Maine Coon: origin Characteristics and Character

The Maine Coon has become one of the world's favorite cat breeds. This is not surprising, as these felines stand out for their naturalness, robustness and fantastic character.

They are famous for their appearance and are one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world.

If you are interested in this breed stay because in this post we will tell you everything you should know about the Maine Coon.

Origin of the Maine Coon

There are many legends about the origin of the Maine Coon, as is not entirely clear.

Some of these legends are very funny like that it comes from a mix between a semi-wild cat and raccoons, something biologically impossible, but it was believed for a while and that's where the name "Coon" comes from.

Others point out that it has a great physical resemblance with the Norwegian forest but it comes from the United States, specifically from the state of Maine, it is considered the only furry breed native to the USA.

It is said that this breed may have been introduced by sailors on their way to England.

It is estimated that around 1850 long-haired cats arrived from Europe and Asia, mated with local short-haired cats, and eventually created a breed of their own.

The Maine Coon soon spread throughout the United States, with the Central Maine Coon Cat Club being formed in 1953.

Maine Coons began to be successful in shows starting in 1958 in New York, when a Maine Coon tabby named Leo won the prize for best cat.

In 1960, special Maine coon shows were held and the breed became popular as a companion animal and in 1980 it was imported to the United Kingdom.

Physical characteristics of the Maine Coon

Size: 25 - 40 cm

Weight: Males are much larger and heavier than females, weighing 5 - 6 kg, although females can reach up to 7 and males up to 10 kg.

Eyes: They are large and separate, a little oblique and oval, becoming round when they are wide open.

They can have more than 30 colors, the most common are green, gold or copper; in white cats it is possible to find blue eyes or eyes of different color each.

It is said that the color does not become definitive until adulthood in slow developing breeds.

Coat: straight, heavy but silky. An interesting characteristic is that the coat is shaggy and falls longer on the abdomen and back of the legs.

It can be white, black, blue, red, cream, brown, silver, tortoiseshell, cream blue, golden and have patterns such as tortoiseshell, bicolor, tricolor/spotted, tabby, smoky, shaded.

Life expectancy: 9-13 years

This breed is one of the largest among cats. Not in vain, Stewie holds the Guinness record for the largest cat on the planet since 2013.

Its body is muscular, elongated and rectangular in shape with a broad chest. The head is large with high ears, the legs of the Maine coon are strong, muscular, well separated, its tail is as long as the body.

Their muzzle is square, with a well marked stop and a strong chin that, seen in profile, is vertically in line with the upper lip and the tip of the nose.

They can take about three or four years to fully develop their size and stature as they mature slowly.

The character of the Maine Coon

They have a sweet character, and are very playful and friendly even with strangers, but they need to live with people of balanced character who accept a relationship of mutual respect.

It is very independent, being able to take care of itself in any circumstance; this is because it is a "working" cat, because it has a very developed predatory instinct that makes it very suitable for life in the countryside.

They are very affable and tolerant with other animals and with children. They can adapt perfectly to a comfortable indoor life, but due to their humble origins, they are used to sleeping outdoors, huddled in the most unexpected places.

What sets this breed apart from others is its charming and cheerful "chirping" that will accompany you throughout the day, and can carry on conversations with your loved ones.

It is intelligent, charming, loves interactive games, enjoys outdoor life and likes to be able to climb and simulate hunting.

Maine Coon Cat Care

• Its long hair requires an assiduous brushing, at least 3 times a week; with 5 minutes of brushing will be enough. You should also brush its tail, in the direction of the hair.
• You will avoid intestinal problems, as it will not eat the dead hair when grooming and licking itself.
• Imitate his nails in a natural way. Provide him with a scratching post, strings, boxes or any object that can serve as prey for him to have fun and sharpen his nails in a natural way.
• Bathing: once a month will be enough to keep him healthy and impeccable, with water at a temperature between 36-38 ºC.

Feeding

Maine coon is a breed of cat that can eat a lot and usually has little activity so it tends to put on weight very quickly.

Due to its propensity to obesity, it is recommended to ration its food adequately, in 2 or 3 daily intakes.

You can offer balanced, quality feed, wet food and kibble. The daily amount of food should be divided into several portions, since cats acquire liquid mainly from food, it is recommended to combine wet food with feed or feed only wet food.

Health of the Maine Coon

This breed has a high probability of suffering from a heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

They can also suffer from hip dysplasia due to inbreeding or excess or lack of physical activity, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the deformation of the sternum that result in a hump on the back and the rex gene.

It is advisable to take them to the veterinarian every 6 to 12 months for general examinations to prevent and detect possible health problems.

Maine Coons are big, beautiful and fascinating cats, at first sight you would not imagine that a cat so popular and attractive would also be so affectionate, adaptable and with such an interesting origin and legends.

If you decide Maine Coon is fun, you will have a relaxed cat that will always be in a good mood and willing to play with you and be loved.