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The Maine Coon cat is somewhat of a legend in the feline world. And no wonder! After all, these kitties have the title of being the largest domesticated cat breed in the world. Alas, size is not the only redeeming quality of this wonderful breed - that’s why we have created this article that talks about Maine Coon cats, answering all your burning questions about these regal felines. 

Anxious to learn more about Maine Coons? In this article, we’ll be talking about: 

  • The interesting and curious history of the breed;
  • Breed information and characteristics;
  • We’ll answer your question about whether Maine Coons make good pets;
  • Why are they so different from all the other cats;
  • Whether or not Maine Coon cats are a rare breed;
  • And most importantly - why on Earth are they so big?

But what are talks without any visual aids, especially when we are discussing adorably cute cats? So, besides the breed dossier, you’ll also find a photo gallery of Maine Coons, showing them in various real-life situations, helpfully disclosing their real size and unmatchable beauty. 

Maine Coon Cat History

The origins of the Maine Coon are shrouded in mystery. Although genetically impossible, one myth holds that this is the result of breeding between cats and raccoons! Another states that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, tried to flee execution with her favorite Turkish Angora cats. While she didn't make it to the US, the cats supposedly landed on the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they began to breed. This might also explain why this breed is called Maine.

#3

Maine Coon In Winter

Maine Coon In Winter

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EdvinKuric
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8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine is a bit smaller with same colors, only a year or two old (we got him off the street) and he is already just about bigger that my friends full grown tabby

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Girl With A Beautiful Maine Coon Cat

Girl With A Beautiful Maine Coon Cat

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Are Maine Coons Hard To Find? 

While the Maine Coons were a very popular cat show breed in the 19th century, its existence became threatened with the introduction of long-haired cats from overseas in the 20th century. Currently, however, Maine Coon cats are the third most-popular cat breed in the world, so it is by no means a rare breed! In fact, according to The International Cat Breeding Association, there are hundreds of certified breeds in the US alone. 

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If you’re wondering what the usual Main Coon price is, it varies a lot, depending on where you are from, the breeder, and the kitten’s color. A ballpark figure for a purebred, 10-week-old Maine Coon kitten could be anywhere around 1000$ to 2000$.

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Our Maine Coon Is A Part Of Our Family

Our Maine Coon Is A Part Of Our Family

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FlorentinaLestaru
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8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I would be afraid of them... ^^ if they are as quick and agile and moody as regular sized cats.. yikes! :D

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Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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DanPeterson
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8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a Persian, note the elongated snout and the prominent "M" coloring on his forehead. Clearly a Maine C**n.

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Maine Coon Cat Breed Information and Characteristics

Maine Coon’s size isn’t the only trait it possesses! These cats are also known for their sociable and dog-like temperament, their fluffy fur with silky undercoat, strong jawline so similar to that of a lion’s, and a bushy tail to top it all. 

Fur Coat

Their long-haired coat is an excellent adaptation for harsh winter weather, as are their large paws, allowing these cats to move through snow easily. All in all, Maine Coons are well-adapted to cold climates, and that’s where they feel their best. 

Fur Colors

Maine Coons don’t have any breed limitations to their coat coloring, and you can find black Maine Coons, lavender ones, tabbies, blotched or ticked patterns. Really, any color you like, there’s an adorable Maine Coon kitten in it!

Maine Coon Size

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Now, about the size - On average, males weigh from 13 to 18 lb (5.9 to 8.2 kg), with females weighing from 8 to 12 lb (3.6 to 5.4 kg). The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm), and they can reach a length of up to 38 in (97 cm), including the tail, which can reach a length of 14 in (36 cm). Here’s a fun fact, too - the title for the longest cat in the 2010 Guinness World Records was held by a cat of this breed. His name is Stewie, who measured 48.5 in (123 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. That’s a whole lot of a cat!

Are Maine Coon Cats Good Pets? 

Absolutely! Although they are pretty large and look like majestical forest dwellers, they adapt to living indoors quite well. Their above-average intellect, trainability, and gentle character does help a lot, too. 

While they aren’t known to be your regular lap cats who enjoy spending time curled next to their owners, they are pretty relaxed around dogs, other cats, and kids, nonetheless. You might be surprised to learn that Maine Coons love water!

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The only warning about keeping Maine Coons inside is that they are pretty vocal, and you’re bound to hear lots of yowling, howling, trilling, and chirping when keeping one. So, before you come to a decision to adopt a Maine Coon, talk to your family and neighbors first, and see if they don’t mind you having a vocal pet.

And there you have it - a brief introduction to Maine Coons! However, if you’d like to look at more photos of these gorgeous cats, we have just an article - Maine Coons as seen by photographer Robert Sijka

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Giant Kitty

Giant Kitty

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Maine Coon Cat With A Magnificent Tail

Maine Coon Cat With A Magnificent Tail

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Max, My 4 Month Old Poly Maine Coon

Max, My 4 Month Old Poly Maine Coon

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LynneWood
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8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its a polydactyl Maine C**n, they can have either extra toes or thumbs. Yes cats really can have thumbs.

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Maine Coon Cat And Kitten

Maine Coon Cat And Kitten

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Maine Coon On The Bed

Maine Coon On The Bed

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Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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Sleepy Maine Coon

Sleepy Maine Coon

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BarbaraJones
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8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one looks a lot like my Monster, except he is a short haired. I suspect he is only half Maine C**n because he's only about 38 pounds and doesn't have the long hair.

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Maine Coon Next To Another Cat

Maine Coon Next To Another Cat

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Fred Smiff
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you never really appreciate the size until you see them with a normal moggy

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Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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sgardner54@yahoo.com
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8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I absolutely love that color. More cream like a palomino horse than an orange tabby stunning

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Little Baby Maine Coon

Little Baby Maine Coon

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Nova, My 13- Year Old Maine Coon Mix- 22 Lbs. And 3.5 Feet Long

Nova, My 13- Year Old Maine Coon Mix- 22 Lbs. And 3.5 Feet Long

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