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Maine Coon Cats

Beautiful maine coon cat sitting against a white background Ginger maine coon cat portrait sitting against a black background Close up of maine coon cat with intense expression A young tortie maine coon with black tipped ears Two young maine coon cats A young tortie maine coon with an orange patch on the bridge of its nose A young fluffy maine coon with tipped ears A young fluffy maine coon with a lon bushy tail

Breed Rating (3 Reviews)

Appearance
Friendliness
Hardiness
Garden

History

The Maine Coon is a breed from Maine, not surprisingly. It is the official State Cat for Maine (did you know such a thing existed?), and there are various legends about its beginnings. One of the sillier stories says that feral cats mated with racoons... not a biological possibility, of course. The story was no doubt inspired by the breed's bushy raccoon-like tail and tabby coat, and that is where the 'Coon' part of the name comes from.

In reality, it is likely that the breed originated when shorthaired domestic cats mated with longhaired cats brought in from other States, or perhaps from Europe. This probably happened in the mid-19th century.

Maine Coons have always been popular at cat shows in the US. The breed's first champion took the stage in 1895, when a cat show at Madison Square Garden was won by a female, brown tabby Maine Coon called Cosie, who won best in show.

Behaviour

Maine Coons are independent and lively cats. They enjoy their own company, and are not the type of breed that pesters its owner for attention. They reman a bit aloof, but are still happy to curl up on the sofa next to you. They are in their element outdoors.

Varieties

Maine Coons come in a wide variety of colors but are always long haired.

Breed Details

  • Status: Common
  • Place of Origin: USA
  • Rough date of Origin: 1800s
  • Hair length: Longhair
  • Activity Level: Medium
  • Vocalness: Low
  • Child friendly: Good with children
  • Intelligence:
  • Playfullness: Moderate
  • Grooming Requirements: More than once per week
  • Weight: 4.0 - 7.5kg
  • Size: Large
  • House Cat or Outdoor Cat: House Cat
  • Pet Compatibility:
  • Social Needs:

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Maine Coon Pictures

Latest Reviews For Maine Coon (3 of 3)

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Intelligent and affectionate - Anita,

I have rehomed two so far, a male quite advanced in years and a much younger female. They are like chalk and cheese. These cats can vary greatly in how vocal they are, how much lap time they want (if at all) and how much they play. What you will get is a very intelligent and affectionate family member with a strong personality - the nickname "the dog of the cat world" certainly holds true. They like company and this should be taken into account if you are working.


Gental & majestic cat - Dana,

I've had 2. First one was dumped in my neighborhood, I saw it happen & being a cat lover I took him in. He was simply the most beautiful most humongous cat I've ever seen, a super duper fluffy orange & white, with a gentle & sweet personality, he took up with my 3 female cats instantly, they were madly in love with him! He was so easy going, very affectionate- yet not needy/clingy at all. I quickly realized this was my dream cat. Sadly, I found out why he was dumped by those jerks, he had advanced cancer. I continued to care for him and paid his vet bills but he only made it about a year after I took him in, which I don't regret because I fell in love with this gentle giant, and also because I let him know he was adored and made him as comfortable as I could before his passing. About 2 years later I adopted another Maine Coon, he ended up in the rescue is because his previous owner was terminally ill is what I was told. He was still very young @ about a yr old. He was white with a few grey spots, very beautiful! He had the same sweet characteristics of my previous Maine Coon, and was even more affectionate, and very clownish. He made me laugh every day! He loved everyone, dogs, other cats, people, just the best sweetest cat I've ever had, I loved him so much, then 9 yrs later the same disease that took my first Maine Coon away took my second. Unfortunately, cancer is an issue with this breed, but they are still worth it IMO. Gorgeous, gentle, calm, funny, loving, affectionate, independent, just perfect really.


Maine Coon - formidable - Nick,

We rented a farmhouse that came with a semi-domesticated Maine Coon. We fed him but didn't really need to, so efficient a slaughterer of rabbits and pigeons was he. He was (yes, sadly he had some sort of brain problem, dementia or a tumour, and had to be put down for his own good, so unhappy and confused he'd become. We were devastated. He was only about 8.) a ruthless hunter who couldn't be bothered with small birds. He eat everything he caught - whole. He'd come in the house and head for one of his favourite places, the Aga or whatever keyboard was in use. Try shifting a cat that completely obscures it. He was as thick as two short planks but, and isn't this often the case regardless of species, quite beautiful. He was reasonably friendly until you went to tickle his tummy, then he'd savage your hand, which was very serious. Our friend Hugh said, "Oh, I have a special way with cats..." and tickled his tummy. Error. This cat loved a party and would rumble into the room, knocking over glasses with his massive tail, choose someone to sit on and knead them with his massive paws and needle-sharp claws. The victim had to be rescued. We miss him terribly. Our new house has rabbits which are wrecking the garden - guess what we're considering buying.