Characteristics of the Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are terrific cats! Known for being great companions, they have a very playful and kittenish - almost clown-like - personality. They are curious and like to explore everything! You won't find a more people-oriented cat, with an amazingly relaxed and easy-going temperament.
They are large sized cats with medium to long hair, and their weight range from 10-12 pounds for females and 13-18 pounds for males. Their body is long and muscular, with a head that is a bit longer than it is wide and a square muzzle. They have the prettiest eyes, generally slightly tilted, which are usually green, gold or copper, but white cats may have blue eyes as well. The ears are large, sitting high on the head, have heavier furring on the inside and often have ear tufts at the tips. Legs are medium long, and their paws are almost always tufted between the toes and on the base of the feet pads. Tails are at least as long as their torso, fluffy and full. Their coat is often silky, water-resistant, shaggy, varied in length with a 'mane' like appearance around their necks, but have shorter fur on the shoulders, gradually getting longer on their sides and back. Colors? A wide variety of them from solids to tabby markings and colors ranging from whites to reds, grays, black, but are generally not 'pointed' like siamese cats are.
Kittens develop at a slower rate, and often the cats do not reach their full grown size until they are 3-5 years old. Their full coats develop over time, and the 'mane' may take a full year to grow out. They have soft little 'meows' (which doesn't fit their size!), and may also have a 'chirping trill", but do not meow often.
They really enjoy people, sometimes laying next to them, sometimes curling up on laps, but will generally stay nearby, and are known to follow their owners through the home! My own cats have wonderful personalities, and I have been known to call them "boneless" for they have a unique way of draping over people in a rather relaxed way!
Did you know that the 2006 Guinness World Record holder for the longest cat, weighing in at 35 pounds and 48" long is in fact a Maine Coon? This guy is one BIG cat!