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16 Interesting Things About Maine Coons

Published: by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links

Of all breeds of cats, there is one that stands to be one of the most unique out of them all: the Maine Coon Cats. They are fluffy, pretty, and everything you might think a cat should look like. But there's more to them than their looks! Here are 16 interesting facts about Maine Coons you might want to know.

#1 The biggest cat.

large gray Maine Coon Cat in an isolated black background
Maine Coons are the biggest domestic cat breed. They're weighing up to 18 pounds and can be up to 40 inches in length. Maine Coons come in more than 70 different color combinations.

#2 Very good weatherized.

ginger colored Maine Coon Cat lying down on the pavement
Maine Coons adapted to life in the cool climate, they have long, shaggy multi-layered fur and large paws. They also have furry ears and tails, which they can wrap around their body for extra warmth.

#3 They are the leaders in the cat world.

Maine Coon Cat with gray and white fur color lying on its hanging bed
Since they have impressive size and well-developed self-esteem, they are considered royalty among other cats.

#4 Playful, friendly, and very loyal.

ginger Maine Coon Cat lying on the floor
Maine Coons are highly social and love human interaction. They are very friendly, loyal, playful, and they usually get along well with children and pets. They can even be walked on a leash!

#5 No “meow”!

Maine Coon Cat sitting on top of the wooden table while meowing
Maine Coons don't say "meow", they chirp and trill, it’s like a mix of a meow and a purr. Cats may chirp when they spot prey and a trill is often an expression of great happiness.

#6 They love water.

Tabby Maine Coon Cat leaning against the sink with a ginger Maine Coon Cat
Usually Maine Coons enjoy the water. They have water-resistant fur and can be pretty efficient swimmers.

#7 Descendants of captain cats.

a woman carrying a large Maine Coon Cat
According to legend, they are descendants of seafaring cats belonging to British Captain Charles Coon, who sailed off of New England in the 1800s.

#8 … Or Norwegian forest cats.

black and white Maine Coon Cat lying on the green grass in the yard
Another theory says that Maine Coons' came to America with the Vikings, that is why they resemble Norwegian Forest Cats.

#9 Maine Coons not related to raccoons.

Maine Coon Cat lying on top of the blue couch with its one paw forward
There is a version that they related to raccoons, but it is not true.

#10 Winner of the first popular American cat show.

man holding up a black, orange, and white patterned Maine Coon Cat on top of the table
The first American cat show was held in New York in 1895. The winner was a brown spotty Maine Coon cat named Cosey.

#11 They were cloned commercially.

collage photo of a black Maine Coon Cat
In 2004, a Maine Coon named Little Nicky became the first pet who were cloned commercially.

#12 Some cats of this breed have six toes.

sleepy Maine Coon Cat lying on the floor
Some experts estimate that as many as 40% of Maine Coons had such characteristics. It stemmed from a genetic mutation, which some people say helped the cats use their paws as “natural snowshoes” during snowy winters.

#13 They are well known as hunters.

Maine Coon Cat lying under the raspberries in the garden
Though Maine Coon cats don’t have the need to hunt anymore, they still have that natural curiosity and flair.

#14 The Maine Coon cat is officially the state cat of Maine.
a woman carrying a large gray Maine Coon Cat
#15 They are doesn’t just come in brown.

ginger Maine Coon Cat lying on its back on the floor with its chubby cheeks
While we typically think of this breed as having a brown color, Maine Coons can come in many different colors. Smoke, cream, cameo, mackerel, and tortoiseshell colorings are all recognized by the CFA as purebred coats.

#16 The longest cat in the world.

a girl sitting on the floor holding up the hands of a standing up ginger Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon is on record with Guinness as the longest domestic cat in the world.
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