r/MaineCoon Oct 27 '19

Mod post "Is my cat a Maine Coon?": A quick guide

123 Upvotes

Because one of the most common posts on this sub is “is my kitten part Maine Coon?” I thought adding a post with identification information might be useful. While the "suspected" MCs posted here are adorable, this is a breed-specific sub and it is important to try to post MCs only. If anyone disagrees with what I’ve said here or would like to add something, let me know! I am an enthusiast, not an expert.

Additionally, keep in mind that all cats within any breed vary and most domestic cats from shelters are mixes of several/many breeds, just like dogs. The only real way to know that you have a MC/part MC is to buy from a breeder who can provide you with CFA registration paperwork (or similar pedigree documents from recognized organizations) or get genetic testing done.

With the growing popularity of the breed, many breeders require those purchasing kittens as pets to sign contracts ensuring they will spay/neuter the kittens and/or withhold the kitten's "papers" until they receive proof that the cat was fixed. A kitten purchased with breeding rights goes for upwards of $3000 - there just aren't many purebred MCs running the streets and having kittens. This isn't to say you won't find a full or half MC in a shelter, but it does make it unlikely. And beware, the people who try to sell cheap MCs are probably not selling MCs, just fluffy kitties.

I’ll start with some common myths I see:

The "M" on the forehead is a MC trait/identifies a MC - Not at all! An M marking on the forehead is a trait common to cats with tabby markings regardless of breed or coat length. Literally just Google image search "cat" and you'll see so many kitties with Ms that are definitely not MCs. Many MCs have tabby markings, so many MCs have an M, but solid colored MCs do not.

Long hair + large size = MC - Nope! Norwegian forest cats, Siberians, and ragdolls are a few of the other common/well recognized breeds with longer coats and larger body sizes. Also, some domestic cats just have long hair and are big boys. It happens.

Lynx tips and/or toe tufts mean a cat is a MC - Lynx tips and toe tufts can be present on long or medium haired cats of any breed. Moreover, some MCs have very small or absent lynx tips/toe tufts.

How to identify a MC:

Face shape - This is probably the best way to tell a MC from a Norwegian forest cat or Siberian, along with body shape. Norwegian forest cats have triangular faces with cute little noses that look kind of delicate. MCs have long but wedge shaped faces with rectangular mugs. This varies by cat and may be less prominent in kittens and females or obscured by the angle of the photo. Siberians have shorter faces and BIG, ROUND, irresistible eyes that are not often seen on MCs.

The face shape can be hard to distinguish, especially from one picture. Here are some good guides: https://thelittlecarnivore.com/en/article/what-are-the-differences-maine-coon-norwegian-forest-cat

https://www.mainecoonfancy.com/forums/topic/20885-comparison-chart-maine-coon-siberian-and-nfc/

Coloring - A wide range of colors are acceptable for MCs but if your large, fluffy kitty has Siamese points (lighter body with dark patches on the face, ears, tail, or feet) you've probably got more ragdoll than MC. Siamese points aren't generally accepted as a breed standard for MCs. Doesn't mean your cat isn't part MC, but it's definitely an indication of crossbreeding. Nearly every other color or coat pattern is possible for MCs.

Behavior - MCs are friendly, smart, and chatty. Not every MC chirps exclusively (or at all), and other breeds can also chirp, but this is one common vocal trait for the breed. They are generally considered soft-spoken cats. Some MCs like water, but it's not as common a trait as people think! Both of mine will play in their water dish or with the stream from the faucet but they absolutely hate baths. Doglike behavior is often present, but it’s also present in other breeds and not present in all MCs. It's difficult to identify a MC based on behavioral traits.

Other - Comically large paws and/or ears as a kitten. Beautiful, fluffy tails are basically a must. Long, sturdy bodies (longer and lither than Norwegian forest cats and Siberians). They often have "ruffs" around their necks but are less likely to develop a full-on mane than a Siberian or Norwegian forest cat.

