Maine Coon breeds have a very distinctive majestic appearance and size. If you’re planning to raise one as a pet, here’s everything you need to know about Maine Coon kittens.
What makes this breed different from other kinds of domestic felines? How to tell if you have a Maine Coon cat?
There's more to Maine Coon kittens than just their physical appearance and great size. As a pet, this breed is also affectionate towards their owners.
More and more pet owners are drawn into these adorable ‘gentle giants’ due to their unique looks and charming personalities.
Additionally, they have a very mysterious origin that is surrounded by myths and legends.
Some versions of their ancestry are likely possible while some are fantastic flights of mystery that are more amusing than accurate.
Maine Coon kittens are choice for those who are looking for a remarkable pet that will surely stand out.
This particular breed of long-haired cats was first recognized in the state of Maine, hence the name.
It was named the official state cat of Maine in 1985.
It was also recognized as one of the oldest natural breeds in North America.
How the breed made its way to the state of Maine is still a mystery up till now.
While characteristics and temperament are essential features in choosing a pet, most pet owners still pay more attention to physical appearance.
There's a good reason why this breed had stolen the limelight and won several pet competitions.
Their size varies from medium to large, endowed with a long body with equal parts to form a well-balanced rectangular appearance.
With its broad chest and a muscular body built, this breed is indeed a magnificent sight to behold.
Maine Coon kittens are born with an average size that looks no different like a regular domestic kitten.
However, Maine Coon kittens typically gain a whopping 2 lbs per month compared to the usual 1 lb for domestic kittens.
That’s gaining double the weight of regular domestic cats per month.
When they reach their full size at around 3 to 5 years, they will be averaging 15 to 25 lbs. Adult males typically stand at 10 to 16 inches tall.
Moreover, around 40 inches long from the tip of their nose to the end tip of their tail.
Female of this breeds are generally smaller than males as they average between 10 to 15 pounds.
One of the most striking physical attributes of this breed is their head and a facial feature that has a lion-like appearance.
Just like lions, they have a long and medium-width face with a squarish muzzle. When viewed in profile, their head exhibits a slight concavity with firm chin in line with the nose.
They have large, well-tufted ears that are wide at the base tapering to appear pointed. Moreover, they have large expressive eyes that are broad set with an oval shape.
With eyes slightly slanted forward that further fosters their lion appearance.
Colors of the eyes can be shades of copper, gold, or green. Odd eyes or blue-colored eyes are allowed for bicolor or white patterned types.
In proportion to their large-sized body, they also have large legs of medium length. Both forelegs and back legs are straight. They have round, well-tufted paws with five toes in front and four toes in back.
Their tapering, long tail complements their long, flowing fur. Maine Coon kittens have a very thick coat with length ranging from medium to long.
The furs are typically more extended on the stomach and shorter on the shoulders. As Maine Coon kittens grow, they also develop neck ruff that we can only see on lions.
This one-of-a-kind breed is indeed special when it comes to appearance. However, there's more to them than their majestic looks.
Please take a look at these fun facts about this breed of domestic cats to learn more about them.
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Interesting Facts About Maine Coons
Here are ten interesting facts about the so-called ‘gentle giants' of the feline kingdom:
1. One of the biggest breeds of domestic cats.
Maine Coon kittens may look like a regular kitty, but you'll be surprised as they grow up.
This breed of kitties can grow up to 25 lbs that make some people mistake them for bobcats.
However, they fall somewhere between Ragdolls and Norwegian Forest Cats. So, if you're looking for a large-sized companion, Maine Coon kittens are one of the best choices.
2. They have fascinating origin stories.
Its name might give you an idea where this breed came from. Well, it's only logical to assume that they originated in the state of Maine, but that's not exactly the case.
One of the most enthralling theories about their origin dates back from 1793. That’s the time when Queen Marie Antoinette attempted to escape from France during the French Revolution.
It is said that the ill-fated queen loaded her most prized possessions on a ship bound for the United States. These prized possessions also include her six Turkish Angora cats.
Unfortunately, the queen did not succeed in her escape, but her belongings did. Her pets safely arrived at the shores of Wiscasset, Maine where they bred with other local breeds.
