Characteristics of the Maine Coon

Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of no other breed, and must be felt to be appreciated. It is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches to protect against wet and snow, and shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in the underbrush. The coat falls smoothly, and is almost maintenance-free: a weekly combing is all that is usually required to keep it in top condition. The long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around himself when they curl up to sleep can protect them from cold winters. Their ears are more heavily furred (both inside and on the tips) than many breeds for protection from the cold, and have a larger range of movement than most breeds. Big, round, tufted feet serve as 'snow shoes.' Their large eyes and ears are also survival traits, serving as they do increase sight and hearing. The relatively long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and lapping water from streams and puddles.

Although the Yankee myth of 30-pound cats is just that, a myth (unless the cat is grossly overweight!), Maine Coons are indeed tall, muscular, big-boned cats; males commonly reach 13 to 18 pounds, with females normally weighing about 9 to 12 pounds. Males have been known to reach over 20 pounds with little or no body fat. Add to that two or three inches of winter coat, and people will swear that they're looking at small domesticated lion.

Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they are three to five years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs. Even their voices set them apart from other cats as they have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items. Maine Coons have been referred to as the dogs of the cat word, in part, due to thier ability to play fetch with thier owners. Generally, Maine Coons rarely meow as adults, and when they do, that soft, tiny voice doesn't fit their size! Occasionally, some Maine Coon kittens will chatter and have a full on onversionation with you, only rivaled by a small group of teen-aged girls at the local mall.