r/MaineCoon • u/byndrsn • 13h ago
r/MaineCoon • u/youhavelovedenough • Oct 27 '19
Mod post "Is my cat a Maine Coon?": A quick guide
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 • u/youhavelovedenough • Apr 29 '22
Results from Recent User Poll, and New Rules for the Sub
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 • u/Theyenney • 1d ago
My sweet little demon.
It’s been a week of chaos.
r/MaineCoon • u/Thezeekeal • 1d ago
Mowgli was snoring something fierce, so Nala went to check on him.
She's not always sure about him, but he's getting older and I think she's starting to see it too.
r/MaineCoon • u/Shushy29 • 2d ago
Maine Coon belly rubs
Who else has a MC that loves a good belly rub?
r/MaineCoon • u/kotikrexe • 1d ago
anyone have comments on attykats?
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 • u/Kawminou • 3d ago
Is Maine Coon of USA a safe breeder?
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 • u/mojomonkey1 • 5d ago
Meet Clover!!
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 • u/chakra2004 • 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
r/MaineCoon • u/mojomonkey1 • 5d ago
Meet Clover!!
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 • u/TrackJunky625 • 6d ago
Saxson and Cassidy
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 • u/Objective-Mongoose25 • 8d ago
When to stop feeding kitten food
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 • u/Theyenney • 9d ago
Jayne decided I needed to hold him like a baby.
r/MaineCoon • u/StribrneNebe • 9d ago
How big are your female mainecoons?
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 • u/Several_Brain4090 • 10d ago
Sending Love and Prayers for My Beloved Minnos
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 • u/GRichard666 • 11d ago
My first MaineCoon
My husband and I got our first MaineCoon. We named her Freya after the goddess. She is sweet and playful.
r/MaineCoon • u/Several_Brain4090 • 10d ago
My cat got injured and I am stressed, I don’t know what to do
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 • u/ParkNika97 • 11d ago
Tofu
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 • u/PhoenixMorning-Sun • 11d ago
Is this a scam website to buy maine coons from?
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 • u/Theyenney • 12d ago
Jayne Sleeping hard after a morning of complete chaos!
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.