Moreover, that is how this breed was developed. Another version of the story is a more plausible one.
Some people claim that these kitties were brought to North America by the Vikings during the 1700s.
Vikings were also the ones responsible for bringing Norwegian Forest Cats to Scandinavia.
The striking resemblance between Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats is a solid proof that this story was more probable.
You might also be wondering where it got its name ‘Coon' from. It was based on a myth stating that this breed was the result of a mating between a domestic cat and a raccoon.
However, we may dismiss this one because the idea is genetically impossible.
3. Physically adapted for winter.
Cats of this breed are endowed with thick, long fur making them ‘dressed' for the harsh winter season and frigid climate.
Furthermore, they have large, well-tufted paws that can act as ‘snowshoes’ to allow them to walk on ice effortlessly.
They can also use their bushy tail by wrapping it around their bodies when they feel cold.
4. Not all Maine Coons are brown.
What are the available colors of Maine Coon cats? They are commonly associated with brown coats like that of a raccoon.
However, the truth is, this breed comes in all colors except chocolate and lilac.
Aside from solid colors, they are also available in various patterns such as cream, cameo, smoke, tortoiseshell, and mackerel.
Smokey Maine Coon is one of the most favorite choices among pet lovers. At first glance, you'll fall in love with the Black Smokey Maine Coon.
The distinguishing feature of a Black Smokey Maine Coon is its undercoat around its chest area that is lighter than the rest.
5. Meet Cosey, the first kitty that won America's first cat exhibit.
In 1895, the first popular juried cat exhibit of America was held in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
Cosey, a brown tabby Maine Coon cat, captured the hearts of the jury and was proclaimed the "Best Cat" of the event.
The medal and silver collar that Cosey won are on display today at headquarter of the CFA in Alliance, Ohio.
Since then, this breed has been a consistent show-stealer in every pet exhibits and was considered the most coveted breed.
However, when Persian cats were introduced in the US sometime after 1895, pet lovers were immediately enticed with this breed.
During the reign of the Persian cats, Maine Coons have become so scarce that it almost reached extinction in the 1950s.
Fortunately, the Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) was established to preserve the dying breed and increase its popularity.
All of the efforts of CMCC finally came into fruition 11 years later. On May 1975, the breed finally got accepted by the CFA and was then approved for championship status the following year.
The rise and fall (and rise again) of Maine Coon cats have driven many pet lovers to show more interest in this breed.
Today, it is ranked as the third most popular breed of domestic cats in the world, according to CFA.
6. They’re not exclusive only to the states of Maine.
Widely known as the official state cat of Maine, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are exclusive to the Pine Tree State.
They are also popular in many different parts of the world, particularly in Europe and Japan.
7. Meet Pebbles, a female feline superstar.
If you’re an avid fan of the Harry Potter film series, you probably took notice of a chubby kitty named Mrs. Norris.
Yes, the favorite pet of Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Mrs. Norris is depicted to have an unusually strong connection with her master. Moreover, can be seen pacing the halls of Hogwarts to look out for mischief makers.
However, in real life, Mrs. Norris is neutered female Maine Coon named Pebbles that was rescued from a cattery in southwest England.
Harry Potter fans will remember Pebbles as the feisty Mrs. Norris. The only creature that can sense Harry's presence under his Invisibility Cloak.
8. Little Nicky, the first domestic cat to be cloned commercially.
Are you a massive fan of sci-fi movies? You might get interested with this trivia.
A male Maine Coon named Little Nicky became the first cat to be cloned in 2004. Little Nicky’s owner decided to make a clone of him right after he died at the age of 17.
Refusing to accept the loss of a beloved pet, the owner saved Little Nicky’s tissue in a gene bank for future purposes.
When the cat died, the owner paid a hefty $50,000 to the Genetic Savings and Clone Incorporated in California.
In return, the cloning company transplanted Little Nicky’s DNA into an egg cell and used a surrogate female cat to carry the embryo.
The result of the first commercial cloning on the domestic cat was a success; in fact, it even made it to the headlines.
Little Nicky's owners were said to be happy with the result. However, the cloning company was forced to close in 2006 due to financial reasons.
