Maine Coon Cat Information

The Maine Coon is a breed of cat easily distinguished by their size, long hair and ear tufts. They are large cats with the males being larger than the females. Maine Coons are found in all color variations and have long been recognized for their beauty, according to Cat Fancier's Association (CFA). The breed has grown in popularity and can be found across North America.

  1. History

    • Maine Coons developed as a breed in New England and are considered a native long-haired cat. The breed adapted to the harsh cold weather of the northeast with their heavy coat and sturdy build. The state of Maine was the first to recognize these cats as a specific breed, according to Cat Fancier's Association. Maine Coons were once only known for being barn cats; however, they are now a popular show breed.

    Disposition

    • Maine Coons are generally considered to be highly intelligent cats. They have a calm disposition and often get along well with dogs. Maine Coons are friendly, loving cats that are typically calm and companionable with children. They are also considered to be very good mousers.

    Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

    • Maine Coons can carry a genetic mutation that causes feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, a common heart disease in cats. This condition causes the wall of the heart's left chamber to thicken and can lead to heart murmur, rapid pulse, blood clots and sudden death. Currently, researchers at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California-Davis are studying the effectiveness of drug treatments for HCM, according to the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA).

    Other Health Issues

    • Maine Coons are also susceptible to developing spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) which causes unusual gait, muscle weakness and short life expectancy due to a lack of neurons in the spinal cord. Chronic gingivitis, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a degenerative illness, and hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint, are also common diseases found in Maine Coons, according to the MCBFA.

    Purchasing a Maine Coon

    • Maine Coon kittens are usually available to be purchased from a breeder after 12 weeks of age. Pricing depends on bloodlines, markings and conformation. Maine Coons need a stable environment with toys and scratching posts. Keeping Maine Coons indoors helps to maintain health and lengthen lifespan, according to Cat Fancier's Association.

    Breed Standards

    • Maine Coons that are bred for showing are held to standards of conformation, according to the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association. Good conformation includes a head that is medium-sized. The cheek bones should be high and the nose softly curved. The ears and eyes should be wide set and large. Legs should also be set wide and substantially built. The coat should become gradually longer on the sides and back with a slight ruff along the ears.