10 Fascinating Facts About Maine Coon Cats

The Maine Coon cat, known as one of the largest and most charming cat breeds, has grown in popularity in the UK since the 1980s. Their majestic size, friendly personality, and unique appearance have made them a favourite among cat lovers. Here are 10 fascinating facts about this gentle giant that every prospective owner should know.

1. Maine Coons Are the Largest Domesticated Cat Breed

Maine Coons are renowned for their impressive size. Male Maine Coons typically weigh between six and eight kilograms, with some reaching as much as 12 kilograms. Females are slightly smaller but still substantial. They can measure over a metre from the tip of their nose to the end of their bushy tail. The breed standard requires the tail to be long and full, often reaching the cat's shoulder when stretched back, highlighting their name as the "gentle giants" of the feline world.

2. Origins Shrouded in Colourful Legends

Several legends attempt to explain the origins of the Maine Coon, from tales of a cross between raccoons and domestic cats to connections with Marie Antoinette’s Persian cats. The reality is likely more down-to-earth, resulting from early European ships' cats interbreeding with local cats in Maine. This natural selection, helped by dedicated breeders, shaped the breed we know today.

3. Adapted for Harsh and Wintery Climates

The Maine Coon’s thick, double-layered coat is water-resistant, designed to protect them in cold, outdoor environments. Their large paws feature tufts of fur, acting like natural snowshoes, enabling them to walk comfortably on snow. Some even shake water off their fur like dogs. These traits confirm their ability to cope well with winter conditions, originally in Maine and other cold climates.

4. A Spectrum of Colours Beyond the Brown Tabby

While brown tabby is the most common and recognisable colour, Maine Coons appear in a vast array of coats, including all shades of tabby, tortoiseshell, and solid colours. The UK's GCCF acknowledges all colours except Siamese patterning for shows, reflecting their diversity.

5. An Extensive Vocal Vocabulary

Maine Coons do more than a typical cat's miaow; they often chirrup, trill, and make unique sounds, fostering a sense of conversation with their owners. This wide vocal range adds to their playful and communicative nature, often endearing them to families.

6. Fascination with Water

Unusually for cats, many Maine Coons enjoy interacting with water. Owners often find their cats playing with drinking water or even enjoying a bath before shows. However, as with all cats, individual preferences vary, and not all Maine Coons appreciate water equally.

7. Polydactyl Maine Coons Have Extra Toes

Some Maine Coons are polydactyl, possessing more than the usual number of toes—sometimes six or more. This trait, once common in early Maine Coons and believed to assist them in walking on snow, is now less common due to breeding standards. Yet, some breeders still provide polydactyl Maine Coons for enthusiasts.

8. Champion Record Holders for Length

The Guinness World Records have documented Maine Coons as the longest cats globally. Notably, a Maine Coon named Stewie once held the record at 48.5 inches in length, later surpassed by another Maine Coon, Ludo, measuring 46 inches, reflecting their extraordinary size.

9. Celebrity Appearances in Films

One Maine Coon, named Pebbles, was featured in the Harry Potter films, adding a touch of the breed’s charm to a beloved series. Interestingly, all three cats playing Pebbles were Maine Coons, underscoring their impressive presence on screen.

10. The First Pet Cloned Commercially Was a Maine Coon

In a remarkable scientific milestone, a Maine Coon called Little Nicky became the first pet cat to be cloned commercially. After his death in 2004 at the age of seventeen, his owner paid a significant sum to preserve his DNA for cloning. The resulting cloned kitten bore the remarkable likeness and personality of Little Nicky. However, commercial cloning remains rare and controversial.

Choosing a Maine Coon: Responsible Acquisition

If you decide to welcome a Maine Coon into your home, it’s important to find reputable breeders who prioritise the health and welfare of their cats. Both the Maine Coon Cat Club and Maine Coon Breed Society provide updated breeder lists.
Visiting cat shows can also help prospective owners understand the breed standard and recognise genuine Maine Coons versus similar-looking cats. This care in selection ensures you bring home a happy, healthy companion who will enrich your life for years to come.

Owning a Maine Coon is a rewarding experience, often leading to the affection that one is never enough. Their size, personality, and unique traits make them truly special pets.