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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. 

#1

Giant Kitty

Giant Kitty

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

Unless it was something like a Great Dane and then they'd be the best of buddies, doing Neighbourhood Watch together! :)

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

I think the human is tiny, making this big kitty look huge!

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Oak Path
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The guy is tiny, look at how high the countertop is behind him. The cat is still above average for a Maine C**n

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Norbert cordova
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat Sylvester looks just like you're cat they are gentle Giant's

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Donna Finney
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Long pointed ears, and very long hair, large eyes. Maine C**n Cat

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PatStrahan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not photo shopped. They really are huge. They don't finish growing till they are 5 years old. My biggest cat was 18 lbs and when he stood on his hind legs his head was at my hips. I am 5'7". And he wasn't a Maine C**n.

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Shan Cruz
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think my mini schnauzer would be a snack for that big kitty

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Thomas
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wear do you get one I would love to have one that big

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Deborah Cook
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful cat but do they shed tons of undercoat constantly like my ragdoll doe?

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Deborah Cook
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful cat, but do they shed tons of their undercoats like my ragdoll?

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Dan J. Speedy
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He could make the neighbors dogs stay in their own houses cause they're are afraid of the kitty cat

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Chris Adams
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That guy I would say is a very small guy, judging by the height of the cabinets behind him

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Christine Smith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would take a guess that your cat would win hands down in any cat shows its that good

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Christine Smith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your cat is a beauty its so good looking i cant tell if its a girl or boy

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Gypsy gemeni
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful do you still have it? I would like one myself,do you know where I can get one?

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Joline
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I entered with my friend's advice.I am very pleased.The most beautiful decorations proposal on this site. www.homedecor-en.com

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Renae Royle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excellent looking cat especially the curly locks tummy fluff.

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Norbert cordova
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But an old lady stabbed him in his eye my wife freaked out we took him to Round Rock Texas emergency vets had to go to college station to get his blood type B we left at 1:30 am got Back AT 6 AM HE LIVED AND WE STILL HAVE HIM 🤗🤗

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Marina Orme
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people can be so evil especially to cats. Mine are all housecats for that very reason. I do have a big cat pen and we do take them out on a harness and lead. The gentle goats of the cat world😃

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Marreko De Bruig
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i have 2,half grown,10 kg and 8 kg,1,5 y before fully grown,but so gentle,stand nose to nose dog half their size,other cats that could pass under them,they just snif and purr.

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Marreko De Bruig
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they are muscular,when they want to be close its like some fluffy rock crawling up to you.

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Peter McKay
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I m interested I like buy kitten grow very bigger cat boy contact me 0272406875.

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James Garza
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you’re a breeder; I am interested. maxmo562003@yahoo.com

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thisizwhack
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is a Norwegian Forest Cat & not a Maine C**n. Maine Coons are descendants of Norwegian Forest Cats. I've got one that weighs 27lbs & although it doesn't happen often, bathing him requires multiple towels..that undercoat holds a lot of water. Gorgeous kitty!! :)

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Maureen Walls
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am so interested in finding out how to get a Kitty like this one . Just amazing And I m in love. I now own two “Mini Tigers “ I call them that . But they do have some Maine c**n in them but not as huge as these that I have seen

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Bonnie Gill
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a shorthair Maine c**n name Alexander Alex for short he's about 4 can't Waite till he"s full grown so exicited

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Lynda Karlstrom
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want this cat, I would love it and hug all day and night I'm in <3

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Sheila Altizer-wiest
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you have any kittens now that will get that big I been looking and don't know what too get because there so many and don't know what I'm looking for I'm 52 and it was my birthday and my husband want one and he is going too buy it for me please help ty

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Zulkarnain Kemat
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Any idea how to contact maine c**n breeder? I am looking for one current.

