Maine Coon: What You Need To Know About The Largest Domesticated Cat

The Maine Coon cat is a breed that originates from the United States (yes, as the name implies, it is native to the state of Maine). It's the largest domesticated breed of feline. The Maine Coon cat size is enormous, towering a full 10-16 inches high and 38 inches in length. The Guinness World Record for longest cat goes to a Maine Coon named Stewie, which was 48.5 inches long! It's not often that you see a cat that is four feet long!

As you may have guessed, these cats' height and length are not the sole unique features of this breed. Whether you're looking at getting one of these pets or already have one, here's what you need to know about this impressive breed!

A Maine Coon's Personality Is Unlike Other Cats

One of the fascinating attributes of this particular type of cat is its personality. Many people have described a Maine Coon personality as being more akin to that of a dog instead of a cat. They are loyal to their family and have higher-than-average intelligence. Maine Coons are playful pets that love interacting with their owners as well as other cats and dogs.

Unlike most cats, you can train a Maine Coon. For example, you can teach them to sit, roll over, lay down, stand up, and do a high five. Maine Coons are reasonably easy to train, often requiring about as much instruction as a dog.

Maine Coons Are Great Around Children

Cats and children sometimes don't mix well. Some cats are aloof, reserved, and want to be left alone. Unfortunately, children - especially younger ones - want to pet, hold, and touch their pets. This natural tendency in young children can sometimes create tension between the cat and child. 

Maine Coons are quite good with children as they are very friendly. You might not guess that though from their size. After all, if the cat scratches or bites, the bigger Maine Coon cat size will make it a much bigger problem than with a smaller cat. However, because Maine Coons are very gentile and love attention, they work remarkably well with children. Additionally, since you can train Maine Coons, you can teach them to sit or stay, which helps if there are any issues.

These Cats Like To Swim

Maine Coons often like water, and they enjoy swimming. These cats will play with the water in their water bowl, and they also have a fondness for the shower indoors. If you have a Maine Coon and they are expressing this type of interest in water, you should see if they want to learn to swim.

To teach your cat to swim, introduce them to a small body of water (like your bathtub). If your pet likes that, then you can move to a more significant body of water like a backyard pool or a small kid-size splash pool outdoors. Similarly, if your pet likes that, you can introduce your cat to even more substantial bodies of water like lakes. Always pay very close attention to your cat around water, though, and never leave them unattended!

Maine Coons Are Expensive

Breeders sell Maine Coon kittens for approximately $1,000-$1,500 if they're healthy. If they're a little older or not in good health, they might go for less. However, it's rare to pick up a Maine Coon for adoption for a low fee like you can with other breeds.

Of course, you should always make sure you do your homework first when buying from a breeder. Make sure they have a quality reputation and that they have treated their pets humanely. Ask to see evidence of vet checkups and vaccinations. You'll want to ensure that your new pet is one that you'll spend time with at home and not at the vets.

These Pets Are Fluffy

Recall that the Maine Coon is indigenous to the United States. To survive the harsh winters of the northeastern US, they needed a thick, luxurious coat to keep them warm. These fluffy cats even have fluffy tails!

Nowadays, your Maine Coon won't need the fur to survive the elements, but you will undoubtedly enjoy how soft and fluffy these cats are. They are some of the sweetest cats to cuddle and pet for that exact reason!

A Great Choice For People Who Want A Dog-Cat!

Maine Coons have the best of both worlds. They have a dog-like personality with cat-like usage of the litter box, the fluffy fur of a cat, and other fun cat characteristics. If you're looking for a big ball of fur and fun, this breed of cat is perfect for you!

How much are Maine Coon cats?

The price varies depending on the breeder, of course. Most Maine Coon kittens go for about $1,000. Some will go higher at about $1,500, while others will go lower. If you're paying less than $500 for one, there's a good chance the breeder isn't on the up-and-up about the kitten. Older cats will go for less. It's possible, although rare, to find one at a shelter. If that happens, you should snap it up! They make lovely pets!

How big do Maine Coon cats get?

The average Maine Coon cat size is about 35-40 inches in length and 10-20 inches tall. It's an enormous cat, but not the biggest common household pet.

How long do Maine Coon cats live?

How long your Maine Coon cat will live depends on a variety of factors. The average lifespan is 12.5 years. However, you can potentially increase that by ensuring that your cat gets plenty of exercise and by offering the best quality foods. Teaching your pet to swim is a beautiful way to burn off calories and bond with your pet. In terms of food, there are specific offerings for Maine Coons out there. Make sure that the food you pick is well-reviewed and has all the nutrition that they need. Since Maine Coons are a little bigger than other cats, they tend to need more food and have unique dietary requirements. If you're unsure about what food to give your pet, please consult with a vet!

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