were brought to Maine by European seafarers. To withstand the extreme Maine winters, these cats developed thick dense coats. In the 1870s, this cat breed was accepted as a definite breed.
In the early 1860s, the Maine coon cat first appeared in a cat show “Skowhegan Fair” where a farmer from North America brought his cats. These gentle giants grabbed the attention of everyone in the show due to her appearance and body size. After that, they became popular and won an award in a cat show which was held in Madison Square Garden, New York on 8 May 1895.
Moreover, at one stage, the Maine coon cat started losing its popularity. It happened in the early 1900s when long-haired breeds were introduced in the market. At that time, MAine coon was available in a very small number but their story didn’t finish there. They made a strong comeback that no one expected and became the 3rd largest cat breed in 2020.
Characteristics:
Lifespan
This cat breed has a reputation for living a longer life. The average lifespan of these gentle giants is 12 to 15 years. However, their longevity mostly depends on the environment, food, exercise, mental stimulation, and grooming.
If you own these majestic cats, it’s all up to you to enhance or lessen their lifespan. As we have seen, the oldest Maine coon cat lived up to 31 years of age. It shows us with proper care and grooming, these astonishing animals can live more than their average lifespan.
Size & Weight
This cat breed is considered one of the largest cat breeds. The body size of these amazing cats is one of the most recognizable features. They look even bigger than normal cats when they are just kittens. It’s also easy to identify them from their body size.
It takes 3 to 4 years for Maine coon to reach their adult size. The male cats are bigger than female cats in terms of height, weight, and size. There is a little difference in the size and body weight of male and female cats, as you can see in the following table.
| Body Size | Female Cat | Male Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 25 to 35 inches (63-88 cm) | 30 to 40 inches (76-101 cm) |
| Weight | 4.53 to 6.8 kg (9.9-14.9 lb) | 6.7 to 11.35 kg (14.7-25) |
| Height | 9 to 14 inches (22-35 cm) | 11 to 16 inches (27-40 cm) |
Here is a complete Maine Coon Growth Chart.
Appearance
People often become attracted to the appearance of this cat breed. They look similar to Norwegian Forest Cats. To identify these cats, you must know all about their appearance. This majestic cat has a strong and muscular body. It has a long head, and its ears are large and well-tufted. Additionally, its chest is broad, while the coat is smooth and silky.
If we talk about their facial shape, they have triangular and wedge face shapes. Their jaw is robust and masculine along with a square muzzle. The eyes of gentle giants are large and wide with a slightly oval shape. Moreover, these cats have long, bushy tails and large, tufted paws.
Temperament
These felines are sweet-tempered and gentle giants who always want to interact with people. Despite their big size, these cats are not aggressive. They are affectionate and fun-loving with their owner and the humans surrounding them. The best thing about these astonishing cats is that they adapt to any environment and get familiar with a family in a short time.
These cats are not lap cats, they are always ready to go outside and to perform fun activities. The one more interesting thing about a Maine coon cat is her curious nature. You may find her searching for things all the time. Watching her doing fun activities will always keep you fascinated.
Color & Patterns
There are so many color options in this cat breed. So you can choose any color that you want in your ideal pet. There are more than 80 recognized Maine Coon colors in different patterns, as stated by the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).
Solid
- Blue
- White
- Red
- Brown
- Cream
- Grey
- Black
Bi-Colors
- Red and White
- Cream and White
- Blue and White
- Brown and White
- Black and White
Tabby Colors
- Red Tabby
- Cream Tabby
- Brown Tabby
- Blue Tabby
- Silver Tabby
Smoke Shaded
- Black Smoke
- Red Smoke
- Blue Smoke
- Cream Smoke
Personality:
Intelligent
American coon cats are intelligent and smart and are always curious to know what’s going on surrounding them. They may find many things that you lost in your house. These cats can even live independently without their owner, making them convenient for someone who can’t give too much attention to their pet.
Playfulness
Most cats are often lazy and sleepy but this cat breed is one of the most active and playful cat breeds. They love to play with their owners and other fellow pets. These cats enjoy the company of humans a lot. That’s why they get familiar very easily and make a great bond with them.
Affectionate
Maine coon cats are known for being affectionate. Their loving and friendly nature makes them great companions for families and individuals. They may show love to their owners by cuddling and snuggling.
