The Maine Coon is a large, sweet cat that was originally raised to keep rats out of the house and the barn. These muscular cats have long bodies and tails, which gives them a unique oversized look. Today, the Maine Coon is a popular house pet that humans love to cuddle with because of their soft, fluffy coats.
Breed Overview
Length:
19–40 inches
Weight:
12–18 pounds
Lifespan:
11–13 years
Colors:
White, black, cream, blue
Suitable for:
Adults, families with kids, apartments, houses, multi-pet households
Temperament:
Gentle, affectionate, patient, intelligent
Maine Coons are popular cats, but they’re in high demand. The chance of finding one at a shelter or another animal rescue center is low. Many breeders only breed Maine Coon cats for sale during certain times of the year, so you may not even find one available at a local breeder depending on exactly when you look. If you are committed to adopting a Maine Coon, you may have to travel to another city or state if there aren’t any breeders in your area. Here is everything that you need to know about this interesting cat breed.
Maine Coon Characteristics
Energy
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A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
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Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
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Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.
Maine Coon Kittens
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
Not all Maine Coon kittens are created equal. Some are rambunctious or playful, while others are curious or shy. But every Maine Coon kitty is affectionate and loyal to their human family members. One of the most remarkable characteristics of Maine Coons is that they often keep their playfulness well into adulthood, so even though they become much more independent, they are always up for a little game of chasing a plush mouse or feather teaser.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Maine Coon Cat
Image Credit: Nikola Cedikova, Shutterstock
Maine Coons are easy-going, adaptable, and loyal. They will stick by their owner’s side through thick and thin, just like a dog. They are intelligent and can read a room quickly, perhaps even more efficiently than their human companions, especially younger ones. They seem to know when drama or commotion is going to erupt, and they will be the first to leave the room before any action takes place. Maine Coons are independent and do not mind spending time at home alone, but they expect plenty of love and attention from their human companions each and every day.
They have above-average intelligence and can easily be trained to do things such as get into their beds when told, retrieve their toys and put them away in a designated area, and come when called. They can learn their names and those of their family members with ease. They can discern when someone is a friend or a foe. They also seem to know when it is mealtime without the provocation of humans or the convenience of being able to read a clock.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Maine Coon cats are excellent pets for families of all types and sizes. They seem to get along with kids of all ages, and they rarely shy away from making new friends when people visit their homes. They should start being introduced to other people outside of the home from a young age to ensure that their outgoing and friendly nature shines as an adult.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Maine Coons do not mind spending their time with other cats, whether they are of the same breed or not. They can also learn to get along with other animal species, such as dogs, horses, goats, rabbits, and even guinea pigs. They have a prey drive due to their ratting history, but they will not chase after animals they live with if they are trained from the time they are kittens.
Things to Know When Owning a Maine Coon Cat
Here is everything that you should know about feeding, exercising, training, grooming, and caring for a Maine Coon if you adopted one as a pet of your own.
Food & Diet Requirements
The Maine Coon cat should eat high-quality commercial wet or dry food to ensure that all their nutritional needs are met. They are carnivores, so most of their diet should be made up of animal protein. In fact, the first thing on their food’s ingredient list should be chicken, turkey, beef, pork, or even fish.
In addition to quality commercial food, your Maine Coon should be offered an unlimited amount of fresh, clean water each day. Maine Coons are picky about water contaminants. So, refreshing the water multiple times a day may be necessary. If in doubt, your veterinarian can provide you with advice and recommendations when it comes to diet and nutrition for your Maine Coon cat.
Image Credit: Fayzulin Serg, Shutterstock
Exercise 🐈
Maine Coons need daily exercise to stay healthy and lean, but they should get all the exercise that they need by playing with toys and adventuring around the house. This breed can be trained to walk on a leash for outdoor adventures, but leash walking is not necessary simply for exercise. They enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors, and walking them is an excellent way to provide physical and mental stimulation.
Training 🧶
While Maine Coons may not be able to take on all the same training that dogs can, they can learn many commands and tricks that will help make life easier and happier for everyone in the household. They can be trained to walk on a leash for outdoor fun. They can also learn to come when their name is called and to sit down while waiting for a meal.
They can also clean up by learning how to retrieve toys and put them away in a designated area. Shaking paws, rolling over, and jumping over obstacles are fun things that they can learn. Like all cats, Maine Coons do things on their own time, so it takes a great deal of patience and practice to train them. Training is not necessary, but it is rewarding.
Grooming ✂️
The Maine Coon’s hair is thick and long, so it should be groomed by hand a couple of times a week. Brushing or combing will help get rid of old, loose hair so it does not end up on your home’s furniture and flooring. Combing or brushing also minimizes the risk of knots and mats developing. Occasional bathing may be necessary, as these cats can get stinky, especially if they spend at least some of their time outdoors. Nail clipping should be done once a month or so to prevent damage to their nails and the furniture inside your home.
Image Credit: Sergey Fatin, Shutterstock
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Maine Coon can grow up to be a healthy, active adult no matter their lineage, but unfortunately, there are a few health conditions that they are genetically predisposed to. Here are the conditions that any Maine Coon should be monitored for by their veterinarian.
Minor Conditions
Hip dysplasia
Stomatitis
Periodontal disease
Obesity
Serious Conditions
Spinal muscular atrophy
Polycystic kidney disease
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
It is important to keep an eye out for any signs that indicate the development of any of these health conditions. Your vet can also provide you with a list of signs for each disease.
Male vs. Female
While it can be tough to tell the difference between a male and female Maine Coon, there are a few indicators. First, male Maine Coons are larger than females, which is more noticeable when a male and female are standing right next to each other. Males also seem more dependent on their human companions than females.
On the other hand, females tend to be more outgoing and independent, although they love their snuggle time almost as much as the boys. However, male and female Maine Coons are fun-loving, affectionate, loyal, and playful creatures that are a joy to spend time around.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are interesting and unique. While they share many similarities to other cat breeds, their differences are worth celebrating. Here are a few facts about the Maine Coon that are less well-known.
1. They Are an Official State Cat
The Maine Coon Cat is not only named after the state of Maine, but they are also the state’s official cat and are revered among breeders and families in the area. They have shown a remarkable ability to adapt to extreme weather changes throughout the year, which Maine is well known for.
2. They Are Referred to as Gentle Giants
Maine Coons are referred to as gentle giants by their owners because they are gentle, affectionate, and tolerant of other pets. This depends on their unique temperament, but in general, all Maine Coons are loving.
3. They Love to Communicate
Maine Coons are vocal creatures and will take any chance that they get to talk, sing, or meow their way into your heart. They will keep you company with a conversation while making dinner, wake you up with a gentle song in the morning, and not hesitate to meow and wake you up in the middle of the night if any of their needs are not being met.
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
Final Thoughts
The Maine Coon is charming, gentle, and a loyal family companion. They are somewhat rare because of the high demand, which makes them a unique family pet that most people would be lucky to get their hands on. It is always a good idea to check the local shelters for a Maine Coon before buying one from a breeder, but the chances are low that you will find one. If you do, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have helped save a life.
Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000, in which time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry in her spare time. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and dozens of chickens.
Have been very lucky, my Maine coon cat was found under the hood of my moms car when he was few weeks old. Now he’s two years old and like you says is a gentle giant loving, playful who loves my little chihuahua dog. He’s well behaved and can do few commands.
One Response
Have been very lucky, my Maine coon cat was found under the hood of my moms car when he was few weeks old. Now he’s two years old and like you says is a gentle giant loving, playful who loves my little chihuahua dog. He’s well behaved and can do few commands.