There are many ways to recognize a Maine Coon. The first is to observe its physical characteristics: large size, shaggy coat, tail and ears that tighten at the tip, and large eyes. Since they are an outgoing and friendly breed of cats, you can also identify them by observing their behavior and personality. As a last resort, ask your vet for a DNA test.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Identify Your Cat Based on Physical Characteristics
Step 1. Check the length of the cat's coat
Maine Coons have long, shaggy coats. The coat is not thick, but it is abundant. The legs, tails and ears are covered with soft tufts of fur. The fur on the animal's back should be shorter in the front and longer in the back. Likewise, the hair on the hips should also stretch in the back.
Tabby brown is the most common color for Maine Coons. However, there are 75 different color combinations for this breed
Step 2. Observe the cat's size
Maine Coons are the largest cats of all. They have a sturdy and bristly appearance. Some compare them to little lynxes. If your kitty looks too big, it could be a Maine Coon.
- Males weigh 7-11 kg, while females 5-7 kg. If your cat falls into these weight categories, you may have a Maine Coon.
- Males are usually 25-40cm tall and one meter long. Females have a tendency to be 20-30cm tall and are also about one meter long. Use a tape measure to measure your cat's size.
Step 3. Touch the cat
Maine Coons have soft, greasy fur, which they develop to guard against harsh winters. They also have large fluffy tails which they use to keep warm when resting. The coat should be thin, the build toned and muscular.
Step 4. Check the other physical characteristics of the cat
Maine Coons have muscular legs of medium length, in proportion to the body. Their body is long and not compact. The tails are wider at the base and taper towards the tip. Try reaching for the animal's shoulders with the tail. If you can, the length is that of a Maine Coon. In addition, the tail should have long flowing hair. Finally, notice if the ears are pinched at the tip and are wider at the base. They are relatively close on the head, less than an ear apart.
- Tufts of fur grow inside the ears. Almost all European-type cats have lynx-like tufts on the tips of their ears.
- Maine Coons wrap themselves in their own fluffy, long tail to keep warm in the winter.
Step 5. Note the size of the eyes
Maine Coon eyes are slightly slanted, not perfectly round. They are usually green or golden, but they can also be blue.
Step 6. Notice if your cat takes a long time to grow
Most of these felines reach full maturity at nine to twelve months of age. Maine Coons, on the other hand, have a tendency to grow for at least two years. Some even for four. If your kitty continues to grow, it may be of this breed.
Method 2 of 3: Identify Your Cat Based on Other Elements
Step 1. Notice if he has a friendly demeanor
Maine Coons are known for their friendly and laid back personalities. They get along very well with children and other pets. If your cat fits this description, it may be of that breed.
Step 2. See if he loves water
Maine Coons love to splash and pour water. Some even throw themselves into the toilets. If your cat seems to be fascinated by water and shows other signs characteristic of this breed, it is possible that it belongs to it.
Step 3. Notice dog-like behavior
Most everyone knows that dogs are generally outgoing and loyal. Maine Coons are also known for their reliable and friendly demeanor. If your cat greets you in the morning and when you get home, it may be that breed.
Step 4. Ask for a DNA test
Another way to identify a Maine Coon is with a genetic test. To carry out the procedure, the vet will take a DNA sample from your cat. Usually, he will do this by inserting a swab inside his cheek to get epithelial cells, with a blood draw, or by cutting a few tufts of his hair. Your vet will use the biological sample to compare your cat's genome to that of the Maine Coons, looking for a match.
DNA tests are 90% accurate
Step 5. Monitor your cat's health
Maine Coons are usually in good health, however they are vulnerable to two pathologies. The first is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which causes the walls of the heart to thicken. The other is feline hip dysplasia, caused by the malformation of the Maine Coon's hips, which causes pain and arthritis.
- The breeder you buy the Maine Coon from should check that the specimen does not have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy before selling it to you.
- Since Maine Coons are large by nature, you can't do much to prevent dysplasia. Your vet will help you treat your cat if he develops that condition.
Method 3 of 3: Get a Maine Coon
Step 1. Decide if this is the right cat for you
Like all felines, Maine Coons require investments of time and money. They cost between € 400 and € 1000, not including food, litter and vet visits. Also, since they are quite outgoing animals, they need attention and affection every day. If you have a busy life, consider a breed that requires less energy.
If you prefer a less energetic Maine Coon, you can purchase an adult specimen instead of a puppy
Step 2. Choose a reputable breeder
Reputable professionals will not have Maine Coons (or cats of any other breed) available all year round. They also do not agree to sell pets over the internet or to have multiple litters in the same environment. On the contrary, they will make you sign a meticulous contract describing what will happen if you can no longer take care of the cat and will give you as much information as possible about the pedigree and the state of health of the animal.
Search the internet to find the best local breeders
Step 3. Consider the alternatives
Buying a Maine Coon from a breeder is the easiest way to get one. However, you can also find them in shelters and adopt them. Contact local animal shelters and ask if they have found any Maine Coons.
Step 4. Get to know the cat before you buy it
Reputable breeders gladly welcome visitors who wish to meet the animal in the place where it was raised. Maine Coons should be kept indoors. Beware of breeders who meet you in a different place than the breeding one (typically the breeder's house).
- If you notice that the cat was raised in a small, dirty or crowded enclosure, choose another breeder. Those conditions favor the development of diseases and flea infestations.
- Likewise, don't buy a cat that has grown up in isolation, as it may have a hard time socializing with other animals and people when you bring it home.
Step 5. Don't rush
You probably won't find a Maine Coon right away. Properly bred cats must reach 12-16 weeks of age before they can be separated from their mothers. In addition, many breeders have waiting lists that do not allow them to quickly purchase an animal of that breed.
