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The Maine Coon Breed Standard

The Maine Coon is one of the most recognizable cat breeds in the world. Its large size, luxurious coat, and distinctive features make it truly stand out. Officially recognized by CFA, TICA, and FIFe, the Maine Coon follows a specific breed standard that outlines everything from body structure to coat colors and eye variations.

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Body Structure

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Maine Coons are known for their impressive size and strong, muscular build.

 

  • Size: One of the largest domesticated cats, with males typically weighing 13-18 lbs and females 8-12 lbs. Some Maine Coons even exceed 20 lbs!

  • Shape: Their bodies are long and rectangular, with a broad chest and solid bone structure, giving them a powerful yet elegant look.

  • Tail: Long, plumed, and flowing, often as long as their body, helping them stay warm in cold weather.

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Maine Coon Coat Colors and Fur Type

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One of the breed’s most striking features is its thick, water-resistant coat.

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  • Texture: Their fur is heavy and shaggy, longer on the stomach and ruff, shorter on the shoulders. Despite the volume, it's surprisingly low-maintenance.

  • Accepted Colors & Patterns:

    • Solid: Black, white, blue, red, cream

    • Tabby: Classic, mackerel, ticked

    • Bi-Color & Parti-Color: Black and white, tortoiseshell, blue-cream

    • Shaded & Smoke: Lighter undercoat with darker tips

  • Certain colors like chocolate, lavender, and Siamese points aren’t accepted in breed standards.

 

Maine Coon Eye Color, Ear Shape, and Tail

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Maine Coons have large, expressive eyes that come in green, gold, copper, or blue. White Maine Coons can have odd-colored eyes, with one blue and one gold/green.

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Their large, pointed ears have noticeable lynx-like tufts, giving them a wild and regal appearance. Their tail is long and bushy, perfect for wrapping around themselves in cold weather.

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Distinctive Features

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Several unique traits set Maine Coons apart:

  • Tufted Ears: Large ears with lynx-like tufts at the tips and plenty of inner ear furnishings.

  • Bushy Tail: A long, flowing tail resembling a raccoon’s, which may have contributed to their name.

  • Large Paws: Well-tufted, snowshoe-like paws, sometimes with extra toes (polydactyl Maine Coons were historically common).

 

These features aren’t just for looks — they helped the Maine Coon survive harsh winters, making them one of the most adaptable cat breeds in the world.

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How to Recognize a Purebred Maine Coon

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Wondering if a Maine Coon is the real deal? Look for these key traits:

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✔ Size & Body Shape: Large, muscular, and rectangular — bigger than most house cats.
✔ Ears & Tail: Tall, pointed ears with tufts and a long, plumed tail.
✔ Fur & Texture: Thick, shaggy fur with a prominent ruff around the neck.
✔ Personality: Intelligent, affectionate, playful, and often described as dog-like in behavior.

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Beyond their appearance, Maine Coons are known for their friendly and intelligent nature. They are often described as dog-like because they enjoy following their owners, learning tricks, and even playing fetch. They are social but not overly clingy, making them a great choice for families and multi-pet households.

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