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The Biggest Maine Coon: Maine Coon Breed Description and Temperament

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Maine Coons are mainly known for their abnormally large size and peculiar interests compared to other cat breeds. Let’s look at the biggest Maine Coon and discuss the breed’s appearance and temperament to see if it’s the right pet for you!

A fun fact about Maine Coon cats that you might not have been aware of is that they’ve starred in Harry Potter!

That’s right, a Maine Coon named Pebbles was one of the three cats that played the iconic role of Mrs. Norris, Argus Filcher’s (the school’s caretaker) memorable and somewhat annoying cat.

Biggest Maine Coon cat

Maine coon
The biggest Maine Coon measured 8 inches (20.5 cm) more than the breed average.

The biggest Maine Coon known to date was named Mymains Stewart Gilligan, and he measured over four feet long, with a shocking length of 48.5 inches (123cm). That’s approximately 8 inches (20.5 cm) more than a regular Maine Coon!

Main Coons are the world’s largest domestic cat breed. They take a longer amount of time to fully develop and grow, most times not being fully grown until two years of age.

They often grow to approximately 30 to 40 inches (76 to 101cm) in length and 20lbs (9kg) in weight. Meanwhile, regular cats have a body length of (25 to 37 cm) 15 to 20 inches long (not including their tail) and 10lbs (4.5kg) in weight. 

That means that Maine Coons are twice the length and weight of a regular cat!

Related Article: Cat Breeds From the USA

Maine Coon cat appearance

Maine Coon cats have muscular bodies, strong legs, and prominent high cheekbones and are often a tabby red or orange. Their foreheads bear a dominant and easy-to-spot ‘M’ that usually signifies their breed.

Although this type of brand is not specific to Maine Coon cats, it is widespread and most regular amongst them. Maine Coons possess blue eyes when they are kittens, but this color changes and develops as they age.

Other large breeds of cats include

  • Norwegian Forest Cats
  • Ragdolls
  • Burmese Cats 

Maine Coon breed history

Maine Coon cats have been in the United States since the 18th century and are actually considered to be the oldest native cat breed in the USA. They were initially bred in the US state of Maine.

Although they are sometimes said to be the result of a love affair between a raccoon and a long-haired cat, that statement is nothing but a mere myth as science has proven that Maine Coons do not possess any raccoon blood.

These sturdy cats are known worldwide for their huge size, beautiful hairy coats, and the large tufts of their ears which resemble bobcats.

Maine Coons made popular appearances in cat shows in the late 19th century, but their existence was threatened when, in the early 20th-century, long-haired cat varieties from abroad were introduced.

Caring for a Maine Coon cat

biggest maine coon

Maine Coons are highly trainable, intelligent, and curious cats. They are more than willing to learn to do simple tricks or play fetch with their owners, as well as going on supervised walks.

The long fur that Maine Coons possess needs to be brushed through on a daily basis as otherwise, it might cause the cats discomfort.

Although Maine Coons rarely ever meow, they are still highly vocal cats that often use trills and chirps to communicate their needs and want for attention. If they do meow, it is most likely because they are in pain or hungry.

They frequently stare at their owners and the world around them in general to fulfill their sense of curiosity.

Maine Coon cat temperament

Maine Coons are friendly and curious in nature, meaning that even as they get older in age, their love for playing will not diminish.

Their gentle personalities mean that they love being held, petted, cuddled, and overall adored by their owners. Although this level of love for affection has earned them the nickname ‘Gentle Giants,’ it also makes them prone to envy, meaning that they can sometimes get quite jealous if they feel as though their owner is paying more attention to someone else.

In addition to this Maine Coons enjoy bodies of water, no matter how small, or large, and their water-resistant fur allows them to easily swim and enjoy themselves. Their love for water means that they will frequently amuse themselves by trying to turn on a water faucet, playing with puddles, and messing around with their water bowls.

Related Article: Can Cats Swim?

The Biggest Maine Coon: Final Thoughts

Overall, Maine Coons are lovely and affectionate large-sized cats that are guaranteed to bring joy and love, if not a little chaos, to your home.

These intelligent cats tend to get along with anyone and everyone, from kids and adults to dogs and other animals, making them the perfect fit for absolutely any environment.

Further reading

 
Article written by Viktoriya Litovchenko

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