Maine Coon Cats: Giant Kitties With The Softest Character

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.

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. 

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$.

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

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!

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.