Maine Coons are large, fluffy cats. The largest domestic cat breed, they originated in Maine and are well-suited for the state’s frigid winters. Their thick fur is water-resistant, and their large paws are like snowshoes.
A Maine Coon cat has a big head, a square muzzle, large eyes, and a wide nose. Its ears are long and tufted, and its tail is bushy. Maine Coons are much longer than other cats, about 19 to 40 inches. (Most cats are about 18 to 20 inches long.)
You can identify a Maine Coon by its body type but not by the color of its coat. While many Maine Coons are brown tabbies, their coat color and pattern can be any of seventy-five combinations.
Maine Coons are heavier than most cats. Adult males can weigh up to 25 pounds. Females are smaller, about 15 pounds.
Behavior
These cats have been dubbed the “gentle giants of the cat world” because of their sweet, laid-back temperament. They’re intelligent, loving, and loyal. While they may form a close bond with one person, they love their entire family. Maine Coons are inquisitive but not high-energy.
Unlike most felines, Maine Coons usually don’t mind getting wet and are fascinated by running water. They enjoy drinking from a faucet and like to play in water bowls. People say Maine Coons can be easily trained to fetch, although I’ve never seen one do this.
Origin
Long ago, people thought the Maine Coon was part cat and part raccoon, mainly because some Maine Coons have rings on their tails. They didn’t understand that such a hybrid is biologically impossible.
According to one legend, the Maine Coon originated from six Turkish Angora pet cats that belonged to Marie Antoinette, the queen of France from 1774 to 1792. Another legend purports that Maine Coons sailed to America with Leif Erikson and the Vikings.
However, historians believe the breed originated when a domestic short-haired American cat mated with a long-haired European cat. This may have occurred in the state of Maine (hence the name), where the Maine Coon is the official state cat.
Maine Coon Rescues
You can purchase a Maine Coon kitten or cat from a breeder. Make sure the breeder is reputable. An ethical breeder will encourage you to visit their home or facility. They’ll carefully screen you before selling you a kitten.
Note that kittens sold in pet stores or through online marketplaces may come from kitten mills. (See the article “The Horrors of Kitten Mills” in this blog.)
Like most purebred kittens, a Maine Coon is expensive. Expect to pay about $3,000.
You can also adopt a Maine Coon or a Maine Coon mix from a rescue or an animal shelter. There are many Maine Coon rescues in the United States. If you contact your local animal shelter and tell them you’re interested in a Maine Coon or Maine Coon mix, they may take your contact information. Then they can contact you when such a cat or kitten is dropped off there.
My family rescued three Maine Coon mix kittens that grew up to be beautiful cats with great temperaments.