FAQ

Main Coons originated in the state of Maine many centuries ago. It is believed they were brought to our country on ships that explored the new world (think Vikings, Christopher Columbus, etc.). Hence, the “Maine” part. Now, the “Coons” part did not come from cats breeding raccoons, despite the rumors. Maine Coons are similar to raccoons in a few ways, Maine Coons love water and like to play in it, they are very good with their paws, i.e. grabbing food and eating from their paws, and some classic colored Maine Coons have a “V” marking on the outside of each eye, similar to the bandit mask a raccoon has.
Throughout history, the breed has evolved to tolerate the cold…it was and is still cold in Maine! They have extra fur tufts of hair between their toes and on the tips of their ears. We call this lynx tips or brushes on their ears. Their coat is very thick as well as their tails. Their coat and tail reaches full thickness around 2 years of age.

As you’ve figured out,Main Coon Cats are one of the largest domestic breeds of cats. Hence, their nickname “Gentle Giants”. They grow extremely fast, but mature slowly. A male Main Coon Kittens can double in size (not weight) from 1-8 months. But wait….they aren’t done growing! Maine Coons grow until they are 4-5 years old. Males average 15-25 lbs depending on the size of their bone structure (or skeleton size, we call it). Females, of course, are smaller and average 12-17 lbs.  We, at Maine coon Home cannot guarantee the size your Maine Coon kitten will be, but our parents are large, which is a good indicator of the offspring’s adult size.

Typically larger than most house cats, these gentle giants are incredibly friendly and charming. Like dogs, they always want to be with their people. Many Maine coons enjoy playing in water, and they are particularly good with other pets and with kids.