Introducing the Maine Coon Cat Breed

Written by: Debbie Moore

One of America's true natural treasures, the Maine Coon cat is one of the world's most beautiful, healthy, intelligent and affectionate cat breeds.

Maine Coon Cat and Kitten Central is pleased to offer this insightful Maine Coon Cat Facts and Information article to assist you in learning about the Maine Coon cat breed and deciding if a Maine Coon cat or kitten is the right choice for your family. Enjoy!

Quick Maine Coon Cat Facts

Country of Origin: Maine, USA
Maine Coon Cat Weight: 8 to 16 pounds
Maine Coon Cat Colors: Varies
Maine Coon Cat Litter Size: 5 to 10 kittens
Maine Coon Cat Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
Maine Coon Cat Grooming Needs: Moderate
Maine Coon Cat Energy Level: Moderate to High
Most Common Misspellings: Maincoon Cat
Alternate Names:
Good With Kids: Yes
Good With Other Animals: Yes

Maine Coon Cat FAQ

Do Maine Coon Cats Shed ?

Maine Coon cats do shed, but much less than other long haired breeds of cat. Generally, your Maine Coon cat will shed lightly 1 or 2 times a year (spring and fall). This can be kept to a minimum by regular brushing and occasional bathing.

Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic (Allergy Free)?

No, but there really is no such thing as an allergy-free cat. There are some cat breeds which are considered to be "hypoallergenic" or less likely to cause allergy symptoms, but there are no 100% guarantees.

If your cat allergies are mild, and you'd love to own a Maine Coon cat, you may be able to tolerate living with a cat through stringent bathing and grooming of your cat, vacuuming of your house, and keeping your cat out of the bedroom.

The best way to determine if you will be able to tolerate living with a Maine Coon is to spend time with a breeder amongst their cats and kittens.

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Maine Coon Cats 2010 Wall Calendar

Maine Coon Cat Breed Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words, and our growing gallery of Maine Coon cat pictures and kitten photos is well worth a peek! We showcase photos of Maine Coon cats and kittens from reputable Maine Coon breeders who are members of Cats and Kittens Central, as well as images sent to us by our visitors. Feel free to purr-uze our Maine Coon pictures gallery by clicking here!

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Maine Coon Cat History

The Maine Coon is the oldest indigenous breed of domestic cat in North America. It originated in the State of Maine, where early frontiersmen believed that these large cats were the result of breeding between a domestic cat and a raccoon. While this interspecies breeding or local lore could not possibly have taken place, the Maine Coon cat acquired it's name as a result of this fantastic story.

Other tall tales exist about the Maine Coon's past; one of note involves Marie Antoinette of France having sent a cat ahead of her to Maine, while intent on escaping the French Revolution. Alas, it was "off with her head", and the pampered pussycat arrived in the US without chaperone, fending for itself among the feral cats of Maine, yet passing on it's regal appearance, intelligence and mannerisms.

Regardless of how the Maine Coon came to be, this glorious cat has been much beloved in it's native Maine for centuries, and has since become a popular cat breed throughout North America and abroad.

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Maine Coon Cat Appearance

In a word; breathtaking! Maine Coon cats are one of the most strikingly beautiful cat breeds in the world. From their large, tufted ears to the tip of their gloriously plumed tail, the Maine Coon is a cat it's hard to take your eyes off of.

The Maine Coon has an intelligent, inquisitive face with large, oval shaped eyes that come in striking shades of green, green-gold, gold or copper. The Maine Coon's body is well-proportioned and athletic with a soft, shaggy coat that comes in a wide array of colors and patterns. The coat falls gracefully over the front and back legs, giving the appearance of "pantaloons" when viewing this cat from behind. The Maine Coon has large paws which, like the ears, are also tufted. The front paws have 5 toes each; the back paws just 4 toes each. The tail is a wonder to behold; long and thick, with long, flowing fur.

The Maine Coon cat comes in solid colors of white, black, blue, red and cream. Tabby patterns include Classic Tabby, Mackerel Tabby, Patched Tabby, Brown Patched Tabby, Silver Tabby and Brown Tabby Maine Coons.

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Maine Coon Cat Personality Temperament

Maine Coon Cats are considered to be the "puppies" of the cat world. They love people and want to be involved in every aspect of family life. Many people consider the Maine Coon to be the "perfect pet" with their unusual personalities, habits and tricks - and eagerness to help with every activity in the house. Maine Coons never lose the urge to play their whole lives, and somehow manage to inch their way into the hearts and affections of everyone they meet, whether it be people or other animals.

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Maine Coon Cat Health

Maine Coon is the result of "nature's breeding program", which has made this breed one of the hardiest, healthiest breeds you'll find. The Maine Coon developed naturally over time to become a cat able to withstand the harsh weather conditions of it's coastal home. Maine Coon cats are generally long lived and robust, with few, if any health problems.

