Mary Allen
With its stately size, the Maine Coon is one of the special cat breeds. But what makes this breed really exceptional is something else.
Alongside the Ragdoll, the Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds in the world. Their majestic exterior and pleasant temperament make them popular house cats. But she also feels very comfortable in the great outdoors and is considered a passionate mouse hunter.
Maine Coons are excellent climbers and they tolerate colder temperatures well. In the US state of Maine, the fluffy four-pawed cat has been the official state cat since 1985.
This is what the Maine Coon looks like
The Maine Coon is a large-framed cat. Cats reach a weight between 5.5 and 9 kilograms. Rare specimens with a length of 1.20 meters even weigh more than 12 kilograms. Queens are slightly lighter at 4 to 6.5 kilograms.
The long, bushy tail is striking. Some cats have small lynx tufts on their ears, which look cheeky and give the cats an adventurous look.
One of the typical characteristics of the Maine Coon is a thick, long, and water-repellent coat. Tufts of fur sticking out between the cat’s toes are evidence of the Nordic origins of this particular cat. Anyone interested in buying a long-haired cat breed needs to know that the coat requires a lot of care and attention. We have three tips for grooming for you here.
The colors of the Maine Coon
All coat markings are allowed except point. Maine Coons are available in the following colors, each with and without silver or with and without spotted white in the fur:
- Black (Brown)
- Epistatic White
- Blue
- cream
- Red
Maine Coons are not generally recognized, but can still be found in these beautiful colors:
- ambergris
- gold
- cinnamon
- Chocolate
Irrespective of the fur, however, the following applies: every cat (not just Maine Coons) is beautiful and lovable and deserves a loving home with animal-friendly care. Therefore, do not necessarily make your choice of animal dependent on its color.
The origin of the Maine Coon
The Maine Coon cat probably owes its name to its bushy tail and its fondness for water. The cat strongly reminded many animal lovers of a raccoon, also called “raccoon” or “coon” in English. The terms Main Coon or Maine Coone are also common in incorrect spelling. The fact that the Maine Coon emerged from a mating of a raccoon and a cat is only a legend.
Other sources know Captain Coon as a namesake. His ship’s cats were said to be long-haired. Still, others believe Maine Coons are a cross between Queen Marie Antoinette’s long-haired cats and native American animals.
Another legend holds the Viking Leif Eriksson responsible for the origin of the Maine Coon. This is said to have brought the cat to New England around the year 1000. The similarity of the Nordic forest cat species with the Maine Coon supports this theory.
Of course, there is also the option that the Maine Coon has adapted to the cold New England winters through natural selection. The fact is, however, that predecessors of this cat breed only appeared in the United States in the second half of the 19th century. The Maine Coon probably came to the USA with immigrants.
The special character of the Maine Coon
Most cat lovers who are interested in this breed appreciate their wonderful character. Maine Coons are playful, intelligent, and eager to hunt. Many of the beautiful velvet paws are so skilled that they can even open faucets and doors with their paws. Really unusual, but typical of the Maine Coon is also the taking of food with the paw and the tendency to fetch.
Many Maine Coons love the water and occasionally playfully dip their food in it. As social cats, they usually get along well with their own kind, but they also often make friends with dogs. (Here are some tips on how dogs and cats get along.) They rarely show aggressive behavior and are one of the most cuddly cat breeds.
As a rule, cats of this breed are also open to small children. We’ll tell you what to look out for if you keep a cat and are expecting a baby: A baby is coming: 10 tips for cat owners.
As late developers, Maine Coons often do not reach their maximum size until they are three or four years old. With loving care, the cats enjoy long health.