With a magnificent ruff, flowing coat and gentle giant personality, the Maine Coon is one of the world’s most popular cat breeds. If you are thinking of adopting a Maine Coon, this gentle giant makes an excellent family cat–and a very special purrsonality!
Origins
Sometimes known as the American Longhair, the origins of this 15- to 25-pound breed are unknown (and involve myths that range from Marie Antoinette to seafaring captains). The state cat of Maine is considered one of the oldest naturally-occurring cat breeds in North America.
While many Maine Coons come from breeders, shelters and rescues provide temporary homes for many of these cats that rank as the second largest cat breed, some reaching a length of 48 inches from nose to the tip of the tail.
Living with Maine Coons
Cat author and Maine Coon lover Deb Barnes and her fiancé share their home with Maine Coons. “Zee is our oldest and he has mellowed with age. He used to be a somewhat aloof cat in that he was not a lap cat, but he has always been loving and friendly,” says the Florida-based writer and blogger at the award-winning Zee & Zoey’s Chronicle Connection. “Now that he is older, he has become a bit more possessive of his humans and naps on our laps all the time.
“Kizmet came from a Pet Supermarket rescue – he was found abandoned on the side of the road with no mother and is one of the kindest and most caring cats I have ever known. I call him my ‘old soul’ cat and he is wise beyond his years.
“Our latest addition is a darling ginger Maine Coon that was found as a feral abandoned at an old farmhouse with other cats, goats, and cows. Her name is Jazmine, and she brings more joy and sunshine into our lives than I could have dreamed possible. Her biggest thrill is to play fetch with her toy mice – she loves for us to throw them so that she can bring them back to have them thrown all over again! We compare her to having the insatiable energy of a two-year-old toddler, and she and Kizmet become instant best friends when they met and are inseparable!”
Along with the delight these Maine Coons have provided Barnes and her other cats, Zee also served as inspiration for her first book, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary.
While all cats are individuals, Barnes sees some similarities within her population of Maine Coons.
“One of the common traits they share is their highly advanced form of communication and vocabulary – the range of meows, chirps, and trilling noises that they use to ‘talk’ to one another as well as to us is both extensive and expressive.
“They are also all very inquisitive and feel the need to follow us around the house, constantly supervising everything we are doing. All of them are also very sweet, playful, charming, intelligent, and clowns at heart!”
Adopting a Maine Coon
Families considering Maine Coon adoption find the breed adaptable and fun-loving.
“Maine Coons enjoy companionship and are extremely friendly,” points out Barnes. “They tend to adapt to any circumstance – from households with children, dogs, and other cats, to those without. As long as you can hold a conversation with them and don’t mind a shadow at your feet, all is well in their world.”
Coat Maintenance
The author does not that, cat lovers seeking a low-maintenance cat in terms of grooming should look elsewhere. The Maine Coon’s thick, long coat requires frequently brushing to avoid mats.
“The only advice I have is the same advice I would give adopting any pet – after thoroughly researching that this is the right breed for your lifestyle, prepare your home for your new pet so that they will feel happy and welcome,” says the writer who also serves as Secretary for the non-profit Pawsitively Humane, Inc. of Miami, Florida.
“Cats require time, love, exercise, a proper diet, regular check-ups with a veterinarian, clean litter, high and low places to nap and hide, and stimulating toys, just to name a few things. If you can commit to the responsibility and the Maine Coon personality fits your lifestyle, then by all means, I encourage the adoption. And as with any new pet, be patient with them and the rewards will be invaluable – a Maine Coon brings with it a lifetime of love, loyalty, companionship, and devotion that could last well over 15 years.”
Appearance of Maine Coon
Think your cat might be a Maine Coon? Here are some features to look for:
- Males can often weigh over 20 pounds and may grow to over 40 inches long.
- The Maine Coon is probably the largest pedigree breed of domestic cat, often called the ‘gentle giant’ of the cat world.
- The coat is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the belly and tail.
- Look for a ruff or ‘beard’ of hair below the head, resembling a lion’s mane.
- Look for longer hair on the backs of your cat’s legs.
- A Maine Coon’s coat is shaggy, water resistant and easily groomed–but they’ll generally keep their fur in order themselves with only occasional help from you.
- The Maine Coon coat colors including shades of tabby, bi-color, black, red, white and tortoiseshell.
- Maine Coon eyes are usually green, hazel or gold-colored although white cats may have blue eyes or one blue and one gold.
- The face is large and angular with a clear M shape on the forehead.
- The ears are often tufted.
- They have a genetic tendency to have extra toes and, more seriously, heart disease, but breeders are working to eliminate the genes that cause these problems.
- The Maine Coon has a graceful, dignified walk that always attracts attention and admiration.
What is the Temperament of Maine Coon Cats?
These gentle giants truly are gentle, enjoying people and other pets. Although each cat is an individual, here are some clues to the Maine Coon temperament:
- They are not lap cats, possibly being too big to be comfortable in that position, but they enjoy play and can be trained to fetch toys like a dog.
- Unlike many cats, a Maine Coon usually prefer to eat with company, either with humans around or with other cats.
- They are clever at using their paws and will often learn to open closet doors and turn on faucets, as well as picking things up with their paws.
- They can be mischievous, knocking things over or pushing objects off table tops.
- They often play with the water in their bowls and some Maine Coons will drink from their cupped paws instead of directly from the bowl.
- They may also dip toys or food into their water bowl or overturn the water onto the floor.
- Listen for the distinctive Maine Coon sound, a trilling voice that is between a purr and meow, and will make this sound if surprised or contented.
Maine Coon Cats for Adoption
Petfinder lists numerous Maine Coon cats for adoption and you can also find many specialized Maine Coon rescues.
How Much Does a Maine Coon Cost?
While Maine Coon cats from a breeder can cost anywhere from $400-$2,000, adoption costs for a Maine Coon are considerably lower. Maine Coon rescues may charge about $350 although prices will be lower at local shelters.
Portions of this article were published as a freelance article in 2013.