Maine Coon
Also known as: Gentle giants
The Maine Coon is a pedigreed cat breed with a documented history and breed standard. The Maine Coon comes from United States, typically weighs 8 to 10 kg, and lives around the Maine Coon at > 12. Individual Maine Coons vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United States
- Weight
- 8 to 10 kg (18 to 22 lb) , with females
- Life span
- the Maine Coon at > 12
- Other names
- Gentle giants
About the Maine Coon
Originating in the United States, the Maine Coon is a long- or medium-haired cat breed. Its distinctive coat is a defining characteristic of this feline breed.
Size
The Maine Coon is one of the largest breed of domesticated cats. It was once considered the largest breed until the introduction of the hybrid Savannah cat (crossing a serval ( Leptailurus serval ) with a domestic cat) in the mid-1980s, yet it is still the largest non-hybrid breed. On average, males weigh from 8 to 10 kg (18 to 22 lb) , with females weighing from 5 to 7 kg (12 to 15 lb) . The height of adults can vary between 25 and 41 cm (10 and 16 in) and they can reach a length of up to 97 cm (38 in) , including the tail, which can reach a length of 36 cm (14 in) and is long, tapering, and heavily furred, almost resembling a raccoon''s tail. The body is solid and muscular, which is necessary for supporting their weight, and the chest is broad. Maine Coons possess a rectangular body shape and are slow to physically mature; their full size is normally not reached until they are three to five years old, while other cats take about one year. In 2010, the Guinness World Records accepted a male purebred Maine Coon named " Stewie " as the "Longest Cat", measuring 123 cm (48.5 in) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail . Stewie died on 4 February 2013 from cancer at his home in Reno, Nevada , US, at age 8. Large Maine Coons can overlap in length with Eurasian lynxes , although with a much lighter build and lower height.
Heart
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been observed in Maine Coon populations. A mutation in the MYBPC3 gene found in Maine Coons has been associated with HCM. Of all the Maine Coons tested for the MyBPC mutation at the Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University , approximately one-third tested positive. Not all cats that test positive will have clinical signs of the disease, and some Maine Coon cats with clinical evidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy test negative for this mutation, strongly suggesting that a second mutation exists in the breed. The HCM prevalence was found to be 10.1% (95% CI 5.8-14.3%) in this study. Early growth and nutrition, larger body size, and obesity may be environmental modifiers of genetic predisposition to HCM.
Other
Maine Coons also seem to be predisposed to develop entropion , mainly on the lateral aspect of the eyelids , which can lead to corneal irritation and ulceration , and may require surgery.
Overview
The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed . The breed is selectively bred from one of the oldest landraces in North America, and is pedigreed in all major cat registries worldwide. It originated in the U.S. state of Maine , where it is the official state cat . The Maine Coon is a large and social cat , commonly referred to as "the gentle giant". The breed is predominantly known for its large size and its long and dense coat of fur which helps it survive in the harsh climate of Maine. The Maine Coon is often cited as having " dog-like " characteristics. The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long-haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century. The Maine Coon has since made a comeback, and is the most popular cat breed in multiple global cat registries.
Health
Maine Coon cats typically live between 12 to 15 years, with some individuals reaching 18 years or more when provided with optimal care, nutrition, and a safe indoor environment. Their lifespan is influenced by genetics, diet, exercise, and early detection of health issues. As a large, slow-maturing breed, they benefit from consistent veterinary monitoring throughout life, especially as they age, to manage weight and joint stress. Common breed-specific health concerns include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a hereditary heart condition that thickens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure; screening via echocardiogram is recommended for breeding cats and advised annually for adults. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is less prevalent in Maine Coons than in Persians but has been documented in some lines, so genetic testing is encouraged for breeding stock. Other concerns include hip dysplasia due to their size and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a recessive genetic disorder affecting kittens. Preventive care includes regular vet check-ups, HCM and SMA genetic screening, weight management to reduce joint strain, dental hygiene, and a high-quality diet tailored to their large size and activity level.
