Pretty much any cat lover can recognize this beautiful breed just at the sight of them. Large and in charge, this majestic breed of cat is a favorite among many feline aficionados. Maine Coon cats are usually very affectionate, with a big love of perching. And they are esteemed for their gentle giant nature. But there is so much more to this breed than all that pretty fur and big body.
Hailed as the first true cat breed of North America, this old breed of cat has a colorful history. Clearly, they have cemented their admiration in the hearts of many cat lovers. Check out our fun list of fun and interesting Maine Coon cat facts.
The Official State Cat of Maine
This fun fact about Maine Coon cats makes purrfect sense given the name, right? According to the Maine.gov, they give perfect reasons why this native cat of Maine is the personification of the harsh climate. Which makes them the purrfect choice as the official feline of the state.
Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters.
Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of no other breed, and must be felt to be appreciated. It is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches to protect against wet and snow. [And] shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in the underbrush. The coat falls smoothly. The long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around himself when he curls up to sleep can protect him from cold winters.
His ears are more heavily furred (both inside and on the tips) than many breeds for protection from the cold, and have a large range of movement. Big, round, tufted feet serve as ‘snow shoes.’ Their large eyes and ears are also survival traits, serving to increase sight and hearing. The relatively long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and lapping water from streams and puddles.
Largest Domesticated Breed of Cat
It’s a pretty well-known fact among cat peeps that Maine Coon cats are renowned for their impressive size. But just how big are these majestically beautiful felines? On average, a Maine Coon tips the scales anywhere from 13-18 pounds–which is roughly twice the size of the average housecat.
As you can see, these super-sized cats can make other cats look tiny!
From head to the tip of their fluffy and irresistible tail, a Maine Coon can measure up to 48″ in length. And there are 75 different color combinations that have been recorded. They can be many variations of tabby, solid colors, bi-color and even tortoiseshell.
Maine Coons are recognized for those majestic coats, supersized whiskers, adorable ear tufts. Oh, and don’t forget about those fluffy tails that go on for days! Cygnus the Maine Coon cat is a world record breaker. Check out this tail that’s officially the longest in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records!
If his tail looks super long, that’s because it is–coming in at 44.66 cm (17.58 inches)!
What’s even more interesting about these kings of the cat world is that they don’t reach their full maturity until five years of age for those that are purebred. A mixed breed of Maine Coon should reach their maximum size by 2-3 years of age.
Fun fact: Although the Maine Coon cat is strong, muscular and lengthy, their legs are generally short in stature.
Not Much For Meowing
If you’re lucky enough to have one of this big and beautiful cats in your life, you’ll know this is definitely true. The Maine Coon cat prefers to communicate by way of trills and chirps, with the occasional meow mixed in between. And despite their large size, their meows are usually soft and sweet–just like them!
This mixture of the two sounds like a meow mixed with a purr. But cats in general may chirp when they spot prey and a trill is often an expression of happiness.
Many Maine Coon Cats Are Fond of Water And a Good Perch
Although we think it’s rather silly, there are some myths surrounding the Maine Coon that they are somehow related to the raccoon. This is entirely false, and the only thing that they share with the nocturnal mammal is a fondness of water! In addition to this, Maine Coon cats are lovers of perching. These vertically oriented cats like to put themselves high in trees or on rooftops as a way to view the world–and prey–below them.
Dogs Of The Cat World
The Maine Coon is a breed of cat that can make for a purrfect pet for a family with children. Or for someone that is hoping to have a laid-back social kitty that loves to hang around their people. These are cats that are well-known for their docile and friendly personality. They even have a goofy streak in them! We aren’t the type to typically compare dogs and cats to each other. Although these certainly are the dogs of the cat world!
Please remember, you don’t have to go to a breeder to find a Maine Coon! There are countless rescues and shelters that have Maine Coon cats. Also, many Maine Coon mixed breed felines are anxiously awaiting their furever home!
REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP; FOSTERING SAVES LIVES & SPAY AND NEUTER!
Related Story: BREAKING UPDATE! Maine Coon Kitten Found With Road Rash On Her Face; Now Ready For Her Fur-Ever Family
Can you recommend a reputable rescue? I have seen several breeder pages that warn against a few that are fakes. I an very interested in finding a sweetie to adopt!
I have been educated about the Maine Coon Cat! they are a really lovely breed! My cat was watching with interest when I played the video!
Thank you for recommending rescues instead of breeders. We have spent the last 15 years taking in momma cats that were dumped behind our house. We get everyone weaned and box trained. Momma gets fixed and shots. Everyone gets a new home. If we did not take them in, our growing coyote population would hunt them down.
