Have you ever come across a cat that does not jump? Well, that’s impossible! All cats have the ability to jump, including the Maine coons breed. Maine coons are known for having impressive jumping skills that make them great jumpers.
Research on this subject may somehow be limited, but it doesn’t mean that there’s no reason to believe that a Maine coon can jump 7-8 feet. Mere observation is enough to conclude this fact.
In addition, Maine coon breeds are semi-wild cats born to live in the wilderness? Jumping, back then, was a physical requirement for a Maine coon. There’s no doubt that they can jump that high if they really want to!
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High jumping cat breeds have common traits
Cats are born with flexible spines and can jump high because of their strong back legs and muscles. Most cat breeds who are known for high jumping skills have some common characteristics.
- High Energy. Some cats are too lazy, while other cat breeds prefer continual motion. In the case of Maine coon cats, they are energetic by nature. Indeed, there is no doubt one of the cat breeds who have the ability for high jumping.
- Spine. Did you know that all cats are flexible? They are more capable of rotating than other animals. Research shows that this is a direct result of having 52-53 vertebrae and allows them to twist their spines into 180 degrees.
- Long back legs. Having long back legs for cats is an advantage for them because they are taller compared to their short-legged feline friends.
- Athletic Prowess. Some cats have this extraordinary ability. They are far more agile and have natural loving speed when climbing and jumping.
- Curiosity. We all have heard of the popular saying “Curiosity killed the cat”. No doubt, felines are naturally curious! Most of them tend to seek regular mental stimulation.
- Agile. Some cat breeds are naturally built for speed and agility.
- Shoulder Blades. Shoulder blades are attached to muscles, rather than the cat’s skeleton. It helps all cats to be more agile. It allows them to flex their bodies. They can twist or jump at crazy angles while also being capable of fitting through gaps that you would think are not possible!
Other than Maine coons, there are some other cat breeds who are extremely agile and always on the move. Here is a list of the best jumping cat breeds who have more athletic prowess:
- Savannah
- Somali
- Egyptian Mau
- Manx
- Siamese
- Ocicat
- Oriental
- Bengal
- Abynissian
Reasons why your Maine coon is not as active as usual
Every once in awhile, Maine coon cats may have health conditions that could affect their jolly and active personality. Though relatively a healthy breed, it is not impossible for them to catch common problems on their health.
- Hip Dysplasia. Maine coons are built strong and muscular. However, their large physical frame makes them prone to hip dysplasia, which can cause arthritis. On rare occasions, it can cause paralysis that may impact the jumping abilities of your Maine coon.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Heart Disease). This is a hereditary disease that thickens the muscle walls of the heart that can lead to heart failure.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). It is also a hereditary genetic disease. It is the loss of motor neurons in the lower spinal cord. Atrophy in the hind limbs leads to progressive deterioration instability levels. This problem is usually worsened with unsteady gait and abnormalities in posture.
- Arthritis/Joint Problems. This problem could be very painful for your feline friend because osteoarthritis can cause your cat’s joint to stop working correctly.
- Ligament and Tendons. Ligaments or tendons can enable your cat to move freely. However, once damaged, they can cause your cat to stop jumping.
- Cracked Paw Pads. If your Maine coons are outdoor cats, they are definitely more prone to having cracked paw pads. Also, harsh texture litter can damage your cats’ paw pads. Make sure always to check litter material to ensure their best health.
- Diabetic Neuropathy. Maine coons might feel some pain jumping if they have diabetic neuropathy. This condition causes numbness and pain in their legs. This is why cats with diabetes require special care.
- Bone and Joint Cancer. Just like humans, your Maine coon can also have bone and joint cancer. In their case, they will experience pain and swelling in their bones and joints.
- Infectious Disease. If your Maine coon’s central nervous system is highly affected, expect that their ability to jump and walk will be limited.
- Neuromuscular Disorders. A cat’s jumping abilities are limited because their nerves and muscles are failing to work. Their muscles can twitch, which makes it harder for them to move.
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Common questions about how high a Maine coon can jump
Do Maine coons like to jump?
First of all, not because they know how to jump doesn’t mean they do it all the time. Despite being muscular and strong, Maine coons only jump if they feel they have to. In fact, they prefer using their intelligence to avoid having to jump high.
Are Maine coon cats intelligent?
Maine coon cats are an amazingly smart breed. They are easily trainable, they just need their memory combined with their intelligence to learn how to associate actions. They can handle situations and solve problems on their own!
Are Maine coon cats aggressive?
Maine coons’ friendliness is one of their most amazing characteristics. Also, they are goofy and by no means harmful. So if you are planning to buy a Maine coon, don’t be scared that they may get aggressive. They are mostly gentle and playful. You can cuddle with them all day and spoil them with your attention. Nonetheless, sometimes you cannot control the mind of your Maine coon, and they can become aggressive, but remember that they may be uncomfortable with their surroundings.
Maine coon can definitely jump whenever they want to, even up to 8 feet high. Thanks to their muscular bodies and large paws, they perfectly land all the time, too.
