Maine Coon
Maine coon cats are sweet and gentle, with lovable personalities. They’re also very quirky for cats. For instance, they love swimming, and they might decide to join you in the shower one day. Maine coon cats are great for families who have a dog person and a cat person or someone who loves both.
Breed Profile
Height
Male: 10-16
Female: 8-14
Inches
Weight
5-8
Pounds
Life Span
12-15
Years
Health
health
Hip dysplasia
What is it?
An inherited condition that causes the hip ball and socket to become malformed.
Clinical signs:
Less active, pain, hesitates to use the litter box, limping/stiffness, swaying gait, grating in the affected joint, aggression and behavioral issues, has trouble climbing stairs or jumping on furniture.
Treatment:
Surgery, glucosamine, weight loss, changes in the cat’s environment, physical therapy, drug therapy.
Other risks:
Osteoarthritis, Complications during surgery.
Eligible vet bill
$4,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Cardiomyopathy
What is it?
Two types may be present in cats: dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is caused by a taurine deficiency, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) which causes the heart muscle to thicken.
Clinical signs:
Rapid breathing, heart murmur, lack of appetite, lethargy.
Treatment:
Control heart rate, medication.
Other risks:
Can cause blood clots.
Eligible vet bill
$400
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Bold
They love swimming, and they might decide to join you in the shower one day.
Vocal
They like water, and they trill or chirp more often than truly meow.
Good Natured
Maine coon cats get along well with children. They know when to be gentle; they also know how to play.
Calm
They are pretty calm, though, so they won’t overwhelm you with affection in the way that friendly dogs do.
Lifetime Care
Coat
They have a long, shaggy coat that’s weatherproof.
Colors
Blue, blue and cream, calico, black, white, tabby, cream, shaded, ticked tabbies.
Hypoallergenic
No, Maine coons are not hypoallergenic.
Grooming
Weekly combing, regular nail trimming, and teeth brushing.
Training
Train them to do new tricks could help them use up their energy.
Maine Coon: Cat Breed Information Guide
Maine coon cats are known as “Gentle Giants.” They are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, and they have long fur, like a Persian. Their tufted ears also contribute to their very distinctive appearance. If you want to adopt a Maine coon, you can learn about them here.
Maine coon cats are sweet and gentle, with lovable personalities. They’re also very quirky for cats. For instance, they love swimming, and they might decide to join you in the shower one day. If you have any cat, you can expect very little privacy, but, with a Maine coon, nowhere is safe.
If you are the animal lover we believe you are, you won’t mind having your cat invading your personal space. Maine coon cats are pretty surprising. They like water, and they trill or chirp more often than truly meow. You’ll hear those vocalizations frequently.
At Spot Pet Insurance, we know that every cat is unique and so is every pet parent, so we want to help you find the purrfect pet.
Maine coon cats are great for families who have a dog person and a cat person or someone who loves both. These gentle giants have the classic sneakiness and headstrong nature of a cat but also the friendly and water-loving characteristics of a dog. Their long, bushy tails almost look like those of raccoons.
Although they don’t bark, Maine coons can still provide the friendship you would get with a dog. Are you ready to learn more about how to care for a Maine coon Cat? Let’s go.
How did Maine coon cats come about?
As you’ve probably already guessed, the Maine coon cat is from Maine. Nobody is quite sure how this popular breed originated or how they became so big, although the thick, fluffy coats were an advantage in the New England states, which explains why purebred Maine coon cats have those hefty ruffs.
There is a legend that these large cats are descendants of Persian and Angora cats owned by Marie Antionette. They were brought over to America after an attempt to rescue Marie Antoinette from the French Revolutionaries failed, and then they hung out with cats already in the New World.
The Maine coon cat eventually became very popular because of their ability as mousers, thus saving the crops from being consumed by vermin. As the years passed, they continued to grow in popularity. In the 1950s, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) granted them championship status.
Currently, this breed of cat is the official state cat of Maine. This large and affectionate breed has been beloved since it first originated and continues to be beloved today.
What are the health risks for Maine coons?
