The Maine Coon is the largest breed of domestic cats and has become a very popular choice for people who want a feline companion. Compared to other cats, the distinctive appearance of the Maine Coon is actually pretty easy to spot. More importantly, the cat has phenomenal hunting skills too, which allows it to easily catch rodents and other small animals.

Found throughout North America, the Maine Coon is actually one of the oldest breeds in the country. As the name suggests, the cat is primarily native to the state of Maine. It’s the official state cat too. But, if you are going to bring a black Maine Coon cat home, you might want to do a bit of research about this breed. Here’s everything you want to know.

Appearance

One look at the Maine Coon cat and you will realize that it is very different from other cats. What colors do Maine Coon cats come in? Quite a few, actually. Black is just one of five solid coat colors of this cat. Apart from that, there are tabby Maine Coon cats, and various other coat colors are available too.

The cat is available in a variety of more than 30 different colors, making it one of the most colorfully diverse cats in the world. If you are going to bring a Maine Coon home, you might want to check in with a few Maine Coon cat breeders. These cats might also be available at your local shelter too, so it’s worth a visit.

The Calico Maine Coon is a bit rare, though it’s still easy to find in North America. Remember, many breeders spend a considerable amount of money in breeding these cats, and you will find yourself paying upwards of $300 for certain special colors that are not readily available in the market.

Size

Let’s get this out of the way: the Maine Coon is big. It has a massive big-boned build, and can reach up to 16 inches in height. More importantly, this cat can reach up to 40 inches in length, which means if it gets up on your couch, there won’t be much space left for you to sit on either.

Furthermore, these cats have quite a bit of fur on them. Can a Maine Coon be orange? Yes, but not entirely. It’s usually a shade of orange along with some white stripes, which makes it look like a tabby. Regardless of the colors and the patterns on the cat, one of the things that you should know is that this cat will require space.

If you live in a cramped apartment, getting a Maine Coon might not be such a wise idea. Instead, you should consider going for a smaller breed. The size of the apartment doesn’t really matter; these cats won’t cause a lot of ruckus, but you have to make sure that there’s enough space for the cat to move around.

Temperament

Now, let’s talk about their temperament. Many people are quite fearful when they look at the cat. Its imposing size can seem a bit threatening. However, don’t let that fool you. Particularly, the blue Maine Coon might come off as a bit imposing when you look at its face, but deep down inside, these cats are gentle and soft.

These cats don’t really care about privacy, and want to be a part of the family. They will follow you around, and they will sit wherever you are sitting. They love the attention, and unlike most other cats, this particular breed usually loves to sit beside their owners. Considering the sheer size of this cat, it’s probably a good thing.

More importantly, you should know that this cat is incredibly intelligent, and it loves to keep itself engaged. You are going to need to provide a handful of toys and arrange for some playful activities for the cat. If you don’t, this could lead to serious problems and the cat could become irritated and agitated.

Needs

Keep in mind that there is no aggression in this cat, and they won’t mind being picked up or cuddled, that is, if you are able to hold them up. The first and most important need for the Maine Coon is a loving and caring family. As mentioned, the cat is intelligent, and it can pick up cues and changes in your voice when you are talking to it in a loving manner or when you are angry.

You can consider leaving the cat alone for a longer period of time, but don’t expect it to jump with excitement upon your return. These cats don’t like to be left alone and doing this on a regular basis will make the cat quite anxious and sad. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are present in the house for the majority of the day, or at least someone in the family is.

Another surprising thing that you might notice is that these cats are relatively quiet. They will sit around the house and just observe things. They do communicate from time to time, and you will notice the cat making a soft and playful voice whenever it is in a joyful mood.

An Amazing Pet

One of the things that you should know about the Maine Coon is that this is an amazing cat to keep in your house. It is arguably one of the best pets that you can choose from, especially when you consider its loving and caring nature. You will be hard-pressed to find a better breed that will care and reciprocate toward you as the Maine Coon.

These cats are heavy, so you won’t find yourself cuddling and picking one up all the time. But, the good thing is that the cat understands its size, and it won’t jump on you whenever it gets the chance. Instead, it will just idly sit by you and watch you do whatever you are doing.

Care

One of the things that you should know about this cat is that it has a big, shaggy coat. You are going to have to invest in a big cat comb and brush to groom the cat. Otherwise, there is a chance that the coat will get matted or tangled over time. At least once a month, you should give the cat a bath as well.

Don’t be scared because of its size; the cat won’t mind an occasional bath. Daily fur care will ensure that the cat remains neat and clean and is well-groomed. Like all other cats, the Maine Coon also grooms itself regularly, so cleanliness won’t be something that you have to worry about. Apart from that, there’s really not a lot for you to worry about.

These cats don’t really have any special needs for exercise, but do make sure to watch the cat’s diet, because it’s likely to get obese if you start overfeeding the animal.

Bringing a Maine Coon Home

If you have decided to adopt or get a Maine Coon cat, you should consider going for a kitten. Kittens are impressionable and find it much easier to adjust to a new house. On the other hand, if you are rescuing a Maine Coon, you are also doing a great service, though the time you spend with each of them will be a bit different.

A young kitten is easier to train, and it won’t take long for the cat to realize that you are a friend who gives it food and attention. Younger Maine Coon kittens are also incredibly active and agile, and they like moving about quite a bit, so you will find your kitten running about the house throughout the course of the day.

On the other hand, if you rescue an older Maine Coon, it’s going to take a little bit of time for the cat to adjust to the surroundings. You will want to make sure that you give the cat time to adjust to you and its new surroundings before you decide to start petting the cat.

They Want Time

One of the most important things that you should know about caring for a Maine Coon kitten in its early stages is that the cat requires time. You will have to spend a great deal of your time throughout the course of the day with the cat so that you are able to establish a stronger bond.

Also, you should make it a habit to give the cat food at specific times during the day. Once it has eaten, make sure to clean the cat’s bowl. Don’t leave food inside the cat’s bowl throughout the day, as it’s going to go bad very soon. These are just some simple tips to care for a Maine Coon cat!