9. Stewie, the world's longest cat.
Before his death in 2013 due to cancer, Stewie held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat in the world.
Stewie, at eight years old, was measuring 48.5 inches long from the tip of his nose to the end tip of his tail
10. Some Maine Coons have six toes.
If you think Hemingway's cats are the only kitties with six toes, then you're wrong.
Normal felines have a total of 18 toes, five toes on each front paw and four toes on each hind paw.
Having extra toes equates to a congenital physical anomaly called ‘polydactyl.'
This congenital condition is common in this breed, and this abnormality helps them to use their paws on snow.
Some pet owners find this unusual characteristic as undesirable that led breeders to stop breeding polydactyl Maine Coons.
Maine Coon kittens with six toes are now considered rare, but there are still those who yield special cats with extra toes.
Maine Coon Kitten Characteristics
At birth, Maine Coon kittens look like regular newborn kittens. However, their enormous size will start to show as they grow up.
They typically grow twice as much as other feline breeds of smaller size. Maine Coon kittens are affectionate and may require your company most of the time.
You'll know that they're craving for your attention by following you around wherever you go.
They’ll surely enjoy curling up on your lap and will appreciate being cuddled. However, Maine Coon kittens are not just lap kitties.
Make sure to spend some time to play with your Maine Coon kittens because they are active and playful creatures.
Give them lots of toys to play with like scratching posts and climbing trees that can keep them busy for hours.
Maine Coon kittens are remarkably intelligent that you can even teach them to play fetch with you, just like dogs.
It is essential to ensure that they're getting enough physical exercise to prevent them from gaining too much weight.
They are generally large, to begin with. Additional weight can drag them down which can eventually lead to obesity.
Aside from physical exercises, their diet should also be carefully monitored. Due to their size, Maine Coon kittens tend to have a bigger appetite than other breeds.
So, make sure to have a bigger food bowl ready for your Coon.
This may be a bit unusual to typical felines, but Maine Coon kittens love water. You won't have any problem persuading them to take a bath because they'll take pleasure in doing so.
Maine Coon kittens are quite talkative during this stage. However, they become less chatty and noisy as they mature.
They still will make alarming vocalizations now and then, but only when they desperately need your attention and affection.
Maine Coon Weight Chart
Below is the generic listing of this breed’s weight based on age and gender:
Male Maine Coon Weight Chart
Age | Weight (in pounds) |
|---|---|
Week 1 | 0.53 |
Week 2 | 0.71 |
Week 3 | 0.94 |
Week 4 | 1.09 |
Week 8 | 2.20 |
Week 12 | 4.4 |
Week 20 | 8.82 |
Week 30 | 13.5 |
12 Months | 15.3 |
24 Months | 21.5 |
3 Years | 25.04 |
Female Maine Coon Weight Chart
Age | Weight (in pounds) |
|---|---|
Week 1 | 0.44 |
Week 2 | 0.62 |
Week 3 | 0.94 |
Week 4 | 1.09 |
Week 8 | 2.19 |
Week 12 | 3.05 |
Week 20 | 6.63 |
Week 30 | 9.25 |
12 Months | 11.5 |
24 Months | 15 |
3 Years | 15.09 |
Is Maine Coon Right for You?
Maine Coon Kittens are cute and tiny then rapidly grow into equally cute but rather large pets.
Additionally, their fur also becomes longer and thicker as they grow up which makes them appear more significant than their actual size.
If you don't mind taking care of larger pets, then you may consider adopting Maine Coon kittens. Despite their enormous size, they are just as adorable as their tiny counterparts.
Maine Coon kittens would be extremely dependent on you. However, as they grow and learn to do things on their own, they will become more independent.
Cats of this breed are known to be skilled hunters.
Early breeds were used by farmers to chase and kill rodents that were rampantly destroying crops.
Their desire to hunt runs in their blood so make sure to give them more time in the outdoors.
They will need this to develop and exercise their jumping and climbing skills that are inherent to their breed.
No matter how busy you are, it's important to allow some time to play with them or supervise them while they play outside.
Please don't forget to provide them with enough toys to keep them entertained indoors.
More importantly, these larger domestic kitties tend to eat more than smaller breeds. They would require more food to sustain their bulky body.
