Let's talk Maine Coons
Bigger than your average cat, Maine Coons are one of the largest breeds of domestic cats around. They develop slowly, taking longer than most other breeds. Maybe that explains the Maine Coon’s impressive size. And impressive personality. Smart, sweet, and gentle, the Maine Coon bucks cat clichés: they are friendly and coexist well with humans and other pets.
Official name: Maine Coon
Other names: Maine Shag, Shag Cat
Origins: United States
Hair length
3 out of 5Shedding Level
4 out of 5Grooming needs
3 out of 5Energy level
4 out of 5Vocal
5 out of 5Family pet
5 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
4 out of 5Can be left alone
2 out of 5Environment indoor or outdoor
3 out of 5
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Height | Height |
| 25 - 41 cm | 25 - 35 cm |
| Weight | Weight |
| 8.2 - 10 kg | 4.5 - 6.8 kg |
| Life Stage | |
|---|---|
| Kitten | Adult |
| 4 to 12 months | 12 months to 7 years |
| Mature | Senior |
| 7 to 12 years | From 12 years |
Get to know the Maine Coon
All you need to know about the breed
While some felines can definitely be less than social, Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats. While not overly dependent – they won’t constantly pester you for attention – they still prefer to be where you are. And will change rooms when you do, every time.
Not as vertically oriented as some other breeds, a Maine Coon prefers to check out objects on the ground as opposed to climbing. And they develop: Maine Coons become adults between 12 to 15 months of age. But their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives - they stay playful and curious, investigating whatever activity their owners are involved in.
Maine Coons rarely meow. Instead, most have what can be characterized as a soft chirp or trill in a small, quiet voice which doesn't seem to fit their grand stature. Lion-maned around the neck, Maine Coons’ coats can be described as “all weather” as they are water-resistant. A fine soft undercoat is covered by a medium length, flowing outer layer which, although silky, has a distinct bulk. It keeps the cat warm in cold weather, as does their bushy tail, which they wrap around them for extra insulation. Maine Coon cats can have a regal, at times feral, regard, but don’t let that fool you – they are generally very sweet-natured and loyal to their owners.
The Maine Coon is, unsurprisingly, not a great sportsman due to their size. But their peaceful character and patience make them excellent companions for children, as well as for the rest of the family. Easy to live with and quite sociable, fully grown Maine Coons generally get along well with dogs as well as other cats. All in all, a pretty ideal housemate!
Two facts about the Maine Coon
1. The fluff factor
This is not a petite cat by any means. But with such a fluffy, lush coat, some Maine Coon cats may appear bigger than they would if their coats were shorter. Either way, underneath is a rugged muscularity and a long, strong body.
2. Oops, did I do that again?
While the Maine Coon is quite dexterous, they can be a bit clumsy and miscalculate heights when jumping onto surfaces. It is perhaps more noticeable because of their size, but it just adds to their playful appeal.
History of the breed
While generally regarded as native to the state of Maine, how the Maine Coon got there is not precisely documented. It is the subject of much back and forth. A widespread, though biologically impossible, myth is that the breed originated from mating semi-wild domestic cats with racoons.
This belief, and the cat’s appearance, led to the adoption of the name Maine Coon. Another popular theory has the breed descending from the six pet cats Marie Antoinette sent ahead to Wiscasset, Maine when planning to escape France during the French Revolution. Vraiment!
Most breeders today believe the Maine Coon breed originated in matings between short-haired domestic cats and overseas longhairs. And that natural selection due to environmental conditions produced these large, muscular and dense-coated cats able to survive harsh winters in New England.
One of the oldest breeds in North America, Maine Coons were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A brown tabby female named “Cosie” won “Best Cat” at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show. The breed hasn’t looked back since.
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Maine Coons
1.Coat
2.Bones
3.Head
4.Tail
5.Look
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Maine Coon
As a large cat, the Maine Coon needs exercise to stay healthy
With their full size, the Maine Coon can have a tendency to hold onto extra weight as they get older. One way to help keep their weight under control is with regular play. For the Maine Coon, as with any big cat breed, chasing toys, even wadded up paper balls, and grabbing them with their large paws not only helps keep them in good health, but it also goes a long way towards keeping their ‘mousing’ skills sharp as well. Your vet can advise on playing with your Maine Coon to help your cat stay in great shape.
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be an issue
Generally healthy as a breed, the Maine Coon has certain predispositions to some diseases, and one you want to be aware of is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A condition that involves thickening of the muscle of the heart, it can be genetic. But can also be related to a diet too low in amino acids like taurine. While the disease can result in significant cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, veterinarians suggest periodic chest X-rays and echocardiography (an ultrasound examination of the heart) for early detection of any issues.
Hip sensitivity can run in the breed
Because of the Maine Coon’s full size and musculature, the breed can be sensitive at the level of the hips, where dysplasia can be triggered. No need to panic! A reputable breeder will be testing for this in prospective parents, not breeding carriers to carriers. And a healthy, well-rationed diet and regular checkups go a long way toward helping keep your cat in optimal good health.
