Maine coon 101
History & Origins
America’s native longhaired cat. The Maine Coon developed naturally in the northeastern United States—especially Maine—and is often called “America’s native longhaired cat.”
A breed with history. Maine Coons were documented as early as 1861, when a black-and-white Maine Coon named Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines appeared in The Book of the Cat.
An original showstopper. In 1895, a Maine Coon named Cosey won the first major cat show in the United States. Maine Coons were turning heads more than 130 years ago!
Maine made it official. In 1985, the Maine Coon became the official state cat of Maine.
Legends & Lore
Where did they come from? No one knows the Maine Coon’s exact ancestry, which has led to some pretty entertaining theories involving sailors, Vikings, royalty—and even raccoons.
No, they aren’t part raccoon! Their enormous fluffy tails and classic brown-tabby coloring helped inspire the legend, but cats and raccoons cannot biologically reproduce.
The Marie Antoinette story. According to folklore, Marie Antoinette sent her beloved longhaired cats to America while planning an escape from France during the French Revolution. It’s a great story, but there’s no evidence that it actually happened.
The seafaring theory may have more truth to it. Maine Coons probably developed from local domestic cats and longhaired cats brought to New England aboard ships. Their resemblance to Norwegian Forest Cats has also inspired theories about Scandinavian or Viking origins.
Built for Maine
This is one of the coolest things about the breed because so many of their signature features actually served a purpose.
Made for New England winters. Maine Coons are large, muscular and big-boned, with physical characteristics that helped them thrive in a cold, snowy climate.
A built-in winter coat. Their semi-long coat is dense and water resistant, with extra length around the neck, belly and hindquarters for additional protection.
Natural snowshoes. Those enormous paws aren't just adorable. Their large feet and prominent toe tufts help provide protection and traction in snowy conditions.
Sometimes there are extra toes! Polydactyly—being born with additional toes—has a long history in Maine Coons and was once especially common among the breed's working-cat ancestors.
Size & Appearance
Yes, they really are BIG. Maine Coons are one of the largest pedigreed domestic cat breeds. They are known for long, substantial bodies, strong bone structure and impressive size—particularly the males.
That unmistakable Maine Coon look. Large tufted ears, prominent muzzles, expressive eyes, long bodies, shaggy coats and enormous fluffy tails give Maine Coons their characteristic rugged appearance.
They have a few look-alikes. Norwegian Forest Cats and Siberians share some similarities with Maine Coons, but all three are distinct breeds with different histories, characteristics and breed standards.
Personality & Purpose
They started as working cats. Maine Coons became highly valued as excellent mousers and farm cats. Their hunting ability, hardy build and adaptability made them useful companions as well as beautiful ones.
Big cats with big personalities. Modern Maine Coons are known for being social, playful, intelligent and affectionate while often retaining a bit of independence.
They tend to want to be involved. Many Maine Coons enjoy following their people around, investigating whatever the family is doing and "helping" with everyday life.
And then there are the noises. Maine Coons are famous for their chirps, trills and other unusual vocalizations. Some are quite talkative without necessarily being traditional meowers.
Fun Maine Coon Facts
Official state cat: Maine
Coat: Semi-longhaired and weather resistant
Size: One of the largest pedigreed domestic cat breeds
Historic occupation: Mouser and farm cat
Famous feature: Huge, tufted paws
Extra-special feature: Polydactyly occurs in some bloodlines
Known for: Chirping, trilling and "talking"
Nickname:America's native longhaired cat