How to Identify a Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coons are medium or large cats averaging 12-18 pounds with big ears, broad chest, substantial boning, a long, hard muscled, rectangular body and a long flowing tail. They come in every color and pattern except pointed (like a Siamese).
Females are proportionally smaller than males and can weigh 4 to 5 pounds less. Mature males can have larger, broader heads than the females. The fur coat appears shaggy; fur is shorter on the front legs and over the shoulders, becoming gradually longer down the back and sides, with long, full shaggy britches and belly fur, giving an overall image of a big cat with long hair.
Fur is very soft and silky; the glossy coat is heavy and water-resistant. Tails are usually bushy, long and flowing (about the same length as the body of the cat) and sometimes ringed like a raccoon tail. Feet have long tufts of fur growing out between the paw pads. They may a have a ruff (like a lion’s ruff) of fur around their neck. Ears are large, wide at the base, moderately pointed, and well tufted inside (fur growing out of the ears), set high on their head, approximately one ear width apart. Sometimes ears have lynx tips (fur growing up from the ends of the ears, like a Lynx). Maine Coon eyes are large and expressive. Their muzzle is usually square and box-like.
Some Maine Coons have a feral (wild) look and appear hostile. This is misleading; Maine Coons have very friendly and playful temperaments. They have a clown-like personality and affectionate nature; they seek out and enjoy the company of people. They make excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy having dogs and other animals around. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs. Voices are often "tiny" with musical sounding trills and chirps, often sounding birdlike. Maine Coons are usually very talkative.
Cats in rescue/shelter situations may be traumatized by their experiences in a new, strange or frightening environment. Their normal personalities may not be obviously apparent. Time, consistent love and gentleness will win out. If you have it in your heart and you have the patience and time, please consider rehabilitating a rescued Maine Coon cat or kitten.
Below are pictures of Maine Coons:
Characteristics of the Maine Coon Cat
- Head: Broad head, prominent cheek bones
- Muzzle: Boxy
- Ears: Large, high, one ear's width apart, tufts, lynx points
- Eyes: Slightly oval, gold to green in color
- Body: Long, rectangular, substantial boning & musculature and large tufted feet
- Tail: Long, bushy, flowing tail
- Fur: Heavy and shaggy, shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches. Frontal ruff is partial to full. Texture is all-weather, smooth along body.
Maine Coons are medium or large cats averaging 12-18 pounds with big ears, broad chest, substantial boning, a long, hard muscled, rectangular body and a long flowing tail. They come in every color and pattern except pointed (like a Siamese). Questions often arise about the differences amount Norwegian Forest Cats, Siberians and Maine Coon.
The links below have comparisons among several breeds: