Maine Coon owner's guide

Maine Coon origins

This large, hardy breed hails from the rugged northeast of the US, specifically from the state of Maine, where their thick, bushy tails were said to resemble raccoon’s tails – hence the name ‘Maine Coon’. History suggests these cats were once working mousers on ships or farms, adapting to the local environment over time.

Maine Coon – temperament

The Maine Coon is a cat breed known for being curious, charming and quick to learn, with a stable temperament. The breed is sociable and enjoys human company, so expect to get a curious friend who wants to spend lots of time with you.

Their curiosity is reflected in their willingness to splash around in water – they may even hop into the shower, or help with the dishes, given the chance!

Maine Coons are also known for having a ‘cooing’ voice when they communicate.

Training and exercise

Cat behaviourist consultant Anna Jönsson Bergstedt shares tips for training your Maine Coon – and keeping them active:

• Give them space to climb
  Ensure that your Maine Coon has a decent lookout spot – and one that’s big enough to support them. It’s also good to give them scratching posts, but make sure they’re high up enough that your Maine Coon can have a good stretch while scratching.
• Let them explore their fascination with water
  Maine Coons are fascinated by water, so it’s good to give them opportunities to access and explore this. You could get them water-based toys to encourage their curiosity.
• Take them for a walk
  Since they are often both curious and love company, you could consider taking your Maine Coon on a walk outside. Get them used to their harness and lead gradually, while slowly introducing them to their outdoor environment.
  Avoid ‘cat backpacks’ for cats to be transported in as they are not suitable for large cats like the Maine Coon. They also do not offer the correct ventilation and protection that cats need.
• Play fetch
  Many Maine Coons seem to enjoy fetching toys. Make sure you find an appropriate size toy so that they can pick it up and carry it back to you.
  If your Maine Coon enjoys this game, you could also consider teaching them the ‘fetch’ command.

Maine Coon – appearance and size

The Maine Coon is a large cat breed, with a square head, square muzzle, and high cheekbones. The breed has large eyes that are set far apart, and they have large, pointed ears with furry tufts. They also have a long, fluffy tail, which is wider at the base and tapers off towards the tip.

Maine Coon fur

The Maine Coon's coat is medium length, silky and dense. The fur is shortest on the head, making it look as though it has a ‘collar’ where the fur starts to thicken out. On the back and hind legs, the fur is longer. Maine Coons have very furry ears – both inside and out – and often have tufts on the tips of their ears.

Maine Coon colours

Maine Coons can be almost any colour - but chocolate, purple and musk are all quite rare.

Some of the most common colourings include:

• Unpatterned black and blue cats
• Black and blue cats with white spots
• Black/brown and blue patterned cats
• Black/brown and blue patterned cats with white spots
• Unpatterned/patterned red and cream cats, and unpatterned/patterned black and blue tortoiseshell cats
• Unpatterned/patterned red and cream cats, and unpatterned/patterned black and blue tortoiseshell cats with white spots
• Cats with silver fur
• Cats with silver fur and white spots
• Unpatterned white cats

If you get a Maine Coon kitten

Maine coon kittens grow and develop relatively slowly, and only reach full maturity between 3-5 years old.

When you pick up your new Maine Coon kitten, be sure to ask the breeder what food to give them when you first take them home.

All kittens should be vet-inspected, vaccinated against feline distemper and cat distemper, and dewormed when you pick them up. You should also ask when their next vaccination and deworming treatment is due.

Learn more about caring for your kitten, including how to settle them into their new home.

Maine Coon FAQs

Last reviewed by Amanda Andersson in May 2024.