Every breed has a genetic tendency to some kinds of health issues; the Maine coon cat is no exception. Although it is possible for them to have these conditions, it doesn’t mean they will. However, it is important for you to be aware of them so you can look out for any possible signs.
A licensed vet can check for certain conditions. If necessary, they can test your kitty for others. A reputable breeder will also likely check your cat for these conditions.
Below we have listed some potential health issues and gone in-depth into what they are and how they affect these long-haired cats.
Other potential health concerns for Maine coons
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Periodontal disease
Renal failure, which occurs when the kidneys don’t work properly.
Deafness
Arterial Thromboembolism, where your cat’s blood clots too much.
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI), which is when kittens receive antibodies from their mother’s milk that attack the kitten’s blood cells.
Gingivitis, gum inflammation.
What is the personality of the Maine coon like?
Are Maine coons friendly cats?When people think of a cat, they usually think of them as a bit snobbish. However, Maine coons are actually very sociable cats.Your Maine coon will love you for their whole life. Despite their large size, Maine coons are lap cats at heart. Your legs might fall asleep as they snooze on you, but it’ll be worth it to cuddle with this lovable kitty.They are pretty calm, though, so they won’t overwhelm you with affection in the way that friendly dogs do. However, like most pups, Maine coons are very loyal to their families.
Are Maine coons good with kids? They don’t call the Maine coon a Gentle giant for nothing. Maine coon cats get along well with children. They know when to be gentle; they also know how to play.
Are Maine coons good with other pets? If you are already a pet parent with other cats or dogs, you are probably wondering if a Maine coon would fit well into your household. The short answer is yes, as long as your other pets are okay with it.The Main coon’s calm nature means they also behave well with other pets. They may also be willing to play with your other fur babies once they warm up to them.
How smart are Maine coons? Maine coon cats are pretty intelligent cats. They can be curious and enjoy investigating. They can also learn tricks and basic commands, like sit, stay and come. They can also “pick” up food and water with their paws if they want.
Are Maine coons friendly toward strangers? Although Maine coon cats are loving and affectionate towards their families, they are a bit more hesitant to make friends with strangers. They are more introverted around outsiders, but your cat will eventually come out of their shell if outsiders make repeat visits.
Are Maine coons really energetic? Maine coon cats sleep just as much as the next cat, but they can be pretty energetic when they’re awake. After all, chasing mice takes a lot of work and energy. They may not necessarily have the zoomies, but they do need a lot of playtime.
How to care for Maine coon?
What is the Maine coon’s coat like?
They have a long, shaggy coat that’s weatherproof. A smooth undercoat is topped with a longer, rougher outer coat. They do shed quite a bit.
Maine coon colors:
Some colors are:
Blue
Blue and cream
Calico
Black
White
Tabby
Cream
Shaded
Ticked tabbies
Are Maine coons hypoallergenic?
No, Maine coons are not hypoallergenic.
What kind of grooming do Maine coons need?
Maine coons need weekly combing to prevent tangles, regular nail trimming and teeth brushing.
How to be the best pet parent for a Maine coon?
Each cat is unique; therefore, each cat requires different things. A Maine coon cat has different needs than a Persian or a sphynx cat. To be your kitty’s pet parent, you need to know what your cat needs both timewise and moneywise.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. Below we’ve recorded your cat’s general needs, although they might vary slightly depending on your cat’s personality. If you want more tips and information, you can check out our blog here.
What type of foods should a Maine coon never eat?
Some cat breeds have foods that are poisonous to only them or maybe them and a few others. The Maine coon cat isn’t one of those breeds, but, like all cats, there are some foods they can’t have like:
Avocados
Caffeine
Alcohol
Chocolate
Raisins and grapes
Onions, garlic and similar vegetables
Exercising tips to keep your kitty fit and healthy
Although your Maine coon shouldn’t go for walks with you outside unless you train them to be on a leash, they do need exercise. You can play games with them. They would love to chase a toy mouse around or a ball with a bell.
Training them to do new tricks could help them use up their energy.
Maine coon life stages
Maine coon kitten: 12-15 months | Adult: 4 years | Senior: 10 years