Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Maine Coon cat breeds are known for their large size, tufted ears, bushy tails, and friendly personalities. They have a thick, water-repellent coat and are prized for their intelligence and gentle nature. Maine coon cats are nice.
They enjoy playing and spending time with people. These cats are famous for their huge size, sometimes reaching up to 40 inches long. Despite their size, Maine coons are loved for being great pets. P.C. Cast says,
“Life is too short to have just one Maine Coon Cat”
They almost disappeared once, but now they’re quite popular. In 2019, they were the fifth most loved cat breed, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. If there is Maine coon kittens for sale, Maine coon cat price is between $400 to $1,500, depending on its family history.
| Attribute | Maine Coon |
| Official Name | Maine Coon |
| Common Name | Maine Coon |
| Pet Height | 10 to 16 inches |
| Pet Weight | 8 to 18 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 to 13 years |
| Good With | Cats, Children, Dogs, Families, Seniors |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sociable |
| Intelligence | High |
| Shedding Amount | Frequent |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Active |
| Vocal Level | When Necessary |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | Black / Ebony, Blue / Gray, Chocolate / Brown / Sable, Cream / Beige / Tan, Red / Orange, White |
History Of Maine Coon Cat Breeds
The Maine Coon cat is a special breed with a cool backstory. Many experts think they originally came from faraway places and ended up in Maine, USA, with early American explorers. Once there, they mixed with local short-haired cats, making a new kind of cat with long fur.
People aren’t sure where the name “Maine Coon” comes from. Some say it might be because of a sailor named Charles Coon, while others think it’s because their fluffy tails look like raccoons’.
Back in the 1800s, these cats were popular in cat shows, but then other fancy breeds became more popular. But in the 1950s, people started to love Maine Coons again.
Maine Coons are usually very healthy because they grew up naturally without too much help from people. They still have the same traits they had back then like thick fur to keep them warm in cold weather and a strong instinct to hunt mice.
In 1895, there was a big cat show in New York City, and a female Maine Coon named Cosey won the top prize. Her silver collar is now kept in the Cat Fanciers’ Association headquarters, reminding us of the important role Maine Coons played in cat history.
Appearance Of Maine Coon Cat Breeds
The Maine Coon cat is known for being the biggest type of house cat. They’re pretty large, usually standing between 10 and 16 inches tall and stretching up to a remarkable 40 inches long. These cats are sturdy, weighing anywhere from 8 to 18 pounds, with strong bodies, broad chests, and sturdy legs.
Their fur adds to their size, making them look even more impressive. Maine Coons have long, silky coats that can come in various colors and patterns. You might see them in solid white, cream, red, blue, or black, as well as different combinations like tabby, bi-color, and tortoiseshell.
They’ve got some distinctive features, too, like big pointy ears with tufts of hair on top, expressive oval-shaped eyes, and a long, fluffy tail.
Temperament Of Maine Coon Cat Breeds
Maine Coon cats may be big, but they’re big softies at heart. They love being around people and want to be part of the family. You’ll often find them sticking close by, following you around the house wherever you go.
While they’re super affectionate and social, they’re not the type to curl up on your lap. Instead, they prefer chilling out next to you, which a good thing is given their size.
These cats are super smart and playful. They stay young at heart and love goofing around, earning them the title of “clowns of the cat world” from the Maine Coon Cat Club.
They’re not aggressive and are totally cool with being picked up, cuddled, and played with. Plus, they’re great with kids, being friendly, gentle, and patient.
Living Needs Of Maine Coon Cat Breeds
Firstly, they need a family that loves them and has time to play with them. Maine coons are patient and get along well with kids, dogs, and other cats.
Although they can be left alone for a while, they don’t like it much. They should be with a family where someone is usually home during the day to keep them company. Many Maine coons enjoy playing with water, so don’t be surprised if they join you in the shower or want to help with the dishes.
Despite their size, Maine coons are quiet cats. They like to talk to their human friends but in a gentle voice. Maine coons make fantastic family pets. If you have the time, patience, and love to give, you’ll find them to be incredibly affectionate and loyal companions.
