by Savannah Admire, | June 22, 2023
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Oleksii Syrotkin / Stocksy
Affectionately known as the dogs of the cat world, the Maine Coon cat is a larger-than-normal feline with a playful and loving personality. With their thick, fluffy coats and sweet chirps, this cat is the perfect family pet and companion. Learn all about what makes the Maine Coon different from other domestic cat breeds, as well as what to expect when adopting one of these oversized felines into your family.
In this article:
What is the history behind Maine Coon cats?
There are quite a few myths about the origins of these large cats; one of the most popular is that they are actually a cross between cats and raccoons! Of course, that’s biologically impossible, but the visual similarity between these cats and raccoons, especially in their plush tails, is where the “Coon” part of the breed’s name originates.
According to another myth, the Maine Coon descends from long-haired cats sent to Maine by Marie Antoinette ahead of her escape from France. When the French queen never made her way to North America, her cats were left to wander and breed with other cats in the area, resulting in the unique Maine Coon.
The most likely explanation for the breed is still a pretty good story: Viking sailors may have brought long-haired cats with them when they landed in the U.S. hundreds of years ago, and those cats likely mixed with local short-haired domestic felines in the area. The first documented historical mention of the Maine Coon was in 1861, referring to a black and white cat owned by a soldier.
Maine Coons predominantly originated in New England, where their thick fur coats protect them from the region’s cold winters, and have been around since colonial times. If you couldn’t guess from their name, this breed is the state cat of Maine, where they were first recognized as an official breed. Maine Coons used to serve primarily as barn cats, where their hunting skills kept the area free of mice. They were especially popular in the 20th century and remain so today.
How are Maine Coon cats different from other cat breeds?
The Maine Coon is unique from other domestic breeds in a number of ways, most notably their much larger size. So, how big does a Maine Coon cat get? Where most adult cats are no more than 10 to 12 pounds, the size of a Maine Coon can be as much as 25 pounds. Their muscular bodies contribute to this larger frame, and they have taller and longer bodies than other feline breeds. Even Maine Coon kittens grow faster than other cats!
In addition to the larger physical size of Maine Coon cats, they also have markedly different personalities from most other breeds. They are very affectionate and love to be around people, leading to their unofficial titles as “the dogs of the cat world.” While they’re incredibly social, Maine Coons are also independent and easily go about their day without looking for extra attention. These thoughtful cats are very observant, thanks to their natural hunting skills, and can even comfort their parents when they’re sad or help look out for younger members of the family like an attentive guard dog.
Maine Coons also walk with a distinctive gait often described as a “lope” and vocalize with a variety of charming noises beyond the traditional meows of most domestic cat breeds.
What about their appearance sets them apart?
Having evolved to survive harsh New England winters, the Maine Coon is sturdy, very fluffy, and has larger ears than most cats. The tufts of fur on top of their ears even give them a similar appearance to the wild lynx. Maine Coons also have more distinct whiskers — the longest of any cat breed — and a luxurious and fluffy tail that can be anywhere from 12 to 18 inches long (compared to the average 10-inch tail of other cats).
Size
Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed, with some individuals weighing up to 25 pounds and topping out at a remarkable 40 inches in length, including their tail. In fact, the past two Guinness World Record holders for the world’s longest cat were both Maine Coons. Compared to an average cat, this breed more closely resembles the weight and length of a small dog (and their personalities are more similar to canines as well).
Fur
Maine Coons have long, thick, water-resistant fur designed to keep them warm in the snowy terrain of New England. Their fur is notably silky and especially long around the chest and neck, creating the appearance of a mane. When properly cared for, a Maine Coon’s fur can grow several inches long.
Colors
Maine Coons can be a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, orange, and tabby, as well as more unique patterns like tortoiseshell, calico, and parti-color (two colors). This breed has been seen in over 75 different colors and numerous patterns — a variety that’s evident when looking at Maine Coon cat pictures.
nikkytok / Shutterstock/ BIG FURRY MAINE COON
Do Maine Coons have a specific personality?
Their size and fluffy fur aren’t the only things that make Maine Coons different from other domestic cat breeds. These cats also tend to have unique personalities that can best be described as friendly and very people-oriented, especially when compared to an average cat.
Temperament
Maine Coons are known for their gentle temperament and their love of people and are often dubbed “gentle giants.” They tend to be far less skittish around strangers than most cats, showing off their affectionate personalities and enjoying cuddling time with their family members. This open and even goofy temperament makes the Maine Coon an excellent choice for first-time pet parents or those with young children.
But do Maine Coon cats get along with other cats? They certainly can! These fluffy felines love other animals and people, but make sure to take time to properly introduce a Maine Coon to any other pets in the home.
Intelligence
Maine Coons are considered one of the most intelligent cat breeds and are highly trainable, just like most dogs. If you have babies or small children, you may catch your Maine Coon watching out for them and serving as a guard cat for your neighborhood. Thanks to their intellect, this breed can easily learn tricks, so don’t hesitate to invest time and energy in training.
Vocalizations
Maine Coons have a wide range of vocalizations, including trills, chirps, low-pitched meows, and, of course, purring. These cats are known for their soft and melodious voices, which they often use to communicate with their parents. Their quieter voices sometimes make them harder to hear, but they are very expressive, using a variety of sounds, including yowls, to communicate with their human parents.
Love of water
Unlike most cats, Maine Coons are known for their love of water. They love to swim in lakes and ponds at the first opportunity, and they even enjoy playing in the bathtub.
Valeria Boltneva / Pexels
Do Maine Coon cats have specific health concerns?
Thanks to their hardy frames, Maine Coons tend to be fairly healthy, but their larger size also contributes to unique health problems that aren’t as common in other domestic cats. These potential health issues also lead to a shorter Maine Coon lifespan — about nine to 13 years, compared to the average of 12 to 18 years for most cats.
Because of their size, Maine Coons are more prone to hip dysplasia, a hereditary defect of the hip socket. This condition can be mild, resulting in little to no pain, or can lead to severe trouble walking and jumping.
The breed is also prone to more heart problems than most domestic cats, particularly feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), one of the most common forms of heart disease found in cats. This issue is typically found in Maine Coons that are middle-aged or older, so keep an eye on your senior cat and be sure to take them in for regular checkups with your veterinarian.
To keep your Maine Coon healthy, ensure that they get plenty of exercise. This breed has a natural love of the outdoors and can easily be leash-trained to accompany you on walks and other outside adventures.
Adopt a Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a playful and affectionate breed, an excellent option for dog lovers and first-time pet parents. With the right care and plenty of attention, a Maine Coon can become a beloved member of your family, snuggling up for cozy nights in and even joining you on walks or trips to your favorite outdoor spots. If you’re looking for the perfect feline companion, consider adopting a Maine Coon from your local rescue or shelter today!
Commonly asked questions:
What about their appearance sets them apart?
The Maine Coon is sturdy, fluffy, and has large ears with tufts of fur on top. Their tails are longer than other cats and they weigh more, too.
Do Maine Coons have a specific personality?
Maine Coons are known for their gentle temperament, love of people (they’re often dubbed “gentle giants”), intelligence, and trainability.
Are Maine Coons more active than other cats?
Maine Coons are relatively active and need plenty of exercise. They are especially known for their love of water and swimming.
Do Maine Coon cats have specific health concerns?
Maine Coons are more prone to hip dysplasia and more heart problems than most domestic cats, particularly feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Do Maine Coon cats have specific grooming needs?
This breed has long, fluffy hair that needs to be groomed regularly — daily, if possible.
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Savannah Admire
Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.
