Maine Coon Basics
Learn about about Maine Coon basics like where Maine Coon come from, how many different types of Maine Coon you can find, and what other breeds mix with Maine Coon.
On average, Maine Coons live for 12.5 years, but can live up to 15 years. A lot goes into this longevity equation, including genetics, lifestyle, and diet, so keep your Maine Coon in tip-top shape with regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and care.
Maine Coons are from the state of Maine. The most plausible idea about their origins is that European traders in the 1700s brought long-haired cats (such as the Norwegian Forest cat and Siberian cat) on their ships as ratters, and these cats then mated with local short-haired cats in Maine. The combination created a new breed with a robust constitution and a weather-resistant, rugged coat that could withstand Maine weather.
There is only one type of Maine Coon cat breed, but there are more than 75 different coat color and pattern combinations within the breed, as well as a range of sizes.
The Maine Coon wasn’t bred for anything but developed as hunters by keeping the rodent population in check on farms and ships. Their tufted ears, bushy tails, and water-resistant fur made them well-equipped for New England’s chilly climate and harsh winters. Farmers first began exhibiting their beloved mousers at local fairs before they made their way to the show ring in the late 19th century.
Maine Coons stop growing between three and five years old — they’reslower to develop than most cats.
No, Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic. They produce allergenic proteins in their skin and saliva, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Regular grooming and cleaning can help mitigate the issue, but they’re not a foolproof choice for those with allergies.
Maine Coon Appearance
Learn about about the Maine Coon general appearance like their size, colors, and grooming needs.
Maine Coon cats can be many colors and patterns. Brown tabby is the most common color and pattern in Maine Coons, but others include white, black, blue, and red; tortoiseshell pattern, in black and blue; silver pattern, in black-silver, blue-silver, red-silver, and cream-silver; and parti-color, which includes any of the solid colors with white markings.
Maine Coons can be polydactyl, which means they have extra toes on their paws. However, not all Maine Coons have this genetic trait. At one time, around 40 percent of Maine Coon cats were polydactyl.
Maine Coons are big because their size likely helped them survive in the rugged outdoors of New England by giving them better insulation against the elements and helping them excel in their hunting duties. Over time, these traits were passed on, shaping them into the robust, big-hearted cats we see today.
Maine Coon cats typically have gold, green, and copper-colored eyes, but their eye colors can range from shades of amber to copper, and some have blue eyes or even heterochromia (two different colored eyes).
Maine Coons typically weigh between nine and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 16 inches tall, with male Maine Coons being significantly larger than females. However, some Maine Coons can grow even larger than that, with a few males weighing up to 25 pounds or more.
Maine Coon cats are fairly heavy shedders with weather-resistant, fluffy, and luxurious coats. Combing them twice a week is recommended to avoid having cat hair all over your home. Frequent grooming also helps prevent matting.
Maine Coons are not particularly high maintenance. Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles, but a weekly brush-through should suffice. They also benefit from mental and physical stimulation. So, while not overly demanding, they appreciate attention and playtime.
Maine Coons have long, bushy tails and tufted ears and are known for their impressive size. Their fur is thick and often comes in a range of colors and patterns. Some Maine Coons are also polydactyl, meaning they have extra toes on their paws.
Maine Coon Temperament
Learn about about the Maine Coon temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.
Maine Coons are not your typical lap-cats. They are affectionate but don’t crave constant attention. They still enjoy close companionship, though.
Maine Coons can be great indoor cats, especially if they have access to plenty of toys, scratching posts, and other forms of enrichment to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. For safety reasons, it is recommended that all cats be kept indoors regardless of their individual preferences.
Maine Coons make fairly good hunters. These cats developed hunting skills to capture mice and rats, and they still retain this instinct.
Maine Coons are vocal and have a distinctive chirp. Maine Coons are also known to be quite social and interactive, so they may vocalize more often than some other breeds to engage with their human companions. Individual personalities vary, however, so some Maine Coons may be more or less vocal than others.
Maine Coon cats are not known for being aggressive. However, as with any pet, individual personalities can vary, and there might be the occasional Maine Coon who’s a bit more assertive. True aggression is not a common trait in this breed, however, and their temperament tends to lean toward the other end of the spectrum.
Maine Coons’ temperaments are friendly and sociable.They’re often described as gentle giants who love to play and cuddle, and are known for their dog-like personalities. These cats often enjoy the company of humans and other pets alike.
Maine Coons tend to be quite friendly with their people. They love to be involved in their pet parent’s activities but aren’t necessarily lap-cats. They are affectionate but don’t crave constant attention.
Yes, Maine Coon cats are good pets. These cats are known for being sociable, friendly, and sometimes even a touch dog-like in their behavior. They like to be where the action is, and their gentle and adaptable nature makes them great for families with kids and other pets.
Maine Coons tend to be open to water, and, unlike most cats, some even like it. However, just like their distinct personalities, each Maine Coon’s comfort level with water varies.
Water-friendly Maine Coons are known to dip their paws in water bowls, play around with dripping faucets, or even supervise you in the shower. Some folks speculate it might be because of their historical ties to the rugged outdoors and their adaptation to wet environments.
Yes, Maine Coons tend to get along with dogs. Their adaptable and sociable nature often extends to forming friendships with their canine counterparts. Whether a Maine Coon gets along well with a dog will depend largely on the individual personalities of both animals and how well they have been socialized with other species.
Early socialization and gradual introductions can go a long way in fostering positive relationships between Maine Coons and other pets.
Maine Coon Health
Learn about about the Maine Coon health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.
Maine Coon cats should eat a balanced diet of high-quality cat food that provides a mix of proteins, fats, and essential nutrients. Avoid food toxic to cats, such as chocolate or grapes.
Grooming a Maine Coon cat involves brushing them a recommended twice a week to avoid having cat hair all over your home and prevent matting. All cats should have their claws trimmed every two weeks or so. Cats are also prone to periodontal disease and should have their teeth brushed two to three times a week.
Though generally healthy, Maine Coon cats can develop a few health conditions, including:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is an abnormal thickening of the heart’s left ventricle that leads to improper blood flow. It is the most common cause of heart disease in cats and can result in sudden death.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint grows abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause various issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease caused by the loss of neurons in the spinal cord that trigger the skeletal muscles. The lack of neurons leads to muscle weakness and degeneration. The condition is not painful and does not prevent cats from leading a normal life.
Maine Coon cats generally do not have a lot of health problems. They are quite a hardy, robust breed that survived due to natural selection in the harsh Maine climate.
Adopting a Maine Coon
Learn about about acquiring a Maine Coon –the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.
The easiest way to adopt a Maine Coon is through a rescue that specializes in Maine Coons. A great place to start is doing a breed search on Adopt a Pet. The search will show you all the available Maine Coons in your area.
The cost of a Maine Coon cat can vary depending on the cat’s age, lineage, fur, eye color, pedigree, and even location. The cost of adopting a Maine Coon through a shelter is much lower than buying one from a breeder.
Adopting a Maine Coon from a shelter costs between $75 and $100
Buying a Maine Coon from a breeder can cost in the range of $800 to $2,000