We have a beautiful iloveable maine coon kitty that we adopted 9 years ago. His nane is Jean Claude n he has his own fb page.. He tips the scale at 22 lbs. . He understands everything we tell him. At bedtime daddy says time for bed n off he goes to his favorite chair. If we mention tuna he gets all happy so we have to spell it but now he understands Tuna spelled out. If you check out the shelters I am sure you will find one. They are awesome in every way.
i Love. Thes cats thay relley are pritty.we have a Macon. Her name is clarabell. She is so Loving and caring.coodent ask for a better friend. iv bin ill. And she nows. ☺?.gail
We have a Maine Coon named MOA. He was rescued from the outside at about 10 weeks old. He pretty much fits your description to a T except for the fact that he is the dominant cat in the house and he does not let the other cats forget it.
Great way to find rescues: http://www.petfinder.com. Their app is even better!
We have a 17 yo male and a 5 yo female, both half Maine Coon. They is everything you describe here. The male’s perching used to be hysterical – he has arthritis and can’t jump well anymore – when he was younger we lived in a house that had open top cabinets in the kitchen. I walked in one morning and caught movement in my peripheral vision. He was sitting on top of the cabinet, perched like a vulture. Scared the crap out of me. The female rules the top of the climber, the bar stools, and my ironing board. They both chirp more than our domestic short hairs ever thought about.
Love them both to pieces.
I really wish I could show you a pic of my Mango Baby, Squire of SilliesVille. He is a huge lover! I’m 5’2, he’s more than half my size. The ASPCA gets Main Coon rescues and they also have temporary foster homes. I rescue on my own and adopt out after vetting, Mango Baby was a rescue. Ask around the Facebook pages Kitty Soft Paws and Knight’s In Furry Armour.
The dog part is so true, because mine sometimes acts like she’s a dog.
Is there a place in Oklahoma that is a rescue for a Maine Coon Cat
Yes my kitty dad was aine coon she was runt now weighs 20+ lbs black n white beautiful cat is is 2 yrs old now…
I believe ours is a Maine coon mix he is huge and fluffy and is the biggest lovable baby ever!!! We were traveling and my bf found him in Atoka ok under a red box in Walmart, his name is Atta boy and we love him dearly!
I adopted Nalla from a petsmart adoption as you did I immediately fell in love with her as it turned out she became my best friend and savior. I have breathing issues and whenever I lay down she is there she will wake me if I lie on my back she has done this since a kitten. as she can sense a change in my breathing she stops her ” assault” as soon as I turn to my side she is a beautiful miracle that Is a treasured family member
My daughter and I took in a 10 day old kitten that was found next to a dumpster. His paw pads had been burned. We bottle fed him until he weaned himself. His color reminds me of a lion, so I named him Simba. As he has grown, I was delighted to see that he is a Maine Coon. He is healthy and happy and is learning from the adult cats. Simba is playful and so sweet natured. His little chirps and trills are music for the soul.
One of our precious rescue cats is a Maine Coon. He was outside running loose with other strays for months and decided to come in our house. We found the daughter of the owner who called her mother. Her response? “I don’t want him back”. Sunshine is a funny, bright, friendly, loveable addition to our family.
I love Maine Coon cats, but hate the stupid photoshopped pictures tha show them to be as big as an adult human. Some people believe they are real.
I got a short haired cat from the pound that has been abused. He weighs right at 15 lbs, and he is the longest cat I’ve ever had. He is about 4 yrs old. Runs all the time, loves to be petted and sticks his tongue out when enjoying it. Haven’t had him but about a month. But I sure feel like he is a Maine Coon. He runs and hides, loves catnip. But he is really sweet.
I to have a maine coon cat but mine had no tail what so ever. Hr definitely had a goofy streak. However he doesn’t like to be held but loves to be petted or brushed. We are best buds we survived Hurricane Michael and it was hard on him and me but we made it. My best friend without a doubt.
I had a half Maine Coon who had been traumatized by losing her home to Hurricane Katrina, followed by moving from shelter to shelter. A co-worker had adopted her, but she didn’t get along with his other pets. I had her for only 3 years before she passed, but each morning she would wake me up by patting my face and lips. My other cat really took her under his wing, and he missed her terribly when she died. I still miss my Puha.
I like that you said how the trills and chirps of the Maine Coon cat have preferred forms of communication, with the occasional meow thrown in. My brother is thinking of getting a Maine coon cat and I think this article will truly help him. I’ll make certain that he hears about this article so he can have insights about this kind of cat.
I like how you mentioned how the Maine Coon cat prefers to communicate through trills and chirps, with the occasional meow thrown in. This article, I believe, will be of great assistance to my brother who is considering getting a Maine coon cat. I’ll see to it that he learns about this piece so that he can gain knowledge about this breed of cat.
It is really very informative article on maine coon,they are great felines.
As a cat lover, I was captivated by the fascinating insights into the world of these majestic felines.
Overall, a perfectly enjoyable and informative blog for anyone who adores cats!
What is maine coon cat size?
Orange Maine Coon 2023