Maine Coon Cat Information - http://goo.gl/2nRHwVThe Maine Coon cat is among the most brilliant animals on Earth! A cat that is half Maine Coon might exhibit some of the traits of a Maine Coon cat, while also exhibiting some traits of whatever other cat breed it is mixed with. The following traits and characteristics will help you to determine if your beloved feline is a Maine Coon mix. While the largest Maine Coon on record is over … The Maine coon is one of the oldest cat breeds native to the United States and is Maine's official state cat. The Maine Coons large paws helped them survive in the cold Winter climates, where other cat breeds could not. For more information on this quirky behaviour, check out my article: ‘Why does my Maine Coon follow me?‘. I adopted a half maine coon cat from a rescue that is about 8 months old, I want to know if it will grow as big as a pure maine coon? Have you ever heard the Maine Coon referred to as the ‘dog of the cat world’? If you suspect your cat to be a purebred Maine Coon though, click here to read my article ‘Do I Have A Maine Coon?‘. ... fluffy tails include the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Maine Coon, the Persian, the Ragdoll, and the Siberian Cat. Cats in heat will rub up against any surface, including you, to spread their individual scents. Site adverts are served by Mediavine, an advertising platform. Many people remark that Maine Coons look like ‘mini lions’ because the fur around their neck is always considerably longer than the rest of the fur on their body. It is this predictability that makes them such a highly desirable pedigree cat to own, since owners know exactly what they are getting in advance. Take a look at the table below, to see the key purebred Maine Coon physical traits to look out for. Super affectionate. Their obsession for the watery stuff has spanned many decades, and is thought to have its routes in this breeds lineage, since one of the well known myths suggests that the Maine Coons ancestors were ship cats, kept aboard viking ships to hunt and kill the ever growing mouse population on their ships. This neck fur is known as the Maine Coons mane, and helps make this particular cat breed look incredibly regal and impressive. The Maine Coon cat is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat. How do they know if they have adopted a Maine Coon cat? Maine Coons are sold as pets, not just for showing and breeding. Analyse the cats size, eyes, tail, fur, paws, personality, body frame, and ear tufts, for clues the cat is a Maine Coon mix. Generally, they are not lap cats; they like to sit with you and next to you rather than on you. This is because purebred Maine Coons are very consistent in terms of size, nature, and personality etc. This cat breed can spend copious amounts of time splashing in the water, so if you leave a bowl of water out for them to drink, expect wet feet when you next walk in the room! My names Katrina Stewardson, and I’m a self confessed CRAZY CAT LADY! If your cat holds affection for you, you’ll soon realize. They make great buddies for children and generally get along well with other pets. Due to this reason, these cats are also referred to as mini lions. Does your Maine Coon like to chatter away to you, a lot? They literally want to be involved in every single thing you are doing. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! If you are looking for greater clarity regarding the issue, why not request a DNA testing kit! Now it is for you to decide whether you are the proud owner of a part Maine Coon, or a purebred Maine Coon. Whilst I’d love to tell you for certain either way, the simple fact of the matter is that no-one can. While some mixed Coons can still get this large, it’s much less frequent. This is because the Maine Coon cat breed is well known for growing incredibly slowly, not reaching their full adult size until between 3 – 5 years of age. This characteristic is unlike most other cat breeds, so watch your Maine Coon closely, and see how they jump, or ascend upwards. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We called him 'Pippin', but he also goes by the names ‘Pipsteroo’, and ‘Pippikins’! Their physical and behavioural traits are determined by which gene is most dominant, in their genetic makeup. Finally, whilst some buyers are passionate about only owning a purebred Maine Coon cat, others are more open to the idea of buying a part Maine Coon, or Maine Coon mix. Read more about this bizarre idea here. Provide your Maine Coon with a cat tree or prepare a cozy spot for them in the high places in the house where they are allowed. https://reporting.mediavine.com/sites/9304/health-check/sticky-sidebar-ads?compare=false&end=12/2/2020&siteId=9304&start=12/2/2020, take a look at my article on the other interesting eye facts, Maine Coons are far larger than other cat breeds, weighing up to 25 lbs in weight, Large muscular frame, rectangular in shape, Large wide set eyes, slightly oblique shaped, Thick mane of fur around their neck, like a lion, Grow slowly, not reaching full size until between 3-4 years, Prefer to find the easier route upwards, rather than jump, Cat ‘chirps’ and ‘trills’, rather than ‘meows’. Not only it will keep your Maine Coon warm, but it will also provide both with quiet quality time together. In fact, it would be hard not to notice one of these large cats walking past you, since they are literally larger than some small dogs! If you want to learn more, take a look at my article: “Are Maine Coon cats friendly?