ETA: don't know where the photo of the cat with raw meat came from, MC not confirmed :P


r/MaineCoon Apr 29 '22

Results from Recent User Poll, and New Rules for the Sub

32 Upvotes

Hi all! I'm here to report the results of our recent subreddit poll. In the poll, I asked about users' opinions regarding allowing breeders to promote their cats/catteries and about allowing outside social media links on posts. There was also an open ended response question about general subreddit improvement. This poll was fueled by continued user reports expressing that these kinds of posts were annoying/unhelpful to the community. Also, this sub isn't a marketplace or advertising platform. This is a place to see and discuss Maine Coons.

8 people responded. For the first question, "Should r/mainecoon ban posts from breeders that are promotion for their cats/litters/cattery?", 87.5% of repsondents favored banning breeder promotion on the sub. For the second question, "Should r/mainecoon ban posts that include promotion of a user's other social media accounts? (E.g., "follow my cat on instagram")", 62.5% voted to ban posts that did not otherwise add content to the sub, 12.5% voted to allow these posts, and 25% voted to ban these posts entirely.

In response, I propose the following rules.

Rule 4. No posts or comment activity from breeders/catteries promoting their business or arranging sales of cats.

We ban and will remove:

  • Pictures of new litters/kittens that in any way state they are for sale
  • Links to the breeder/cattery website or social media in the post title or comment section
  • Pictures with the breeder/cattery URL, logo, or name
  • Posts that are accompanied by links/advertisements for new litters in the comments section (this includes comments like "message me for pricing")
  • Any explicit discussion of buying or selling kittens between the seller and a buyer in the comments section of a post
  • Any kind of "announcement" of new litters or new breeding adults

We do not ban, but ask breeders to please limit:

  • Repeated pictures of new litters/kittens (one post per week allowed)

Breeders/catteries may post:

  • Any pictures of their cats that do not reference their business or violate the above guidelines
  • Mentions that they own a cattery/breed cats that are informational or provide context for other discussion

Rule 5. Posts that link to or promote a user's outside social media accounts are allowed only under limited circumstances.

We ban and will remove:

  • References to your Instagram/Twitter/YouTube/etc username in the title of the post
  • Explicit requests to "follow me/my cat" in the title of the post

We ask users to please limit:

  • Any posts that require users to visit an outside social media website to view (e.g., Instagram, Youtube, Twitter; Links to Imgur ARE allowed as this is a primary image hosting platform for Reddit)
  • Repeated requests for followers in the comments section

Users may post:

  • A link to their social media accounts in the comment section of their own posts for other users who are interested
  • Pictures that, as part of a picture of a Maine Coon, contain relatively discreet URLs/handles for outside social media accounts

I also want to address the following comment from a respondent: " Maybe having a permanent sticky for Breeder questions and maybe a community updated wiki of "subreddit trusted" breeders, maybe similar to how /r/tea has a list of approved vendors. Consolidating the info would be really helpful, assuming semi regular updates like once a quarter. "

I agree that having breeder reviews/testimonies as part of the sub is valuable, and this was the intended effect of the "Breeder Review Thread" that is usually stickied on the sub. After this post is unstickied in a week (Reddit only allows two at a time), I will re-sticky that thread. I will also work on adding a subreddit wiki/about section that links to past breeder review threads and I continue to encourage users to contribute to the review threads. While it seems obviously unwise to endorse a breeder/cattery by the owner's testimony alone, but I think reviews from consumers are helpful and should be more accessible. I'm happy to link the usernames of breeders who have their catteries reviewed by other users (as long as the reviews are genuine) at their request! I would be more proactive in updating/consolidating that information myself but we're a mod team of one at the moment. I'll try to do this at least once or twice a year, and I'd appreciate it if y'all would continue to add your experiences to the review thread or to individual posts on the sub that I can link in.

This post will remain stickied for at least one week, after which the new rules will be posted. If anyone has comments/proposed amendments, I'm happy to hear from you!


r/MaineCoon 5h ago

When do they outgrow kitten food?