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Bonnie Rogan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fabulous, gorgeous. Luv Maine Coons, coming from Brewer, Maine

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

Key white = digitally added http://fotoforensics.com/analysis.php?id=d989036886c51baf6c04809a08d149e316d3993a.78428

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DarkRanger
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude, this is so fake (Key: White = Added) http://fotoforensics.com/analysis.php?id=d989036886c51baf6c04809a08d149e316d3993a.78428

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Linda Korwicki
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We just got our Maine C**n . He's 15 wks. old and looks just like yours. We are hoping he gets as big as your beauty. He eats so much I can't believe it.

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Tina Smith
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Photoshopped! Not necessarily the cat and person..... the background... unless this is a CHILD! shoulders vrs. Ciuntertops.

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Brandy Harris
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine regular kicks the butt of my 85lb pit-boxer mix! Though he is sooooo gentle with my other cats!

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Pat OHearn
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what I had Silver, mackeral tabby with white markings. she was gorgeous but small for a Maine C**n.

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Donna Elliott
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a pair of all black maine coons,one weighed 38# the other 32#. They were also twin brothers which my vet said was rare, PLUS someone deserted so I brought them both home. My vet said evidently someone didn't know what they were doing because they were worth $350 apiece. No I didn't sell them ! Better than a watch dog. because of their size some people were afraid to come in.

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Outrageous
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok. Still. I have met some cats that I have tried to make their acquaintance. Sometimes I won. All day.Other days. I got the paw n the tail

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Outrageous
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But your also right. I guess the same principle can be applied to every relationship. Human or animals. Have a great week!!!

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Outrageous
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmmm. Interesting. But you have to agree that cats do sometimes have the aristocratic air about them. " I'll do things when it suits me.:)

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GayleWayland
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Maine C**n mix was 13 lbs...all muscle. Most visitors to our home said he was the biggest cat they had ever seen, and he wasn't even a purebred! He was as smart as any dog, and smarter than many! He loved everybody who came in the door. Bear was the best!

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RichardPetch
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder who has control of the settee, my smaller female cats took over our settee, I would think this one would take control of everywhere to lay down.

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Outrageous
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He/she seems so calm. Not like his/her other brethren. Haughty and standoffish.

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Jude
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, all mammals inherit certain personality traits of their parents. But being "haughty and standoffish", as you put it, isn't built-in. Cats are as affectionate, loyal and companionable as any dog. What you get from them is what you put in. The only difference is dogs are basically pack animals. Cats aren't.

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Bonnie Jame
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Judging from the counter top height, this seems like a very small person making the cat look even bigger.

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CandiceWilliamson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

photoshop, look at the size of the handles of the cabinets, I have a Maine C**n, she is no where near this size

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BirsiyekoTimilai
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8 years ago

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waoo just I Saw the draft which was of 8169 dollars, I Accept that my friend’s brother was like really generating cash in his spare time with his computer. . His aunts neighbor has done this for only 10 months and by now Repaid the loan on their home and bought a new Car .This is what they are donig ...,,,,,, ➥➥➥➥ w­w­w.c­a­s­h­t­r­e­nd­s­2­4­.c­o­mVist Here

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AnnamarieMoore
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8 years ago

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PHotoshopped, obviously. Look at the size of the person next to the counters.

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CyreenReginaldo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cat's size is not photoshopped. It just so happened that the person carrying it is a kid who's not that tall, making the cat look bigger. And cats of this breed are actually outrageously big :)

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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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#4

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$.

#5

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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#6

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

#12

Giant Kitty

Giant Kitty

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#17

Maine Coon Cat With A Magnificent Tail

Maine Coon Cat With A Magnificent Tail

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#19

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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#20

Maine Coon Cat And Kitten

Maine Coon Cat And Kitten

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#26

Maine Coon On The Bed

Maine Coon On The Bed

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#28

Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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#30

Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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#33

Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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#39

Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

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#42

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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#44

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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#46

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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#49

Little Baby Maine Coon

Little Baby Maine Coon

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#51

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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Note: this post originally had 141 images. It’s been shortened to the top 51 images based on user votes.