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Maine Coon Cats
Breed Rating (3 Reviews)
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| Friendliness | |
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History
The Maine Coon cat originated in North America in the state of Maine which is where the name comes from. The Maine Coon is also the official state cat for Maine and many old wives tales exist about the Maine Coon’s beginnings. One such ludicrous story is that feral domestic cats mated with racoons which is biologically impossible. This story along with the Maine Coon’s bushy raccoon-like tail and tabby coat led to the name of Maine Coon being settled on.
The most logical story is that the breed originated from matings between shorthaired domestic cats and imported longhaired cats - either across the Atlantic or from other US states.
The Maine Coon has appeared in literature as far back as 1861 with a black and white cat named 'Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines'. Maine Coons have been historically popular at cat shows in America. At an 1895 cat show at Madison Square Garden a female, brown tabby Maine Coon won best in show.
Behaviour
Maine Coons are independent and spirited cats. They are quite happy in their own company and tend not to pester their owners for attention. Instead they prefer to enjoy their owners company from a distance and will happily curl up on the sofa next to you whilst you watch tv.
Varieties
Maine Coons come in a wide variety of colours 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:
More to love
Maine Coon Pictures
Latest Reviews For Maine Coon (3 of 3)
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.