Care Of Maine Coon Cat Breeds
According to Catherine Lenox, a veterinarian with Royal Canin, Maine Coons have a thick, shaggy coat that needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Maine coons have thick, shaggy fur that needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
They should be groomed weekly to monthly, and bathing may be required when their coat starts to look greasy or unkempt. These cats shed a lot, so brushing them weekly helps remove loose hair. Luckily, Maine coons enjoy the attention, and grooming can be a pleasant experience for both of you.
Maine coons don’t need special exercise routines. They’re like most cats, enjoying long naps and playful moments around the house. Providing toys and cat trees can help them stay active.
Maine coons are smart and trainable. Some owners even compare them to dogs because they can learn tricks like walking on a leash or playing fetch. They also adapt quickly to using a litter box, but make sure it’s big enough for their size. Socializing your Maine coon early is important.
Let all family members, including kids; handle the kitten gently every day. Introduce them to other pets, too, so they don’t become shy. Feed your Maine coon high-quality cat food and monitor their diet to prevent overeating. Consult your vet for guidance on how much and how often to feed your cat.
Maine Coon Cat Breeds’ Health
Maine coon lifespan is about 10 to 13 years, and is generally healthy pets. However, like all types of cats, there are some health concerns to know about.
Due to their large size, Maine Coons can develop joint problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia. They are also prone to a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and dental issues are common among this breed.
Good Maine coon cat breeders will check for these health issues in your kitten, but it’s essential to keep screening them regularly as they grow up. Sometimes, problems like HCM may not show up until later in your cat’s life.
Maine Coon Behavior Problems
We’ll discuss common behavior issues with Maine Coons and how to discipline your cat below.
1: Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a problem that develops in young cats and can last into their senior years if not addressed early on. When you notice your cat is unable to stay away from you for even a short period, this is a definite sign of separation anxiety, and the intensity varies depending on the circumstances.
Consider purchasing some toys for your cat to play with while you’re away from home. When that fails, the best option is to tire your cat out before leaving it alone. In this manner, it won’t have enough energy to produce a scene.
2: Territorial
Maine Coons can become territorial. This is a regular problem when you have more than one cat or animal in your home. You want to get ahead of the situation before your cat develops a negative habit.
To avoid this, introduce your cat to other cats while it is still a kitten. The more socialization your cat receives from a young age, the less territorial it will be.
3: House soiling
If your Maine Coon is experiencing house soiling despite having access to a litter box, it’s advisable to schedule a visit to the veterinarian.
Cats, unlike some other pets, do not normally urinate themselves in places where they are not meant to. Therefore, you will need a professional opinion to figure out why the habit has changed.
4: Excessive meowing
Maine Coon cats often communicate through meowing, but too much meowing might mean they want something like food, water, or attention. Whatever you think your cat needs, try not to give in to its meowing right away. If you do, your cat might learn to meow whenever it wants something.
Maine Coon Size
The Maine Coon cat, known for its impressive size, typically Maine coon weight between 6 to 8 kilograms for males and 3.5 to 5.5 kilograms for females. These majestic felines can stand at a height ranging from 25 to 41 centimeters, and their length, including their remarkable tails, can extend up to a meter.
Such dimensions contribute to the Maine Coon’s renowned status as one of the largest domestic cat breeds, captivating admirers with their grandeur.
Fun Facts About Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coon cats are special because they are the only long-haired cats that come from the United States.
- In Maine, it’s not surprising that the Maine Coon is the official state cat.
- In the Harry Potter movies, a female Maine Coon cat named Pebbles acted as Mrs. Norris.
- A lady from Texas spent a huge $50,000 to have her Maine Coon cat, Little Nicky, cloned.
Maine Coons are big cats, and it’s no wonder they’ve been known as the longest domestic cats for more than ten years. In 2018, Barivel, a Maine Coon from Italy, became the world’s largest domestic cat, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Barivel measures 3 feet and 11.2 inches long, which is longer than a baseball bat. The Maine Coon that held the record before was also a previous record-holder. Stewie, another Maine Coon,
Sources
Maine Coon Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care
History and Origins of Maine Coon
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