The Maine Coon cat is a large, friendly cat breed known for its affectionate nature and unique characteristics.  Lets tell you more.

Maine Coon Cats

The Maine Coon catis a big, lovable cat with an equally big personality. They’re known for being super friendly and affectionate, making them a favourite pet.

With their thick, waterproof fur, it’s no surprise that they love water and might even enjoy bath time! While they’re not big on climbing, they prefer staying grounded, and they’re always eager to be part of whatever you’re doing. If you’re looking for a laid-back yet playful companion, the Maine Coon is a perfect choice.

Cat Characteristics

• Coat Colours & Patterns:
  Common colors include solid shades like black, white, and blue (gray), as well as tabby patterns in brown, red, and silver. They can also have tortoiseshell, calico, and bi-color patterns, often with distinctive markings. Some Maine Coons even have unique colour combinations like blue-cream or cameo. Their diverse colouring adds to their charm, making each Maine Coon cat unique in appearance.
  

• Coat Types:
  The Maine Coon has a luxurious, semi-longhaired coat that’s dense and water-resistant. The fur is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches, giving them a distinctive “ruff” around the neck. Their coat can be smooth or slightly rough in texture, and they often have a bushy tail that matches the length and volume of their fur. Despite the thickness, their coat is relatively low-maintenance and doesn’t mat easily, making them easy to groom compared to other longhaired breeds.
  
  
• Average Height: 25cm – 41cm
• Average Length: 76cm – 101cm
• Average Weight: Males – 5.9 kg – 11.3 kg, Females – 4.5 kg – 6.8 kg
• Lifespan: Between 12 – 15 years
• Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, sociable and loyal
• Origin: United States of America

Maine Coon is the Oldest Cat Recorded

Did you know the oldest cat on record was a Maine Coon named Rubble? He lived in Exeter in the UK and reached the grand old age of 31. Thats the equivalent of nearly 150 in human years. He unfortunately passed away in May 2020.

History of Maine Coon Cats

The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. As the name suggests, they originate from the state of Maine, where they were first recognised in the late 19th century.

There are however several theories about their origins:

Sea Captains’ Cats: One popular theory is that they are descendants of long-haired cats brought to America by seafarers from Europe, specifically from the Maine region.

Marie Antoinette: Another story claims that Maine Coons are descendants of cats brought to America by Marie Antoinette, who allegedly tried to escape the French Revolution. This theory is more myth than fact, as there’s no solid evidence to support it.

Natural Evolution: Some believe that Maine Coons evolved naturally from domestic cats in the region, adapting to the harsh climates and developing their distinctive long fur, large size, and tufted ears.

About Maine Coon Kittens

Maine Coon kittens are adorable and come with their own set of unique traits and needs. Maine Coon kittens start off small but grow rapidly. They can eventually reach their full size (13-18 pounds) by around 3 to 4 years of age. Even as kittens, they tend to be larger than many other breeds.

Maine Coon kittens are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They enjoy interacting with people and can be quite vocal. They’re also known to get along well with other pets and children.

Training and Socialisation

Start training your Maine Coon kitten early. As they are bigger cats it is important you set out rules from the get go. They are intelligent and can learn commands and tricks quickly. Positive reinforcement methods work well with them.

Early socialisation with different people, pets, and environments is key to help them grow into well-adjusted adults. Maine Coons are generally very sociable and enjoy being part of family activities so getting them to interact with friends and family should be easy.

How To Choose A Maine Coon Cat

Choose a reputable breeder. Look for a breeder who prioritises kittens health, socialisation, and follows ethical breeding practices. They should be able to provide health clearances and a clean, caring environment for their cats.

The Maine Coon Cat Club provides a list of all registered breeders across the UK.

Maine Coon Breeders in the UK

Maine Coon Rescue

Why not consider adopting from a rescue organisation that specialises in Maine Coons? These big cats are not for everyone and unfortunately, many end up needing new homes. This can be a rewarding way to find a kitten or even an adult Maine Coon in need of a loving home.

The Maine Coon Cat Club also provides listings of maine coons looking to be re-homed.

General Maine Coon Care

• Grooming: Even as kittens, Maine Coons will need regular grooming to manage their dense coat. Brushing them frequently helps prevent matting and keeps their fur in good condition.

• Health: It’s important to start with a good health regimen, including vaccinations and deworming. Maine Coons can be prone to certain genetic conditions, so choose a reputable breeder who screens for health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

• Nutrition: Provide high-quality kitten food to support their growth and development. Maine Coons can have larger appetites due to their size, so ensuring they get the right balance of nutrients is crucial. Royal Canin offer a specific Maine Coon cat food for adult cats.

Famous Maine Coons

Well, we couldn’t talk about Maine Coons without sharing the a fellow Zeus.

Zeus is a stunning Black Maine Coon cat that measures over 1.2 metres when standing on his hind legs.

With over 12 million likes on Tiktok he’s definitely a favourite of many.

What’s yours??? Comment below and we will take a look!!