‘. Whilst most cats dislike water, the Maine Coon seems fascinated by it. This site is owned and operated by Maine Coon Central. Most of the time, cats that are pure Maine Coons will have a rectangular body, meaning that the size and shape of the muscles throughout the body gives them a strong, rectangular shape, rather than an oblong or very sleek build. Never assume that Maine Coons cannot jump. A typical sign that your coonie is a mixed breed is that they are not quite as large as a purebred … According to the Cat Channel, the Maine coon is one of America's most popular cat breeds with families and for show purposes. These tufts help keep a purebred Maine Coon warm when its cold. If your female cat’s affection level has risen, it could be a sign that she’s in heat. Like a peacock boasting its feathers, the tail is the pride of the Maine Coon cat, wafting regally behind them to and fro. Learn how your comment data is processed. Check the length of the cat’s fur. I’ve lost count of the number of people asking me if their cat is part Maine Coon, or not. Instead, they want to return the favour, and will adorn their owners with high levels of affectionate and love, repeatedly. As an admirer of the Maine Coon breed, you may decide to enter the cat breeding world as a hobbyist or even as a professional.There are a few things you should thinking about before taking that step. One key physical trait of the Maine Coon cat, is their long, thick, shaggy fur. The largest domesticated breed of cat, the Maine Coon cat or otherwise known as the American Longhair, is known for its distinguishing physical characteristics and personality traits. However, this is not entirely the case because there are also a large number of characteristics that this particular breed have, which are almost entirely unique to them e.g. But what about those who adopt cats from shelters? This fur is thicker in comparison to the hair covering the rest of the cat’s body. A DNA test will tell you if your cat is a mix or not, but can also give you information about its health. This is because purebred Maine Coons have large, and wide set eyes that are always slightly oblique shaped. One of the most of defining characteristics of the Maine Coon cat are the ears. If your cat has many of the tell-tale Maine Coon cat traits, it is very possible that you do have one. A purebred will obviously have all of the physical traits that are exclusive to a Maine Coon, and a mixed breed will have many of the traits and sometimes all of the traits. Cats who are at a healthy weight have what is called an abdominal tuck. All purebred cats start out at a cattery, though. If your cat is normally quiet and will not stop yowling, chances are she’s calling out for a mate. Maine Coon Central also participates in affiliate programs with other sites. How to tell if your Maine Coon is in heat? It is also common for Maine Coons to have lots of hair coming out of their ears, since this physical trait evolved in the breed so that they could survive the harsh New England Winter climate. Whilst the standard cat likes to make ‘meow’ sounds, you will find that a Maine Coons voice is quite different since they chatter away to their owners using ‘chirps’ and ‘trill’ sounds, rather than the traditional ‘meow’ sound that everyone associates with a cat. One simple way of confirming if you own a part Maine Coon, is by looking at their eyes. One of the most of defining characteristics of the Maine Coon cat are the ears. Cats scents change when they’re in heat. In their ‘natural’ habitat, illness and pain are signs of weakness that could cost them their lives. You might have a dream of playing with a litter of Maine Coon kitten who look exactly like your adult cat. For more information, make sure to read my full guide: How To Tell If My Cat Is Part Maine Coon . With many different cat breeds and types, it’s sometimes tricky to tell which is which. Sure, Maine Coon cats are huge. So if you are researching about a young kitten, it is more likely a mix or a look-alike. The tail of the Maine Coon cat is extremely long, furry, feathery, and should be at least long as the torso. How to