Maine Coon Breeder Directory

More Breed Information

America's native longhair, Maine Coons were well established over a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters. Breeders have sought to preserve the Maine Coon's "natural," rugged qualities. Maine Coon owners enjoy the breed's characteristic clown-like personality, affectionate nature, amusing habits and tricks and willingness to 'help' with any activity. They make excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy having dogs and other animals. For owners wishing to show, the Maine Coon has reclaimed its original glory in the show ring.

Temperament

The Maine Coon is a vocal breed, which talks with an endearing variety of meows, chirps or thrills. Extremely loyal, gentle, with a loving nature, great intelligence, a kindly disposition, a sweet temperament and sociable, they get along with children and dogs, making a wonderful family pet. They are alert and very friendly. They enjoy helping and being involved with any project going on in the household. They love to sleep in strange and awkward places and positions. They use their paws to do tricks and to play with water, which they will cup in their paws or cause to swirl in their water dish so they can watch it move.

Health

Maine Coons male cats, at maturity, can average 13-18 lbs. Maine Coon female cats average 9-13 lbs. Overall, the Maine Coon should appear as a large, natural yet uncommonly attractive cat. Maine Coons are generally a healthy and hardy breed and have adapted to survive the New England climate. The most severe threat is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common heart disease seen in cats, whether pure bred or not. In Maine Coons, it is thought to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Middle-aged to older cats as well as males are thought to be predisposed to the disease.