If any one breed of cat were to break the supremacy of the British Shorthair and Russian Blue in Poland in the next few years, we would put our money on the Maine Coon. It is one of the most striking cat breeds in the world, but its growing popularity is based on more than just its looks. The Maine Coon is above all an ideal family cat, including for families with small children. Everything you want and need to know about the Maine Coon breed can be found in our breed profile. convince yourself whether it is the right choice for you.
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Maine Coon: the origin of the breed
Maine Coon is one of those cat breeds whose origins are shrouded in controversy. There is no one dominant theory explaining how these undeniably beautiful and intelligent cats came to be. What is certain, however, is that their homeland is North America. The Maine Coon is Canada’s national breed, although its name definitely points to the United States (taken from the state of Maine).
Facts!
Maine Coon is one of the earliest domesticated cat breeds known.
Well, how did this breed come about? There are different theories. The most likely one is the effect of crossing wild cats living in the areas of today’s Canada and northeastern part of the USA with Persians and Angoras, which came there with the crew of Captain Charles Coon.
Many people support the theory that Maine Coons are close cousins of Norwegian Forest cats. This is evidenced by their striking physical similarity, especially in terms of the density of their fur, but also in their character traits, which we will discuss in a moment.
One theory about the Maine Coon is that it is a cross between house cats and raccoons – called “coon” in that part of the world. However, research has shown that such a cross would be impossible.
Maine Coon: appearance
The Maine Coon is a large cat, no doubt about that. Their impressive fur coat is definitely something that contributes to their majestic appearance; it’s a trait that has been passed down from their ancestors who had to adapt to the harsh North American climate. Even though they’re now domestic pets, Maine Coons could still handle a swim in the snow if they had to. This is also evident in their excellent resistance to diseases and their generally good physical condition.
How much does a Maine Coon weigh? An adult male can weigh up to 11 kilograms, but it is more often in the range of 5 to 7 kilograms. Females are noticeably lighter, weighing from 3.5 to 8 kilograms.
The Maine Coon is also an impressive size. They are one of the largest cats amongst all domesticated breeds. The length of a mature individual’s body, including the tail, is around one meter. This should be taken into account when considering purchasing a representative of this breed–Maine Coons require not so much space as proper nutrition. Due to their significant weight and large size, they’re not particularly well-suited to being lap cats that are carried and held on one’s knees–and certainly not by children.
The characteristic feature of the Maine Coon’s appearance is a medium-sized head with widely spaced and tilted ears “fringed”. This makes the “Canadian” look like a Norwegian forest cat, which also justifies the functioning of the theory of close kinship between representatives of these breeds.
Facts!
Koty Maine Coon have exceptionally long whiskers – the official record belongs to a kitten whose “mustache” measured about 16.5 centimeters.
The colors of Maine Coon cats
The Canadian National Breed is of interest to those who, on the one hand, are looking for a faithful and loved pet, and on the other hand, want to be a little different. Maine Coon cats come in many color variations – interestingly, each of them is officially approved by international felinological organizations.
We identify seven types of coat coloration, plus the additional color of silver, which always appears in Maine Coons in combination with the dominant color. These are:
- white,
- black,
- blue,
- ginger,
- cream,
- black smoke,
- blue smoke, and the additional
- silver/shaded.
Maine Coon cat character
Maine Coons are perfect for homes with small children because they are known for their unfailing patience, love to play, allow their guardians a lot of freedom, get along well with other animals, and are curious about new people (they respond well to visits from guests).
The Maine Coon is also known for its strong attachment to its owners. Cats from Canada don’t take separation from their guardians well, and love being the center of attention. They can also be possessive and dominating, so it’s important to be consistent when training your new pet and setting boundaries from the start.
Maine Coon: Cat Feeding
Maine Coons, like all other large cats, require no special diet. The only thing to remember is to avoid overfeeding. Overfeeding is problematic for Maine Coons as they are prone to hip dysplasia, and extra weight only increases the chances of developing this serious illness.
When feeding Maine Coons, it is also important to remember to provide your pet with wet food as well as fresh water at all times. The long and thick fur coat often causes these cats to develop pilobezoars, which are balls of hair in the digestive system. Wet food helps to reduce the risk of this happening as well as makes it easier for the fur to be passed.
Maine Coon cat care
Maine Coons are not a “low-maintenance” breed. With their long and dense fur coats, they require frequent brushing – even outside of shedding seasons. You should brush them at least 2-3 times per week. Caring for a Maine Coon is also difficult because their fur is water-resistant, so baths or showers are basically pointless. The best solution is to use a dry shampoo made for cats.
Maine Coon: price
One of the most common questions in the context of this breed is: how much does a Maine Coon cost? It is difficult to give a definite answer to this. It all depends on whether the cat comes from a reputable breeder, whether it has a credible pedigree approved by a felinological organization, but also on its coat color and gender.
In general, the price of a Maine Coon kitten ranges from $600 to $1,200. We should note that this is for a “lap cat,” or one that has been spayed or neutered. If the animal is meant for breeding, the price can even double.
Maine Coon kennel
There are many breeders of Maine Coon cats in the world, so finding a good one is not a problem. Remember, however, to never base your decision solely on price. We recommend that you check the cat’s documents very carefully, find out if the breeder is registered with the local feline organization, talk to the owner, and come to the site to see the conditions in which the kittens are living. Breeding Maine Coons, though not a difficult task, does require following a few basic rules, which you can read about in our separate guide on this website.
How many Maine Coon cats live?
One must admit that this is an exceptionally long-lived breed – especially in comparison to other favorites of the Poles, such as the British Shorthair. As we mentioned earlier, Maine Coons are exceptionally resilient cats and don’t have too many typical health problems. This translates into an average lifespan of around 15-18 years. This must be taken into account when planning to purchase a representative of this breed – it will be a decision with consequences for many years to come.
Opinions about Maine Coon cats
Maine Coons are one of the most popular cat breeds in Poland for a reason. They are known to be friendly, good with families, and not too high maintenance. Current owners of Maine Coon cats say that they are the perfect choice for people looking for a pet for their child. Maine Coons get along great with kids, love to play, are active, and also enjoy the company of humans.
Opinions of Maine Coons can also be less favorable – mainly concerning the difficulty of keeping the house clean. There is no other way than to brush your pet regularly. If you can accept the sight of fur on the floor, the company of a cat of this breed will certainly give you a lot of satisfaction.
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