Maine Coon

By Erica Armstrong

maine coon cat

As the name indicates, this breed of cat originates in the United State of America, in the Northeastern state of Maine. Given the enormous size of this cat, people may think they see the hand of humans in breeding the large size into this giant. In point of fact, this breed evolved naturally and humans played no role whatsoever in its development.

The Maine Coon is a slow grower, and often takes up to four years to reach its full size and weight. Fully-grown males can weigh in at a mighty 18 lbs (8 kilos) although a more usual weight would be around 12 lbs (5.5 kilos). Female Maine Coons are more often in the 10 lb (4.5 kilo) weight range. But these are generalizations, and some of this breed can reach a staggering 20 lbs (9 kilos).

The Maine Coon lived mainly in rural situations in the USA, and often on farms where farmers employed their exceptional hunting skills for tackling farmyard vermin. This makes perfect sense when looking at a Maine Coon, since they have the huge eyes and ears for picking out their target victim by sight and sound, and a sturdy heavy body for actually catching the prey.

Maine Coons are used to surviving in cold conditions. They have a long silky coat, which is slightly 'shaggy', and whilst close to the head and fairly short, when it stretches down over the stomach, back and legs it is longer and sleek. Although the coat is absolutely gorgeous, particularly the unusual 'ruff' around the neck, there is a practical reason for this lush coat. It keeps the animal warm. The soft fine hairs of the undercoat keep the heat in the body, whilst the topcoat, which is slightly coarser fur, gives protection again the rain and snow, essentially waterproofing the animal’s body. The outer layer is not fluffy but sleek, and acts more as a trap for tiny air pockets thus ensuring good insulation against extreme cold.

Another important feature of the Maine Coon is his luxuriant long tail, which is usually even longer than the cat itself. This breed wraps the tail around its body snugly, to add another layer of warmth.

These gorgeous gentle giants of the feline world come in many colours. There are solid all-over colours as well as tabby coated (in Mackerel and also in Classic). But don’t forget the smokey colours, all of which are possible with or without the addition of white. If you are looking for a large cuddly family pet, then this type of kitten or cat could be absolutely perfect for you.

History of Maine Coon Cats »

Comments

Connie, 25 Feb 2009 02:46

These creatures are absolutely adorable. We bought ours over from the States with us, but she died a year after that. So we got one from the local breeder and she is a delight. These are the most gorgeous creatures on God's green earth. Connie from Ct, USA

Julia Jones, 24 Sep 2009 02:48

I have a Maine Coon that is colored like Garfield. He is amazingly patient with everybody. When you get to know him he is very affectionate. He is very laid back and has beautiful eyes. His thick coat and long fluffy tail and furry ears make him look very regal. He weighs 18 lbs and is a very smart cat. This is the second one I've had and if I ever have another cat, it would be a Maine Coon.

Suzanne A., 15 Nov 2009 06:02

We had a Coon (named Dijon for the mustard, since that was his color as a kitten) for several years that we rescued from a friend's apartment complex. The previous owners got him from the county shelter, then threw him out at 3 months because he was 'mean.' There was nothing we could see as 'mean' about that adorable, loving kitten. He got along well with our other cat and our ferrets (frequently acting as if he were a ferret), and was the sweetest thing on the planet. We always thought he was under-sized, but it turns out that at 20-22 lbs he was well on the top end of normal. Not an ounce of that was fat, although he certainly looked like a basketball when he sat upright. Stand him up straight and you could almost feel his ribs - even though he ate like a pig, he never got fat. We had to give him up when we sold our house, but by then the friends who gave him to us because they were in a no-pets apartment when they found him had a house of their own, and we sent him to live there. He made the switch from ferrets to large dogs without blinking, and loved their young daughters (under 5). It helped that his favorite way to be 'petted' was to have his face mauled. I never saw much intelligence in him, though. He was dumb as a post. What he lacked in smarts he made up for in empathy, always knowing when you were sick or sad or just wanting a cuddle. My friends have said that when he passes on they'll replace him with another Coon, and that unless the pick up a rescue, they probably won't go with another breed. Once my family gets where we can get pets again, I fully intend to re-introduce the Maine Coon in my household. My 4yo son enjoys playing with Dijon whenever we visit our friends' house, and I know he'd enjoy having a giant kitty of his own to play with.

Christy, 28 Jan 2010 11:36

I had a solid white, green-eyed sweetheart named Boo. He was with me since he was 6wks old and passed away in my arms two weeks ago at the age of 23 1/2!! I miss him so much that I don't think I will ever have another cat. As someone who has owned many cats, and many, many other species of animals, Boo was my companion. He was definitely all of the positives mentioned on this site, and then some. He is sorely missed :(

Susan Finden, 02 Mar 2010 05:07

Dear Christy I can feel for you. I lost our dear boy Casper 6 weeks ago. You may have heard about him he was on TV and news all around he world. He was unique how rode the buses free! Sadly an ignorant taxi driver who was driving to fast hit him and he died about a half hour later. I feel cheated I couldnt say good bye or nurse him or cuddle him while he died. He was middle aged as he was a rescue we dont know have his details prior to 2001 when we took him on. Maybe if he was ill we could have accepted his death. I know we gave him a happy home he was dearly loved. Your cat was dearly loved too and as I was told you must remember the happy times. It may seem heartless because no other cat will ever take Caspers place he was just Casper. These last weeks have been hell looking out the window expecting him to come home, or seeing him laze in the grass watching people go past. There was such an empty void inside. I knew I had to help another poor creature have a loving home. Nothing will ever bring Casper back I have now rescued another cat. It is hard but at the same time another cat can give you some happiness back. Already I feel more secure in myself. I still look out of that window. When I know there are hundreds of sad lonely animals who have been dumped or cruelly treated out there I knew I had to do my bit. All they ask for is love. I said like you thats it no more, hence I rescued a Maine coon. I hope you find happiness again in yourself. Sue