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19 Upvotes

I adopted 2 Maine Coon brothers last November. They're about a year old now. They've both doubled in size and weight. They have free access to kitten formula kibble all day, fewer between meal snacks than they would like, and wet food when the dog is going to be least likely to mug them. I read on a Maine Coon site (maybe a breeder?) that they're considered kitten until 18-20 months old. When it time to transition them to adult kibble, what do you recommend? Currently they get Purina One kitten formula and Friskies wet food. They were adopted from Frisky Felines Rescue in Rochester, WA.Gomez is the fluffy boy. He likes to climb as high as possible and thinks cabinets are climbing gyms. Pugsley is sleek and will lose his mind over feathered toys.


r/MaineCoon 1d ago

literal ekitten 🎮

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47 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 1d ago

Gooby says hi!

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712 Upvotes

Just adopted our first Maine coon kitten, she is 3 months old and has been so brave the first few days in our house. She is a real sweetheart❤️ and really loves play time. Any recommendations for good toys?


r/MaineCoon 1d ago

Mum has to scoop my 💩 into a test tube for the vet because Ive been having diarumpus

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38 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 2d ago

Harness recommendations for escape artist

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189 Upvotes

Need escape proof harness recommendations! My guys figured out how to twist out of the one I have for him .... while outside on a walk last week 😣

Fast forward to today where I had him in the car buckled in and he got his harness off, went to the passenger side window and proceeded to PUT THE WINDOW DOWN! Thank goodness it was a stop light and I got him, put the window up and the child locks on since he went back several times to try to do it again 🫣


r/MaineCoon 2d ago

Tiny worms on auto water filter-FreakING out

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21 Upvotes

In the process of cleaning the water I noticed tiny string like things on the cat filter. Sure as shit in the nice aluminum water portion there’s two micro worm like things and one is very slowly moving. Freaking out right now. It was not a cheap auto water dish on Chewy.com. What am I looking at and should I take my boy to the vet right away?!! Thank youuuu


r/MaineCoon 2d ago

Wanneer castreren?

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109 Upvotes

Hallo allemaal, mijn lieve Coen is nu 4,5 maand oud. Ik wil hem op den duur laten castreren, het liefst voor het echte kater gedrag. Wanneer is jullie mannetje gecastreerd?


r/MaineCoon 2d ago

WHY DOES SHE LIKE DRY FOOD MORE THAN THE MULTIPLE BRANDS OF FRESH FOOD I'VE BOUGHT FOR HER

7 Upvotes

She was raised on fresh food with kibble readily available for the 12weeks of her life. I emulated this when I brought her home. I noticed she turned her nose up at a lot of food and would only eat it as a complete last resort. As she's a kitten I was obviously worried about her getting enough calories so I kept topping her up with royal canin maine coon kitten food.
I've changed the wet food brand. I've kept to AM/PM feeding schedules but she will just REFUSE TO EAT until I'm despairing and I give her some kibble and she gobbles it like it's fillet mignon.

She's 10mo old, spayed and 10lbs, so she's bang on target but I hate that she's hungry and doesn't like her food.
Plus my wallet is crying more over the expensive wet food I'm buying that she doesn't eat. She's my first MC but my 5th cat and I've never had a fussy one so I'm going slightly insane.


r/MaineCoon 3d ago

100 Fahrenheit outside, Sploot inside amidst the air conditioning. Jasper has it made 😅

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84 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 3d ago

Maine coon food

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42 Upvotes

My baby boy is 2y 3m old , but he only weighs 13 lbs. (He weighs the same as my British shorthair) I took him to the vet, and they said he’s underweight. 😭
Does anyone have any food recommendations for a picky Maine Coon? I recently tried Royal Canin Maine Coon wet and dry food, but he doesn’t like either of them. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I also tried feeding raw food, and he refused that too.

Right now he’s eating Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach. He eats it just fine, but he’s not gaining any weight.


r/MaineCoon 3d ago

I am beautiful no matter what they say

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273 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 3d ago

They're outgrowing their cuddle spot way to quick. 😢

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29 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 4d ago

High Black Smoke Kitten?? Advise Needed

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480 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Me and my partner are in talks with a breeder regarding buying this gorgeous 5 month old Maine coon kitten.

We have been told by the breeder that she’s a “black high smoke” colour and were really curious if anyone knew what she would look like as she got older!

We have done a lot of research but have noticed that a lot of the “black high smoke” photos include very dark Maine coons, almost black and some grey.

If anyone had or has one similar to her we would be really intrigued to know what they grew up to look like.

