If you have seen photos or videos of a huge, popular cat breed that is dominating the internet, then you may be wondering, what is a Maine Coon cat?
This unique breed was once mysterious and rare, but they are now one of the most popular cat breeds in the world!
The Maine Coon is a long-haired breed of domestic cat that originated in Maine during the 1800s. They are the largest cat breed in the world, with thick, fluffy fur to protect them from the cold of their native habitat. Maine Coons are active, intelligent, and social cats, and they are beloved for their gentleness and doglike personality.
Maine Coons are so big and so loving that they have skyrocketed in popularity during the past few years.
Nowadays, it seems that everybody wants a Maine Coon, but this luxurious breed can be expensive and difficult to come by.
Read on to find some of the most interesting Maine Coon facts out there.
What Is A Maine Coon Cat?
The Maine Coon is a specific cat breed that originated naturally in the state of Maine, which is known for its cold and snowy winters.
There, Maine Coons developed long, thick, semi-water repellent fur, and wide paws to help them walk on snow.
In the mid-1800s, farmers and sailors realized that the mysterious Coon cat was an expert hunter, and they kept them around to scare off mice and other pests.
It was not until the late 1900s, however, that the Maine Coon became known worldwide.
Today, this breed is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, as they have become famous for their:
- Immense Size
- Beautiful Fur
- Loving Characters’
- Social Personality
However, the Maine Coon’s name can be a source of trouble for some people, as it can be a bit confusing to spell at first.
In fact, you may even find some sellers misspelling the name, and advertising things like ‘Main Coon kittens for sale‘.
Here are some of the other common ways people misspell the word Maine Coon:
- Maincoon cat
- Mancoon cat
- Mancoon
- Main Coon
- Maincoon
- Main Coon cat
What Does The Maine Coon Cat Look Like?
Maine Coons have a striking appearance that makes them easy to recognize.
Here are some of the most common physical traits found in Maine Coon cats:
Enormous Size
One of the key characteristics of Maine Coons is their enormous size. Read more here.
These cats can be twice as big as the average housecat, or even bigger!
However, males tend to be quite a bit larger than females, and some Maine Coons never grow larger than an average-sized cat.
Learn more about how the Maine Coon vs Normal cat size core, in this great article.
Long, Thick Fur
The Maine Coon has a dense, triple-coat of semi-water repellent fur, which varies in length throughout their bodies.
They tend to have longer fur on their chest, shoulders, belly, and backside, as well as long tufts of fur on their ears and paws.
A Variety Of Colors And Patterns
Many cat breeds only come in a few colors or patterns, but Maine Coons come in virtually every color and pattern that can be found in cats.
Check this list of 75 different Maine Coon colors and patterns out!
The most common kind of Maine Coon is a black tabby, but they can also come in rarer colors and patterns such as cream, silver, gold, smoke, and shell.
Serious Face
There are two main types of Maine Coons:
- American Maine Coons
- European Maine Coons
Although this breed originated in America, they have been exported all over the world, and selective breeding has led to a few differences.
Read this great comparison of the American Vs European Maine Coon cat, to learn more.
In short, European Maine Coons tend to have a powerful chin, a broad nose, and a serious expression that makes them look like miniature wild cats.
Huge Paws
Another unique feature among Maine Coons is their enormous paws.
Many Maine Coons are also polydactyl, meaning they have extra toes, which makes their paws even larger.
Their wide, large paws make it easy for them to walk over snow, and it also makes it easier for them to catch and grip prey.
To find out just how many polydactyl Maine Coons exist today, read this.
What Is A Maine Coon Cat Mixed With?
Maine Coons developed naturally in the state of Maine, but we do not know for sure where their ancestors came from.
Most theories suggest that the breed started with a different cat breed, imported to America from overseas, which then bred with local domestic shorthairs and longhairs until a new breed was developed.
If you have ever seen a cat that looks extra-large or particularly wild, you may be wondering, can a cat be part Maine Coon?
Well, since Maine Coons are still part of the domestic cat species, Felis catus, they can breed with any other kind of domestic cat.
