Maine Coon Cat Breed Information

Group

Semi-long Haired

Weight

9-10 kg

Length

25-40 cm

Lifespan

10-13 years

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About the Maine Coon Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

With their huge bushy tails, Lynx-like fluffy ears, and huge size, Maine Coon cats are instantly recognisable! If you’re considering giving a home to one of these feline giants, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ll find plenty of useful advice and information in this Maine Coon breed guide.

We’ve covered everything from the Maine Coon’s history and origin to living needs and potential health problems. If you’re eager to know more, keep scrolling to discover this beautiful breed.

What Is the History & Origin of the Maine Coon Cat?

The Maine Coon originates from, you guessed it, Maine, where the breed was a gifted mouser and used as a ship and farm cat as early as the 19th century. It’s a natural breed but sadly, not much is known of its origins.

There is some speculation that they were brought to North America by the Vikings, hundreds of years before Columbus set sail. This history of sailing the seas would explain why Maine Coons, unlike other cats, are huge fans of water!

In 1895, the first major cat show in the US was held in Madison Square Garden, where a brown female tabby Maine Coon named Cosey was crowned “Best Cat”.

What Is a Maine Coon Cat Breed?

Maine Coons are large and friendly felines who love nothing more than playing and relaxing with their humans. The Maine Coon’s popularity is on the rise, which is surprising considering that at one point they almost became extinct.

In 2019, the Maine Coon was announced as the fifth most popular cat breed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. Above all, they’re the official state cat of Maine.

Who Is a Maine Coon Cat Best For?

With their friendly and laid-back nature, these cats are a perfect choice for first-time owners or families with cat-friendly dogs and kids. They thrive on attention and even enjoy being petted by children as long as they’re handled with politeness and respect.

What Does a Maine Coon Cat Look Like?

The Maine Coon breed is the biggest domestic feline breed and its size is definitely a defining feature! The ears are also recognisable, being tall, large and wider at the base, complete with wispy tufts at the top, resembling a Lynx. Their legs are also very strong with large, tough paws that also feature the same adorable tufts as their ears.

Coat

As if their huge build wasn’t impressive enough, the thick fur coat of the Maine Coon makes these stunning felines look even larger. The long coat is beautifully smooth and silky and it grows shorter around the shoulders. This distinctive mane typically starts to grow when a Maine Coon kitten is around 9 months old.

Colours

They come in many different solid colours such as black, tortoiseshell, and white colours in classic and mackerel patterns both with and without silver. It’s believed that red Maine Coons have the most beautiful colouring. The orange hue makes them stand out, especially with their luxuriously long fur.

Patterns

As well as many colours, Maine Coons have a variety of patterns including:

Shaded and smoke
Bi-colour
Parti-colour
Tabby
Calico

The most commonly found patterns are tabby and solid, with silver Coons being among the rarest patterns. In fact, brown tabby patterns are so common that lots of people aren’t even aware that Maine Coons can be found in other colours and patterns.

Maine Coon Cat Grooming & Shedding

The Maine Coon’s coat is heavy and shaggy and it demands regular brushing to prevent mats or tangles. Your cat will need to be brushed regularly and bathed every week or month, depending on how much they like playing outside. The coat is usually super smooth but if it starts to look dull or greasy, it’s a sure-fire sign it’s time for a bath!

How Do Maine Coon Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

The laid-back and good-natured Maine Coon cat breed can adapt to many household environments and lifestyles. They’re happy to enjoy attention when you offer it but if you’re too busy, they’ll be satisfied with just supervising your activities.

If you close a door on them you’ll find they’ll wait patiently until you realise your mistake and let them in. Although a Maine Coon isn’t much of a lap cat, they do prefer to be near their human companions.

They’re also very intelligent and playful. They’ll retain their kitten-like behaviour well into their adult years. The Maine Coon cat club describes them as the “clowns of the cat world.”

Living Needs

The first and most important living need of your Maine Coon is a loving and affectionate family that has the time to play, and the inclination to include it in everyday family life. Although Maine Coons can be left alone, they won’t like it. Being left alone too much can make them anxious and unhappy.

