Maine Coon
Maine Coons are gentle, affectionate, large-sized cats with a distinct bushy tail and tufted ears. Social and intelligent, they enjoy human interaction and are often described as being “dog-like” in behaviour. They adapt well to indoor living and even apartments. Known to be good with children, other cats, and even dogs, they are an excellent choice for families and busy homes.
| Recommended for | Families, couples, and active households |
| Breed Classification | Longhair (semi-longhaired) |
| Other names | Coon Cat, American Longhair |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Size | Large |
| Temperament | Gentle, friendly, affectionate |
| Intelligence | High; quick learners, good problem-solvers, excellent memory |
| Tendency to vocalise | Talkative but not noisy, their most distinctive sound is a trill (a cross between a purr and a chirp) |
| Maintenance Level | Moderate grooming needs, high exercise and attention needs |
| Health Risk | Prone to heart disease (HCM), hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, dental issues, and obesity due to their large size and genetics |
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Breed history of Maine Coons
Originating in the United States in the 18th century, the Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. It is believed to have developed in the state of Maine, adapting naturally to the cold climate with a dense coat and muscular build. Farmers valued them for their exceptional mousing ability, and they became a common sight on homesteads and ships along the New England coast.
Some believe the Maine Coon descended from Marie Antoinette’s long-haired cats, supposedly sent to America during her failed escape, while others link its features to Viking cats brought by seafarers (which is plausible, given their similarity to Norwegian Forest Cats). In reality, it is most likely that the Maine Coon originated through natural selection from mixed-breed cats brought by early European settlers.
By the late 1800’s, Maine Coons were stars of early American cat shows. However, around the 1900’s, their popularity began to wane with the arrival of glamorous imported long-haired breeds like Persians into the US. From the 1960s onwards, organised breeding programs revived the breed and the Maine Coon was officially recognised by major cat registries in the 1970s.
Physical description of Maine Coons
The Maine Coon is a large, muscular cat with a broad chest and strong frame, making it the largest domestic cat breed. They have wide-set, oval-shaped eyes in shades of green, gold, or copper, their ears are large, high-set, and often have tufted tips, and their tail is long and bushy,
They have a shaggy, semi-long, soft waterproof coat comprising an undercoat overlayed with a glossy topcoat. The hair varies in length around the body, with shorter hair on the head, neck and shoulders and longer hair down the back, sides and tail. Their ears have a feathered appearance and their paws have tufts which extend backwards, giving them a snowshoe-like function.
Maine Coons come in a large variety of colours, including white, tortoiseshell, tabby (with or without silver) and smoke, all with or without white patches. Their eyes can range anywhere between green, gold and copper, although blue or odd-eye colour is not uncommon among white cats. As a result of all these variations, no two Maine Coons look the same.
| Weight range | Males: 6 to 8 kg; females: 4 to 6 kg |
| Height range | Up to 41 cm in height and up to 100cm in length |
| Colours | Many colours and patterns, except for pointed types |
| Coat length | Semi-long |
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Maine Coon personality and temperament
Maine Coons are known for being friendly, affectionate and goofy – they’re not only huge in size but also huge in personality. The Maine Coon loves to be around its family, following their owners from room to room, enjoying company and interaction but rarely become clingy or overwhelming.
Maine Coons are obedient and will come when called. They also love to greet guests, who are often surprised at their sociable nature. Affectionate without being needy and usually forming strong bonds with family members, they are often described as dog-like in their loyalty and willingness to engage.
Playful, curious, and quick to learn, Maine Coons are generally an excellent breed for families. They are fun companions in both busy and quiet homes and tend to take changes to routine in stride. Their laid-back personality means they rarely show aggression, coping well even in noisy or active households.
Maine Coons with kids and other pets
Often regarded as one of the most family-friendly cat breeds, Maine Coons are known for their calm, patient nature, even with younger children who are still learning to be gentle. Their size and confident temperament make them good playmates without being fragile, and they enjoy company and interaction without becoming clingy or overwhelming..
Maine Coons usually get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, especially when introduced at a young age. In fact, they’re one of the more “dog-like” cat breeds in terms of temperament, often enjoying companionship and play. Their calm, steady nature means they rarely feel threatened, which helps reduce tension with other pets. They also have a low prey drive compared to some breeds, although supervision is still essential around small pets.
Maine Coon training and exercise
Maine Coons are playful and energetic, with moderate to high energy levels, so they need daily activity to stay fit and mentally stimulated. While not hyperactive, they do best in homes where they can explore, stay mentally stimulated, and feel like part of the family’s daily life.
Maine Coons enjoy interactive toys and puzzle feeders, which help keep them engaged. They enjoy climbing and exploring, so tall scratching posts or cat trees work well. They enjoy regular play sessions, which help manage their energy and reduce boredom, but can also entertain themselves when needed. Their large size and easy-going temperament mean they’re active in short, enthusiastic bursts rather than constantly on the move like some high-energy breeds (e.g., Abyssinians or Bengals).
| Energy level | Moderate to high |
| Exercise requirements | Moderate |
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Maine Coon feeding and nutrition
The Maine Coon benefits from a well-balanced diet that supports its large frame and active lifestyle. High-protein food is essential for maintaining muscle strength and overall condition. A mix of quality wet and dry food helps with hydration and dental health. Choose food that includes taurine, omega fatty acids, and other key nutrients to support joint function, coat quality, and heart health.
Portion control is important, as Maine Coons can be prone to overeating if free-fed. Divide their meals into two or three servings a day to manage their weight as they grow. Always provide access to fresh, clean water. Your vet can help guide food choices based on your cat’s size, age, and activity level to avoid common issues like obesity or joint strain.
Maine Coon care and grooming
The Maine Coon has a semi-long, dense coat that needs regular grooming to stay in good condition. Brush two to three times a week to remove loose hair and prevent tangles, especially around the neck and belly. Occasional bathing helps remove dirt and keep the coat clean.
Regular ear checks, nail trimming, and dental care are also essential. Use cat-safe toothpaste or dental treats to support oral health.
Health issues for Maine Coons
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most well-known genetic condition in Maine Coons. This disease thickens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure if not caught early. Regular heart screenings, especially for breeding lines, are recommended to detect signs early.
- Hip Dysplasia is another concern, particularly in larger Maine Coons. This joint condition can cause pain and reduced mobility, especially as the cat ages. Maintaining a healthy weight and encouraging gentle exercise can help reduce the risk.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder affecting the spinal cord’s motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and loss of coordination. While it is not painful, affected cats may show wobbly movement from a young age.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) has also been observed, though less commonly. This condition causes cysts in the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure. Screening breeding cats helps reduce the risk in future generations.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
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MORE INFORMATION
United Maine Coon Fanciers of Australia: http://www.umcfa.com/
The Maine Coon Cat Club (UK): http://www.maine-coon-cat-club.com/
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