That being said, any popular purebred cat breed can be exploited for profit by kitten mills and other disreputable breeders. In so doing, these breeders can produce cats that have common feline health problems and other disorders resulting from indiscriminate pairing of breeding cats, lack of health clearances and testing and inbreeding.

As with any purebred cat breed, it's important to ensure that you purchase your kitten only from a highly reputable Maine Coon breeder. A responsible cattery owner will have all cats in their breeding program health tested for such feline diseases as Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS, and will attempt to improve upon the health, appearance and personality of her kittens with each breeding, rather than simply attempting to produce as many kittens as possible to sell to the highest bidder. Choose your breeder wisely!

A great place to begin your search for a healthy, well socialized Maine Coon kitten is on Cat and Kitten Central's Maine Coon Cat Breeder Directory. Just click here: Maine Coon Kittens For Sale

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Maine Coon Cat Grooming

Although Maine Coon cats do possess a gorgeous longer coat, grooming your Maine Coon is actually less of a challenge than you might think. Maine Coon's have a soft, silky, medium to long coat that requires just a thorough brushing every week or so to keep it shiny and tangle-free. Regular brushing also keeps loose hairs to a minimum, which helps prevent the formation of hairballs in your Maine Coon cat or kitten.

Your Maine Coon cat will also need their claws trimmed every 3 weeks or so to prevent accidental snagging of their nails in your carpets, curtains or furniture. This is an easy task that is made even more simple by the laid back, affable personality of the Maine Coon.

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Is the Maine Coon Cat or Kitten the Right Choice for You?

The Maine Coon is a cat that really has it all. Looks... personality... intelligence... health... longevity - and a great mouser to boot! Whether you are looking for a show cat or a loving family companion, the Maine Coon cat is sure to please. You'll love him, your kids will love him, the dog will love him... how can you lose?

Words of warning, though... Maine Coon cats are like potato chips - it's hard to stop after having just one!

Ready to add an exquisite Maine Coon cat or kitten to your family? Visit our Maine Coon Cat Breeders Showcase where you can find contact information for responsible Maine Coon catteries and view photos, detailed information and litter announcements for Maine Coon kittens for sale. Click here!

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Maine Coon Cat Breeders & Maine Coon Cats Kittens For Sale

Responsible Maine Coon cat breeders offer healthy, home-raised Maine Coon kittens for sale to approved buyers. If you have your heart set on a purebred Maine Coon kitten, a responsible breeder is usually the best source. Reputable Maine Coon catteries focus on producing kittens that are healthy and free from common cat diseases and hereditary (congenital) health problems that can affect the Maine Coon cat breed. In addition, responsible Maine Coon breeders try their best to produce kittens that are as beautiful to behold as they are affectionate and sound in personality and temperament.

Maine Coon Cat Kitten Prices

Maine Coon cat prices vary according the the breeder, and the kitten you are considering. Usually pet quality Maine Coon kittens cost between $500 and $1000 to purchase, while show quality Maine Coon kittens can be considerably more expensive. Keep in mind that the price involved in purchasing a kitten from a reputable breeder generally includes health screening, vaccinations, de-worming, early socialization (so the kitten grows up to be of sound temperament and affectionate nature), ongoing advice and support - and - most importantly - a reasonable health guarantee.

Maine Coon Cats and Kittens Central is proud to showcase a number of reputable Maine Coon cat breeders on our Maine Coon cat breeders directory. To view information, contact details and photos of available Maine Coon kittens for sale, please click here to view our Maine Coon cattery list.

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Maine Coon Rescue Organizations

Maine Coon cat rescue organizations specialize in placing purebred Maine Coon cats and kittens, as well as mixed Maine Coon cats and kittens with loving owners. Maine Coon cats and kittens can end up in shelters and rescues for a variety of reasons, and there are many purrfectly nice Maine Coon or Maine Coon mix cats and kittens waiting to be adopted into loving homes.

Maine Coon Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Maine Coon cat rescues to help you locate one near you. To view information, contact details and photos of available Maine Coon cats and kittens, please click here to view our Maine Coon cat rescue guide.

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Maine Coon Cat Clubs

Maine Coon cat breed clubs can be an excellent resource for learning more about the Maine Coon cat breed, finding a reputable Maine Coon cat breeder, locating Maine Coon rescues, viewing Maine Coon pictures and more. You&maine-coon.php#39;ll often find a schedule for cat shows, in case you want to attend a show near you, and meet Maine Coon breeders and their cats in person.

Maine Coon Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Maine Coon cat clubs to help you locate one near you. Please click here to view our Maine Coon cat clubs guide.

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Maine Coon Cat Kitten Names

Finding a suitable name for your new Maine Coon cat or kitten can be a daunting task and not something to be taken lightly. Your Maine Coon will be saddled with the name you give it for many years to come, so it's a good idea to give plenty of thought and consideration to the name you choose. 

If you would like some unique Maine Coon cat kitten names suggestions to help you get started, our Cat Names guide is an excellent resource. Click here to view our Maine Coon cat names guide.

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