Maine Coon Characteristics & Behaviors
If you’re diving into the wonderful world of Maine Coons or simply looking to understand your feline friend better, you’re in the right place.
With over 11 years of experience owning three Maine Coon cats, I’ve gained an in-depth knowledge of the Maine Coon characteristics and behaviors, from their gentle giant demeanor to their quirky habits!
Maine Coons are gentle giants with an affectionate nature. Known for their intelligence, playful demeanor, and sociable attitude, they exhibit loyalty to their owners. With a striking appearance and unique behaviors, these beautiful cats make charming and entertaining companions.
These beautiful cats are not your average normal cat, they are so much more, and by the end of this article, you’ll be trying to find your Nearest Reputable Maine Coon Breeders!!
Maine Coon Characteristics And Behaviors
Originating from the rugged landscapes of Maine, North America, Maine Coon cats boast long, luxurious coats and striking tufts of fur on their ears.
In recent years, these large felines have become one of the most popular cat breeds and are renowned for their friendly disposition, intelligence, and playful nature.
These affectionate cats are cherished for their sociable demeanor and unique dog-like characteristics, making them one of the most sought-after breeds worldwide.
Their sociable nature and intelligent disposition further add to their appeal, making them beloved companions for many cat lovers.
And if that’s not enough, they are considered the dogs of the cat world, and named the Official State Cat Of Maine!
Origin And History
The origin of Maine Coon cats is shrouded in folklore and legend, adding to their mystique.
One popular tale suggests that they are descendants of Marie Antoinette’s beloved cats, sent to America before her execution during the French Revolution.
Another legend claims they are the result of domestic cats mating with raccoons due to their bushy tails and tufted ears! Find out more about this Amusing Cat Legend.
While these stories add to the charm of the breed, genetic research suggests that Maine Coons likely originated from long-haired cats brought to America by seafarers and settlers.
The history and evolution of Maine Coon cats as a breed are as fascinating as they are diverse. Originating in North America, particularly in the state of Maine, these cats have a rich history that spans centuries.
One notable aspect of their history is their adaptation to the harsh climate of Maine, which played a significant role in shaping their physical characteristics.
Their long, thick, double-layed fur and tufted ears are believed to be adaptations that helped them survive the cold winters of the region.
Only the toughest felines could survive this climate, so the breed grew to be naturally strong and resilient.
Maine Coons were initially valued as working cats on farms and ships due to their exceptional hunting skills and mousing abilities.
They were prized for their ability to control rodent populations, making them valuable assets to early American settlers. Despite being domesticated for decades now, these big cats are still great hunters.
Over time, Maine Coons gained popularity beyond their utility as working cats and became cherished companions in households across the country.
Their friendly and sociable nature endeared them to many, and they soon became known as “gentle giants” for their large size and docile temperament.
Despite their popularity, Maine Coons faced a period of decline in the late 19th century with the rise of other cat breeds.
However, dedicated breeders worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the breed, leading to a resurgence in interest and recognition.
Today, Maine Coon cats are one of the most beloved and recognizable cat breeds worldwide. They are known for their affectionate demeanor, intelligence, and playful personalities.
Their impressive size and distinctive appearance continue to captivate cat enthusiasts around the globe, ensuring their place as one of the most iconic and cherished cat breeds in history.
Physical Appearance
Maine Coon cats are a natural breed with an impressive physical stature, characterized by their:
- Large Size
- Robust Body Structure
- Distinctive Features
- Shaggy Coat
From researching the breed thoroughly over the past 5 years, I have discovered the following:
Size
According to guidelines set by The International Cat Association (TICA), fully-grown Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds.
Adult male cats typically weigh between 15 to 22 pounds (6.8 to 10 kilograms), while their female counterparts range from 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kilograms).
However, it’s not uncommon for some exceptionally large males to exceed 20 pounds (9 kilograms)!
In my infographic below I highlight the difference between the Maine Coons size versus a normal cats size:
The largest Maine Coon on record was Stewie, a 48.5-inch cat that sadly died in 2013 after fighting cancer. The current biggest cat is Barivel, The Maine Coon.
