What makes the Maine Coon so special?

Say you Maine Coon, then you often say "wow" when you first see this impressive cat. With its robust body, beautiful fluffy tail and friendly gaze, it's not surprising that the Maine Coon - also called the Main Coon, Maincoon cat or even Mikun cat called - is hugely popular among cat lovers. Some people even claim that this is the largest cat breed in the world. In this blog you will discover all the ins and outs about this unique breed, from origin and size to character and cost.

Are you curious why the Maine Coon is also called the "gentle giant" among cats? Or are you wondering how old does a Maine Coon on average? Then you've come to the right place. Who knows, maybe there will soon be such a generously big cat on your couch!

Appearance & Size: How big will a Maine Coon get?

The Maine Coon is best known for its imposing appearance. An adult Maine Coon large cat can easily measure 100 to 120 cm (from head to tail tip). Although males tend to be larger and heavier than females, both can achieve impressive stature. Even the "average" Maine Coon is already quite substantial compared to other breeds, but XXL specimens have also been spotted that easily exceed 10 kilograms. This makes him - along with the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Ragdoll, among others - one of the largest cat species you can keep as a pet.

You can recognize a Maine Coon not only by its size, but also by the tufts on its ears and its long-haired tail that sometimes resembles a fan of feathers. You see them in countless colors and patterns, from classic brown striped to Main Coon black - which is a unique and relatively rare appearance.

Character & Behavior

Big in size, but also big in heart: the Maine Coon character is known to be gentle, sociable and remarkably smart. They love to be around people, but can also do just fine on their own for a while. Many Maine Coons seem to have an almost dog-like trait: some even come to fetch or chase you around the house.

Because of their smart nature, they often need challenging toys. Think food puzzles or interactive toys to stimulate their brains. They love getting attention from their owner, but do so without being intrusive. Ideal if you regularly work from home and are looking for a buddy to hang out quietly in the same room.

Care and Life Expectancy

Because of its semi-long coat, regular brushing is essential. A Maine Coon tends to develop tangles if you neglect to do so, especially around the belly and behind the ears. Weekly (or even more frequent) brushing helps keep that coat nice and shiny and tangle-free.

In terms of nutrition, a balanced diet is crucial, especially since this large cat species can be especially prone to joint problems and obesity. When in doubt, always seek advice from your veterinarian. By the way, a water fountain in your house can help ensure adequate fluid intake - for example, the Poopy drinking fountain, which is specially designed for cats to drink in a playful way.

Poopy Drinking Fountain

How old does a Maine Coon get? On average, a Maine Coon lives to be between 12 and 15 years old. With proper care, plenty of exercise and regular vet checkups, they can live even older. Be aware that certain hereditary conditions, such as hip dysplasia and heart problems (HCM), are common in this breed.

Cost & Acquisition

What does a Maine Coon cost? The purchase price of a Maine Coon kitten is usually between 800 and 1500 euros, depending on the breeder, the bloodline and any show qualities. How expensive is a Maine Coon in daily maintenance? Consider good nutrition (after all, they eat a bit more than an average house cat), possibly special cat litter and regular visits to the vet.

Are you totally in love with the XXL variant? Then you are entering a price range that can exceed 1,500 euros. Some breeders specialize in breeding the largest specimens available, with associated costs

Buying Maine Coons?

Want to buy a maine coon, but rather not from a breeder? Then check out shelters or rehoming initiatives. You can sometimes find adult maine coons who deserve a second chance.

Pros and Cons listed for you 

Advantages

• Social and gentle: The Maine Coon cat is generally friendly to humans and animals.
  
  
• Intelligent: Feel free to challenge them with puzzle toys or training.
  
  
• Impressive appearance: Such a big, fluffy cat in the house is really an eye-catcher.
  
  

Cons

• Space: This large cat needs the necessary square footage to move around comfortably.
  
  
• Care: The semi-long coat requires regular brushing.
  
  
• Cost: What does a Maine Coon kitten cost.? Often substantially more than an average house cat. Add to that the cost of food, vet and any extras such as sturdy scratching posts
  

Speaking of grooming your cat. At Poopy , we have all kinds of accessories for big and small to make life with a cat even easier!

Poopy accessories

Important for (future) Maine Coon owners

These gentle giants love attention and companionship, but they also require care and space. Will you grant them that? If so, you are the perfect owner for a Maine Coon! To read more from Poopy, check out all of our blogs!

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