all about the maine coon

The Maine Coon is the world's biggest domesticated breed of cat. They became Australian recognized in 1970 as a pure bred and quickly became popular. 

The history behind the Maine Coon's origin is not fully know, but is mostly the result of natural selection, dating back to the 1800s in the U.S. 

They are regarded as a native to the state of Maine, USA. 

There are folktales regarding the breed surrounding Marie Antoinette and her long-haired cats that were brought into the USA, and sailors who brought them on ships that docked, that may have mated with the local short-haired cats. 

The word 'Coon,' is said to come from the racoon due to the resemblance between the racoon and Maine Coons due to their brush-like tails and coat.

Maine Coons vary in size and there are many different averages recorded on the internet. 

The male Maine Coon can weigh anywhere between 5kg-12kgs and the female can weigh anywhere between 3.8kg to 7kgs. 

Maine Coon adult height also varies, they can be between 25cm - 40cm and their length can be an impressive 100cm.

They are also well known for their huge bushy tails which can reach up to a length of 1 metre tall!

Maine Coons grow rapidly until about 9 months of age, then their growth will slow down but they don't stop growing until they reach between 3-5 years of age.

Maine Coons have signature long, thick three-layer fur which when cared for properly shouldn't mat easily. They have a fine undercoat and two dense longer top coats, one being the glossy outer layer.

To take care of their dense fur, it's important to brush them on a regular basis to remove the dead fur (fur that has fallen off underneath their top coat and remains. If this dead fur is not removed, it can cause tangles).

Due to their long fur, they can sometimes pick up dirt around them, or bring bits from their litter box with them. Especially around their tail and hind leg area. You can spot-clean their fur with a baby wipe or wet paper towel. 

Maine Coons tend to love water which is great because they actually require regular bathing! Don't be surprised if you catch your Maine Coon trying to turn the tap on, or join you in the shower. 

Their fur can eventually feel greasy or look stringy which is an indicator that they are ready for a bath. 

Baths typically should be done once a month to maintain their beautiful soft fur.

After a bath, giving them a good brush whilst they groom themselves will ensure they dry nicely and quickly.

Ensure to start caring for your Maine Coon immediately so they grow to love being groomed. 

All of our kittens will have already had a few baths and be brushed regularly. 

Wash them weekly for the first few months as it can be difficult when they're much bigger.

If you're struggling to cut your cat's nails, or brush their teeth, wrap them in a towel or send us an email and we are always happy to assist.

Dental Care - to prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues regularly brush your Maine Coon's teeth.

Eyes/Ears - Use a soft, damp wash cloth to clean any discharge in the corners of the eyes/check the ears for any build-up. Use a fresh one for each area to avoid any risk of infection or cross-contamination. 

Nails - Cats that are kept indoors will need their nails cut. Long nails are uncomfortable and will continue to grow until they've curled around into the paw pad which is very painful. Be careful when trimming to only snip the tip and not the pink blood vessels and nerves at the base which is called the "quick." Note: this is NOT the same as declawing. We do not support declawing.

Litter Box - Ensure you get an extra-large litter box so your Maine Coon has plenty of space as your kitten will quickly outgrow regular-size ones. Ensure the box is cleaned daily for hygiene purposes due to their long fur but also they most likely will not use a dirty litter box.

Indoor Cat - Maine Coons are highly desirable, and expensive cats, therefore they are at higher risk of theft. Also, being indoors is safer to protect them from diseases and other dangers such as cars and other cats.

The Maine Coon diet isn't much different to a regular cat's diet but due to their size, they may need more food.

We feed a mostly raw diet, there are videos on our TikTok showing how to bulk prepare their food, and how to serve it. You can also buy premade raw cat meat from the pet store.

Grocery store food should be avoided if possible due to the high carb content, additives and preservatives.

Their diet should consist of: 

Protein - this fuels their energy, and is full of essential amino acids which are critical for tissue regeneration, maintaining healthy immune/nervous systems, production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones, and much more.

Vitamins And Minerals - Some can be found in different food sources; muscle meat, secreting organs, and bones, whilst others will be supplemented depending on the diet you choose to feed your cat.

Omega-3 - Critical for brain development and function, contains anti-inflammatory properties, and can help maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. It also contributes to a shiny coat and can reduce excessive shedding. Can be supplemented via oil, or in fatty fish like salmon and sardines. As with all supplements, overfeeding leads to issues so ensure to provide a proper balance.

Fats - Essential fatty acids help to keep their fur/skin shiny and healthy. These also serve as a concentrated source of energy.

Water - Most of their water intake will come from their moist raw diet, extra water can be added to their food bowl too. 

It's important to make sure your Maine Con has access to plenty of fresh water. Even though most of it will end up on the floor!