It seems like anyone who has a larger than average sized cat thinks their cat is part Maine Coon when really, their cat is just an above average domestic shorthair. Maine Coons can look like larger versions of other breeds of cat, including the much more common domestic short hair, so it’s easy to see where people would become confused.
However, being larger doesn’t mean your cat has Maine Coon in them as that’s not their only distinguishing trait. You also can’t be certain a cat is a particular breed unless you get them from a reputable breeder. True Maine Coons are great cats and have many unique features besides their size so let’s learn about these gentle giants.
Maine Coon Appearance
As already alluded to, Maine Coon cats are large. It’s not unheard of for a healthy Maine Coon to be 18 pounds! They have distinct, boxy muzzles and muscular bodies. These large cats also have large amounts of fur, fluffy tails, and will require regular maintenance to make sure their fur doesn’t become matted. They also have fuzzy paws with extra fur and some of them may prefer a non-clumping litter so they don’t get litter stuck in their paws.
My favorite feature of the Maine Coon? Their ears. These gigantic cats have large ears with tufts of fur on the end. How can you not love those ears?!
These unique cats can come in many different coat colors, from white to orange. Some of them will have solid colored fur while others may have the classic tabby cat pattern of fur. You can even find torti or calico Maine Coons!
Behavior
As gorgeous as Maine Coons can be, their personalities even more alluring. These cats are known for being loyal and extremely social toward humans. Much like Ragdolls, they’ll often act like a shadow and follow you wherever you go. They can also be gentle cats and are good for homes with well behaved children who won’t antagonize them.
Maine Coons are often compared to dogs in their behavior, but they still have a lot of the distinct cat behavioral needs like scratching and needing to climb. They are also excellent candidates for training and will catch on quickly if you know how to train cats. Whatever you do, make sure you provide these gentle giants with plenty of stimulation or they can become bored.
It’s also not a great idea to use a squirt bottle on your Maine Coon. While I’d argue it’s not a great idea to use a spray bottle on cats in general, these huge cats are known for their penchant for water. They’ll likely just think you’re trying to play with them and the unwanted behavior you’re trying to stop will just end up getting worse. Rather, get them a water fountain to keep them hydrated and potentially give them an extra source of enrichment.
Speaking of feeding cats, these large felines have wide whiskers. If you get a Maine Coon, they may appreciate a wide, flat bowl rather than one with high sides. Alternatively, get them a puzzle feeder to provide some extra stimulation for these intelligent cats.
Is A Maine Coon A Good Fit For You?
Maine Coons are very special cats that have captured the imaginations of many. It’s easy to understand why they’re so popular! They can be an excellent fit for families with well behaved, respectful children and get along easily with other pets including dogs. They’re affectionate, kind cats that will be a great companion for the many delightful years you’ll get with them.
Of course, not every cat is a great fit for every situation. These cats require exercise and space so you will need to carefully consider if you can meet their behavioral needs if you live in a small space. Being larger cats, they may have higher dietary requirements. They can also have health problems including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, kidney disease, and hip dysplasia. Getting one through a reputable breeder is critical in order to sure your new feline friend is around for many years to come.
