Maine Coon FAQ - Frequently Asked QuestionsHere are the most frequently asked questions we get on a daily basis. Is my cat a Maine Coon?Although many long haired cats share similar characteristics to the Maine Coon, there is no definite way to tell if a cat or kitten is a Maine Coon just by looks or behavior. The Maine Coon is America's only native longhair cat and evolved in response to New England climate. Although your cat may have similar characteristics and/or behaviors to the breed. Really, the only way to prove a cat is a Maine Coon is by looking at a cat's pedigree going back several generations or more. Without a pedigree proving the cat in question is in fact a Maine Coon, there is really no way to tell. How big does a Maine Coon get?From own personal observations at our cattery and talking to other Maine Coon breeders, we can say with a degree of certainty that female Maine Coons run in the 8lb to 14lb range. The Maine Coon male can run on average from 13lb to 25lb with some healthy, non overweight males making it into the 30+ lb range. I heard that Maine Coons are big nasty tempered cats, are they?The Maine Coon breed is also known as the "Gentle Giants" and the cats themselves are very lovable and friendly. Most Maine Coons prefer to watch their owners perform whatever activity is going on at that moment and sometimes will try to help out. The personality of the breed is not known for "lap cats" but for a cat that prefers to sit or lay close by to you. But there are always exceptions to that rule and we've had a few Maine Coon "lap cats" at the cattery. The Maine Coon males tend to be clown-like, love to play and get attention with the Maine Coon female being more dignified but still love to play and show affection. These cats adjust well to multi-pet households and as well as get along with most children too. The Maine Coon is very intelligent and can be taught tricks such as fetch and even to shake hands. Don't be surprised if you take away a cat toy or cat treats and hide them only later on to be found in possession of your Maine Coon, they're smart. What colors and patterns does a Maine Coon come in?Maine Coons not only come in the more standard browns and silvers the most people think of but the breed comes in over 30 or more colors. These colors contain such a variety including blues, blacks, browns, reds, silvers and whites to name a few. The Maine Coon comes in different mixing patterns such as mackerels, shaded, smokes, torbies, with white, and even solid colors such as black, blue, red, white and tortoiseshell Maine Coons.
The Main Coon breed's eye color varies but the primary eye colors are green, gold or copper. Blue eyes, or one blue eye with one gold eye, are possible in white coat cats. Lastly, all Maine Coons share similar facial markings usually with a distinct "M" pattern on the forehead. For more information on Maine Coon Colors, we've written and article with the CFA color standards and with MORE examples of the colors that we produce here at the Timberkatz Cattery. Please click this link for our article: Maine Coon Colors. What kind of grooming regiment does a Maine Coon require?The Maine Coon coat is one that is a shaggy coat which is soft and silky to the touch. The fur is dense and water resistant developed over time for the harsh New England climate where the breed is said to originate. Longer hair is found both on the Maine Coon's ruff (on their chests similar to the mane of a lion) and on the back of their legs (known as britches). Maine Coon's fur consists of 2 layers, an undercoat which has wooly or down hairs, (soft hairs that provide additional insulation), coarser awn hairs, (having thickened tips that are longer than the down hairs), and guard hairs (coarse, thick, protective hairs) that make up the topcoat. It is the guard hairs which makes the Maine Coon water resistant, being able to repel both snow and water on their coat. With all that said, the coat of Maine Coon is very easily groomed and should be done once or twice a week (depending on the season and the amount of fur). Special attention should paid to the stomach, chest, leg and britches areas of the Maine Coon since this is where most matting of the fur happens. When it does, just gently comb out the matt or pickup a special de-matting comb sold at most pet stores for cats. How long does it take for a Maine Coon to mature?Maine Coons take an average of between 3 to 5 years to fully mature although usually within the first 18 months you should have a good indication of how big your Maine Coon is going to get. Also remember that fixed (spayed or neutered) Maine Coons will weigh more than breeding males and females.
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