The largest of all cat breeds, the Maine Coon has a beautiful thick coat of fur and is strong, affectionate and sociable with both children and other pets
Maine Coon cats have powerful athletic bodies, solid legs, a square muzzle and large ears set wide and tall with lynx-like tufts on the tips. Males typically weigh between seven and ten kilos, while females weigh slightly less, between five and eight. They usually live between ten and fifteen years. They have long, dense fur which is waterproof and glossy. With these characteristics, plus their paws and bushy tail, they can often be confused with Siberian cats. However, there can be more than thirty colour variations of Maine Coons, and their eyes can be green, golden or copper-colour. White-coated varieties might have blue eyes or even each eye a different colour.
Due to their size and gentle nature, they are often nicknamed ‘dog-cats’ because they are loyal, affectionate, and homely and make great family pets. They get on very well with children as long as they are given their space. They are not aggressive, but because of their sheer size, it is best to keep an eye out and ensure children know that animals are not toys and must be treated with love, affection, and respect.
Maine Coons are not territorial and socialise with other pets well, but it is important to introduce them to each other gradually and give them time to get to know each other. Co-habiting with exotic animals, rodents, birds or fish might be a bit trickier, though, as they are felines after all and even if they do not actively try and eat them, they might accidentally hurt them when playing.
Although their diet is basically the same as any other cat breed, they can be picky and prefer quality ingredients and large-grain kibble. Always keep their food bowl full. Generally, they know how to self-regulate and will only eat what they need. As far as grooming is concerned, they need brushing two or three times a week with a special brush for long-haired cats to avoid stomach problems associated with hairballs.
This is a very special breed, and in Spain, you can expect to pay between 750 and 1,000 euros, possibly as much as 1,600 euros. Be wary of advertisements on the Internet offering very cheap kittens. They could be a scam, a backyard breeder or an animal trafficker. Their pedigree, veterinary record, contract and invoice are your guarantee.
