Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a large, long-haired cat breed that took shape in the state of Maine in the United States. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America and often gets called the state cat of Maine.

Grown cats stand out for their size. Toms commonly weigh 5.9 to 8.2 kg (13 to 18 lb) and queens 3.6 to 5.4 kg (8 to 12 lb). The body is long and muscular, the tail is long and thickly furred, and the ears often carry tufts of hair at the tips.

For all that size, the breed has a name for being friendly and good-humoured. Plenty of owners call the temperament dog-like, because these cats tend to trail after people around the house and stay sociable well into adulthood.

Who the breed suits

The Maine Coon suits households that want an affectionate, interactive cat and can manage a bigger animal. The long coat needs regular grooming, so the breed is a better fit for owners who are happy to brush it a few times a week. Its sociable streak means it does best in homes where it gets company rather than long spells on its own.

The precise origin of the Maine Coon is not recorded, but the breed is generally accepted to have developed in and around the state of Maine in the 1800s. Long-haired cats brought to North America by European sailors are thought to have bred with local short-haired cats, giving a hardy animal built for cold winters.

All sorts of folk tales cling to the breed, among them a claim that it descends from a cross between a cat and a raccoon. That notion is biologically impossible and is set aside, though it may account for the "coon" part of the name and the brown tabby coat with a ringed tail seen in many early cats.

Maine Coons earned their keep as mousers on farms and ships and were shown at agricultural fairs across New England. A brown tabby called Cosey took a prize at a major cat show held in New York in 1895, an early marker of the breed's standing in the United States.

The breed's popularity slipped in the early 1900s as imported long-haired cats such as the Persian came into fashion. Interest picked up again from the 1950s onward, and breed clubs formed to settle a standard. The Maine Coon is now one of the most popular pedigree cats in North America and Europe.

The Maine Coon has a long, solid, rectangular body set on medium-length legs with large, round, well-tufted paws. The head is a touch longer than it is wide, with high cheekbones and large ears that often carry lynx-like tufts at the tips. The tail is long and carried with full, flowing fur. The overall build looks substantial without being heavy or cobby.

Coat and colours

The double coat is uneven in length, with a ruff around the neck and a dense undercoat that helps in cold weather. Most colours and patterns are accepted by the major registries, with the classic and mackerel brown tabby patterns being the most familiar. Chocolate, lilac and the pointed (Siamese-style) pattern are not accepted in the traditional breed standard. The coat reaches full length and density as the cat matures, which can take three to four years.

The Maine Coon has a calm, friendly temperament. It tends to stay close to its owners and join in with whatever is going on around the house, which is why the breed so often gets called dog-like. Many are happy to be near people without needing constant lap time, and they usually settle well into busy homes.

With family, the breed is affectionate and patient, and it generally puts up with handling by children better than many cats. With strangers it is usually confident rather than shy, though individuals differ. Maine Coons typically rub along well with other cats and with dogs that accept cats, especially when introductions are done gradually.

The breed is known for its voice. Instead of loud meowing, Maine Coons often chirp and trill. Many take an interest in water and may mess about with taps or drinking bowls. They keep a playful, kitten-like manner well into adulthood and take readily to interactive toys and games.

Grooming

• Brush the coat two to three times a week, and more often during seasonal moulting, to head off mats and tangles.
• Mind the longer fur on the belly, behind the legs and around the ruff, where mats form most easily.
• Trim claws every few weeks and check the ears for dirt or wax.
• Brush the teeth regularly with cat-safe toothpaste to cut down on dental disease.
• The odd bath can help during heavy moulting, since the coat is water-resistant and may need the shampoo worked in well.

Exercise

• Give daily interactive play with wand toys, balls or puzzle feeders to burn off the cat's energy.
• Offer sturdy climbing trees and shelves; big cats need furniture that can take their weight.
• Rotate the toys to keep the cat interested, as the breed stays playful into adulthood.

Environment

A Maine Coon needs more room than an average cat. A large litter tray, a strong scratching post and a tall cat tree all suit the breed's size. Many are kept indoors for safety, and they generally settle well as long as they have space to move and company during the day.

Cats are obligate carnivores, so a Maine Coon's diet should be built around animal protein. A complete commercial cat food that meets recognised nutritional standards covers the basic needs of most cats. Because of their size, Maine Coons may eat somewhat more than an average cat, but portions still need to match the individual's weight and activity to avoid piling on weight. Fresh water should always be on offer, and many of these cats drink more readily from a fountain.

Treats and supplements

Treats should make up only a small share of daily calories, generally no more than about 10 per cent. A cat on a complete, balanced diet usually needs no supplements. Any addition, such as joint support for an older or large cat, should be talked through with a vet first.

The Maine Coon is generally a healthy, long-lived breed, with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years and many cats going on longer with good care. Its large size and popularity mean a handful of inherited conditions are well documented, and responsible breeders screen their cats for several of them. Knowing the signs helps owners catch trouble early.

Preventive care

• Keep vaccinations and parasite control up to date on the schedule your vet advises.
• Book annual check-ups, with more frequent visits for senior cats.
• Keep the cat at a healthy weight to ease strain on the joints and heart.
• Brush the teeth and arrange dental checks to hold gum disease at bay.
• Ask breeders for evidence of HCM, SMA and PKD screening in the parents.

The Maine Coon's intelligence and its wish to be involved with people make it one of the easier cat breeds to train. Many learn to answer to their name, come when called, fetch and walk on a harness. Training works best as play, in short sessions, using rewards the cat rates. Punishment does not work with cats and tends to wreck trust.

Basics

1. Start with litter training, which most kittens pick up quickly when the tray is clean and easy to reach.
2. Teach the cat to link its name with good things by saying it before feeding or treats.
3. Introduce a scratching post early and reward its use to protect the furniture.
4. Use a clicker or a marker word to mark the exact moment of a wanted behaviour, then hand over a treat.
5. For harness walking, let the cat wear the harness indoors first, then add short outdoor sessions once it is comfortable.

Maine Coons are slow to mature physically, often not reaching full size until three to four years of age, though sexual maturity comes sooner. As with other cats, gestation lasts roughly nine weeks. Litters tend to be moderate in size, and kittens are usually weaned at around eight to twelve weeks. Responsible breeding includes genetic screening of the parents for HCM, SMA and PKD, and reputable breeders generally do not rehome kittens before about twelve weeks, so they are well socialised and fully weaned. Breeding large cats calls for experience and veterinary support, and casual breeding is not advised.

Registering a Maine Coon in Ireland

Cats sit outside the 2015 chipping law, so whatever record your Maine Coon has is the one you make yourself. Make it a free one: the United Pet Club profile carries your details, her photo, and her chip number for the whole of her life. Registering your cat costs nothing, now or ever.

The fifteen digits on your Maine Coon's vet paperwork want a registry. United Pet Club lodges them free, keeps them current through every move, and leaves the record findable whenever a scanner asks. Microchip registration plus a free account: both sorted in one cup of tea.