Kidney
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited condition in cats that causes multiple cysts (pockets of fluid) to form in the kidneys . These cysts are present from birth. Initially, they are very small, but they grow larger over time and may eventually disrupt kidney function, resulting in kidney failure . While renal cysts are observed with a low incidence in Maine Coons, PKD appears to be a misnomer in this particular breed. In a 2013 study, spanning 8 years, renal cysts were documented by ultrasound in 7 of 187 healthy Maine Coons enrolled in a pre-breeding screening programme. The cysts were mostly single and unilateral (6/7, 85.7%), small (mean 3.6 mm in diameter), and located at the corticomedullary junction (4/6, 66.7%), thus, different in size, number, and location from those observed in Persian -related breeds. In the same study, all six Maine Coon cats with renal cysts tested negative for the PKD1 mutation, proving the disease in these cats to be unrelated to the PKD observed in Persians and related breeds. Gene sequencing of these cats failed to demonstrate any common genetic sequences. Gendron et al. found that "Maine Coon PKD" represents a form of juvenile nephropathy other than PKD.
Origin
Maine Coon cats are known to have originated in Maine. However, their lineage is surrounded by mystery, folk tales , and myths . One myth claims that the Maine Coon cat is a hybrid with another animal species, such as the raccoon or bobcat . Another myth suggests that the cats are descendants of Viking ship''s cats , known today as the Norwegian Forest cats . A third story involves Marie Antoinette , the Queen of France who was executed in 1793. According to this tale, before her death, Antoinette attempted to escape from France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough, loading his ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite Turkish Angora or possibly Siberian cats. Although she did not reach the United States, her pets supposedly arrived safely at Wiscasset , Maine, where they bred with other short-haired cats and contributed to the development of the modern Maine Coon breed. These myths and theories have long speculated that the long-haired Maine Coon cat has to be related to other long-haired breeds, due to their similarities in phenotype . This is true for the Maine Coon in particular, that it is descended from the Siberian or Norwegian Forest Cat , brought to New England by settlers or Vikings . Phylogenetic studies showed that the Maine Coon belongs to the Western European monophyletic cat branch, but forms the closest relationship with the random-bred cat population in the Northeastern US (New York region). This Western European branch contains the Siberian and Norwegian Forest cat, but they fall under a different sub-branch. Maine Coons are descendants of cats brought to New England , US, by Puritan settlers from the UK in the 1600–1700s, and out of the European cats they are genetically closest to cats found in the United Kingdom . It is not relatedness that makes them look similar to the Siberian and Norwegian Forest cats, but convergent evolution . These breeds all formed in harsh climates, in which natural selection pressures for similar qualities. Thick, long coats, toe and ear tufts, big bodies, and snowshoe -like big feet are useful traits in all the harsh climates where these breeds originate. Since the 19th century, Maine Coons have been selectively bred for larger size, meaning modern Maine Coons are larger than they would be under natural selection alone.
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Maine Coon, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average lifespan of a Maine Coon cat?
Maine Coons typically live 12 to 15 years, though many can reach 18 years or beyond with proper care, genetics, and indoor living. Longevity is supported by regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in Maine Coons?
Yes, HCM is a significant hereditary concern in Maine Coons, caused by mutations in genes like MYBPC3. It can lead to sudden heart failure, so annual echocardiographic screening is recommended, especially for breeding cats and those over 3 years old.
Do Maine Coons get polycystic kidney disease (PKD)?
While PKD is more common in Persian cats, it has been identified in some Maine Coon lines. Genetic testing for PKD1 is available and advised for breeding cats to prevent passing on the mutation, though prevalence remains low in the breed.
What preventive care helps Maine Coons stay healthy long-term?
Preventive care includes annual vet visits, HCM and SMA genetic screening, weight control to prevent joint stress, dental cleanings, and feeding a high-protein, age-appropriate diet. Keeping them indoors reduces risks of trauma and infectious diseases.