A pet owner's guide to Maine coon cats
Taking its name from the state of its domestic origin, the Maine coon cat has distinctive shaggy fur and a big-boned, rectangular body. Legend holds that Maine coons are partially descended from raccoons, a folktale which explains their typically dark eye markings, even though such a cross is genetically impossible.
History
Nobody knows quite when or how Maine coon cats first found their way to the Americas. A famous story claims that Marie Antoinette, former Queen of France, sent her beloved long-haired cats to the United States in a ship but was executed before she could join them. Her cats, as the story goes, made their way across the Atlantic and mated with domestic short-haired breeds to produce the Maine coon.
Appearance
Size: Maine coon kittens typically grow up to weigh as much as 18 pounds in adulthood, making them one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world.
Coat: The fur of a Maine coon cat is medium or long in length. Its coat hangs shorter over its shoulders and longer around the tummy and tail. Thanks in part to its North American origin, this breed generates a thicker coat during cool seasons, which it sheds in spring. Coats show a variety of patterns, from solid colors to tabby cat markings.
Eyes & Ears: Eyes are large and ovular in shape. Maine coon cat breeders prefer tufted, smallish ears.
Tail: These cats have unusually long tails, which are covered in fine but puffy fur.
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Disposition
Despite their rugged appearance, these cats are exceedingly gentle and carry themselves with dignity. They display dog-like loyalty to their owners and are generally cooperative, affectionate and highly intelligent. Maine coon breeders note that these animals make exceptionally good choices for multi-pet and family households, as they get along well with children, dogs and other cats.
Health and Care
Grooming: Though their medium-to-long hair can cause shedding problems, these cats don't need as much grooming as their shaggy coats suggest. Occasional brushing is a good idea, and cats with longer coats can benefit from professional manicuring. Oddly, this breed takes to water quite well, so most owners don't have trouble coaxing their Maine coons into the tub.
Activity Level: While playful, these cats aren't overly active and are perfectly content to lounge in their owners' laps. That said, they're natural hunters and will gladly chase down any mice that might find their way into your home.
Health Problems: Unfortunately, these majestic cats are subject to a number of breed-specific health issues. Beyond feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a relatively common heart disorder cats suffer from, they are also subject to unusually high incidences of hip dysplasia, muscle weakness, feline arthritis and feline kidney disease. Also, watch closely for signs of feline worms.
Average Lifespan: A Maine coon kitten that spends most of its life indoors can live to be as old as 15, or even older in some cases. More active cats that live in rural areas are prone to developing feline arthritis and the other health concerns associated with the breed more rapidly, dropping their expected lifespan down to about 9 years.
Locate Maine Coon Kittens for Sale
Deal with reputable cat breeders who offer parentage certification and guarantee the health of the kittens they sell. Most Maine coon kittens for sale through good breeders command between $400 and $1,000.
As an alternative, connect with Maine coon cat rescue resources by contacting your local SPCA. They'll be more than happy to help you find an adult cat in need of a loving new home, and you'll save some money compared to the cost of buying a kitten through Maine coon breeders.