The Maine Coon is an exceptional breed of domesticated feline in the world. The Maine Coon has been referred to as the dog of the cat world, and its large size, intelligence, and good-natured personality have made it a popular choice among pet owners.
But what do we really know about Maine Coon cats?
Are they actually from Maine? How big do they get? What kind of temperament do they have? And can you have Maine Coon in a small household?
Check out the rest of this article to find out the answers to all your questions!
The Origin of Maine Coon Cats
The Maine Coon Cat is native to the United States, Maine, and has been dated back to the 1850s. There are several rumors surrounding the Maine Coon Cat’s origins, but none of these are confirmed.
The ancestors of this breed may have been related to Norwegian Forest Cats or Siberian Forest Cats.
Some people believe they were introduced by European settlers who brought their Norwegian Forest Cats to New England in the 1800s. Others think they are descended from Siberian Forest Cats.
They are the third most popular pedigreed cat breed in the world, and were very popular at cat shows in the late 19th century.
The Main Coon’s Physical Characteristics
Maine coon is one of the largest breeds. They are known for their bushy tails which can be over 10 to 16 inches long!
They are gentle giants with muscular bodies and long hair. The breed has a square head with wide-set eyes and ears that are pointed in shape and have a tuft of fur at the tip.
They have a dense coat that has a glossy sheen to it and can have any pattern or color such as black, or brown. The color patterns of this breed vary widely depending on the individual cat’s genetics.
The following are the colors and patterns of coats:
Weight and Height
On an average, males weigh 5.9 to 8.2 kg (13 to 18 lb.) and females weigh 3.6 to 5.4 kg (8 to 12 lb.). Their height ranges from 25 to 41 cm (10 to 16 inches), and the length can reach 97 cm (38 inches).
In 2010, the Guinness World Record for the longest Maine Coon cat was 123 cm (48.5 Inches). Maine Coons are slower to grow up in a physical sense and won’t reach their full size until they’re around three to five years old.
The Personality of Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coon is a type of domestic cat with a soft and silky coat that keeps them insulated in colder climates. They are very sweet-tempered and loyal to their owners.
They are gentle and very affectionate, making them loveable to those who have them as pets. This breed is a natural-born hunter, but they usually enjoy being lap cats too.
Moreover, these cats are easy to train, often responding well to rewards such as food or attention for good behavior. They love playing with toys, which helps maintain their mental health even when the owner is not present.
Maine Coons are naturally friendly with everyone and are reported to be even friendly with strangers if they get a chance to interact with them for long enough.
Further characteristics of Maine Coon can include:
- Cuddles a lot
- Can be trained to fetch items
- Known for their intelligence
- Has a good attitude toward children
How Long Do Maine Coon Cats Typically Live?
These cats have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. Diet and lifestyle may affect your cat’s lifespan.
The care you give your cat and keeping it away from diseases is important to ensure it remains healthy for a longer period of time.
Corduroy, an individual Maine Coon Cat, lived from 1989-2016 and is the oldest recorded Maine Coon Cat. Her record is officially registered in the Guinness Book of Records.
What Affects Maine Coon Lifespan?
They are a hearty breed and generally have a long lifespan. Just like people, cats live differently based on their environment, genes, and lifestyle. Various factors can affect the lifespan of a cat including:
- Diet
- Genetics
- Lifestyle
- Environment
- Medical Conditions
- Exercise and Physical Activities
Is the Maine Coon Hypoallergenic?
The Maine Coon is not hypoallergenic and is not recommended for those with allergies to cats. Due to their high fur and large size, Maine Coons produce allergens that may trigger mild allergic reactions in some individuals.
However, according to veterinarians, Maine Coons are not an issue if you have mild allergies.
With some care and attention, you can enjoy the company of a Maine Coon and it is possible to keep your allergy symptoms under control with medication or other measures.
The Most Common Health Problems in Maine Coon
In general, Maine Coons are healthy cats, but they are susceptible to a few potential risks resulting in fatal outcomes in some cases.
