Maine Coons

Many people often ask a variety of questions regarding the Maine Coon breed so we have listed some of them:

• What does a Maine Coon look like?

Most Maine Coons are large, shaggy, tabby cats with very sunny dispositions. They usually have big ears, a broad chest with substantial  boning and a long hard muscled rectangular body. They also have a beautiful long flowing tail. One of their most distinctive features is their eyes , which are large, round and expressive, set at a slightly oblique angle..

• Where did these cats originate from?

The Maine Coon is North America's only native long haired cat. They originated in New England possibly from European settlers, who brought their domesticated cats with them. These cats had to survive Maine's harsh climates, thus over the years, they adapted by growing thicker coats and tufted paws (good for manoeuvring in the deep snow and under brush). They also developed  a long bushy tail that they could wrap around their bodies for warmth in the freezing temperatures. Contrary to the "lore", Maine Coons are not part "wildcats" nor are they descendants of raccoons. They are 100% domesticated cats and are called "coon cats" because of their tabby-like striped tail that resembles a raccoon's.

• How big do Maine Coons get?

Males on average weigh from 15 to 20 lbs when full grown. Females are smaller than males and can typically weigh from 9 to 12 lbs when they are fully grown. Maine Coons are a slow maturing breed and do not reach their full size until they are 3 to 5 years of age.

• What colours can Maine Coons be?

Maine Coons come in tabby patterns and solid colours. All of these patterns and colours can also come with or without white. The most common colour is brown tabby, but other tabby colours are red, blue, cream, silver, blue silver and cameo tabby. You will also find Maine Coon females that are called Torbie (red, white and brown) tabby as well. The solid colours consist of black, blue and white, though these colours are less common. Maine Coon's eye colours can be any shade of green and/or gold and is not tied in to the coat colour. Blue or odd eye (one blue and one gold eye) are allowed in white cats.

• What are their "Purrsonalities" like?

Maine Coons are affectionate, intelligent, curious, loyal clowns, that make excellent indoor pets. They grow very attached to their people and love to communicate with them with little chirps and trills, as well as with big contented purrs. Maine Coons love water and will play with a dripping tap for hours. They assimilate very well into a home with children, dogs and other cats. They will show you exactly why they are called " Gentle Giants".

• What are some common health problems?

In Maine Coons, 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. We, as a rule will x-ray all our breeding cat's hips as well, have their hearts checked on a regular basis. Anyone who does not pass certification will be spayed or neutered.