By Savannah Admire
Oleksii Syrotkin / Stocksy
Affectionately generally known as the canines of the cat world, the Maine Coon cat is a larger-than-normal feline with a playful and loving character. With their thick, fluffy coats and candy chirps, this cat is the right household pet and companion. Study all about what makes the Maine Coon totally different from different home cat breeds, in addition to what to anticipate when adopting considered one of these outsized felines into your loved ones.
What Is the Historical past Behind Maine Coon Cats?
There are fairly a couple of myths in regards to the origins of those giant cats; some of the widespread is that they’re truly a cross between cats and raccoons! In fact, that’s biologically inconceivable, however the visible similarity between these cats and raccoons, particularly of their plush tails, is the place the “Coon” a part of the breed’s title originates.
In accordance with one other fable, the Maine Coon descends from long-haired cats despatched to Maine by Marie Antoinette forward of her escape from France. When the French queen by no means made her strategy to North America, her cats have been left to wander and breed with different cats within the space, ensuing within the distinctive Maine Coon.
The more than likely clarification for the breed remains to be a reasonably good story: Viking sailors might have introduced long-haired cats with them once they landed within the U.S. tons of of years in the past, and people cats possible combined with native short-haired home felines within the space. The first documented historic point out of the Maine Coon was in 1861, referring to a black and white cat owned by a soldier.
Maine Coons predominantly originated in New England, the place their thick fur coats defend them from the area’s chilly winters, and have been round since colonial occasions. In case you couldn’t guess from their title, this breed is the state cat of Maine, the place they have been first acknowledged as an official breed. Maine Coons used to serve primarily as barn cats, the place their looking expertise stored the world freed from mice. They have been particularly widespread within the twentieth century and stay so at present.
How Are Maine Coon Cats Completely different From Different Cat Breeds?
The Maine Coon is exclusive from different home breeds in quite a few methods, most notably their a lot bigger measurement. So, how large does a Maine Coon cat get? The place most grownup cats are not more than 10 to 12 kilos, the scale of a Maine Coon may be as a lot as 25 kilos. Their muscular our bodies contribute to this bigger body, they usually have taller and longer our bodies than different feline breeds. Even Maine Coon kittens develop quicker than different cats!
Along with the bigger bodily measurement of Maine Coon cats, in addition they have markedly totally different personalities from most different breeds. They’re very affectionate and like to be round folks, resulting in their unofficial titles as “the canines of the cat world.” Whereas they’re extremely social, Maine Coons are additionally impartial and simply go about their day with out on the lookout for further consideration. These considerate cats are very observant, because of their pure looking expertise, and may even consolation their dad and mom once they’re unhappy or assist look out for youthful family members like an attentive guard canine.
Maine Coons additionally stroll with a particular gait usually described as a “lope” and vocalize with a wide range of charming noises past the standard meows of most home cat breeds.
What About Their Look Units Them Aside?
Having developed to outlive harsh New England winters, the Maine Coon is sturdy, very fluffy, and has bigger ears than most cats. The tufts of fur on prime of their ears even give them the same look to the wild lynx. Maine Coons even have extra distinct whiskers — the longest of any cat breed — and an expensive and fluffy tail that may be wherever from 12 to 18 inches lengthy (in comparison with the typical 10-inch tail of different cats).
Measurement
Maine Coons are the biggest home cat breed, with some people weighing as much as 25 kilos and topping out at a outstanding 40 inches in size, together with their tail. The truth is, the previous two Guinness World Report holders for the world’s longest cat have been each Maine Coons. In comparison with a mean cat, this breed extra carefully resembles the load and size of a small canine (and their personalities are extra just like canines as properly).
Fur
Maine Coons have lengthy, thick, water resistant fur designed to maintain them heat within the snowy terrain of New England. Their fur is notably silky and particularly lengthy across the chest and neck, creating the looks of a mane. When correctly cared for, a Maine Coon’s fur can develop a number of inches lengthy.
Colours
Maine Coons may be a wide range of colours, together with black, white, brown, orange, and tabby, in addition to extra distinctive patterns like tortoiseshell, calico, and parti-color (two colours). This breed has been seen in over 75 totally different colours and quite a few patterns — a range that’s evident when taking a look at Maine Coon cat photos.
