Got a Maine Coon? Check your pet with Pawcode
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Cats
Maine Coon
The gentle giant of the cat world.
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, prized for its tufted ears, bushy raccoon-like tail and dog-like sociability. Bred as a working barn cat in the northeastern United States, it developed a shaggy, water-resistant coat and remarkable cold tolerance.
OriginUnited States (Maine)
SizeLarge
Life span12–15 years
Weight5.9–8.2 kg (13–18 lb)
CoatLong, shaggy, water-resistant double coat
Temperament & personality
- Gentle
- Sociable
- Playful
- Intelligent
Maine Coons are famously friendly and follow their owners from room to room, earning the nickname "the dog of the cat world". They stay playful well into adulthood, often learning to fetch and even walk on a harness, yet they are rarely demanding or loud — most communicate with a distinctive chirp or trill rather than a full meow.
At a glance
Activity level2 / 3
Affection3 / 3
Shedding2 / 3
Grooming needs2 / 3
Vocalness1 / 3
Scale: low to high (1–3)
Grooming & care
The semi-long coat is surprisingly low-matting but benefits from a thorough combing twice a week, increasing during seasonal shedding. Pay attention to the tail and "britches" where tangles form. Because of their size, provide a large litter box, sturdy scratching posts and reinforced cat trees.
Common colours
- Brown tabby
- Silver tabby
- Black
- Cream
- Blue
- Tortoiseshell
Good with
- Families
- Children
- Other pets
- First-time owners
- Apartment living
Health tendencies to watch
Every breed has predispositions. These are things worth discussing with your vet — not diagnoses.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is more common in the breed — reputable breeders screen for it
- Hip dysplasia can occur given the large frame
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has a known genetic test
- Their size means weight and joint monitoring matters as they age
Informational only. Pawcode is not a veterinary service and does not replace professional advice.
Fun facts
1
A Maine Coon named Stewie held the Guinness record for longest domestic cat at 123 cm (48.5 in)
2
They are one of the few cat breeds that genuinely enjoy playing in water
3
Their large, tufted "snowshoe" paws helped them walk on snow
Frequently asked questions
Are Maine Coons good family cats?
Yes. Their patient, sociable nature makes them one of the best cat breeds for households with children and other pets.
How big do Maine Coons get?
Males typically reach 6–8 kg and can measure over a metre from nose to tail tip. They keep growing slowly until around 3–5 years of age.
Similar breeds
Maine Coon EMS colour codes
Only the varieties FIFe actually recognises for each breed.