Tell if your Cat is a Maine Coon Mix, The Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds in the United States, 12 Cat Breeds That Many People Aren’t Aware Of, Woman’s Car and Cat Stolen: Here’s How She Got Them Back, Cats are Getting Sick and Tired of Owners in Lockdown, Why Cats and Dogs Might Need Their Own COVID Vaccine, Donovan the Sad Cat Gets Some Viral Help Towards Adoption, Five Cat Breeds That are the Most Playful, 10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Arabian Mau, The Five Best Ways to Clean Cat Pee in Your Home, Tips to Help Your Cat Through the Cold, Dry Months. Take a look at this crazy cat fool: One of the final ways to spot a part Maine Coon, or purebred Maine Coon, is by simply listening. This is because the Maine Coon cat breed is well known for growing incredibly slowly, not reaching their full adult size until between 3 – 5 years of age. Does your Maine Coon respond when called, with chirps. Another key way of determining if you own a part Maine Coon, or purebred, is by assessing your cats individual growth rate. Take a look at the table below of common Maine Coon characteristics, to establish if your cat shares any further similarities with the purebred Maine Coon. Their bodies are always very long, and their muscular legs should be medium in length, and proportional to their body. There are subtle differences, however, to look for when picking out your forest or coon. I've been in love with the Maine Coon cat breed ever since we welcomed an adorable male Maine Coon kitten into our home 8 years ago. They exhibit dog-like behaviours such as following their owner from room to room and fetching small objects when thrown. Another key way of determining if you own a part Maine Coon, or purebred, is by assessing your cats individual growth rate. Compare each factor against your Maine Coon cat to determine how many of the purebred Maine Coon traits your cat shares: To help you determine if you own a purebred, or part Maine Coon, I shall now cover each of these physical traits in greater detail. So, with large degrees of uncertainty in the matter, how can owners or potential buyers ever determine if the cat they are looking at is a part Maine Coon, or Maine Coon mix? Maine Coon Mix Cats and Kittens If your cat or kitten is "different" enough from other cats you've owned to make you wonder, but doesn't look strikingly like a Maine Coon, he could be a Maine Coon mix. For instance, cats with long and shaggy fur are mistaken to be Maine Coons simply because people don’t know what sets this breed apart from the litter. We typically have no need to advertise kittens as they are reserved and pre-sold through the waiting list almost exclusively. So don’t be surprised if your cat tries to join you in the shower one day, or learns how to turn on the faucet to drink water! Genetic testing is the only full-proof method of identifying if you own a mixed Maine Coon, or not. Being one of the top cat breeds for families, it’s no surprise that the Maine Coon cat is becoming increasingly popular. You might think this is a joke, but you would be wrong! It can be difficult to tell what percentage Maine Coon your cat may be. If the qualities mentioned above match your cat accurately, your cat may be a Maine Coon. Their body is rectangular in shape. Here are 20 fun facts you ought to know about Maine Coon cats. Purebred Maine Coons have large muscular frames which are considered to be rectangular in shape. The Maine Coon adores spending time with their family, and are well known for putting a lot of effort into their relationship with their owners. How Long Does Prozac Take to Work in Cats. Maine Coon cats don’t just ‘LIKE’ water, they actually ‘LOVE’ water. Differences can be visible in. I have sold many a kitten as a pet. Thankfully, all hope is not lost! 1. Maine Coon cats are not overly dependent on their human family, but will remain close by for companionship. Maine Coons are highly intelligent and curious little beings. Maine Coon Central is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, and Amazon.co.uk. It’s not that the Maine Coon cannot jump, they simply choose not to, unless it’s actually necessary. Should You Desex Your Cat Before Puberty? Does it sometimes feel like you are having a full blown conversation with a Maine Coon? If you decide to buy a Maine Coon cat, then be prepared to have no personal space ever again. Of course, without a pedigree or a family history, you can never be absolutely sure whether he's a Maine Coon or a Maine Coon mix. For a variey of reasons, even purebred cats do end up in shelters and rescues. Frankly, there is no real way to tell if your cat is a mix because the difference is already so subtle between a purebred and a mixed breed. Increase cuddle time during the colder months. It is easy and not too expensive to get. 