The Magic of Maine Coons: What to Expect from Your Gentle Giant
Before you landed on our cattery's page, you’ve probably read the standard Wikipedia articles about Maine Coons. You know the old legend about the cat crossing with a raccoon from the state of Maine (geneticists roll their eyes, but watching a Maine Coon happily splash in water, you start to wonder).
You know they used to be working cats on 19th-century farms, charming people at state fairs with their massive paws and wild tufted ears.
So, I won’t give you another history lesson. Instead, I want to tell you what it’s actually like to share your home with one of these house lynxes.
Because if you are looking to adopt a Maine Coon kitten, you aren't just getting a pet. You are getting a highly opinionated, incredibly affectionate roommate.
If you’ve never met a Maine Coon in person, their sheer size and wild, stern look can be intimidating. They look menacing. But the truth is, they are arguably the kindest felines on the planet.
In fact, Maine Coons are barely cats at all—they are companions.
Here is a typical evening in our house: when we walk through the front door, we are greeted by a stampede. A crowd of massive cats and two toy poodles rush to say hello.
If they are out in the backyard lounging in the sun and I call out for them, the cats usually beat the dogs to the porch. That’s how human-oriented they are.
They don't do that typical feline thing where they disappear into a closet for 12 hours. They need to be where the action is.
If you are cooking, they will sit on the nearest chair, supervising every time you chop a carrot to make sure you’re doing it right.
Are they lap cats?
Honestly, mostly no. And considering an adult male can weigh up to 20 pounds, you’ll be grateful for that. Instead, they prefer to sprawl out right next to you, stretching to their full, glorious length.
Ekaterina Ionese
Owner
The Personality Match: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All
While all Maine Coons share that signature loyalty, every single kitten is a completely separate universe. In all my years of breeding, I have yet to meet two cats with the exact same temperament. Some are goofy and loud; others are quiet observers.
Because genetics and the parents' manners play such a huge role, I start noticing these distinct quirks around week four. This is why our Maine Coon personality match process is the core of our cattery.
I don't just let people point at a picture of a cute kitten. We use a detailed lifestyle questionnaire because I need to know exactly who you are to find the kitten that is 100% yours.
A perfect example is our adult cat, Alex.
If a family comes to us needing an emotional support animal, I always look at Alex's kittens. He has been an incredible anchor for our special needs son. He always knows when to be near, and during difficult moments, he gently forces the attention onto himself.
In the entire history of our cattery, we have never had a cat raise a paw or scratch a child. If they get tired of too much attention, they simply stand up and walk away with absolute dignity.
People always ask me about weight. A Maine Coon is the biggest domestic cat, but not necessarily the heaviest—they are incredibly long and tall.
If you put a 15-pound British Shorthair next to a 15-pound Maine Coon, the Maine Coon looks twice as large because of their bone structure and length. They don’t reach their full maturity until they are about three years old.
Then there is the coat. It’s luxurious, but here is the secret: because of how their undercoat is structured, it rarely mats. They require far less grooming than a Persian.
In fact, my cats do a lot of the work themselves. They have this hilarious habit of going into the backyard and vigorously rubbing themselves against the driveway or a bush to clean their fur.
It looks ridiculous, but it works—there is surprisingly little loose hair in our house.
A metal comb once a week is usually enough, focusing on the belly and under the arms. But please, leave the tail alone! A Maine Coon’s bushy tail is their ultimate pride. The hair there grows incredibly slowly. Brush it maybe once a month, very carefully.
Ready for a Maine Coon that truly fits your home?
Tell us about your home and lifestyle. We’ll respond within 24 hours.