2. Mysterious Maine Coon Origins

Every cat breed has a unique origin story, but the legacy of the Maine Coon cat is really quite special.

The Maine Coon cat’s heritage is shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

There are a lot of myths and legends surrounding the origins of Maine Coon cats, although nobody knows exactly how they came to be.

The breed was first discovered in Maine in the early 1800s, where they were used by farmers and sailors to catch mice and rats.

One popular legend is that Maine Coons were the descendants of six royal cats brought to America by Marie Antoinette, although there is no factual evidence to back this claim.

Others enthusiasts believe that early Maine Coons were brought over by Vikings.

While we may never know the true origins of the Maine Coon cat, we sure are grateful to have these beautiful cats around!

3. Largest Domesticated Cat Breed

One of the most unique traits of Maine Coon cats is their size.

Maine Coons are the largest domesticated cat breed in the world!

This pedigree cat breed takes longer to grow to full size than other cat breeds. In fact, most Maine Coons aren’t fully grown until they reach two years of age.

The average cat weighs roughly 8 to 10 pounds. Maine Coons, by contrast, weigh nearly double that!

While female Maine Coons weigh between 8 and 12 pounds on average, the male of the species reaches a staggering weight of between 15 and 25 pounds!

Maine Coons don’t just weigh more than the average house cat, though.

Most domestic cats reach a height between 9 and 10 inches, but the average Maine Coon has a height between 10 and 16 inches!

Finally, while most cats grow to a length of 18 inches, Maine Coons can reach an amazing 40 inches in length.

There’s so much to say when comparing the majestic Maine Coon cat breed with that of a ‘normal’ cat breed.

If you are keen to learn more, make sure you read my article.

4. Unusually Long Maine Coon Tail

Maine Coons have a lot of unique physical characteristics, and their beautiful tails are no exception.

Maine Coon cats have unusually long tails. Their tails are also unusually feathery and bushy.

While the average cat’s tail measures around 12 inches long, Maine Coon tails are usually around 16 inches long!

The Maine Coon’s thick coat is usually enough to keep them warm in harsh and cold weather, but their tails serve as an extra barrier to the cold.

If the temperature becomes uncomfortably chilly, Maine Coon cats can rely on their bushy tails to wrap around their bodies, to keep them nice and warm!

5. Official State Cat of Maine

True to their name, Maine Coon cats were first found in Maine, United States.

According to the government website for the state of Maine, the Maine Coon cat is this region’s official state cat! (source 1)

Maine Coon cats were incredibly popular in New England during the early 1800s. This hardworking breed was used by humans to catch mice and rats on ships, and on farms.

The Maine Coons gentle personality also made them ideal family companions.

In 1895, however, America was introduced to the Persian cat, and the Maine Coon was slowly forgotten. The breed grew less and less popular over time until it was almost extinct.

In an effort to save the breed, Maine Coons were named the official state cat of Maine in 1985.

Consequently, the breed soared in popularity once more, bringing this regal cat breed back from the brink of extinction.

6. A Cat Breed Built for Winter

Having originated from a state known for its brutally cold, freezing winters, the Maine Coon cat breed would unlikely have survived if it weren’t for their specialized physical traits.

Everything about them is perfectly built for winter.

Their thick coat doesn’t just help to trap heat; it is also water-resistant, so that melting snow can slide right off their pelt instead of freezing them right to the skin.

The Maine Coons semi-water repellent fur is likely why this particular cat breed is not phased by water. In fact, their love playing with water!

Click here to read more about the Maine Coons love of water.

Another Maine Coon fun fact is that their ears are thick-furred and tufted, to protect them from the cold!

The iconic large paws of a Maine Coon also serve a special purpose. They are wide and flat, serving as a sort of “snowshoe” to help them walk on top of the snow, instead of sinking into it.

As you can see, this hardy cat is perfectly built for winter, making Maine Coons unique from other cat breeds.

7. One of the Most Expensive Cats to Buy

Maine Coon cats are one of the most expensive cat breeds to own in the world. This is likely due to their huge popularity, and the fact these gentle giants are not massively common.

The average Maine Coon cat price is around $1,000!

When it comes to Maine Coon cats of rarer and more sought-after coat colors and patterns, the price rises even more.

For example, the rare and beautiful silver smoke Maine Coon can cost as much as $2,200 (source 1).

Click here if you want to learn more about Maine Coon cat colors.

Whilst a Maine Coon cat is well worth the price, not everybody can afford to buy one of these specialized cats.

Some people are lucky enough to find a purebred Maine Coon available for adoption at a more reasonable price, but this is a rare occurrence.

If you are not too sure how to adopt a Maine Coon cat, make sure you read my article on Maine Coon Adoption.

8. There Are 75 Maine Coon Colors!

While many cat breeds, such as Siamese, Russian Blues, and Bengals, are only available in certain coat colors or patterns.

Maine Coon cats, however, come in every possible coat color.

In fact, there are over 75 possible coat colors and pattern combinations available.

Some colors and patterns are rarer than others.

For example, solid orange, silver, gold, and white are some of the rarest Maine Coon colors, because they are the most difficult to breed.

Here’s why the white Maine Coon is so hard to breed.

Maine Coon cats also come in a variety of eye colors, including green, gold, copper, and sometimes blue.

Certain Maine Coons may even have eyes that are two different colors, also known as odd eyes!

To learn more about the endless Maine Coon colors, read my article Maine Coon Colors.

9. The Chilled Maine Coon Temperament

When discussing the uniqueness of Maine Coon cats, most people turn to their distinctive physical characteristics.

However, the temperament and personality of a Maine Coon are just as special as their unique appearance!

Maine Coons are known for their playful nature.

While many cat breeds grow calmer with age, Maine Coons retain a kitten-like playfulness throughout their lives.

They are also very gentle cats, and they coexist well with other cats, as well as children and dogs.

Maine Coons are also extremely intelligent. While this can sometimes lead to a lot of mischiefs, it also makes them easy to train.

Some people are even able to teach their Maine Coons to do tricks!

For full details on the Maine Coon personality and characteristics, make sure to take a look at my article. Just click on the link above!