Also, grooming them won't be too much of a hassle for you since this breed loves water.
However, only bath them occasionally to prevent stripping away their natural oils that keep their skin and fur healthy.
Regular brushing is a must to keep their coat silky smooth and shiny all the time. Brushing also helps keep shedding to a minimum.
Is Maine Coon kittens the right choice of pet for you? Well, that entirely depends on your preference of companion and your commitment to giving a happy, healthy lifestyle to your pet.
Average Life Expectancy of a Maine Coon Cat
The lifespan of a particular pet is greatly influenced by other relevant factors.
On average, the average life expectancy of a Maine Coon cat is somewhere around 10 or 13 years.
However, then again, this doesn't guarantee that your pet would reach that age.
Several factors may shorten or prolong the life expectancy of a particular feline.
Some cats of this breed have been reported to have lived beyond 13 years while there are also those that have died as early as five years.
It all depends on many factors such as genes, diet, lifestyle and physical exercise.
Biologically speaking, all offspring of mixed breeding are susceptible genetic disorders and hereditary diseases.
Since cats of this breed belong to this group, genetic conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are familiar to them.
During the breeding process, all inherent traits from both parents are inherited by the offspring.
However, the family also inherits existing diseases from both of its parents, making it more prone to chronic illnesses.
Another thing to monitor in Maine Coon kittens is their weight. Everyone wants a huggable and chubby kitty, but we also need to watch out for obesity.
Yes, a fat furry cat is as adorable as a plush teddy bear. However, obese kitties are more prone to certain diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
In worse cases, obesity can even trigger a genetic condition called ‘hip dysplasia.' When the part of the hip joint can no longer accommodate the entire weight, the ball and socket are misaligned.
As a result, the dislocation of these parts prevents the femoral head from moving efficiently.
Arthritis during the early stage of life is an apparent sign of this condition. If left unchecked and untreated, hip dysplasia can cause paralysis in your cat.
How to Prolong the Life Expectancy of a Maine Coon Cat
Genetic disorders and health issues are the major factors that can shorten a Main Coon's lifespan.
However, don't let these conditions discourage you from getting Maine Coon kittens as pets.
The Guinness World Record for the ‘oldest living cat' in 2015 was a half Maine Coon cat named Corduroy.
At age 26, he still lived an active life of hunting critters in the outdoors and jumping over counters.
Tragically, Corduroy was stripped of the crown the following year when he ran away from home and went missing.
His disappearance has led his owner to presume that the 27-year-old cat was already dead.
So, if Corduroy managed to live that long, your Coon also possibly can. Here are some important things to remember that can give your feline pet a long and healthy life:
Enough Exercise
Corduroy's owner believes that the key to her pet's longevity is the fact that they allow him to play outside.
Naturally, letting them hunt in the outdoors or climb trees is the best physical exercise that they can ever have.
Maine Coon kittens are energetic and would appreciate playing in the outdoors even without any stimulations. Just bring them outside and let your backyard serve as their playground.
One of the most remarkable traits of this breed is that they have a dog-like behavior.
Surprisingly for feline species, they can be trained to wear a leash and can even play fetch with you.
If they are used to play in the outdoors at a young age, they will carry this habit as they grow old. With proper exercise, they can avoid health issues associated with obesity.
Proper Diet
Some pet owners tend to overfeed their Maine Coon kittens to have a pillow-like pet. However, don't be like them.
Maine Coon kittens require a high protein, low carbohydrate diet to help them grow appropriately without gaining excessive weight.
Low calorie and fat-free foods are highly recommended to keep their weights in check.
Dosage recommendations range between 25 to 35 calories per pound a day.
So, if you have a 15-lb kitty, the recommended calorie intake should range between 375 to 525 calories per day.
Commercial cat foods (both dry and canned) provide nutritional information on their labels which also includes calorie content per serving.
Typically, wet cat foods contain fewer calories than dry foods because of their high moisture content.
Due to higher calorie and less moisture content, cats on dry food-only diet are at higher risk of obesity. It is only logical to assume that wet foods are more preferable than dry foods.