Health Issues:
| Diseases | Explanation | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polycystic kidney disease | Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition in which cysts are produced in the cat’s kidney. These cysts might disrupt kidney function which often results in kidney failure. | 1- Weight loss 2- Loss of appetite 3- Vomiting 4- Lethargy | There is no specific treatment for Polycystic kidney disease, however, medications, fluid therapy, and therapeutic diets are used to treat the symptoms of this disease. |
| Gingivitis | Gingivitis is a dental condition in which a cat’s gums become swollen and painful. | 1- Bad breath 2- Swelling in the gums 3- Decreased appetite | The gingivitis condition can be treated by dental cleaning, regular teeth brushing, and daily oral care. |
| Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease in which the thickness of the heart wall increases abnormally. | 1- Weakness 2- Lethargy 3- Difficulty in breathing | This heart disease has no known cure but medications and injections can help manage Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. |
| Hips dysplasia | Due to their large size and heavy body mass, these cats are more prone to develop hip dysplasia. In this condition, there is a misalignment of the ball and socket joint. | 1- Reduced activity 2- Difficulty in walking 3- Limping | This disease can be treated by maintaining the weight of your feline friend, however, in advanced cases, surgery might be required. |
| Spinal muscular atrophy | Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetically inherited condition in which the affected cat has general muscle weakness. | 1- Muscle weakness 2- Difficulty in moving 3- Irregular gait | This health condition is not curable in Maine coon cats, it’s important to get a cat wheelchair as your cat will lose movement in spinal muscular atrophy. |
Care Routine:
Quality Nutrition
Make sure to start your feline friend’s care routine with a nutritious diet. Choose foods that are high in protein and carbs. Moreover, feed your cat a well-balanced diet that contains good-quality ingredients and high nutrients.
Fresh Water
Along with food, clean and fresh water is essential for these felines. They love to drink running water from a faucet. If you provide them with water in a bowl, clean their water bowl regularly to avoid bacterial infections.
Grooming
To maintain the majestic appearance of Maine coon cats, you have to stay conscious regarding their grooming. Give them coat brushing three times a week to keep their coat healthy and free of knots. Bathe your cat once in a few months with a cat-specific shampoo. Brush their teeth regularly to avoid dental problems. Additionally, trim their nails using a nail clipper when they get too big.
Exercise
Even though they are active and playful cats still, you need to give them proper exercise in a proper routine. It will help to maintain their body weight and overall health. You can take them for a walk or play games in your backyard.
Interesting facts about the breed:
Pet for many Celebrities
An American actor and film director “Louis Diamond Philips” who lives in Scarsdale, New York keeps five Maine coon cats in their home. He lovingly calls them “Our Crazy Cat People Starter Kit”. Another famous singer-songwriter “Taylor swift” also has an American coon cat named “Meredith Grey”.
Discussed in Books
In 1861, the writer France Simpson wrote a book called “the book of the Cat” in which, the first mention of a Maine coon cat appears. Additionally, this cat breed also appears in the book “The Cat Who Came For Christmas” by Cleveland Amory. In that book, the Maine coon cat named the polar bear plays a central role.
Role in Movies
If you watched the Harry Potter movie you may know that Mrs. Norris was played by a Maine coon cat. Moreover, a Maine coon cat turns in a scene-stealing performance in the “Ripley” which is a Netflix series. This Netflix series was released on 4 April 2024.
Award Winning Cat Breed
This breed is a frequent winner of cat shows. The brown tabby cat was announced as the “Best Cat” winner in a major cat award show. This award show was held in 1895 in the United States, Medison Square Garden.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Friendly pets
- Highly affectionate
- Entertaining
- Loyal cats
- Easy to care
- Can live independently
- Adaptable to any environment
- Several coat colors
Cons
- Expensive to purchase
- Require regular grooming
- Large in size
- High maintenance
- Expensive diet
- Need regular exercise
- Health issues
- Shed a lot
FAQs:
Is a Maine Coon cat a good family pet?
These cats are intelligent and always curious to learn new things, so teaching new tricks would be easy. Their calm and composed nature also makes them convenient pets for every family.
What is the downside of the Maine coon cat?
Sometimes they are irritating due to their loud vocal sounds, so You would get frustrated if you often read books.
Do these gentle giants use a litter box?
It’s always frustrating when your cat pees on your bed or shoes. However, these gentle giants are well-behaved cats still, you need to train them to use the litter box.
How to recognize a Maine coon cat?
You can easily recognize them by measuring their tails. Their tails should be three-quarters of their body length, up to 16 inches long.
How much bigger is an American coon than a normal cat?
A normal cat weighs 10 lbs and is around 30 inches long, while these gentle giants weigh around 25 lbs and are 40 inches long.
Conclusion:
This largest cat breed, ranked 3rd worldwide, gained so much popularity. They also appeared in movies and books. Maine coon cats are highly affectionate and astonishing cats. They are perfect in all aspects including size, appearance, and personality. These cats can become ideal pets that everyone wants. You can get them in your favorite color as they come in various colors. They are expensive to purchase, their food is costly, and their maintenance is high but still, people love to own them.
