Breed: Main Coon
Average Size: The average weight is 13-20 pounds for adult males and 7-11 pounds for females. Male Maine Coons may grow to a length in excess of 40 inches. The longest cat on record is a male Maine Coon measuring 48 inches in length. Growth to full size often takes longer with Maine Coons usually reaching full size at age four or five.
Appearance: The most common color pattern in the breed is brown tabby. Maine Coons are recognized in all colors. Eye color also varies widely. All patterns may have green, green-gold, or gold. Blue eyes, or one blue eye with one gold eye, are possible in white coat cats. Some share similar facial markings, for example, a distinct 'M' shape on the forehead. They have medium-long, dense fur, with longer 'ruff' hair on their chests similar to a mane. Their fur consists of two layers, an undercoat and a layer of longer guard hairs, which gives the breed their key physical feature. The fur is generally very soft. Maine Coons have long hair on the backs of their legs and between their toes which helps to keep them warm in the cold. They also have bushy plumed tails and broad, angular heads, squared-off muzzles and wide-set ears topped with tufts of fur making them resemble a Lynx.
Lifespan: average 14 years but can be much longer
Habitat: Although they have the coat to handle all types of weather, their playful nature is better appreciated inside.
Food: They thrive on better brands of cat foods. Adding fish oils to the diet helps keep their coat and skin in top health. However, they are often quite picky. They enjoy water so keep plenty of clean water around.
Temperament: While Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats, they are not overly-dependent. They don't pester for attention but like to investigate whatever activity you are involved in. They generally are not 'lap cats' but will stay close by. They will follow you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you to emerge. They will be loyal companion but not a baby. They are relaxed and easy-going. The males tend to be silly while the females are more dignified, but both remain playful throughout their lives. They generally get along well with kids and dogs, as well as other cats. They even enjoy playing fetch.
Special Traits: Maine Coons are known for high intelligence, dexterity, and playfulness. They have a tendency to use their front paws extensively even sometimes eating and drinking with them. They can learn to open cabinet doors, turn on water faucets, flush toilets, or pick up small objects. Maine Coons intelligence makes them easy to train. They hardly ever Meow but when they do it is usually high pitched like it didn't come out of such a large cat. They are noted for rarely eating alone, preferring to eat in the company of other cats or humans.
Other Important Info: The most common inherited health problems are hip dysplasia, which can produce lameness in a severely affected cat, and cardiomyopathy, which can produce anything from a minor heart murmur to severe heart trouble. Any breeder you talk to should be willing to discuss whether they've had any problems with these diseases in their breeding stock, or in kittens they've produced.
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