Wet foods also have its downside though. Cats on wet food-only diet are more prone to dental problems because these foods increase the buildup of tartar in their teeth.
Both dry and wet cat foods are nutritionally complete, and you can take advantage of both by alternating between them.
Besides, cats tend to get bored when they're stuck with only one type of food. Giving them more variations in their diet doesn't just benefit them nutritionally, but it would surely make them happy.
Health Care
Since Main Coon kittens are prone to certain health risks, regular visits to the vet will certainly help.
Early detection of a minor health problem can help you treat the condition before it gets worse.
Furthermore, learn from your vet regarding the proper care required to prevent major health problems from happening.
This may sound a bit cliché, but prevention is always better than cure. If you want your pet to have a longer life, proper health care should be on your list of priority.
Price and Availability
Maine Coon kitten prices greatly depend on the availability of the breed and your location. However, one thing is for sure, Maine Coon kitten prices cost more than other breeds.
So, how much does it cost to bring home Maine Coon kittens? In the US, Maine Coon kitten prices vary from around $700 to $1,500.
Make sure that you’re buying from registered breeders or catteries to ensure that you’re getting a well-bred kitty.
Most registered breeders guarantee that their Maine Coon kittens come from parents that have undergone full health tests.
These tests may include heart scans, x-ray hip checks, and DNA testing for HMA and SMA detection.
Of course, these tests also come with a hefty price. However, remember that these tests will save you much money regarding vet bills in the long run.
Maine Coon Mix
Finding Maine Coon mix is a cheaper way to find a pet with this heritage. However, it’s still crucial to get Maine Coon mix from registered breeders to make sure that its parent has had appropriate health tests.
There is no guarantee that the offspring would inherit the appearance and characteristics of its Coon parent.
If you ever decide to opt for a Maine Coon mix, don’t expect that it will look and behave exactly like purebred Coons.
However, this doesn't mean that a Maine Coon mix is less adorable and desirable as their purebred counterparts.
Let us remind you that Corduroy, the kitty that made a record as the ‘oldest living cat’ was a half Maine Coon.
What does this tell us? It tells us that a Maine Coon mix is not the inferior breed compared to purebred ones.
How to Tell If You Have a Maine Coon Cat
Many people often mistake this breed for Norwegian Forest cats due to their striking resemblance.
Moreover, if the Viking origin theory is correct, then we can deduce that these two breeds are directly related.
So, how to tell if you have a Maine Coon cat? When it comes to size, this breed is slightly larger than a Norwegian Forest cat as far as purebred variety is concerned.
Maine Coon mix is not quite as large as purebred Coons. Moreover, Maine Coon mix typically reach its full potential at three years of age. On the other hand, purebred can still grow for up to 5 years.
The neck ruff is without a doubt the most distinguishing feature of this breed. Unfortunately for Norwegian Forest cats, they don’t have this lion-like ruff.
However, Maine Coon mix tends to lose this feature and usually has less dense coats than purebred.
Conclusion
Considering all the adorable physical features and charming personalities, it's not difficult to see why Maine Coon kittens are favorite.
These particular breeds don't come cheap, and Maine Coon kitten prices are more costly than other breeds. However, every penny is worth it.
Colors of Maine Coon cats come in a wide variety of solid and patterned colors. Moreover, their thick, soft coat further enhances their majestic appearance.
This beautiful feline breed possesses everything you've been dreaming of in a pet.
Furthermore, their affection and loyalty towards their owners make them an ideal companion.
They are not as talkative as other breeds, but they'll surely let you know when they need anything.
In taking care of Maine Coon kittens, commitment is the number one requirement.
These kitties will continue to grow for up to 5 years, so it's essential to have your own Maine Coon weight chart. This is to check whether your pet is growing correctly or not.
Of course, feeding and grooming are essential routines to keep them healthy.
Although this breed is considered as indoor kitties, please don't forget to let them play outside.
As a natural hunter, they will crave to chase their prey and climb trees from time to time.
Besides, playing in the outdoors is one way to stimulate them in getting physical exercises.
With proper care, companionship and love, your pet will surely appreciate every moment spent with you.
Long life for your pet is a definite goal, but nothing is more fulfilling than a happy life filled with loving care.