The following health conditions might be noted:
- Periodontal Disease
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Heart Diseases
- Diabetes and Obesity
- Gastrointestinal Problems
If you suspect your cat may be at risk for either condition, please take them to the vet and get them checked out.
What Behavior Problems Do Maine Coon Cats Have?
Maine coon cats are adorable and lovable domestic cats, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily a good fit for everyone. These cats might have behavioral problems, so it’s important to be prepared for this before you take on the responsibility of owning one.
You might observe the following behavior problems in your Maine Coon cat:
- When bored, they love scratching furniture
- They are extremely vocal
- Separation anxiety is common in them
- Can have litter box problems
- They need companionship
- Can be aggressive
- They can develop territorial problems
Are Maine Coons Required to Be Groomed Regularly?
Maine Coons are known for their beautiful coats. They are able to clean themselves with ease, but they require regular grooming because of their long coat.
Brush your Maine Coon’s coat twice a week in general. However, brush your pets more often during the Spring and Autumn seasons because this is when it gets the most shedding and is the most difficult to handle.
Regular brushing will prevent hairball issues as well as maintain the health and shine of their coat.
Is it Better to Keep Maine Coon Indoors or Outdoors?
Maine Coons are great for indoor or outdoor cats. They love the outdoors, but they also enjoy being inside with their family too.
They can live happily in a home as indoor cats. When you keep them indoors, they will want windows and perches so they can look outside at the birds or people walking by.
And when you let them outside, they will hunt mice and other pests in your yard. Whenever you take your cat for an outing, please do so with your supervision because they can easily get lost.
Also, make sure your backyard is securely fenced so they won’t be able to escape. If you’re going out of town on vacation, talk to a pet sitter before your departure date so someone can come over to feed them and check on their welfare.
Are Maine Coon Cats Good Family Pets?
Maine Coon is fantastic as a family pet because of their friendly personality and the fact that this breed is good with other pets and even dogs.
They are a great choice for larger or family households because of their size but could be too much for smaller homes. Families with children will enjoy the Maine Coon’s playful nature and the Maine Coon will appreciate all the attention it receives from the kids!
Maine Coons are the perfect choice for families who are looking for a cuddly companion that is good with other animals!
Before Adopting a Maine Coon, What Should I Consider?
While Maine coons make excellent pets, they are not always appropriate for every family situation or living arrangement.
There are three questions you need to ask yourself before getting a Maine Coon cat.
The first is whether or not you have the time, energy, and commitment for this type of pet. If you don’t, then a cat of any other breed would be better for you.
Secondly, do you have enough space in your home? If not, then a smaller breed may be the way to go.
Thirdly and finally, do you have severe allergies? If so, then it’s best that you find out which breeds don’t aggravate your allergies as much as others.
Key Takeaways
- Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds.
- The breed can be traced back to the 1850s in the United States, Maine.
- They are known for their long, soft fur and bushy tails.
- A full-grown male will weigh 13–18 pounds, while a female will weigh 8–12 pounds.
- The average lifespan is 13 to 15 years but it’s not unheard of for a Maine Coon to live 20 years or more.
- Maine Coon is not hypoallergenic but it is possible to enjoy the company of a Maine Coon if you have mild allergies.
- Consult with your veterinarian about what type of pets are best for you and your family.
Pro Tip:
It can be very stressful and concerning when a beloved pet is not feeling well, so it’s worth it to get pet insurance to make sure you can cover the veterinary bills.
Importance of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a great way to protect your animal’s health. It can be hard to predict when an accident will happen, but with pet insurance, you’re covered.
There are a few different types of plans depending on your needs, and it only takes minutes to get coverage for your pet.
Some pet insurance companies will even cover 100% of veterinary expenses. So make sure to choose the best pet insurance plan for your furry friend.
Once you have a plan in place, vet bills will never be too high because they’ll already be covered by the policy.
It’s important that we all take care of our animals’ safety and well-being so they can enjoy their lives just as much as we do ours.
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