16 Maine Coon Facts – Everything You Need To Know

Maine Coon cats are loved by many. However, before getting this cat breed, knowing some important Maine Coon facts can help make up your mind.

Maine Coon Name Origin

maine coon facts

Out of all Maine Coon facts, the first one we are going to look at is the cat’s name.

Maine Coon is also known as the official cat of the state of Maine in America. As people believe that’s where the cat origins from, that is how the name “Maine” came about.

However, the second part of their name, “Coon”, comes from the early belief that Maine Coons are a mix between a domestic cat and a racoon.

Where Does Maine Coon Come From (The Many Theories)

maine coon facts

The answer to this question is not exactly one of the Maine Coon facts. The reason for that is – it’s more of a theory or theories.

Some people believe that Maine Coon was one of Marie Antoinette’s beloved cat. But how did it get to America? Supposedly, during the French Revolution, before Marie Antoinette planned her escape, she first shipped six of her cats to America. One of those cats was a Maine Coon.

Another legend tells the story of a ship captain who have brought a longhaired cat to America before Columbus time. As a result the longhaired had bred with local cats which then created the unique cat breed that is Maine Coon.

There might be many theories on Maine Coon’s origins. However, no one knows the facts. This just adds to the cat’s proud and unique personality.

Maine Coon Impressive Size

maine coon facts

One of the most obvious of the Maine Coon facts is the cat’s unusual size.

Maine Coon’s body is strong and muscular. Furthermore, its rectangular shape and long tail, is what makes this cat appear so long.

The Maine Coons are famous for their large size and lovely personality. Also known as “gentle giants” they can weigh an impressive 11-18 pounds for male and 6.5-11 pounds for female. Moreover, they grow over 3 feet in length. However, they are not fully grown until they reach 3-4 years of age.

Usually, the Maine Coon’s body type consists of a long neck, thick legs and a broad chest. All of that contributes to the cat’s majestic and royal-like look.

Maine Coon Colors

maine coon facts

Maine Coon colors are presented by at least 85 different combinations and patterns. Therefore, if you are picky when it comes to your cat’s looks or want a totally unique cat, Maine Coon is the one for you!

The Maine Coon solid colors include:

  • White
  • Black
  • Blue
  • Red
  • Cream

Maine Coon patterns include:

  • Tabby
  • Tortoiseshell
  • White
  • Bi-color

Keep reading for more Maine Coon facts and reasons to make this majestic looking cat part of your family.

Read more about Maine Coon colors here Maine Coon Colors: How To Tell Them Apart

Maine Coon Holds The Guinness Record For The Largest Cat In The World

One of the more interesting Maine Coon facts is that the cat holds a place in the Guinness World Records.

The previous title in the Guinness World Records for the world’s longest domestic cat was held by Himmy from Queensland, Australia. However, the new record holder is Barivel from Italy.

Maine Coons Love Water

Maybe one of the funnies of Maine Coon facts is that this cat loves water. Not to drink but to play in!

This unusual part of a Maine Coon personality is their love for water. Unlike other cats, Maine Coon enjoy playing in water and even an occasional swim.

This breed loves to play in the water – Maine Coons have a semi water-repellent fur which helps them stay dry and warm whilst in the water

Some experts believe that this trait came to Maine Coons from their distant ancestors — ship cats, who used to spend a long time at sea.

Maine Coon’s Unique Meow Sounds

If you’ve ever owned a cat before you know that sometimes cats can be very vocal. Especially, when they want food, want to get your attention or if they are having a disagreement with another pet in the house.

One of Maine Coon personality traits is that they are very quiet. This cat breed rarely meows. However, they do make a chirping noise when they are trying to get your attention. This noise is very gentle and soft. It can also be heard when they are playing, rolling around or just feeling excited.

However, this chirping noise is not annoying at all as it’s very soft and they would rarely do it.

In the rare cases your Maine Coon does meow, it probably just means they miss you and need some affection.

Maine Coon Starred In Harry Potter

This one of Maine Coon facts, makes them famous. I’m talking Hollywood famous.

Yes, you guessed it, a Maine Coon appeared in Harry Potter. The famous Maine Coon cat played the role of Mrs. Norris. J.K. Rowling described her as a “scrawny, dust-colored creature with bulging, lamp-like eyes.’

However, not only one cat played that role but it was play by various Maine Coons – Alanis, Cornilus, Maximus and Pebbles.

Maine Coons Can Survive In Tough Winter Snow

The Maine Coon features a long, shaggy, multi-layered coat for warmth and big, tufted paws.

These Maine Coon characteristics have developed in order to help the cat survive the tough winter conditions of North America.