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Do Maine Coons Have a Particular Persona?
Their measurement and fluffy fur aren’t the one issues that make Maine Coons totally different from different home cat breeds. These cats additionally are inclined to have distinctive personalities that may greatest be described as pleasant and really people-oriented, particularly when in comparison with a mean cat.
Temperament
Maine Coons are recognized for his or her light temperament and their love of individuals and are sometimes dubbed “light giants.” They are usually far much less skittish round strangers than most cats, displaying off their affectionate personalities and having fun with cuddling time with their relations. This open and even goofy temperament makes the Maine Coon a superb alternative for first-time pet dad and mom or these with younger youngsters.
However do Maine Coon cats get together with different cats? They actually can! These fluffy felines love different animals and other people, however be certain to take time to correctly introduce a Maine Coon to another pets within the residence.
Intelligence
Maine Coons are thought of some of the clever cat breeds and are extremely trainable, similar to most canines. When you have infants or young children, you might catch your Maine Coon watching out for them and serving as a guard cat in your neighborhood. Because of their mind, this breed can simply study methods, so don’t hesitate to take a position time and power in coaching.
Vocalizations
Maine Coons have a variety of vocalizations, together with trills, chirps, low-pitched meows, and, after all, purring. These cats are recognized for his or her tender and melodious voices, which they usually use to speak with their dad and mom. Their quieter voices generally make them tougher to listen to, however they’re very expressive, utilizing a wide range of sounds, together with yowls, to speak with their human dad and mom.
Love of Water
Not like most cats, Maine Coons are recognized for his or her love of water. They like to swim in lakes and ponds on the first alternative, they usually even take pleasure in enjoying within the bathtub.
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Do Maine Coon Cats Have Particular Well being Considerations?
Because of their hardy frames, Maine Coons are usually pretty wholesome, however their bigger measurement additionally contributes to distinctive well being issues that aren’t as widespread in different home cats. These potential well being points additionally result in a shorter Maine Coon lifespan — about 9 to 13 years, in comparison with the typical of 12 to 18 years for many cats.
Due to their measurement, Maine Coons are extra vulnerable to hip dysplasia, a hereditary defect of the hip socket. This situation may be gentle, leading to little to no ache, or can result in extreme hassle strolling and leaping.
The breed can be vulnerable to extra coronary heart issues than most home cats, significantly feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), some of the widespread types of coronary heart illness present in cats. This difficulty is often present in Maine Coons which are middle-aged or older, so control your senior cat and you’ll want to take them in for normal checkups along with your veterinarian.
To maintain your Maine Coon wholesome, be sure that they get loads of train. This breed has a pure love of the outside and may simply be leash-trained to accompany you on walks and different exterior adventures.
Undertake a Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a playful and affectionate breed, a superb choice for canine lovers and first-time pet dad and mom. With the correct care and loads of consideration, a Maine Coon can develop into a beloved member of your loved ones, snuggling up for cozy nights in and even becoming a member of you on walks or journeys to your favourite outside spots. In case you’re on the lookout for the right feline companion, think about adopting a Maine Coon out of your native rescue or shelter at present!
Maine Coon FAQs
What about their look units them aside?
The Maine Coon is sturdy, fluffy, and has giant ears with tufts of fur on prime. Their tails are longer than different cats they usually weigh extra, too.
Do Maine Coons have a selected character?
Maine Coons are recognized for his or her light temperament, love of individuals (they’re usually dubbed “light giants”), intelligence, and trainability.
Are Maine Coons extra energetic than different cats?
Maine Coons are comparatively energetic and wish loads of train. They’re particularly recognized for his or her love of water and swimming.
Do Maine Coon cats have particular well being issues?
Maine Coons are extra vulnerable to hip dysplasia and extra coronary heart issues than most home cats, significantly feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Do Maine Coon cats have particular grooming wants?
This breed has lengthy, fluffy hair that must be groomed frequently — each day, if doable.
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Savannah Admire is a author, editor, and pet dad or mum to 2 canines and a cat. When she’s not writing, yow will discover her studying, enjoying Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favourite motion pictures and TV reveals. She lives in Maryland, the place she continuously debates whether or not or to not get a 3rd canine.