1) Your Maine Coon will follow you around. According to the cat governing bodies, the most desirable Maine Coon eye color, is gold and/or green. Many mixes will have all or most of the characteristics of a purebred. It can be hard to determine if you own a purebred Maine Coon, or part Maine Coon mix, unless you purchase your treasured feline companion from a registered Maine Coon breeder, such as these US ones. Thankfully, there are a few tell tale signs to look out for. The purebreds in particular are well known for following their owners everywhere, even if they are going to the toilet. Part Maine Coons come in all shapes and sizes. Every cat listed on the Pedigree should have “Maine Coon” as the breed type, or it can also have MCO (which is the code for Maine Coon”). Update : the shelter didn't actually say anything about her being a maine coon, I just recognised some maine coon traits (large bushy tail, swirly bits of fur in ears, lots of fur between toes) in her. Look at your Maine Coons paws, and see if you can see lots of tufts of hair coming out of their paws. Maine Coons are a very distinguishable breed when the cat has a variety of different traits that all match the normal physical attributes of other cats that are Maine Coons. Here are some dog-like characteristics of the Maine Coon cat: Watch this funny video of a Maine Coon playing fetch: Maine Coon cats are pretty smart felines, since they use their intelligence to find the easy way up to the top of the wall, rather than exerting considerable effort and force to jump straight upwards. Their bodies are proportioned and often described as rectangular and well balanced. Ears and Head. Hello! In the case of a white Maine Coon, you could expect to see one blue eye, and one that is either gold or green. Luckily, there are some ways to determine what type of genetic pool your cat comes from. Here are a few average vital statistics on the physical size of the purebred Maine Coon cat breed: If you are interested in learning more about the size difference between the Maine Coon cat breed, and that of a ‘normal’ cat, check out my other article. The fur is not thick, but it is plentiful. In all actuality, chances are slim that a shelter would have a purebred Maine Coon, but the stronger possibility is that they will have Maine Coon mixes for adoption. For more information on Maine Coon eyes, take a look at my article on the other interesting eye facts. Having evolved to survive the harsh Winter climates of Maine in the United States, their tails kept them warm, when wrapped around their bodies. Here are 14 ways to tell that your Maine Coon loves you. This Maine native was given the moniker "Coon" because it's believed the breed is the result of mating between semi-feral cats and raccoons. Learn more about their jumping abilities in this article I wrote ‘Can Maine Coons Jump?‘. How to Tell What Breed My Cat Is. When describing the Maine Coon cat’s personality, some words that come to mind are goofy, independent, devoted, affectionate, cuddly, friendly, and dog-like. So how do you know if your cat is a Maine Coon mix? If you do not see an abdominal tuck, your cat may be overweight. The inside of the ears are heavily furred with lynx-like tufts growing from the tips. Therefore, one of the most typical signs of a … Of course, this depends on their health and unforeseen circumstances that may cause early deaths but we don’t want to think about that right now. They have three coats of fur in total, two of which are shorter undercoats, whilst their third is far longer and sits over the top of the two undercoats. One of the most endearing traits of the Maine Coon breed, is their hugely affectionate personalities. It's difficult to tell these two breeds apart. Listen to his conversation with my husband! They are large, moderately pointed, and set well on top of the head. But if you have a large, fluffy and friendly cat, it might be a Maine Coon. Many people use the cats paws as an indicator of how big their Maine Coon cat will grow, since the cat will ultimately proportionally ‘fit’ their paw size. The Maine Coon female can be mated up to three times in a day, for the first three days of estrus – this can give your Maine Coon a higher chance to become pregnant. Size: the original Maine Coon cat can weigh up to 25lbs not only because they have a lot of weight but because they have large bodies and hence the body mass is spread evenly throughout the whole body.They have huge bushy tails but if the breed is mixed their tails are usually not that thick and even more they usually do not grow to such massive lengths. This means the area just behind their ribs should have a smaller diameter than the chest. Not only is it fluffy and pretty and everything you might think a cat should look like, it also has the personality that matches the way it looks: