Maine Coon Cat Breed Description: Photos, Characteristics, Price, and Care

The Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds in the world. The origins of these beauties are shrouded in mystery and legend. What is a Maine Coon cat like?

The Maine Coon cat's roots can be traced back to the northwestern United States. The state is called Maine, which is why the cats are called Maines. The breed's name comes from their homeland. Of course, we all know their origins, but it's always interesting and enjoyable to learn a legend.

A bit of history

According to one legend, the Maine Coon was the result of crossbreeding a male cat with a female raccoonThis theory is easily confirmed by the cat's appearance: its tail, color, and ears are like those of a raccoon.

Another legend holds that Maine Coon kittens were produced by crossing a common cat with a North American lynx. This theory is supported by the ear tufts inherited from their parent.

Those who study cats firmly insist that their history holds no secrets. Breeds are a natural evolutionary process. Cats were forced to adapt to harsh winter conditions, which is why they have thick, long fur and voluminous paws, which they use to cover themselves during frosty winter evenings. Their massive paws are noticeable in the photo.

In ancient times, Maine Coon cats were real huntersToday, they don't have to demonstrate their hunting skills. Time has left its mark on their character and some of its peculiarities. These cats are now found throughout the world, not just in America, as they once were.

Maine Coon appearance

To understand what a coon looks like, you need to know standard features of his body parts:

1. The head is elongated, unlike most other cats. The profile is curved. The skull is massive. The muzzle has high cheekbones. High-set, triangular ears are located on the head. The tips of the ears have tufts like those of a lynx. These are the most important head features that confirm the Maine Coon breed.
2. The eyes are oval and set wide apart. The eye color always matches the coat color. Their gaze is unlike any other. Just one look at this cat and you'll immediately realize they are wise and proud creatures. Look at the photo, and you'll see what I mean.
3. The neck is of medium size and massive.
4. The body size can range from large to very large. This makes the Maine Coon cat one of the largest in the world. The body is very long and muscular.
5. The paws are also very large, disproportionate to the body. They are muscular. There are always tufts of hair between the toes.
6. The cat's large, fluffy tail resembles a raccoon or a squirrel. Its length reaches the cat's shoulders.
7. The Coon's coat is incredibly thick and fluffy. It's slightly shorter around the head and neck. Below the neck, there's a mane, similar to a lion's. The paws and belly are covered with a thick undercoat.
8. From numerous photographs it is clear that the coat color can vary.
9. Some Maine Coons weigh up to 15 kg. These giants can live for 15-20 years.

Now you can easily recognize a Maine Coon just by looking at a photo.

The character of a cat and some features

By external characteristics of the Kuna easily distinguishable from a common domestic catThis is one of the fundamental arguments for acquiring a kitten of this cat breed.

As mentioned above, Maine Coons have incredibly muscular bodies that are striking in their size. They are very beautiful and have expressive eyes. Their size is especially noticeable in photos with people. They also have a unique character, best described by their owners. Perhaps, after reading reviews, people immediately want to get a Maine Coon. What's so special about their character? How does this giant cat differ from others?

Maine Coons' amusing habits both surprise and delight their owners. Their games are amusing, especially given their large size—a rare sight. These cats are always present and oblivious to what their owners are doing. Their sweetness and curiosity belie their size. Most people are afraid of them, believing they can easily hurt others, but this is a misconception. Cats never they won't release their claws unnecessarilyThey are known for their friendliness, affection, and tenderness. A photo of a Maine Coon doesn't convey what's truly inside them.

Maine Coon cat care

Looking at photos of a huge, fluffy Maine Coon, it might seem like grooming them requires a lot of effort. We hasten to assure you that this is not the case. Their thick fur is very easy to care for. Keeping them is pleasant and simple. Most fluffy domestic cats' fur eventually becomes tangled. Then, it becomes very difficult to tidy up. This causes trouble for both the owners and the pets themselves. The same cannot be said for the Maine Coon.

It is not difficult to comb their fur., as it's silky and practically tangle-free. This should be done once a week. That's plenty. But don't forget about this breed's luxurious tail. It requires special attention.

You can see happy Maine Coon cats with their owners in photos online. And it's no coincidence. Love your cats and take care of them. Don't forget to clean their ears and claws regularly, bathe them regularly, and brush them. Take care of your pet as you would yourself. This way, your life together will be long and filled with joyful moments.

Maine Coon cat colors

Maine Coons can be of the most unusual colors, except for lilac and chocolate. This is confirmed by the photo; you will definitely never see these anywhere. Unless, of course, breeders try to breed them. The most popular color for this breed is tabby. It has a patterned design. It resembles a tiger's pattern, hence the names: black mackerel tabby and black marbled tabby. The two colors differ in the shape of the patterns. The mackerel tabby Maine Coon has alternating black and light stripes. The marbled tabby Maine Coon has dark spots.

The second most popular Maine Coon breed is the red tabby. We commonly call them "redheads."

Colors of all cats of this breed It is customary to divide them into the following types:

1. Solid. The entire body is covered with fur of a uniform color. This can be black, red, white, or light or dark shades of these.
2. Tortoiseshell. This coloring is a combination of two primary colors: red and black, which appear on a portion of the body. The rest is covered with lighter versions of these colors.
3. Smoky. The hair itself is unevenly colored. The undercoat is lighter, while the tips are darker.
4. Bicolor. This is a combination of two colors, one of which is always white. In this coloration, the belly, paw fur, and chin are light, while the rest of the body is a different color.

Maine Coon cat prices

Prices for cats vary, starting from from 600 to 2 thousand dollarsThe price depends on the cat's color, size, and age. Kittens will be cheaper when they're young. It's best to buy a Maine Coon from a trusted professional. You can find resources online that promote their pets. Numerous reviews and photos can confirm the Maine Coon breed. If you're adopting a kitten, examine its appearance carefully. There's a chance you could be scammed.