For this reason, they’re best for families where there’s always at least one or two people at home all day so the cat has company. Another thing Maine Coons love is water. This will make bath time super easy, but it also means you can expect your furry friend to try and join you in the shower or help with the dishes!

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Maine Coon Cats?

Habits

A surprising and often adorable habit of Maine Coons is that they tend to use their paws a lot more than other breeds. They even use them when they’re eating. If you choose a Maine Coon, you’ll probably find them scooping dry food up with their paws to eat!

Activity Level

Maine Coons aren’t excessively active and they’ll typically have the same activity schedule as other cats. This usually involves hours of snoozing, broken up by playful interludes. Scratching posts and cat toys can help them work off their energy without subjecting your furniture to any abuse!

Vocalness

Despite their size, these big felines are rather quiet. Although they do communicate with their humans, their quiet, soft voice may surprise you!

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Maine Coon Cat?

Height

Maine Coons are naturally big because they descend directly from Norwegian Forest cats. The natural lineage of wild cats from Maine is responsible for their large size. When fully grown they typically reach 25-40 cm tall.

Weight

Not surprisingly, this huge cat breed can reach a hefty weight. Females can reach up to 6 kg whereas males can tip the scales at a huge 9-10 kg!

Size

Maine Coons are considered the biggest of all cat breeds, but they’re very slow to mature. They’re not considered fully grown until they reach around 4-5 years of age.

Are Maine Coon Cats Easy to Train?

These ultra-intelligent felines are very easy to train. Some Maine Coon owners believe that they’re almost dog-like as they’re so trainable. They can be leash-trained or even taught how to play fetch.

They also quickly pick up things like basic litter box use and housetraining. Remember though that your large feline friend will need a large litter box to match its size.

Does the Maine Coon Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Maine Coons are usually healthy felines, but as with all purebred cats, there are certain health conditions that potential owners should be aware of. Because of their large size, they may be at risk of joint problems such as hip dysplasia or arthritis.

Maine Coons are also prone to HCM, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; dental disease is quite common with this breed.

What Is the Lifespan of a Maine Coon Cat?

Because they’re the largest of all domestic cats, Maine Coons generally have a lifespan of up to 13 years. Of course, a healthy balanced diet and regular health checks can help prolong your feline friend’s life.

How Much Does a Maine Coon Cat Need to Be Fed?

Your Maine Coon will need a diet of high-quality dry and wet cat food, the higher the quality, the better. Be sure to monitor your pet’s food intake though to prevent unnecessary weight gain. Always ask your vet if you’re not sure of how much or what to feed your cat.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Maine Coon Cat in Australia?

Would-be owners must be aware that this is one of the most expensive cat breeds, not just in Australia, but around the world. The prices of Maine Coon kittens can begin at around $800, depending on if they’re show quality or not.

Only consider reputable Maine Coon breeders as this means you’ll be getting a healthy cat, reducing the chance of illnesses and health problems.

Maine Coon Cat FAQs

Are Maine Coon cats hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, no. Because of their long fluffy coats and excessive shedding, these cats aren’t suitable for people with allergies.

Is it safe to give Maine Coon cats milk and dairy products?

No, cats shouldn’t be given dairy products. Contrary to popular belief, most felines are lactose-intolerant and this includes Maine Coons. Although they may enjoy milk, it can be difficult for them to digest, causing tummy upset and other digestive problems.

Do Maine Coon cats get along well with kids and other household pets?

Yes, these felines are very patient and they mix well with other pets. They’re also very tolerant of children as long as they’re taught to handle the cat with care and respect.

How often should you brush a Maine Coon cat’s teeth?

Brushing your cat’s teeth is essential to prevent periodontal disease. Daily brushing is ideal, but a weekly teeth brushing session is sufficient in keeping your cat’s mouth clean and healthy.

How often should you bathe a Maine Coon?

There’s no hard and fast rule on how often you should bathe your furry friend. However, once the coat starts looking greasy or stringy, it’s time for a bath!