Maine Coon breed guide

Sociable and loyal, the Maine Coon wants to be part of what every family member is doing. CFA reports that it gets along with children and other animals. Its size may intimidate them at first.

Fairly independent, the breed asks for moderate attention and insists on it only when people are home.

The voice is soft, built from chirps and trills and purrs. CFA does not call the breed talkative. It notes a fondness for water.

The shaggy, silky coat runs shorter over the shoulders and longer along the sides, stomach and back legs. It finishes in a long plumed tail. A ruff at the chest is part of the standard.

Sessions with the comb take five or ten minutes. CFA says the purpose is to control shedding and hairballs and to prevent mats.

Most Maine Coons do not need regular baths, though an occasional one is fine.

CFA names two conditions to test for. Hip dysplasia is checked by x-ray. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is checked by a saliva test and an echocardiogram.

A 2005 study in Human Molecular Genetics searched for the cause. In affected Maine Coons the researchers found a single base pair change from G to C in the MYBPC3 gene, predicted to alter the protein and linked to disorganized sarcomeres, the contractile units of heart muscle.

CFA credits this testing with keeping the gene pool healthy and diverse, but publishes no Maine Coon lifespan. No published study we checked states one either, so this page leaves it out rather than guessing.

CFA dates documented history to the 1850s in New England, where short-haired ship cats arrived with early settlers. The raccoon story is a myth because the cross is genetically impossible. CFA lists the Marie Antoinette tale as another.

A brown tabby named Cosey won Best Cat at the first US cat show in 1895. After breeders pushed for recognition through the 1960s and 70s, CFA granted championship status in 1976.

Best calm cat breeds covers five cats CFA describes as calm.