In addition to the fluffy tail, Maine Coons have distinctive ear tufts, but not all of them.

Maine Coons Are The Cats Of The Dog World

Another one of the more interesting Maine Coon facts is that they are known for being the dogs of the cat world. This is not only due to their impressive size, which in some cases can be larger than a small dog, but also due to their loyal personality.

Similar to dogs, Maine Coons are loyal and faithful until the end when it comes to their owners.

If you take good care of your Maine Coon and show them love and affection, you can expect extreme loyalty in return. Maine Coons are loyal to the whole family and they accept you as one of their own. However, they will be most loyal to the person that spends most time caring for them and building that special bond.

Maine Coons Can Learn To Walk On A Leash

Another dog-like quality that Maine Coon cats possess, is that they can easily be trained. They can learn not only to do tricks and follow simple commands but also can learn to walk on a leash with a harness.

This can be a great way to bond with your Maine Coon and for them to exercise.

Maine Coons Are Playful And Known As “Mousers”

Back in the early 19th century Maine Coon’s main job was to catch small pests. They were known for being impressive “mousers“. This hunting habits have carried over through the years. Another dog like trait that makes up Maine Coon personality is the love for playing and being active.

It’s important that you provide your Maine Coon with enough entertainment in the form of toys, tunnels or cat trees.

There Are Two Maine Coon Breeds

Maine Coons’ appearance is one of a kind. Most cats have intense big eyes, pointy ears and a prominent moustache and chin. However, you’d be interested to find out that there are two Maine Coon breeds: Eurocoons and American Longhair.

Eurocoons are the breed that has the appearance described above. However, the American Longhair has more subtle features such as smaller muzzle and smaller ears with neat tassels. Moreover, their coat is also thicker and silkier.

Maine Coons Make For Great Family Pets

Maine Coons make for great family pets. They can easily adapt to any environment. If you have kids or expect to have kids further down the line, the Maine Coon will love them as long as they treat the cat with care and affection.

Another Maine Coon personality is being laid back and calm. Therefore, Maine Coons are patient enough and will tolerate kids. However, it’s important that you explain and teach your kids how to handle the Maine Coon with care.

Maine Coon welcomes affection from anyone they trust and are very patient. Furthermore, the Maine Coon is not aggressive towards either kids or other animals. So, you won’t have to worry about the cat clawing at your kids face.

Not only Maine Coon will get along with your kids but they can spend many hours playing.

Maine Coons Are Not Hypoallergenic

One of two not so positive Maine Coon facts affects people with cat allergies.

If you have allergies, you might wonder if Maine Coon is for you. Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?

Maine Coons have a thick coat and they shed at certain times of the year and unfortunately, Maine Coon cats are not hypoallergenic. Therefore, if you suffer with allergies, this cat breed is not for you. Unless you want to take medication for average of 13 years (Maine Coon’s lifespan).

Maine Coons Are Prone To Obesity

The other one of the Maine Coon facts that is not a positive one is that they are prone to obesity. However, this can be prevented by having them on the correct diet.

Click here to learn more about Maine Coon diet Maine Coon Diet: Guide On How To Pick The Best

Obesity is very common amongst Maine Coon cats.

As Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat, owners can’t wait for their kitten to reach full size. However, Maine Coon doesn’t reach their full length and weight until they are 3 – 4 years old, unlike other cats at 2 years old.

As many novice Maine Coon owners don’t know this, they just think that their Maine Coon is too small. To “fix” this, they begin feeding the Maine Coon more food which normally results in Obesity.

Final Thoughts

maine coon facts

There is no doubt that Maine Coon cats are one of a kind. However, before getting this cat breed, you must be aware of all the Maine Coon facts.

Maine Coons, also known as “gentle giants” share many qualities with dogs such as:

  • Loyalty
  • Playful
  • Love to play in water and can walk on a leash
  • Friendly

The Maine Coon is also overall a healthy breed, however you should be careful when it comes to your Maine Coon diet as they are prone to obesity.

Another thing to take into consideration before getting this cat breed is that they are not hypoallergenic. So, if you have cat allergies this is not the one for you.

Maine Coons are beautiful cats with a coat that comes in 85 different shades and colors. No wonder they were cast to appear in Harry Potter and were Marie Antoinette’s favourite cat.

There aren’t many negatives when it comes to Maine Coons. If you want an affectionate, unique cat with interesting history – Maine Coon is the one for you.

unusualpetsguide

My name is Iliyana and I'm a passionate animal lover and pet owner. As there is significantly less information online about unusual and exotic pets, I decided to found this website and recruit expert writers to help pet owners.

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