What Is The Cost Of A Maine Coon Cat?
Maine Coons are a luxurious, expensive breed, although their price can vary depending on a lot of different factors. See here for the latest pricing.
If you are purchasing a Maine Coon from a responsible, registered breeder, like these in the US, you can expect it to cost between $1,000 and $2,500.
However, rarer colors such as silver smoke or gold smoke can significantly increase the price, while retired or older cats can be found for less money.
There are also many irresponsible breeders who sell Maine Coons for cheaper, because they reduce the cost of breeding by cutting corners.
They may even dishonestly sell mixed breed cats or even cats that are not Maine Coons at all!
This is why it is always best to purchase from a breeder that has been registered with a governing cat body, such as the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) or The International Cat Association (TICA).
What Is The Average Size Of A Maine Coon Cat?
If you have ever seen photos or videos of these giant cats, then you are probably wondering, what size is a Maine Coon cat?
Some photos online make these cats seem larger than life, but are they this enormous?
The answer is yes! In fact, these are the biggest Maine Coon cats in the world!
When it comes to Maine Coon size, males tend to be larger than females.
Male Maine Coons typically weigh between 12 – 25 pounds and measure about 10 – 16 inches tall.
Female Maine Coons weigh between 8 – 12 pounds on average, and measure between 8 – 14 inches tall.
Both male and female Maine Coons generally measure about 40 inches long.
How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?
While most Maine Coons measure about 40 inches long on average, and weigh between 8 and 25 pounds, some Maine Coons greatly exceed these expectations.
Here are the three biggest Maine Coons recorded:
- Stewie: The largest Maine Coon ever recorded was Stewie, who measured 48.5 inches long and weighed 33 pounds. He sadly died in 2013, but he still holds the record for the longest cat!
- Barivel: Barivel is the current world-record holder for the longest cat alive. He measures 47.2 inches long. Read his life story, here.
- Ludo: Ludo currently holds the record for the second-longest cat alive today. He measures 46.6 inches long, and weighs an incredible 34 pounds!
Maine Coon Characteristics
While the Maine Coon’s long fur and enormous size are already enough to make it distinct from other cat breeds, this breed is still full of surprises.
Here are some of the more unique characteristics found in Maine Coons:
1. Doglike Personality
Maine Coons are often referred to as the “dogs of the cat world,” because they are incredibly social, loyal, and intelligent.
They can even be trained to do tricks, and commands, play fetch, or walk on a leash!
They get along very well with children, other cats, and dogs, and they are very friendly, even towards strangers.
These loyal cats also love to follow their owners around from room to room. Here’s why.
2. Love Of Water
Since these cats developed long, semi-water repellent fur to survive the snowy wilderness of Maine, they often tolerate and even enjoy the water.
Many Maine Coons will play with their water dish, and some might even learn how to swim or turn on the faucet!
3. Unique Voice
Maine Coons tend to make quiet, adorable chirps, squeaks, and trills, instead of meowing like most cats.
These are gentle, soft-spoken cats, and they are rarely (if ever) demanding or obnoxious.
With that being said, they have no problem using their unique voice to ask for food, playtime, or cuddles.
What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Maine Coon Cat?
Many purebred cats are known to suffer from a lot of different health problems, but Maine Coons are considered one of the healthier cat breeds.
So, what is the life expectancy of a Maine Coon cat?
The average Maine Coon lifespan ranges between 12 and 15 years, but they can live longer under the right circumstances.
Conclusion
If you have seen pictures or heard tales of this wonderful breed, then you are probably wondering, what is a Maine Coon cat?
The Maine Coon is a majestic cat breed known for its immense size, thick, luxurious fur, and unique temperament.
They originated in the state of Maine in the 1800s, but today, they are popular pets all over the world.
Related Questions
Maine Coon Kittens Near Me
If you are searching for Maine Coon kittens, then you should search for a breeder that has been registered with a community like the Cat Fanciers Association or The International Cat Association.
Maine Coon Black
Maine Coons come in a stunning array of colors and patterns, including solid black, black smoke, and black tabby. Learn more about the black Maine Coon.