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Maine Coon Facts
Things to Consider when adding a Main Coon to your Family!
As cat lovers, we all know that no two cats are alike, right? Each cat breed has its own distinct set of traits, and Maine Coons are definitely no exception to the rule. In fact, you might be surprised to discover just how unique the Maine Coon breed really is! Here are a few facts to help you decide if a Maine Coon is the perfect fit for your family.
Fact # 1
Maine Coon Size: Maine Coon cats are the second-largest domestic cat breed. A typical healthy Maine Coon can range anywhere from 10 to 25 lbs and grow up to 10 to 16 inches in length. In comparison, the average house cat weighs between 6 to 12 lbs and grows up to 9 to 10 inches in length. Size also depends on the sex of your cat. Male Maine Coons are larger, weighing between 18 to 25 lbs, while female Maine Coons are leaner, ranging from 12 to 15 lbs. It's important to remember that certain factors can influence a Maine Coon's size. Genetics play a significant role — cats with strong lineage tend to be larger. A well-balanced diet can also impact your cat's weight and size. Environmental factors, such as the type of shelter and whether they have outdoor access (like a Catio or a large enclosed space for exercise), also matter.
Fact # 2
Temperament
Maine Coons are well-known for their gentle disposition, often referred to as 'gentle giants.' Having five of our own, we can certainly attest to that. If you are looking for a high-energy cat, you typically won’t find it in a Maine Coon. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t active. The level of activity depends on the cat. For example, our male Maine Coon, Sunny, is probably the laziest and most laid-back cat we’ve ever owned. Nothing bothers him, and every animal we’ve introduced to him absolutely adores him. In contrast, Reuben, our two-year-old male, is highly vocal and full of energy, but also needs plenty of rest.
Maine Coons are very inquisitive and love to explore and climb. Ada, one of our females, always finds the highest places in our house. It’s not uncommon for us to look up and see her in the rafters. This inquisitive nature means they are always getting into something. Keeping them busy with plenty of toys and scratching posts are a must when owning one of these wonderful creatures.
In general, Maine Coons are quite accepting of children and other pets, whether it’s another cat or a dog. However, like any other pet, it’s important to acclimate them into the family slowly and give both them and your other pets time to adjust. That being said, some Maine Coons prefer to pick their owners. Two of our females have chosen clear favorites in our house and don’t take kindly to sharing their one-on-one time with other pets.
Fact # 3
European vs American Main coons
Our Maine Coon journey began over ten years ago when we adopted a Maine Coon mix named Autumn. We absolutely fell in love with everything about him, from his appearance to his demeanor. After tragically losing him, we realized we wanted to welcome another Maine Coon into our home. That’s when we got Sunny from a breeder. Sunny has grown into a beautiful, large Maine Coon, but I noticed he didn’t quite have the lion-like appearance often associated with Maine Coons in pictures. His facial features are sleeker and softer. It wasn’t until we considered breeding that we learned there was a difference between European and American Maine Coons.
Here are some key differences between the two:
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Facial Appearance: European Maine Coons have a more squared facial structure, giving them an exotic, lion-like appearance. American Maine Coons have softer, more rounded features that closely resemble a common house cat. European Coons also have almond-shaped eyes, while American Coons have more oblique-shaped eyes.
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Ears: European Coons have more pronounced, thicker ear tufts, while American Coons have thinner and shorter tufts.
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Fur: European Coons have longer, wilder fur that appears more unkempt. American Coons, on the other hand, have shorter, more groomed fur.
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Body Structure: European Coons tend to have a longer, leaner torso, while American Coons have a shorter, fuller body structure.
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Tails: European Coons have longer, bushier tails compared to the shorter, less bushy tails of American Coons.
Having both American and European Maine Coons, I’ve noticed some personal differences. Personality-wise, both are great cats with wonderful dispositions. However, my European Coons are far more cunning, and their actions seem more calculated. They are extremely inquisitive, and nothing escapes their attention. My American Maine Coon, on the other hand, is extremely laid-back and carefree. He’s content to lounge around all day, eat, drink, and enjoy affection. His activity level is minimal, with an occasional burst of zoomies once a month, after which he’s done!
When purchasing a Maine Coon from a breeder, you may also notice a price difference. Sunny, our American Coon, cost us $600 over ten years ago. Our European Coons, however, cost over $3,500.
European vs American Main coons
Our Maine Coon journey began over ten years ago when we adopted a Maine Coon mix named Autumn. We absolutely fell in love with everything about him, from his appearance to his demeanor. After tragically losing him, we realized we wanted to welcome another Maine Coon into our home. That’s when we got Sunny from a breeder. Sunny has grown into a beautiful, large Maine Coon, but I noticed he didn’t quite have the lion-like appearance often associated with Maine Coons in pictures. His facial features are sleeker and softer. It wasn’t until we considered breeding that we learned there was a difference between European and American Maine Coons.
Here are some key differences between the two:
-
Facial Appearance: European Maine Coons have a more squared facial structure, giving them an exotic, lion-like appearance. American Maine Coons have softer, more rounded features that closely resemble a common house cat. European Coons also have almond-shaped eyes, while American Coons have more oblique-shaped eyes.
-
Ears: European Coons have more pronounced, thicker ear tufts, while American Coons have thinner and shorter tufts.
-
Fur: European Coons have longer, wilder fur that appears more unkempt. American Coons, on the other hand, have shorter, more groomed fur.
-
Body Structure: European Coons tend to have a longer, leaner torso, while American Coons have a shorter, fuller body structure.
-
Tails: European Coons have longer, bushier tails compared to the shorter, less bushy tails of American Coons.
Having both American and European Maine Coons, I’ve noticed some personal differences. Personality-wise, both are great cats with wonderful dispositions. However, my European Coons are far more cunning, and their actions seem more calculated. They are extremely inquisitive, and nothing escapes their attention. My American Maine Coon, on the other hand, is extremely laid-back and carefree. He’s content to lounge around all day, eat, drink, and enjoy affection. His activity level is minimal, with an occasional burst of zoomies once a month, after which he’s done!
When purchasing a Maine Coon from a breeder, you may also notice a price difference. Sunny, our American Coon, cost us $600 over ten years ago. Our European Coons, however, cost over $3,500.