Maine Coon Appearance
The Maine Coon is a large muscular cat with a curious expression. They are the largest breed of domestic cat and one of the oldest breeds in North America. Their body is long giving the typical rectangular outline with a very long tail that is wide at the base and tapering toward the tip. The head is strong with a square muzzle and large ears. The eyes are full and round. All eye colors are accepted under breed standards. The weight of the Maine Coon is around 15-25 pounds.
The Maine Coon is a large muscular cat with a curious expression. They are the largest breed of domestic cat and one of the oldest breeds in North America. Their body is long giving the typical rectangular outline with a very long tail that is wide at the base and tapering toward the tip. The head is strong with a square muzzle and large ears. The eyes are full and round. All eye colors are accepted under breed standards. The weight of the Maine Coon is around 15-25 pounds.
The Maine Coon has a dense semi-long or long coat with noticeably longer fur on the under parts, flanks and tail. The coat is waterproof and virtually self maintaining. The Maine Coon is recognized in most colors and patterns. The most common colors are: black, blue, red and cream with white markings, brown mackerel, tabby pattern or a silver undercoat. The chocolate, lilac and Siamese patterns are not allowed. Maine Coons develop slowly, and don’t achieve their full size until they are three to five years old.
Maine Coon Temperament
The Maine Coon is very playful, friendly, easy going and good humored. Despite their size they are gentle and have quiet voices. They are smart and relatively easy to train. They love to climb and scramble but are not as vertically-oriented as some other breeds, preferring to chase objects on the ground and grasping them in their large paws. Many Maine Coons have a fascination with water.
Is Maine Coon the Right Breed for You?
The Maine Coons make ideal family pets. They are highly adaptable and will make themselves equally at home in the country or in a city apartment, although they really enjoy outdoor exercise and a good hunting section. They get along well with other cats and dogs. They are nicknamed “Gentle Giants” for their affectionate, loving behavior. They are known for being loyal to their family, extremely friendly toward children and cautious around strangers.
Maine Coon Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of the Maine Coon is around 15 years.
Maine Coon Health Problems
The Maine Coon is a relatively healthy breed. There major concerns associated with them are HCM (feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), SMA (spinal muscular atrophy), hip dysplasia and PKD (Polycystic kidney disease)
Maine Coon Care and Grooming
The Maine Coon need minimal grooming compared to other long-haired breeds as their coat is mostly self-maintaining due to a light-density undercoat. . A weekly brushing and combing is recommended to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Do not use a metal comb on your cat, this can damage his undercoat. Bathing is optional. The Maine Coon cats should not be bathed more often than once every six weeks to keep their skin from drying out. It is recommended for all cats and household pets to have annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, and a quality diet. Use a special ear cleaner to keep the ear clean and trim off the sharp points of the claws regularly using good clippers.
Maine Coon Shedding
The Maine Coon are average shedder; you’ll find hair stuck to your couch, carpets, clothes and everything else in your home, therefore is not best suited for those with allergies.