Maine Coon cat is the most popular domesticated cat. Originating from the State Of Maine in North America, its size is just one of its best attributes. It is an adorable cat with a natural love for human contact. One of its most distinctive features is that it is usually covered by its long coat protection from too much cold.
Maine Coon cats are also adorably known as “gentle giants”, because of their size and charming attitude. Sailors considered Maine coons as good luck even before.
The origins of the Maine Coon, however, are still shrouded in mystery. Although genetically impossible, one myth holds that this is the result of breeding between cats and raccoons.
Have you ever wonder how heavy this breed of a cat could be? Maine Coon cats are naturally big-boned and heavy. Although weight and built may vary from cat to cat, there are just some that are naturally on the heavy side.
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Distinct qualities of a Maine coon cat
- Markings. Maine Coon cats are usually long or medium-haired. The coat of this cat is soft and silky. Its length is shorter on its head, while its shoulders are longer on the stomach and flanks. It also has a lion-like ruff around the neck. The brown tabby is the most common pattern seen in this breed. All eye colors are accepted under its standards, with the exception of odd eyes. There are Maine coons who are under a genetic mutation called Polydactyl. This condition is where the cat has extra toes or paws since during birth or somehow called in-born.
- Dressed for winter. Maine coons naturally have several adaptations needed to survive in winter. Their long raccoon-like tail is resistant to sinking in snow and could be curled around their backside when sitting on a frozen surface. Long tufts of fur that grows between their toes help their toes to keep warm. These also help them when walking on snow by giving the paws an additional structure without the additional mass. Furred ears with extra long tufts of fur growing from inside can keep them warm in an instant.
- Attitude. These gentle giants have above-average intelligence that makes them easy to train. They are also known for being loyal to their family and don’t easily come up with strangers. Maine coons are independent and not clingy at all. They are very playful just like other pets. Both male and female Maine coons are equally affectionate. A lot of Maine coons love to spend time in the water. According to legends, this trait comes from their ancestors. Although they are playful, Maine coons are not known for being a “lap cat”.
In spite of being known to be the gentle giants, there are some situations where your Maine coons could become aggressive. For instance, stepping on their tails is one of the easiest ways to piss them off, which could naturally lead to an aggressive behavior.
Facts on Maine coon sizes
We all know that they are the largest domesticated cat breed in history.
Males weigh from 13 to 18 lbs or 5.9 – 8.2kg. The height of an adult can vary between 10 and 16in. It is also possible for them to reach a length of up to 38in or 97cm, including their tail. On the other hand, females usually weigh around 8 – 12 Ib or 3.6 to 5.4kg.
Because all Maine coons, purebred and mixed bred, are naturally huge, a lot of owners can easily claim that their Maine coons are the largest.
The heaviest Maine coon cat on record
In 2010, however, the Guinness Book of World Records announced that a purebred Maine Coon named “Stewie” is the world’s longest cat. He measures 48.5in from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail.
There’s also Samson, the huge cat from New York that weighs 28 pounds and measures four feet long.
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Common questions about the heaviest Maine coon cat on record
How long does a Maine coon cat live?
Maine coon cats are generally a healthy breed of cat. The average life span of these cats ranges anywhere from 10 – 12 years. Meanwhile, there are also data reports that these cats can live up to 15 years and beyond.
Are Maine coon cats really big?
Yes, they’re really that big. Maine coons can take somewhere between four and five years to be fully grown. These cats can weigh anywhere from 12 to 25 pounds and reach a length of 40 inches when fully grown.
Do Maine coons get aggressive when fully grown?
Maine coons are not usually aggressive. However, there may be times when something might bother Maine coon, which causes them to be aggressive.
Because Maine coons are big-boned in nature, anyone who owns them can easily claim that their cat is the biggest ever. After all, we’re all proud of our furry friends. Whether you own the biggest or the heaviest cat should not matter. All these cats are adorable in their own right.