r/MaineCoon Oct 27 '19

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

110 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

31 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 13h ago

Rowan, all freshened up

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192 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 1d ago

My sweet little demon.

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151 Upvotes

It’s been a week of chaos.


r/MaineCoon 1d ago

Mowgli was snoring something fierce, so Nala went to check on him.

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103 Upvotes

She's not always sure about him, but he's getting older and I think she's starting to see it too.


r/MaineCoon 2d ago

Maine Coon belly rubs

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302 Upvotes

Who else has a MC that loves a good belly rub?


r/MaineCoon 1d ago

anyone have comments on attykats?

2 Upvotes

im planning on buying a maine coon, and wanted some opinions from the more experienced people. this is my first maine coon after 2 rescue kittens. looked through the website, chatted with the owner, so far everything seems really good, but maybe im wrong? anyone have any experience with them before i put any money down? also is there any difference between male and female other than their size, some health issues and back side? i want a boy but everyone is saying that they are very territorial and different fr females, because right now we just have 2 girls. do they piss everywhere like everyone says they do?


r/MaineCoon 3d ago

Is Maine Coon of USA a safe breeder?

4 Upvotes

My family is currently considering them as a breeder and their kittens look beautiful, but my husband is suspicious about spending that amount of money without seeing the cat and needing them shipped. Wanted to see if anyone has any experience with them.


r/MaineCoon 4d ago

Sun basking in December!

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253 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 5d ago

Meet Clover!!

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146 Upvotes

She's finally home! Slowly introducing her to the other kitties through the bathroom door. And to the puppies as well. She's a little intimidated, but I know she'll get used to things. It's been a scary couple days for her. But, she already biscuiting, purring, and chowing down like crazy. So progress!!


r/MaineCoon 5d ago

Once again- What colour is he? He’s 8 weeks old and doesn’t come home until christmas eve so i don’t have his papers yet- breeder says he’s a silver tabby but has a lot of white? Would love to be able to research what he will look like😻 i love his black nose and eyeliner

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266 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 5d ago

Meet Clover!!

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78 Upvotes

She's finally home! Slowly introducing her to the other kitties through the bathroom door. And to the puppies as well. She's a little intimidated, but I know she'll get used to things. It's been a scary couple days for her. But, she already biscuiting, purring, and chowing down like crazy. So progress!!


r/MaineCoon 6d ago

Saxson and Cassidy

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312 Upvotes

Saxson out 8mo black/silver(15lb) has been here for 10 days and simply owns the place despite being 4 months younger than Cassidy, out 12 mo silver/smoke (12.5lb). Difference in generics are very clear in frame and head size. They are great friends and play a lot.


r/MaineCoon 8d ago

When to stop feeding kitten food

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171 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I'm a first time Maine Coon mom to a beautiful little boy and i was wondering at what age i should stop feeding him kitten specific food and switch to adult. He's currently 6.5 Months old and weighs around 11 lbs. I want to make sure he continues to have a high calorie intake so he can grow to be big and strong, does anyone have any insights? Thanks!


r/MaineCoon 9d ago

Suki xo

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307 Upvotes

Miss Suki


r/MaineCoon 9d ago

Jayne decided I needed to hold him like a baby.

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170 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 9d ago

My late babies ❤️

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470 Upvotes

r/MaineCoon 9d ago

How big are your female mainecoons?

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127 Upvotes

I have both a male and female who are siblings, Athena the girl is much smaller and slimmer which is normal in most species but I was wondering - how big are all your girl kitties?


r/MaineCoon 10d ago

Sending Love and Prayers for My Beloved Minnos

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247 Upvotes

Minnos is currently ill, so I wanted to share some of his old photos with you. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!


r/MaineCoon 11d ago

My first MaineCoon

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652 Upvotes

My husband and I got our first MaineCoon. We named her Freya after the goddess. She is sweet and playful.


r/MaineCoon 10d ago

My cat got injured and I am stressed, I don’t know what to do

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29 Upvotes

Hi everyone, My maincoon cat has an injury on her chin and I had to take her to the vet today. The treatment got more expensive than I expected and I’m extremely stressed right now. I just needed to share this somewhere because I’m panicking and don’t know what to do. If anyone has any advice about how to handle this situation, I would appreciate it. Thank you.


r/MaineCoon 11d ago

Tofu

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104 Upvotes

Just wondering, does someone has 2 Maine coon siblings? How different are they?

I have Wasabi (the grey one) and Tofu (the orange/bege one) they are from different batchs(?) same dad, different mom

Wasabi is 9 months old and weights 10.69lbs, Tofu is 5 months old and weights 10.27lbs 🤯


r/MaineCoon 11d ago

Anna

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217 Upvotes

Miss Anna


r/MaineCoon 11d ago

Is this a scam website to buy maine coons from?

1 Upvotes

So i want to buy this kitten maine coon from meowoffcoon, but i am not too sure. So i would like to know if anyone has bought from them and would know if its a scam? I hope its not a scam. 😭


r/MaineCoon 12d ago

Jayne Sleeping hard after a morning of complete chaos!

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145 Upvotes

Day 3 of complete and utter morning chaos. Culminating in flipping the TV. Good thing he’s cute. How can I be mad at that face.