Maine Coon Cats
Cat Facts

Maine Coon Cats are also called the Main Shag, Main Cat or the American Longhair. It is believed to be the largest domestic cat breed and one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. This cat was originally a 'working-cat', kept specifically for hunting vermin.

This is a well-proportioned cat with a balanced appearance. It has a long, large, rectangular-shaped body and the body and legs have heavy bones and powerful muscles. The long, bushy tail is covered in flowing hair. They carry their tails in the air, but still manage to attract every leaf and stick in the garden into this glorious plume.

The Maine Shag head is medium length, longer than it is wide. Their profile is slightly concave and the forehead domed. Prominent cheek bones, broad nose, firm chin, powerful jaws and a square muzzle completes that adorable face. They have moderately pointed, large ears which are well-tufted and lynx tips are preferred. Large, well-spaced, oval-shaped eyes are set at a slight slant. It's important to note that the eyes do appear round when they are wide-open. All eye colors are allowed, from shades of green to copper and green-gold. White and bi-color cats may have odd-eye colors or blue eyes.

The Maine Coon has a distinctive coat. Dense, heavy, shaggy hair covers the entire body - fur is short on the head, shoulders and legs; and long on the flanks, belly and back. A magnificent ruff surrounds the neck. The undercoat is smooth, fine, soft and slightly oily. This oil serves to water-proof the fur, allowing the cat to be exposed to moisture and still keeping dry. The Maine Coon cat's fur was not designed for decorative purposes only. Their water-resistant fur is intended to protect against cold, snow and rain. The bushy tail provides additional warmth when wrapped around their bodies.

These large domestic cat breeds are seen in a wide array of colors and patterns. Solid colors (blue, black, cream, red and white). Tabby patterns, Bi-Colors, Parti-Colors and Shaded and Smoke.

If you are in any doubt and need to have a thorough understanding of the breed standards pertinent to your country, then contact the all breeds of cat governing body, association, or federation in your country.

Temperament

This gentle giant is an easy going and good natured cat. They are sociable, but not intrusive. By this we mean, they love human company, but would prefer to sit next to you rather than wrap themselves around your neck or curl up on your lap.

The cat owners we spoke to had this to say:

"The Maine Coon is an even-tempered cat, well balanced and calm. Whilst they are dominant cats, they are not aggressive at all. They are playful, athletic and almost clownish. These cats are affectionate and are very attached to their owners. Not vocal cats and not demanding of time, but do like their humans to be close by. Intelligent, independent and not clingy"

They are ardent, natural hunters and love to share their 'trophies' with you.

Maine Coon Cat Information

Would they suit a home with Children and other Pets?

These cats are ideal for families with children and other pets and make wonderful companions for the young and old.

Indoor or Outdoor Cats

Ideally, they are not suited to apartment living. They need space. As they are easy to train and provided you start at kittenhood, they love to take a walk on a lead. A safe, fully enclosed, escape-proof garden provides and ideal 'hunting ground'. They adapt to varied environments, tolerate harsh winters and thrive in rough woody terrain.

Cat Grooming and Cat Care

As with all longhaired cat breeds, daily brushing is required. The Maine Coon cats fur is functional - to protect them against harsh climatic conditions. The good news is that grooming is not as excessive as the Persian cat. Autumn and Spring are shedding time, so you will need to groom more frequently. Visit our cat care pages for detailed grooming tips.

Cat Health Concerns

These cats are generally considered a robust, hardly and healthy breed, but they can present with the following health conditions and cat diseases:

• Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Hip Dysplasia
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

We recommend that you only adopt your Maine Coon from a cat breeder that has proof of screening for these unfortunate conditions.

Cat Diet and Nutrition

There are commercial cat foods made specifically for Maine Coon cats.

Our cat nutrition and cat food pages have oodles of info about the various cat foods. Your cat should have access to clean, fresh water.

Cat Weight

The average weight for these large domestic cats is between 4.0 - 10.0 kg (8.8 - 22.0 lbs)

Life Expectancy

The Main Coon has an average life span of 12 - 15 years which is considered a long life expectancy. You can extend your cat's life - find out more about this in our chapter on how long do cats live.

Related Maine Coon Cat Information:

Maine Coon - the origin and history of the breed

Maine Coon Cat Pictures - stunning pictures of cats

Cat Pictures Courtesy of :

© Theresa Fouche Photography

Top: Wentworthz Begin the Beguine of CoonStars

Center: Colorkats Chiara Calico Maine Coon female kitten, Owner: Debbie Gough, Breeder: Debbie le Roux

Bottom : Maine Coon Royalty Koontucky Valentine - Brown Tabby with White: Breeder: J Spayde; Owner: N du Plessis

Our thanks to the Breeders, Owners and Photographers