7 Signs Your Cat Is A Maine Coon!
As a proud Maine Coon parent, I’m excited to share all of the traits I’ve noticed in purebred Maine Coon cats. Use my 13 checks to identify if your feline friend is a half Maine Coon, or full!
DNA testing is a full-proof method of identifying a purebred Maine Coon cat. Purebred Maine Coons have the following physical features:
- Tufted Ears
- Wide Paws
- Broad Chest
- Long Body
- Oblique-Shaped Eyes
Maine Coons are very friendly, sociable, and vocal felines that love to chirp, trill, and chatter. These intelligent large cats can be trained to fetch a ball, open a door, or turn on the faucet!
How To Know If Your Cat Is A Maine Coon
You cannot identify a Maine Coon kitten from a single photograph, however, there are full-proof methods of establishing a cat’s heritage. The easiest, yet expensive option is to buy a cat DNA testing kit.
I often wonder why so many people think you can identify a Maine Coon from a picture?! If I were paid a dollar every time I was asked to check a photo and identify the cat’s pedigree, I’d be a millionaire!
I get it’s frustrating not knowing so here’s my best advice on how to identify Maine Coon ancestry in your family pet.
1. Genetic Testing
The most full-proof way to establish if your cat is a purebred Maine Coon is via genetic testing. Laboklin is one such place offering cat parentage testing.
I was surprised that modern-day genetic testing still has limits though, since a cat only needs a “probability of 80% and above to a particular breed” to be classified as “highly likely that the cat is a purebred of this breed.“
probability of 80% and above to a particular breed
Laboklin
I like facts, logic, and precise information, so found the reference to “highly likely” to be somewhat of a weak confirmation.
Now, I’m not a geneticist so maybe this vagueness is fine, yet, as technology advances, I hope this phrase becomes a 100% certainty.
2. Size
Purebred Maine Coons typically exhibit a large, robust build with a rectangular body shape. They have a substantial bone structure and well-developed musculature. The body should appear balanced, with no extreme proportions.
Everyone’s heard that Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed in the world, and that’s not surprising since organizations like Tica.org purport that Maine Coons weigh up to 22 lbs!
However, what I didn’t realize until recently was that Maine Coons are not the biggest cat in the world! Instead, they are the largest non-hybrid cat in the world.
The best way to identify a Maine Coon kitten using their size is by determining if the kitten you are viewing is larger than a ‘normal’ kitten of their age.
Ask the breeder to weigh the kitten in front of you, then check the weight against the Maine Coon kitten weight chart I created below:
| Maine Coon Weight Chart by Age | Male (lbs) | Female (lbs) |
| Newborn | 0.2 – 0.37 | 0.2 – 0.33 |
| 3 Months | 3.7 – 5.3 | 3.3 – 5 |
| 6 Months | 7.5 – 13 | 6.8 – 9.5 |
| 1 Year | 13 – 20 | 10 – 14.3 |
| 2-5 Years | 13 – 25 | 10 – 15 |
| 5+ Years | 13 – 25 | 10 – 15 |
Assessing size isn’t the easiest thing to do at a glance, so I suggest you compare the adult cats weight and size against my Maine Coon Size table below:
| Body Size | Maine Coon | Normal Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8 – 22 lbs (3.6 – 10 kg) | 7.9-9.9 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) |
| Height | 8 – 16 inches | 9-10 inches |
| Length | 19 – 40 inches | 18 inches |
As you can see, true pedigree Maine Coons tend to be heavier, taller, and longer than a ‘normal cat’. However, cross-overs do exist in the sizings.
3. Physical Features
Distinguishing a purebred Maine Coon from a Maine Coon mix relies on recognizing specific physical features unique to the breed:
- Head And Facial Features
Maine Coons have a distinctive head shape, characterized by:
- High Cheekbones
- Square Muzzle
- Gentle slope (forehead to the nose)
Their ears are large, wide-set, and tufted at the tips. The eyes are large, expressive, and slightly almond-shaped, set at a slight angle towards the base of the ears.
- Neck Ruff
A hallmark feature of the Maine Coon breed is their lion’s mane which extends around the neck and shoulders.
However, from personal experience, I’ve found that some Maine Coons do have this whereas others don’t so don’t place too much emphasis on this.
The first purebred Maine Coon I purchased from a registered breeder had a huge lion’s mane that got super messy when he ate anything but dry food!
By comparison, my two adopted Maine Coons (Mika and Bali) don’t have proper lion’s manes like Pippin did, though Bali’s is more evident than his brothers.
- Tail
All purebred Maine Coons have long, thick bushy tails that are in proportion to their body. The tail should taper gradually towards the tip and be carried upright like a flag!
- Coat Texture And Pattern
Purebred Maine Coons have a dense, water-resistant coat with a soft, silky texture. The coat is longer around the neck, chest, and belly, forming a mane-like appearance.
Maine Coons also have tufts of fur between the toes, known as “snowshoes”. I’ve found the quantity of fur differs from cat to cat.
