Maine Coon cats are undoubtedly one of the most well-known and beloved cat breeds. Originating from North Eastern America, they boast beautiful, semi-long-haired coats and fluffy tails. Despite their large size, they have the most adorable angelic meows and chirps.
These cats are native to the state of Maine and typically have a lifespan of around 13 years. While we could talk endlessly about why Maine Coons are so special, let’s delve deeper into some lesser-known facts about this stunning breed.
Maine Coon cats come in a whopping 75 different colors.
That’s right, there are over 75 stunning color variations to choose from! These colors can be categorized into five main groups: bi-color, shaded, solid, tabby-patterned, and the rare white Maine Coon. It’s also worth noting that their fur can change color as they age, adding even more uniqueness to each individual cat.
Regardless of the color or pattern, all Maine Coon cats are undeniably beautiful. However, the white Maine Coon and the shaded silver Maine Coon are particularly eye-catching and have become quite popular choices among enthusiasts.
So, if you’re a fan of Maine Coon cats, you can appreciate the wide range of colors and patterns that make this breed so special.
Maine Coons are known for their melodious voices.
If you’re fortunate enough to have one of these magnificent Maine Coon cats, you’re probably well aware of their love for serenading us with their unique songs. While they do meow like other cats, their meows have a distinct quality that sets them apart.
Unlike most cats, who primarily meow to communicate with humans, Maine Coons are quite talkative among themselves as well. They use a variety of vocalizations, including chattering, chirping, howling, and trilling, which reflect their strong connection to their wild, non-domesticated instincts.
Polydactylism: Extra toes are common in Maine Coons
Here’s another interesting fact: Maine Coons have a higher likelihood of having extra toes compared to other cat breeds. While polydactylism (the presence of extra toes) can occur in any cat breed, approximately 40% of Maine Coons possess this unique trait. It is a genetic mutation that is passed down from a polydactyl cat to its offspring.
The gene responsible for extra toes is dominant, meaning it overrides the normal genes. However, having extra toes does not pose any immediate danger to these gentle giants. In fact, it actually helps them with balance and agility. Some even suggest that in colder climates, cats with six toes have an advantage in moving on snow due to the larger surface area of their paws. And of course, having extra toes means there’s more of these lovable cats to adore!
Tufted Ears: A Distinctive Feature of Maine Coons
One of the unique physical features of Maine Coons is their tufted and fluffy ears. These adorable tufts of fur on their ears add to their overall charm and make them easily recognizable. It’s just one more aspect that sets this extraordinary breed apart from the rest.
Maine Coons have water-resistant fur, like a built-in raincoat
If you’re a proud owner of a Maine Coon, you may have noticed their unique affinity for water. These gentle giants are often fascinated by it and may even dip their paws in the sink or bathtub. Unlike many other cat breeds, Maine Coons are surprisingly tolerant of being wet.
One interesting fact about Maine Coons is that their fur is naturally resistant to water. This water-resistant quality allows them to swim efficiently and handle colder weather and frigid temperatures with ease. It is believed that this trait may have been inherited from their possible ancestors, the Siberian Forest cats, who needed to withstand harsh climates.
Maine Coons can be quite clever and learn to turn on faucets
As you’ve probably experienced, Maine Coons have a strong affinity for water. You might catch them splashing around in their own water bowls. These intelligent cats are known to observe their humans turning faucets on and off, and some have even learned to mimic this behavior. It’s not uncommon to find a Maine Coon trying their luck at turning the tap on to enjoy some water playtime. Their ability to learn and imitate human actions is one of the reasons why Maine Coons are considered one of the easiest and quickest cats to train.
Beware of their rough tongues
Like all cats, Maine Coons have rough tongues. However, their tongues take it to a whole new level. When your Maine Coon tries to lick you, it can feel like premium-grade sandpaper. Cats use their tongues for grooming their coats, stripping meat off prey, and they even have 473 taste buds that can detect sweet, salty, bitter, and sour flavors. So if your Maine Coon seems to enjoy certain foods, it’s likely they’re more interested in the fat content than the sweetness.
Impressive tail length
Maine Coons are known for their stunningly long and beautiful tails. In fact, their tails can resemble feather dusters or even a raccoon’s tail. On average, a Maine Coon’s tail is approximately 18 inches long, but the longest recorded tail in this breed was an impressive 24 inches long. To put it into perspective, that’s about the same height as some TVs!
Maine Coons are known for their impressive size.
Often leaving you wondering if you brought home a dog instead. But just how large can these cats actually get?
A fully grown Maine Coon cat can range from 10″ to 16″ tall and weigh between 9 and 20 pounds. In fact, in 2010, the Guinness World Records recognized a grey tabby Maine Coon named Stewie as the world’s “Longest Cat,” measuring a staggering 48.5 inches (123cm) from the end of his tail to the end of his nose. Now, that is one big cat!
Maine coon jumping ability.
When it comes to jumping, Maine Coons defy their enormous size. Despite their stature, these cats can leap as high as 8 feet in the air. Their muscular frames and strong legs contribute to their excellent jumping ability.
Lengthy whiskers.
Maine Coons also boast the longest whiskers of any cat breed, measuring up to 6.5 inches. These long whiskers accommodate their large bodies and help with spatial assessment, allowing the cat to determine if it can fit through an opening.
Lion-like mane around their necks.
One distinguishing feature of Maine Coons is their lion-like mane around their necks. This mane is not commonly found in other cat breeds and serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. The neck carries vital blood flow to the head, and the mane helps keep the blood at body temperature, ensuring proper brain function. Additionally, these manes can make Maine Coons appear larger than they actually are, acting as a deterrent to potential attacks from wild animals.
Maine Coons have lower levels of the Fel d1 protein.
While Maine Coons are not considered hypoallergenic cats, they tend to be more tolerable for people with allergies compared to other cat breeds. This is because Maine Coons, being larger and long-haired cats, produce less of the Fel d1 protein. Fel d1 is the main allergen that causes allergic reactions in people, and it is found in cat saliva. When cats groom themselves, they spread this protein on their fur, leading to allergic flare-ups in sensitive individuals.
Maine Coons as an alternative to having children.
A growing trend has emerged where people are opting to have multiple cats instead of having human children. This phenomenon is gaining popularity for various reasons. When you compare the differences, you might find that having a kitten is a more appealing choice for you.
Leash training a Maine Coon.
Maine Coons are known for their love of being outdoors and going on walks with their owners. To ensure the safety of your cat, it is best to start leash training your Maine Coon from a young age. This will allow you to take your kitty on car trips, hiking adventures, and travel with them as your loyal companion.
In conclusion, these are just a few interesting facts about the unique and charming Maine Coon cats that go beyond the basics. There is much more to discover about Maine Coons, and hopefully, this information has given you a better understanding of this gentle giant breed.
