There is a reason there’s no shortage of Maine Coon for sale ads. The popularity of this massive cat can be explained by its charming and affectionate ways. That and the fact it’s considered the dog of the cat world because of its canine-like attributes.
The Maine Coon is not your typical cat. To help you take stock of this cat breed, we’ve listed all its characteristics and features below. Be warned, there is a real possibility of falling in love with this gentle giant.
Origins
This huge feline is the biggest domestic cat breed in the world. In fact, the longest cat on earth, as recognised by the Guinness World Records, is a Maine Coon. Cats with the longest tail and tallest height are also of the same breed.
This beautiful feline comes from the United States and is the oldest breed native to the country. It is named after the state of Maine and an English seafarer named Captain Charles Coon.
Its moggie ancestors reportedly are the long-haired cats brought to America by English sailors. Later genetic testing showed that this four-legged charm came from the Norwegian Forest Cat, which is also a big feline.
Maine Coon Size and Appearance
Weighing 9 to 18 lbs and reaching a height of 41 cm (maximum), the Maine Coon is one armful bundle of fur. Its longish, shaggy coat consists of three layers, which enables it to survive the harshest winters. Coat patterns and colours come in various combinations, from cream to brown.
If you take a closer look at its eyes, they may not match their coat’s colour. The cream-coloured ones may even have mismatched peepers.
Its very bushy tail is long enough to wrap around the cat’s body for added insulation. Its paws also emphasise the Maine Coon’s ability to thrive in snowy environments. Its feet are tufted and large, acting like snowshoes during the winter.
Maine Coon Personality: Cat in Dog Disguise
Are Maine Coon cats good pets? Yes, they are! This cat breed is good-natured, adaptable, and friendly. It is also good with children, but interaction with very young ones need supervision.
It likes human company and may even follow its humans around. But it is not clingy or needy of attention–it is not a lap cat, after all. It is happy to get your attention when it is available. Otherwise, it can be content just watching the goings on in the home. As such, this intelligent feline makes for a great family pet.
Another of the many Maine Coon characteristics is its excellent mousing skills. If there’s no rodent to chase, it enjoys doing so with toys. It is very playful and will be so for its lifetime, even in its senior years. Like other cats, it can climb on things but prefers to keep all four feet firmly on the ground.
Maine Coons are like the dogs of the cat world for the following reasons:
- Unlike many other breeds, this cat would rather play fetch. It’s been called the “retriever of the cat world.”
- This feline breed also gets along with other pets easily.
- It enjoys walks on a lead like dogs do.
- It likes the water and swimming as its fur is water-resistant.
Is a Maine Coon for Sale a Worthy Buy?
Owners of this cat breed say the Maine Coon’s size, beauty, gentleness, outgoing personality, friendliness, and love for humans make it a wonderful pet.
What they find challenging about this feline is the shedding, daily brushing, matting, and the high cost of getting one.
Here are other things to consider if you’re getting this majestic feline:
- Climate
Maine Coons have extra thick coats and thrive better in cold areas. - Space
As a massive cat, it takes up more space than the average one. Can you deal with an animal the size of a small dog walking on top of high places in your home? Can you make room for this feline? - Human presence
Although independent and not needy, the Maine Coon cannot be left by itself for long. Do you have at least one housemate who can stay home when everyone goes out? Can you get another pet as a companion for this breed?
Overall, the Maine Coon is a great pet choice. Some owners even say that once you have one, there is no looking back.
Take a look at these Maine Coon cats for sale to help you decide!
