The Maine Coon is a typical American cat; in fact, another of its names is “American longhair. Its origins are believed to date back to the late 18th century, but there are no written sources to prove it. As a result, these impressive cats are surrounded by stories and legends… many of them related to voyages by ship from Europe.
One of the most widespread stories is that this breed was born from the spontaneous crossbreeding of the American lynx with domestic cats that arrived in the New World from Europe. This belief can only be supported by their —more than evident— physical resemblance, but it is untenable under the laws of genetics, since crossbreeding between both species is reproductively impossible.
The name Maine Coon pays tribute to two very American things: Maine, the coastal state in the northeastern part of the country, near Canada; and “coon,” which comes from “rackoon,” meaning raccoon, with which they also share certain similarities: the striped pattern of their coat, as well as the soft, high-pitched meow that resembles that of young raccoons. Thus, we could say that they are “the raccoons of the state of Maine.”
What are Maine Coon cats like?
First of all, they are enormous cats. Huge cats, one might say, thanks to their wild appearance and large size. Males can weigh between 7 and 10 kilos. Females weigh between 5 and 7. They are strong, heavily muscled cats. Their chests are broad, and their legs are thick and long. Their tails are among the longest and hairiest of all domestic cats.
In addition to their size, which earned a cat of this breed the Guinness record for the largest cat in the world, their abundant coat also does not go unnoticed —it is necessary to withstand the difficult living conditions of the northeastern United States.
The Maine Coon’s gaze is irresistible. Those large, oval, slanted eyes are captivating. They are generally very green, except in white cats, which may have blue eyes or one eye of each color.
Their head is angular, with high, prominent cheekbones. Their large muzzle, with a square outline, stands out, with a pronounced indentation between it and the cheekbones. Their ears are also very striking: large and often topped with a tuft of hair reminiscent of a lynx’s ears.
What are Maine Coon cats’ personalities like?
To the surprise of many, these incredible ARISTOCATS have a friendly and sociable nature. Very much so. They are highly affectionate with their owners, as well as discreet and calm. Living with them is easy. They also get along very well with other cats. Sofa-and-movie afternoons are guaranteed when they are by your side.
How should you care for Maine Coon cats?
Although they are a calm breed, they need time for recreation, during which they will happily play with their plush mouse and perform impressive, highly agile acrobatics. So you should set aside some time every day to play with them.
Maine Coon cats shed their fur periodically, in spring and autumn, although because they usually live indoors, shedding is constant. Therefore, it is essential to brush them regularly and bathe them occasionally. The appropriate tools and products should be used for this. Not just any brush or shampoo will do; they should be designed, respectively, for long hair and for a cat’s skin. It is also helpful to use conditioner, as it helps keep the coat free of tangles. At ARISTOSHOP, you will find all the products necessary to care for them as they deserve.
We should also take their size into account when choosing the best scratching post for them. The same applies to enriching our home properly, to ensure that our cat is perfectly happy.
Apart from that, sharing your life with a Maine Coon is a pleasure and a joy. And we hope this post encourages you to get to know them better.
If you would like to learn more about other cat breeds, we invite you to continue reading about Munchkin cats or Sphynx cats.