With a body weight ranging from 9-18 pounds, a height that can reach 41 centimetres, and a length of up to 120 centimetres, the Maine Coon is a big, rugged-looking cat. It is the largest among the domestic cats, with a robust stature and a rectangular, muscular body. However, it takes 3-5 years from birth before the Maine Coon reaches its full proportions. It has tall, pointy ears and a wedge-shaped head that is a bit longer than wider. An M-shaped marking in the middle of its forehead is one of its distinguishing features.
The Maine Coon’s eyes do not necessarily match its fur’s shade; it could be copper, gold, or green. The white varieties tend to have mismatched eyes.
The fur of this breed is its most distinctive attribute, aside from its massive size. Shaggy, smooth, and glossy, the Maine Coon’s glorious coat consists of three layers and may come in various patterns and colours (from brown to cream). Under its two uneven layers of fur is a silky undercoat, all of which are augmented by the bushiness of its long tail. When it feels cold, the Main Coon can wrap its tail around itself for extra insulation.
The Maine Coon’s tufted paws are large as they act as its ‘snowshoes’ during the winter season. Although it is no longer bred to have six toes, some non-purebreds have extra toes.
Being a long or medium-haired cat, this cat needs regular grooming (twice weekly brushing). As it is likely to shed more in the Spring and Autumn, more brushing is needed during those seasons.