Tailored nutrition for Maine Coons
Tailored health nutrition has a fundamental role to play in maintaining the health and beauty of Maine Coon cats. Food provides energy to help with vital functions and a complete nutritional formula for Maine Coons should contain an adapted balance of nutrients. Feeding them in this way will offer a diet that’s neither deficient nor excessive, both of which could have adverse effects on your cat’s health.
Cats are naturally adapted to eating small servings - between 7 and 10 times a day.
The following recommendations are for healthy animals. If your cat has health problems, please consult your veterinarian who may recommend an exclusive veterinary diet.
Healthy Long Growth Period
Growth for the Maine Coon kitten is exceptionally long, laying down the framework for the breed's unique large stature. Optimal energy and protein content, and recommend balanced vitamins (including vitamin D) and minerals (including calcium and phosphorus), help support healthy bone and joint development.
Digestive Health
During the growth period, the kitten's digestive system is not yet fully developed and continues developing gradually. Highly digestible protein (L.I.P.*), an optimal fiber content and prebiotics work to promote a balanced intestinal flora to support healthy digestion. *Protein selected for its very high digestibility.
Immune System Support
During the growth period, the kitten's immune system develops gradually. An exclusive complex of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, lutein, taurine) helps support the kitten's natural defenses.
Special Large Jaw
This specially designed cube-shaped kibble is adapted in size and texture for the large jaw of the Maine Coon kitten. The unique kibble encourages chewing to help support oral hygiene.
The main nutritional goals for adult Maine Coons are:
Joint Support
The Maine Coon's large size and grand stature can challenge joints throughout their life. Formulated to support healthy bones and joints. Contains EPA and DHA.
Cardiac Health
Contains nutrients such as taurine, EPA and DHA to help maintain healthy cardiac function.
Healthy Skin & Coat
The Maine Coon cat has a dense semi-longhaired coat with a fine soft undercoat. Includes a combination of specific nutrients including amino acids, vitamins, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help maintain a healthy skin and coat.
Special Large Jaw
This specially designed king-size cube-shaped kibble is adapted for the large square jaw of the Maine Coon. The unique kibble encourages chewing to help support oral hygiene.
With a senior Maine Coon cat - one over the age of 12 - their ability to digest and absorb slows down. To maintain the weight of the aging cat and minimize the risk of deficiency, they should be given an extremely digestible food filled with essential nutrients.
Weight Maintenance
In some senior cats, the level of activity reduces with age, which leads to weight gain. Aging Spayed/Neutered 12+ contains a moderate level of fat to help maintain an ideal body condition.
Healthy Aging Complex
An exclusive complex of antioxidants including lycopene and omega-3 fatty acids to support the body systems through the aging process.
Renal Health
Helps support healthy renal function with a moderate phosphorus level.
Enriched with L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is involved in healthy fat metabolism.
Caring for your Maine Coon
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Making sure your Maine Coon stays active is important for helping to ensure they live long and healthy lives. Tapping into their naturally curious personalities, you can stimulate them mentally while engaging them physically with interactive toys and other creative tricks. Cat friendly and safe toys will get your Maine Coon running and jumping around. Even twenty minutes a day goes a long way to keeping your big cat fit. Optimal: 20-60 minutes a day split into 10-minute segments. Cats shouldn’t exercise for too long in one go. Either way, it is anybody’s guess who will enjoy the playtime more.
Despite their medium to long hair, the Maine Coon's grooming needs are surprisingly minimal. The coat is not inclined to get matted as easily as other longhaired breeds (like the Persian). Use a metal comb once a week to groom your cat’s coat and keep it tangle-free. Your cat will enjoy the attention and it’s another great reason to get some one-on-one time.
Cats in general, and Maine Coons in particular, are very open to training and can be clicker-trained to do many things. Modern feline training methods are very well-suited to the Maine Coon’s personality. Positive reinforcement - rewarding what they do right - appeals to their affinity for interaction with their owners. Think repetition, and short sessions. Both are perfect for your pet’s natural curiosity, attention span and intelligence.
All about Maine Coons
Maine Coons are communicative, expressing themselves through their voices and body language. Sometimes, they can chirp to you non-stop while following you around, making them a naturally expressive cat breed. You may notice them making that Maine Coon vocal sound – not a meow, perhaps a little purr, totally breed-specific and, at the same time, hard to describe! A combination like this produces a harmonious trill, one of the Maine Coon traits for communicating with humans and other cats alike.
You notice the prominently visible “M” on the forehead of your cat (when they have tabby markings) and the bunch of fluffy hair in it, and you start thinking it’s a Maine Coon cat. Head over to your veterinarian’s office - they can help you discover more about your cat’s origins, Maine Coon or otherwise.
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Sources
- Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/;
- Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/;
- Royal Canin Cat Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
- Royal Canin Cat Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
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