Maine Coon | Cat Breed Information & Facts – Pictures

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Pets Feed

The Maine Coon cat is famous for being one of the largest in the world when it comes to domestic cats. It is a large, robust feline with a docile character. However, because of its peculiarities in terms of characteristics, personality or care, it will be essential to inform us in advance if our will is to adopt one. Known as the “gentle giant” cat, this feline is one of the most popular giant cat breeds.

In this breed sheet of ‘ Pets Feed’, we will share with you everything you need to know about the Maine coon cat, starting with its origins, going through its character and its care and ending with the frequent health problems of the breed, all these details are accompanied by photos.

The Maine Coon is the largest of the domestic cats. The average weight of a male is 5-11 kg, females – 4-8 kg. The length of an adult individual can reach a meter, height at the withers – up to 33 cm. Newborn kittens also weigh quite enough – 125-170 g.

• Head: Large, massive, with a powerful chin. The teeth are long and pointed.
• Eyes: rounded, well apart. The color varies from green to gold.
• Ears: large, tilted forward. A distinctive characteristic is the presence of brushes on the tips.
• Neck: muscular and strong. The coat is long and lush.
• Body: elongated, with a large chest. Muscle mass is well developed.
• Members: largely spaced. Differ in the presence of muscles.
• Tail: as a rule equal to the length of the body. Covered with thick wool, has no folds.
• Pelage: long, from 10 to 15 cm, it becomes more beautiful in the direction of the shoulders in the stomach. In the sides area, there is a heating and water-repellent underlay. On the “panties” the wool is thickest and longest.

Age	Female	Male
Newborn	100-145 gr	115-165 gr
1 month	500-690 g	620-760 g
2 months	1-1.35 kg	1.2-1.55 kg
3 months	1.65-2.4 kg	2.7-3.5 kg
4 months	2.6- 3.5 kg	3.1-3.9 kg
5 months	2.75-3.8 kg	3.2-4.1 kg
6 months	3.15-4 kg	3.7-4.6 kg
8 months	3,8 -5 kg	4.5-6.2 kg
10 months	4.2-6.6 kg	4.9-7.3 kg
1 year	4.5-8.2 kg	5.5-9 kg
2 years 4,	7-8.8kg	5.8-11.5kg

The Maine Coon has the typically curious nature of a cat. He is sociable, but at the same time does not need attention, and if you want to spend time with him, he will only be delighted.

Likes to play with puzzles, watch birds from the window and can learn to walk on a leash. The Maine Coon is an excellent choice for those who travel frequently and want their four-legged friend to always be with them.

Oddly enough, but the Maine Coon’s devotion can be compared to the dog. This cat is peaceful and cheerful, gets along well with children.

Maine Coons are inherent in self-entertainment, however, despite this quality, the animal also needs live communication. Therefore, the owner should devote at least half an hour of his time to the cat per day. Maine Coons are sensitive to affection. These cats are alert but not shy. In a situation with strangers, they will favor observation over participation. These animals are highly trainable.

The Maine coon breed appears to have a high prevalence of a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It also shows a high prevalence of hip dysplasia. Ask the breeder about these aspects before deciding to buy.

It is advisable to visit the veterinarian every 6 or 12 months to carry out a general examination and to detect any health problems. In addition, the professional will guide us to properly follow the cat’s vaccination schedule, as well as the internal and external deworming that we must perform regularly. Preventive medicine is essential to ensure the good health of the cat. Likewise, we must be regularly aware of their behavior, their deposits or the possible expulsion of hairballs, which can be avoided with the use of malt for cats.

In summary, the most common Maine coon diseases are:

• Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Hip dysplasia
• Pectus excavatum

Maine Coons have a beautiful coat that requires weekly brushing to keep it in good condition and prevent tangles from forming.

Like other long-haired breeds, the Maine Coon sheds a lot in the spring and fall, so more frequent brushing won’t hurt.

Ears should also be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent future ear infections.

Particular attention should be paid to a quality diet for Maine Coons, so that it meets all their nutritional needs.

• According to the prestigious CFA organization, Maine Coons became the third most sought after breeds in the world in 2016.
• Stewie, a Maine coon cat was about 123 cm long, who lived in the United States. He was recorded by the Guinness Book of Records as an honorary record holder.
• At birth, representatives of this breed weigh up to 170 g. Kittens of other varieties can gain in the womb of a cat mother only up to 120 g.
• The usual number of kittens at birth is from 5 to 7, and earlier it could reach up to 12 individuals.
• There are about 75 color options for Maine Coons.
• Cats of this breed can weigh up to 15 kg. There are legends about individuals reaching 25 kg.
• These cats tolerate cold well. They were born so that frosts would not cause problems, which is proved by the shape of the paws for walking on snow and ice, as well as by the pubescence of the tail.
• The heroine of the Harry Potter movie saga, Kitty Pebbles, lives in a nursery in the UK.
• Representatives of this species are very good at water; they can even splash for some time in pleasure.
• Little Nicky the cat became a clone of his deceased progenitor in 2004. This is the first time that such experiments have been associated with pets.
• Maine Coon is able to live from 12 to 15 years. Everything is conditioned by the conditions of detention, food and communication with him.
• Representatives of this breed can show an attitude towards people and the world through movements and unique sounds. For example, he can bury his head in you, which immediately elevates the owner to a new honorable level in the cat’s life.
• Maine Coons have layers of water-repellent wool. Perhaps that is why they treat water so well and are not at all afraid to be in it.

The Maine coon is a breed endemic to the United States, especially the state of Maine. It is estimated that around 1850 long haired cats arrived from Europe and Asia, which mated with local short haired cats, which resulted in large, long haired and construction cats robust. Its ringed tail reminded that of raccoons, for this reason, it is known as “coon”, short for raccoon.

This breed was popular in rural areas and was common on farms in northeastern America. They were imported from the United Kingdom in 1980 and in 1982 they were recognized by FIFE. Later, in 1993, they were recognized by the GCCF. It is currently considered a popular pet around the world.