fluffy, pretty, and everything in between. This is partially due to the fact that their huge pads enabled them to walk on top of the snow, rather than in it. The Maine Coon cat has very distinctive, large, round eyes that are sometimes said to have a wild look to them. Use our simple guide to find out for certain if your precious cat is a Maine Coon. Maine coons are very smart cats. You can expect that your Maine coon cat will live between 9 and 15 years old. Another most vital attribute to figure out whether your cat is a Maine coon or not is to look at their mane, which is a large amount of fur on the cat’s neck. Maine Coon mixes are very common. Compared to the standard cat, the Maine Coons growth rate is particularly slow, since most ‘normal’ cats reach full size by 2 years of age! When you are looking to identify if your Maine Coon cat is a purebred, or part Maine Coon, many people just assume that ticking off all the physical characteristics is enough. Maine Coon cats also have very large feet with tufts of fur coming from them. Stuck as to which cat breed is best suited to your family? In fact, I don’t think I have ever encountered such a friendly, loyal, loving and affectionate cat breed in my life. Those keen to establish whether they own a part Maine Coon, or purebred, should look at their cats ears closely. did you know that some Maine Coons are happy to swim in water?! The Maine Coons impressive bushy tail has always been a massive talking point throughout history, since it closely resembles that of a raccoons. The coat is longer on top and softer underneath, giving the colors of the fur pattern and dimension rather than uniformity. Without these papers it can not be a Maine Coon since Maine Coons are a registered breed. Here’s another short clip of our chatty Maine Coon chirping at us: So there you have it, these are the key factors to consider if you are wondering how to tell if your cat is part Maine Coon. Our enormous, kind hearted cat genuinely thinks he's a dog, and has convinced me that cats are Man's True Best Friend! You can also compare your cat’s height and length. Though, if you own a white Maine Coon then you might notice that your cats eyes are blue, or odd-eye which is where the cat has two different eye colourings. Our kittens have never and will never be sold on Craigslist, or any Maine Coon or cat site but our own (which is verified through Facebook and our website server as a legitimate business), or any other avenue of sale. Before you go, take a look at this awesome Maine Coon cat names! For more on the history of the Maine Coon cat, check out my article “Where do Maine Coon cats originate from?“. This can be different if your cat is a mix… Only genetic testing offers the answers you seek, and even then that isn’t 100% certain. This is because whilst registered breeders tend to be fanatical about protecting the purebred status of the Maine Coon cat breed, other breeders are happy to mix the Maine Coons blood line with other cat breed genetics. Whichever camp you sit in, both cats (whatever their genetic makeup) will make for loving, amazing feline companions. Its paws, tails, and ears are covered in fluffy tufts of fur. You love your Maine Coon Cat, and you do everything to keep him healthy.Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your Maine Coon may become ill. All cats, however, work hard to hide pain and illness. They are also happy to try and learn tricks. If your Coon weighs over 15 pounds, it’s quite likely that it’s a pure breed Maine Coon. Have you often thought your cat is a Maine Coon, but never been 100% sure? The mate itself barely takes half a minute. The Maine Coon cat’s neck is medium, the chest is broad, torso is long, and the legs are average. How To Tell If Your Cat Is A Maine Coon Mix, Lovely Cat, How To Tell If Your Cat Is A Maine Coon Mix You can not do a DNA test on a cat to find out what breed it is without testing the parents and knowing the parents are Maine Coons. The breed has a large, muscular frame, broad chest, and long torso. Check out the clues below, that help distinguish a part Maine Coon, from a purebred. Sometimes I’m sure they deliberately try and trip you up as you’re coming down the stairs but a Maine Coon will often want to follow you wherever you go. A Maine Coon tabby mix or a Maine Coon shorthair mix would have a slightly smaller frame and a shorter torso. Although not all Maine Coons will have ear tufts, the majority will and these are commonly referred to as ‘lynx tips’ since they are similar to the tufts and wisps of hair that Lynx have. Another distinguishing characteristic of the Maine Coon cat is its shaggy coat and fur around the neck that is called a ruff, which resembles the mane of a lion. This similarity has even led many to question whether the Maine Coon is actually part raccoon, or not!