Their coat may exhibit various colors and patterns, including:
- Tabby
- Solid
- Bi-color
- Tortoiseshell
Purebred Maine Coon cannot come in rare dilute colors like:
- Fawn
- Chocolate
- Cinnamon
- Gait And Movement
Many Maine Coons have a distinctive gait – my largest 20 lb blue tabby MC saunters like he’s a big cat lion, whereas his brother walks like a normal cat.
- Paws
These big cats originate in the cold snowy state of Maine where they evolved to have wide, large paws that acted like snowshoes.
They also use their paws to eat, which isn’t normal for most cats. Here’s a video on my YouTube channel where my Maine Coon Cat Eats With His Paws!
I recommend you look at the kitten or cat’s paws, and determine if the paws look larger than a normal cat paw. If they do, they are likely a Maine Coon. Paws alone will not determine that a cat is a purebred though.
Check if the cat you are assessing has extra toes (polydactyl). Whilst many Registered Breeders bred this trait out of the genetic pool years ago, some Maine Coons still have them.
- Ear Tufts
Maine Coon lynx tips are a hallmark feature of the Maine Coon breed and resemble those of a lynx. They are typically longer and more prominent and extend beyond the ear’s edge, standing upright.
4. Temperament
The purebred Maine Coon temperament is characterized by a unique blend of intelligence, affection, and adaptability.
Here are some key traits commonly associated with the temperament of purebred Maine Coon cats:
- Friendly and Sociable: Purebred Maine Coons are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They typically enjoy the company of humans and get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers. They are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their friendly demeanor.
- Intelligent and Curious: Maine Coons are highly intelligent cats that thrive on mental stimulation and interactive play. They are curious by nature and enjoy exploring their surroundings, solving puzzles, and learning new tricks. Their intelligence makes them trainable and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods.
- Affectionate and Loyal: Despite their large size, Maine Coons are affectionate and loving companions. They form strong bonds with their human family members and often seek out affectionate interactions, such as cuddling and lap sitting. They are known to be loyal to their owners and enjoy being involved in family activities.
- Playful and Energetic: Maine Coons retain their playful and kitten-like demeanor well into adulthood. They have a playful energy that can entertain their owners for hours on end. They enjoy interactive toys, chasing after objects, and engaging in games of fetch or tag.
- Adaptable and Easygoing: Maine Coons are known for their easygoing and adaptable nature. They can adjust well to various living environments, including apartments, houses, and even outdoor settings, as long as they have access to a safe and secure outdoor space. They are not overly demanding cats and can be content with both indoor and outdoor lifestyles.
- Good With Other Pets: Purebred Maine Coons exhibit a friendly disposition towards other pets and dogs, reflecting their breed’s heritage, selective breeding practices, and adherence to breed standards.
5. Quirky Traits
Maine Coons are famous for their fascination with water, a trait that distinguishes this breed from other cat breeds.
If a cat displays a strong affinity for water-related activities, it could be a sign that they are a purebred Maine Coon rather than a mix.
Some weird things Maine Coons do:
- Swimming Abilities: Maine Coons are one of the few cat breeds known to enjoy swimming! They have a natural aptitude for navigating water and may willingly enter bodies of water, such as bathtubs, sinks, or even outdoor ponds. Their proficiency in swimming is attributed to their water-resistant coats and muscular bodies, which provide buoyancy and agility in the water.
- Playing with Water: Purebred Maine Coons often exhibit playful behavior around water. They may paw at dripping faucets, play with water droplets in the sink, or dip their paws into their water bowls.
- Dog-Like Behavior: Maine Coons are often called ‘the dog of the cat world’. They love to play fetch, walk on a leash with their owners, and come when called!
Don’t rely on the latter though as I’ve had two Maine Coons that happily come when called, whilst the third is stubborn and only comes in from the garden if HE wants to!!
6. Pedigree Documentation
Pedigree documentation plays a crucial role in confirming whether a cat is a purebred Maine Coon or a mix.
- Lineage Verification: Pedigree documents provide a detailed lineage of the cat, tracing its ancestry back several generations.
- Breed Standards Compliance: Purebred cats adhere to specific breed standards set by cat associations such as TICA (The International Cat Association) or CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association). Pedigree documentation verifies that the cat meets these standards in terms of physical characteristics, temperament, and other breed-specific traits.
- Health Screening: Pedigree documentation may include health clearances and test results, assuring the buyer of the cat’s genetic health.
- Registration with Cat Associations: Purebred Maine Coons are typically registered with recognized cat associations.
- Breeder Reputation: Pedigree documentation from a reputable breeder enhances the cat’s credibility as a purebred Maine Coon.
7. Voice
Maine Coons typically have a moderate level of vocalization, which is a characteristic trait of the breed.
Their vocalizations can range from soft chirps and trills to loud chattering and purrs.
This moderate level of vocalization is often indicative of their friendly and sociable nature, as Maine Coons enjoy communicating with their human companions.
Pippin, Bali, and Mika, my Maine Coon companions, are renowned for their expressive vocalizations.
For example, whenever I open the door, they greet me with a chorus of chirps that sound like “thank you.” It’s as if they’re always eager to communicate their appreciation.
