How do Maine Coons behave?
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Maine Coon Temperament
Do you have your heart set on getting a cat and a dog… but you only have space, money or time for one? Fear not – we have just the thing. A Maine Coon kitten is the ultimate solution because he (or she) is big and loves playing games (like a dog) but is a purrrfect cat! Known for being adept learners, Maine coon cat temperament are considered a sophisticated cat breed and we have one of the best Maine Coon Temperament kittens from the #1 Maine Coon cattery in the US, HugeCoons.
Available Maine Coon Kittens For Sale
Maine Coon Temperament
Whether they’re Maine coon cat temperament kittens or fully grown cats, they’re known for being calm, kind, loving and loyal. Because they’re so laid back, they can be outdoor or indoor cats. Just make sure to give your indoor Maine Coon cat ample exercise to keep their skeletal and nervous system and their weight in check. Even though Maine Coons are not hypoallergic, they will make the best feline companion.
The dog of the cat world
If you have a multi-pet household, a Maine Coon kitten is the perfect addition. Not only do these gentle giant-to-be’s get on with kids and other pets, but they’re blessed with both brawn and brains. For example, as we mentioned before, MCs are highly trainable and well-known for having above average intelligence.
Along with being able to learn tricks and games like a pooch, this meowser benefits from the engagement too, just like dogs do. Besides being a big doggish for a cat, the Maine Coon kitty also sort of resembles a raccoon, although that’s only if you look at the shape of its tail.
Onto the size side of things, Maine Coon cats pack pound for pound as the biggest (non-hybrid) cat breed around. Males can weigh in up to 8.2 kg and females as much as 5.4 kg. And they’re seriously tall. They can be as tall as 41 cm and, including their tail, as long as 97 cm!
History of the Maine Coon Temperament And Breed
Most breeds are created intentionally through specific breeding processes; however, our Maine Coon buddy is the exception. That’s because it developed through a process of natural adaption and survival of the fittest.
Find out the ins and outs of purebred dogs and purebred cats for more on how different breeds are developed.
Because the Maine Coon is a ‘self-made’ breed we’re not entirely sure of its origins. However, it’s widely thought to be closely related to the Siberian and Norwegian forest cats. And though it’s a guess as to when the MC was introduced to the United States, today he’s such a firm favourite he’s even the official state cat of Maine.
The Maine Coon cat’s striking physical appearance
The MC has lots of hidden talents and quirks. For example, many are born with extra toes, which makes them Polydactyl cats. Then there’s the walking on a leash, opening doors and playing fetch that they’re known for! Plus, their good looks include a distinctive furry ruff around the base of the neck, a bushy tail and ear tufts.
Want to take your Maine Coon kitten for walks well into its future? Find out about training a cat to walk on a lead.
Here are some more Maine Coon cat facts:
| Life span | 12.5 years on average |
| Weight | Males – 5.9 to 8.2 kg / Females – 3.6 to 5.4 kg |
|---|---|
| Height | 25 – 41 cm |
| Litter size | Around 6 to 10 kittens |
| Coat | Dual coat made of an uneven topcoat and silky undercoat |
| Colours | All cat colours |
| Nicknames | Gentle giant |
Maine Coon cat health
Maine Coon kittens are generally strong and healthy, growing into Maine Coon cats that are just as much so. However, as with many breeds, they have tendencies toward specific illnesses or disorders. As a Maine Coon owner, being aware of what issues could affect your furry feline gives you a roadmap to keep them healthy.
Speak to your vet about health, diet and fitness according to your cat’s age, size, and health record.
Here are some conditions to safeguard your MC against:
| Heart disease | Such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy |
| Obesity | Read about National Pet Obesity Day and how obesity causes diabetes in dogs and cats |
|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal / nervous system disorders | Such as spinal muscular atrophy and hip dysplasia (read about hip dysplasia in dogs for more on the condition) |
| Kidney disease | Polycystic kidney disease is a big one |
If your Maine Coon cat is behaving unusually, it’s probably telling you something. That’s because any display of undue behaviour from this calm and gentle cat breed is cause for concern. For instance, your cat could be sick or injured and can’t tell you straight out.
If this happens, it’s a good idea to visit your vet and have your MC checked. It’s better to rule out any underlying health condition early on.
Dogs are just as much a part of our lives as cats! Interested in learning more about your fur-legged pal? Check out these blog posts below:
- What Makes Dalmatians Good Fire Dogs?
- A Guide to Conjunctivitis in Dogs
- All Hail New Zealand’s Top Dog: The Huntaway
- How to Build a Dog Kennel out of Wood 🐶
- Dog Crate Rest: Recovery Dos and Don’ts
Cat insurance for your “gentle giant”
Whether you have a cat or a dog – or a kitten that behaves like a dog – we’ve great pet insurance for you. Our three cost-effective plans aim to suit your pocket and your pet. For example, the Accident plan covers you for vet care, tests and hospitalisation after accidents (and more) and if you move right through to the Deluxe plan, you’ll get illness and dental cover too plus a much higher annual benefit limit.
All of our plans are affordable, easy to use and cover a broad range of pet health needs. And because we’re online, you’ll be able to access your account anywhere, anytime.
In addition to our broad range of benefits, you’ll get one or more months of FREE cat insurance or dog insurance when you sign up online. And if, like many households, you have more than one pet, you may qualify for our fantastic multiple pet discount.