Body Structure
These cats boast a sturdy and muscular physique with a rectangular shape.
Their bodies are well-proportioned, featuring broad chests, strong legs, and a balanced build.
Maine Coons are admired for their remarkable physical strength and agility, traits that harken back to their origins as working cats.
Distinctive Features
If you’re not YET in love with the Maine Coon cat breed yet, you’ll love these distinctive traits that make this much-loved breed even more adorable!
Head
Maine Coons sport a broad, slightly squared-off muzzle and prominent cheekbones, giving them a distinctive facial profile.
Their ears are notable for their large size and tufted appearance, contributing to their regal look.
Not all Maine Coons develop lynx tips, though the majority do. So if not developed by the cat’s second birthday, they will not likely grow.
Eyes
Their eyes are large, expressive, and typically almond-shaped, coming in a range of captivating colors such as:
- Gold
- Green
- Copper
All Maine Coon kittens have blue eyes, though this color never lasts and their eyes change to the colors listed above.
Here are some vitally important Maine Coon Eye Facts.
Tail
A Maine Coons tail is long and bushy, wide at the base, and gradually narrows as it gets to the tip. Their tail can match or even exceed the length of their bodies!
The Maine Coons tail is often thought to resemble that of a raccoon, which explains why some people believe these large cats are related to raccoons!
For more information on this theory, read my article Are Maine Coons part raccoon?
Many people describe the Maine Coon as, “a tail, with a cat attached“. This may sound comical, but their tails are massive if compared to normal cat breeds.
To help identify if the cat you are viewing is a Maine Coon, see if you can get the tip of its tail to reach its shoulder. If the tail reaches, it is possible that the cat may be a Maine Coon.
Maine Coons use their big bushy tails to help keep them warm during the harsh Winters of New England. They do this by wrapping their big tails around their body.
If you’ve noticed your cat’s formerly bushy tail thinning, read this article now!
Fur
Maine Coons possess a dense, semi-water-resistant coat formed of three layers. This fur coat provides excellent insulation against harsh weather conditions.
Their fur is longer on the ruff, belly, and tail.
Available in an array of colors and patterns, including tabby, solid, tortoiseshell, and calico, Maine Coon coats add to their overall charm and allure.
Paws
Maine Coons are born with large paws that physically set them apart from other cat breeds.
Their paws are distinctive because they are furry, with tufts of hair sprouting out of them!
Often referred to as “snow boots”, a Maine Coon’s paws historically helped them navigate the snowy terrains in New England.
Historically, some Maine Coons also had an extra digit on their paw, known as the Polydactyl Maine Coon. This characteristic is no longer common.
Rough Tongue
The tongue of these cats is extremely rough, more like a dog’s! When my giant Maine Coon licks my hand I feel like he is exfoliating my skin!
Coat Color And Patterns
Maine Coon cats showcase a diverse spectrum of coat colors and patterns, showcasing their genetic diversity.
Some common variations include:
- Tabby Patterns: Classic tabby, mackerel tabby, and spotted tabby patterns are prevalent among Maine Coons.
- Solid Colors: Maine Coons may exhibit solid coats in hues such as black, white, blue, red, cream, and various shades of brown.
- Tortoiseshell and Calico: These cats can display striking tortoiseshell (a blend of black, orange, and cream) or calico (white with patches of two other colors) patterns.
- Other Patterns: Maine Coons may also exhibit colorpoint, silver/smoke, and bi-color patterns, adding further diversity to their coat variations.
Personality Traits
Maine Coon cats are renowned for their distinct personality traits, which include intelligence, sociability, and affectionate nature.
The most well-known personality traits of this breed are as follows:
Intelligence
Although not the most intelligent feline breed, the Maine Coon is still considered highly intelligent and can be taught basic tricks, such as fetching the ball!
Our cat also follows simple commands, like a dog e.g. “no”, “down” or “come”.
These curious felines enjoy problem-solving activities and can learn tricks quickly. Watch this YouTube video I made if you don’t believe me!
Their intelligence makes them adept at figuring out puzzles and interactive toys.
