Due to their friendly personalities and large size, the Maine Coon is commonly known as the “gentle giant” of the housecat family. Despite their impressive size and intimidating appearance, Maine Coons are graceful, affectionate, outgoing, and have a striking coat, all of which explains why they become one of the most popular feline breeds around the world. Let’s explore the history, temperament, appearance, health concerns, dietary requirements, and other interesting facts of the beloved Maine Coon.

Maine Coon Cat History

Faithful to their name, Maine Coons are native to the state of Maine and originated back in the 1850s when long-haired cats were brought to America and mated with domestic short-haired cats. The breed evolved to be quite hardy with thick shaggy coats that were necessary for them to survive in the harsh winters of the region. Maine Coons soon became popular throughout Northern America and were known for being effective mouse hunters. In 1895, a Maine Coon named Cosi won the first major cat show in America, and soon they were winning shows all over the country. Today, Maine Coons are recognized by all major cat registries and are one of the most popular cat breeds worldwide for families.

Temperament

Maine Coons tend to be easy-going loungers who are incredibly patient with children and other pets. While they aren’t known to be needy, they do enjoy spending time with their owners and will gladly curl up on available laps. They are commonly playful as they love to chase and retrieve toys in a similar way that they would stalk and attack a mouse. Surprisingly, Maine Coons love both drinking and playing in water, which is a completely unique characteristic when compared to most other cat breeds. Maine Coons are also highly intelligent and can even be clicker-trained to perform basic tricks.

Appearance & Coat Care

A Maine Coon’s fur can come in all shades, including white, tabby, chocolate, calico, and much more. While they have a beautiful thick double-layered coats that protect them from cold climates, Maine Coons prefer to live indoors. To prevent matting, brush your Maine Coon at home at least two times a week, however, any cat with large mats should be taken into a professional cat groomer immediately. Besides their shaggy silky coats, Maine Coons bodies range from medium-to-large builds and they always sport their iconic tuft ears. 

Health Concerns

Maine Coon’s are a generally overall healthy cat breed over the course of their lives, although common problems that may affect this breed includes the following:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is a common heart condition in cats, including Maine Coons.
• Hip Dysplasia: A relatively uncommon but serious orthopedic condition in cats.
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): SMA is an uncommon genetic disorder that affects the spinal cord and motor neurons responsible for controlling muscle movement in cats.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): And inherited generic disorder that leads to the development of fluid-filled cysts in kidneys, which can ultimately lead to kidney failure.

Interesting Facts

• Because of their social demeanor, Main Coons are known as the dogs of the cat world.
• Maine Coons have up to 75 unique color combinations.
• Maine Coons fur is essentially waterproof, which is why they have an affinity for water.
• Holding a record as the longest domestic cat in the world, Maine Coons can measure at over four feet long.

Dietary Requirements of Maine Coon Cats

Maine Coons have a veracious appetite and, if left to their own devices, may eat to the point of obesity. To manage your cat’s food intake, measure their food and feed your Maine Coon twice a day. For an optimum diet, be sure to sprinkle a scoop of Dr. Bill’s Feline Ultimate Fitness & Health on their food every day. Feline Fitness & Health is a delicious, concentrated nutritional powder, scientifically formulated to provide a balanced blend of 50 nutrients that support optimum fitness and health in growing, physically mature, and senior cats. Designed to promote a strong, lean body, a healthy immune system, a balanced digestive tract, flexible joints, plus healthy eye, heart and brain function. Feline Fitness & Health is safe for growing and adult Maine Coon cats of all ages.