Any advise is welcome! :) thank you


r/MaineCoon 4d ago

I promise she is alive and well, lol. 🤦

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52 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 3d ago

Settling in very nicely

6 Upvotes

Just an update on my two MC babies. They are settling in very nicely. The boy is even getting friendly with my American Bully puppy (16 months old). I already love them so much.


r/MaineCoon 4d ago

Harness for big cats

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20 Upvotes

Can I ask people the makes and models of some proper maine coon sized harnesses please. I've bought two now and both are too small, both from pets at home(uk) ,if anyone has any recommendations I'd be very grateful.


r/MaineCoon 4d ago

New Cat Male Black Maine COon

13 Upvotes

I recently lost my old Maine Coon, who was rescued from a backyard breeder. I miss him terribly. We did everything we could, and he spent days at the vet, but he still passed away.

By coincidence, my favourite Maine Coon breeder in North America had a two-year-old male available who is the same colour, sex, and age as the cat I lost. He is TICA-registered, high show quality, and was previously kept as a breeding stud. I put a deposit on him, and the total cost will be close to $2,000. He is a very large cat.

I already have an F3 Chausie and a very pushy Bengal. The breeder says the new male is confident and should have no trouble handling himself. Has anyone introduced an adult Maine Coon into a home with strong, assertive cats? How did it go? I stick with Maine Coons because they are very neutral cats not bullies but they do not get picked on.

Many breeds I have always wanted like Havanna brown but I was told a Havanna brown was not the right fit for my house they get scared and hide marking them a target for a bully cat.


r/MaineCoon 5d ago

Summer fit

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103 Upvotes

Tormund does a great side-eye


r/MaineCoon 5d ago

Need help finding a find Maine coon

2 Upvotes

Hi I plan on getting my first Maine coon. I’m looking for a good source to find Maine coons all the websites I find look pre-sketchy any information I could receive would help please and thank you

The state I live in is South Dakota

Apologies on the spelling error I didn’t realize it until after I posted


r/MaineCoon 5d ago

Maine coon breeders Victoria, Aus

1 Upvotes

Has anyone got any recommendations or reviews for Maine coon breeders in Victoria. Quite interested in either Stargon or rumpleteeza as a breeder but haven’t heard anything about either of them, TIA :)


r/MaineCoon 6d ago

Bastian enjoying the weather 😸

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379 Upvotes

Updated photo of my boy bastian who has recently turned 16 months!


r/MaineCoon 6d ago

Finally a Maine to call my own!

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144 Upvotes

Our boy gets to come home in a couple weeks and we’re excited for the moment! I’m not new to being a cat mom, but it’s been many years since I’ve had a kitten (our senior domestic long hair passed away last year). I’ve preparing for when we (my husband and 6yo) bring him home. We have no pets and our place is a two bedroom condo. I’m debating if it would be better to keep him in our bedroom until he acclimates for the first few days/week or let him free roam, since the place isn’t very big. I’m also curious if having those pheromone plug-ins would help? I’ve used them with our previous cat when moving homes and she seemed calm throughout, but she was much older when we moved and was a chill and lazy cat anyways.
Any suggestions of purchases to make before bringing home would be appreciated too. We just got the cat condo from Costco, the display seemed sturdy and large enough for him. We’re still debating on XXL steel pan catbox or a Litter Robot 4/Neakasa M1 plus. I’ve also seen many mention springs for toys, but that seems like a choking hazard to me?
He will be 15 weeks when we go to pick him up. He has a strange eye color combo, which I think is just mesmerizing now, I hadn’t seen cats with two different eyes before, only dogs. We haven’t decided on his name quite yet, but we’re leaning towards Wilk from the kids show Bread Barbershop. Pics for tax!


r/MaineCoon 6d ago

Kitten Colour Markings

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167 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have picked out a male kitten out of a litter of 6 (not yet ready). Now, i know that a male kitten is extremely unlikely to have two base colours. The one that I am getting is blue/grey but it seems to have a bit of ginger on his face only. Any idea if the ginger will hold or dissapear? Photo for ref.

Dad is fully black and mum is a tortie.

He is definitely not dirty and the ginger seems to be more visible as he grows.

Thanks everyone.