Maine Coon traits are heavily sought after by feline enthusiasts because who wouldn’t want a lovable, affectionate, loyal kitty companion? They stand apart from other cat breeds due to these unique traits, including their incredible personalities and astounding physical characteristics. Maine Coons are nicknamed “Gentle Giants” because of their relaxed, patient temperaments despite their large and sometimes intimidating size. Most people are able to easily identify a Maine Coon from a picture, and if you ever have the pleasure of getting to know one it’ll come as no surprise that they’re one of the most popular cat breeds out there.
1. Maine Coons are “Gentle Giants”
Perhaps one of the most well known Maine Coon traits is their gentle, relaxed nature. One myth about the origins of the Maine Coon is that they are the product of cross breeding a mountain lion and a raccoon. Although this is nothing but a myth, no one can deny the fact that Maine Coons are gigantic creatures (averaging between 12-18 lbs), and their lynx-tipped ears and lion-like face make them seem ferocious.
But nothing could be further from the truth as Maine Coons are one of the most gentle and patient cat breeds out there. They’re often cited as being great companions for children and other pets as they can handle their high energy and intrusive nature.
Maine Coons are usually the cat of choice for owners with a busy household and get along well with dogs.
2. Maine Coons are “Dog-like”
Many Maine Coon owners can attest to the fact that Maine Coons act like dogs in many ways. This is one of the more bizarre Maine Coon traits as most cats are nothing like dogs. Maine Coons are incredibly loyal and love having all the attention. Don’t be surprised if your Maine Coon follows you around the house and waits by the door for you to get home after work.
3. Maine Coons Have a Long Fur; Even on Their Ears
Maine Coons are known as longhair cats, meaning they have a long, fluffy coat that keeps them warm in cold temperatures. Their three-layers of hair also means they shed a LOT and require weekly brushing to manage (they’ll lose it anyway, might as well not be on your furniture!). This might just be one of the more annoying Maine Coon traits, but it’s well worth it in the end!
All Maine Coons have hair on their ears, which are known as lynx tips, and long hairs inside of their ears known as ear tufts. Some lynx tips on Maine Coons are reported to grow as long as several inches long, giving them a very sharp appearance that’s hard to miss.
4. Maine Coons are Intelligent
Maine Coons are surprisingly intelligent and will pick up on things very quickly after first entering your home. They’ll often learn to make different sounds to communicate with their owners, their own kitty language if you will!
They’re also generally easy to train (with a few treats, of course) and can be trained to be good travel companions. But this Maine Coon trait is not without some downsides…don’t be surprised if your Maine Coon figures out how to get her way with her incredible smarts!
5. Maine Coons have Large, Square Muzzles
What differentiates most Maine Coons from other long-haired cats like Siberians and Norwegian Forest cats, is their muzzle. Maine Coons have a large, lion-like muzzle thats very angular in shape. This muzzle can make them very intimidating looking, but don’t be fooled. Maine Coons are one of the friendliest cat breeds out there.
6. Maine Coons Like Water
Unlike most cats, Maine Coons actually like water! Of all the Maine Coon traits, this is the most unbelievable one, but it’s true! You might just find your Maine Coon playing in the sink, joining you in the bathtub or shower, or even swimming. Maine Coons actually got the “Coon” part of their name because they love playing in water like raccoons, and even look like them doing so!
FAQs: Maine Coon Traits
Maine Coons are known for their intelligence and curiosity. They are naturally inquisitive and enjoy exploring. They often love to play and can be quite mischievous. They are also very social cats and enjoy spending time with their human families.
Maine Coons are also known for their laid-back personalities. They are usually very relaxed and don’t mind being handled. They are also very patient and tolerant of children, making them a great choice for families.
Maine Coons are also very loyal and affectionate cats. They love attention and can be very affectionate with their humans. They also form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy spending time with them.
Maine Coon cats are known for their large size and distinctively long, fluffy fur. They can grow up to be as big as a small dog and can weigh up to 20 pounds. They have a unique look with large eyes, a wide face, and a large, fluffy tail.
One thing that makes Maine Coons so special is their friendly, laid-back personalities. They are very social animals and love being around people. They are very playful and love to explore and play, but are also very gentle and patient. They are also highly intelligent and can be trained to do a variety of tricks. They make great companions and are a great addition to any family.
Maine Coons are also known for their long lifespans. They can live up to 18 years or even longer, making them a great long-term companion. They are also low-maintenance cats and require minimal grooming, which makes them an ideal choice for busy households.
If you’re looking for a new addition to your family, a Maine Coon could be a great choice.
Maine Coons are incredibly intelligent and can be easily trained. They are known for their loyalty and will form strong bonds with their owners. They are also adaptable and can live in a variety of environments, including apartments and homes. This makes them an ideal pet for both rural and urban families.
Maine Coons are great with children and are known for their gentle, calm disposition. They don’t require a lot of maintenance and are generally easy to care for. They are great companions and love to cuddle and spend time with their owners.
Maine Coons are also quite independent and don’t need to be watched constantly. You’ll find that they are content to curl up in a sun spot and take a nap, or explore their surroundings. They do need plenty of space to roam and explore, so make sure to provide them with plenty of toys and scratching posts.
1. Expense: Maine Coon cats can be expensive to purchase and they also require regular vet visits and special care. They can also be expensive to feed, as they require a high quality diet with specific nutritional needs.
2. Shedding: Maine Coon cats are known for their long and glossy coat, but they also shed quite a bit. This means that they need to be brushed regularly to keep their coats in good condition and to reduce shedding around the house.
3. Size: Maine Coon cats can reach up to 20 pounds, which can make them difficult to handle and transport. You’ll need to make sure you have enough space for your cat and make sure it doesn’t jump on furniture or scratch up the walls.
4. Health Issues: Maine Coon cats are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and heart defects. They also have a higher risk of developing obesity, so you’ll need to ensure that your cat gets regular exercise and a healthy diet.
The average lifespan of a Maine Coon is around 10-14 years. This range is slightly longer than other cats, and they can live up to 20 years in some cases. Of course, the lifespan of any living creature is highly variable, and many factors can affect it.