Below are the Guides To Train A Maine Coon cat:
Sociability
Maine Coons are incredibly sociable cats that enjoy being around people and other pets, so seek out companionship and interaction within their home.
They are known for their friendly, outgoing, gentle, and, patient demeanor, especially around children, making them ideal family pets.
Their calming loving nature has enabled some of these special cats to become emotional support animals.
Affectionate Nature
As one of the more affectionate felines, these giant cats form strong bonds with their human companions and enjoy being cuddled and petted.
They often display their affection through gentle head butts, purring, and rubbing against their owners.
Maine Coons also exhibit unique behaviors such as chirping or trilling, which are distinctive vocalizations specific to this breed.
Watch my amusing YouTube video of our Maine Coon talking to its owner:
They may also enjoy playing in water or “fetching” toys, behaviors that are not typical of other cat breeds.
These great swimmers also like to pat the water in their bowl with their large fluffy paws, to ensure their drinking water is ‘fresh’.
Dog Like Behaviour
The Maine Coon is nicknamed “the dog of the cat world’, due to its large size, and dog-like behavior.
For instance, they love spending time with their human family, and can even be taught simple commands!
Behavior
Here are some common things you will notice about the Maine Coon behavior:
1. Playfulness
Maine Coons are known for their playful nature.
They enjoy interactive play sessions with toys and may even invent games to entertain themselves!
Their playful demeanor often continues into adulthood, making them fun companions for their owners.
2. Vocalizations
Maine Coons are quite vocal and may use a variety of sounds to communicate with their owners.
They are known for their distinctive chirping or trilling noises, which they use to express excitement, physical or emotional needs or simply to greet their humans!
3. Interaction With Humans And Other Pets
Maine Coons are highly social cats and enjoy interacting with both humans and other pets.
They form strong bonds with their owners and will often follow them around the house to be near them. Even to the toilet!
They are also typically good with children and other animals, often exhibiting a gentle and patient demeanor.
4. Water Play
Maine Coons have a unique fascination with water and may enjoy playing with it.
They may dip their paws into water bowls or even join their owners in the shower or bath!
Grooming
Maine Coons have a long-haired triple coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles.
And if you’re unlucky (like we were), one of our Maine Coons has fur prone to matting so needed daily brushing. He wasn’t a fan of brushing, which was fun!
Brushing for a Maine Coon with normal decent fur involves 2-3 brushing sessions each week with a stainless steel comb or slicker brush to help remove loose fur and prevent hairballs.
Pay special attention to areas like your cat’s belly, armpits, and bottom area where mats can develop where they sit.
Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are also essential steps in your cat’s grooming routine.
Diet
Maine Coons have hearty appetites and may require a diet formulated specifically for large breeds to maintain their optimal weight. I recommend these cat foods, for owners preferring to feed their felines a dry food diet.
Provide them with high-quality cat food that is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can lead to health issues such as joint problems and diabetes.
Exercise
Maine Coons are active and playful cats that benefit from regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Provide them with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and opportunities for playtime to help them burn off energy.
Consider setting up a large cat tree or providing vertical spaces for climbing and exploring, as Maine Coons enjoy being up high.
Health
While Maine Coon cats are generally healthy, they may be prone to certain genetic health conditions, including:
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their overall health and detect any potential issues early on.
Additionally, spaying or neutering your Maine Coon (at this age) can help prevent reproductive-related health problems and contribute to their overall well-being.
By following these tips and providing proper care and attention, you can ensure that your Maine Coon cat leads a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life as a beloved member of your family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maine Coon cats are truly remarkable creatures with a plethora of unique characteristics and behaviors that set them apart from other breeds.
From their impressive size and distinctive appearance to their playful demeanor and affectionate nature, Maine Coons never fail to captivate the hearts of cat lovers around the world.
Their intelligence, sociability, and gentle temperament make them wonderful companions for individuals and families alike.
Whether they’re charming us with their chirps and trills or following us around like loyal shadows, Maine Coons continue to leave an indelible mark on our lives with their one-of-a-kind personalities.
