Maine Coons have a lot of specific physical features, like shaggy fur, large eyes, and large size. Their ears and tail are also different from most other cat breeds. Maine Coons are often social and outgoing, the best way to recognize them is through personality traits. Keep an eye on this list of characteristics to identify this breed easier.
Physical Characteristics
You may want to inspect the size of your cat. Maine Coons are the largest type of cat and have a rugged, solid appearance. Some people have even compared them to bobcats. If your cat is unusually large, it could be a Maine Coon.
Tips
- If you have a male cat that weighs between 15-25lbs and a female cat that weighs between 10-15lbs, chances are they are Maine Coons.
- You can measure the size of your cat by using a measuring tape. Males are typically 10-16″ tall and 40″ long, while females are typically 8-14″ tall and around 40 long.”
Touch the cat
Another way to identify a Maine Coon is to simply touch it. These cats often have a fluffy, greasy coat that serves to protect them from the harshness of winter. They have large fluffy tails to keep them warm during their resting period. Note how fine the fur is, and how muscular and firm the body is.
Large Eyes
The eyes of the Maine Coon are a bit slanted or oblique, not perfectly round. These cats are typically golden, green, or blue but can also be another color.
Length of the coat
Maine Coons have fur that can be shaggy and feathery. It is thicker than most coats and covers their paws, tails, ears, etc. They also have a flattened head which allows them to regulate their body temperature efficiently. The fur on the cat’s back should appear shorter towards the front of the animal and start lengthening near its hind legs. In contrast, fur on its sides will start out thicker in the front and gradually thicken as it reaches its rear legs.
It’s possible to find Maine Coon cats in 75 different colors. The most common is brown tabby, but other patterns include white, black, and silver.
Long growth cycle
Most cats reach their full potential at around 9-12 months. Maine Coons don’t stop growing until they’re 2 or 4 years old. If your cat keeps growing, it’s likely to be a Maine Coon breed
Other Physical Characteristics
Maine Coons are best known for their muscular legs, which are of an average length. However, those legs should be proportional to the rest of their body. They have a tail that begins wide at the base and narrows gradually as it goes upward. Some signs that your cat is a Maine Coon are as follows: They will be able to reach their shoulders, they have long flowing fur on the tail and tapered ears.
Behavioral characteristics
Friendly behavior
Maine Coons are friendly and relaxed cats, making them easy to get along with babies or other pets. Does this sound like your kitten? They could be a Maine Coon!
An unwavering love of water
Maine Coons love water. They might show interest in drinking from the toilet. If you notice other Maine Coon characteristics, it’s likely that your cat is of this breed!
Dog Behaviors
To most people, dogs are loyal and generally outgoing. Likewise, Maine Coons are also famous for their outgoing and reliable behavior. If you have a cat that greets you when you wake up in the morning or that comes home with you from work, it could belong to the Maine Coon cat breed.
Personality
Maine Coons have some really cool traits that deserve to be highlighted. They are just one of many reasons why Maine Coons are popular pets.
Maine Coon cats will come off as friendly and direct. Their personality can be summed up in the following words: cuddly, noisy, gentle, affectionate, goofy, and family-oriented. Fair warning: they may appear demanding of attention!
Each of these traits should be taken in context of the whole cat, and all you will see is a beautiful animal
If you’re thinking of buying a Maine Coon, it’s important to remember that it takes more than one outstanding characteristic. They include their appearance and demeanor.
Other tips
DNA Testing
Genetic testing can be done to find out if your cat is a Maine Coon. This requires the help of a veterinarian, who will take some DNA samples from skin cells in your cat’s mouth. To test your cat’s DNA, the veterinarian will require a blood sample from a vial or a small strand of their fur. The vet will compare your cat’s DNA to the known genome of Maine Coons, which is about 90% accurate.
Monitor your cat’s health
Maine Coons are a pretty healthy breed. However, they can have issues like HCM where your cat’s heart will get thicker walls.
The other reason is that feline hip dysplasia causes arthritis and pain in the Maine Coon, slowing them down.
- A Maine Coon can be a wonderful addition to your family! As long as the breeder you buy the cat from screens it for HCM first, there is nothing to worry about.
- Maine Coons are normally large-framed, so keep in mind that you won’t be able to do much if they end up with hip dysplasia. Talk to your vet and make sure you deal with the condition as needed.
Conclusion
One of the hallmarks of Maine Coon cats is their beautiful, long, and shaggy fur. Many people find them to be the perfect pets for themselves or their families looking for a gentle giant.
Maine Coons are the largest cat in the world and a great pet. They’re friendly, have large eyes and have exceptional fur.
Here are a few features that might help you identify a Maine Coon cat.
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