The Maine Coon Website Updates

Apr 8, New in our Albums today- Chewy! 😻

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 12:50:44 -0400

Mary in Florida shares that Chewy Chewbacca loves "sleeping on counters, knocking over drinks, and doing research on gravity (watching glass items fall to their demise)" 😆

Mar 23, Transitioning to Adult Food

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:25:25 -0400

March 23, 2026: A reader asked recently in our Cat Food section: “When should we switch our 12-month-old kitten from kitten food to adult cat food?” Great question - this is something many of us start thinking about right around the one-year mark. You'll often hear that the switch happens at about 12 months, but for larger breeds, some owners choose to continue kitten food a bit longer while they’re still growing. We've covered this in more detail in a reader Q&A about a 14-month-old, including what to consider when making the transition.

Mar 16, 5 Times Not to Adopt a Maine Coon

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:21:31 -0400

Are you ready? It helps if life at home is fairly stable when bringing a new cat into the family. Cats do best when their first weeks in a new home are calm and predictable. This is the time when they are figuring out where everything is, getting used to the household routine, and learning to trust their new people...

Mar 9, When Cats Come to Visit, as Houseguests:

Mon, 9 Mar 2026 16:50:15 -0400

Isabel in Bedford, MA, asks: “We have a one year old Maine Coon and she is well adjusted as the "single cat" in the house. She's very social with humans and loves to be where the action is. Your typical Coonie. No problems. My daughter and husband have 2 Balinese cats that have stayed in our home numerous times for a stretch of 10 days. They want to bring them again but I worry that this won't go well with our cat "Tuffy". Any thoughts and suggestions?"

Mar 9, Why Natural Flea Control Starts at Home

Mon, 9 Mar 2026 16:48:48 -0400

The first hints of spring bring sunshine, fresh air… and unfortunately, the return of some very unwelcome little hitchhikers. Fleas don't live only on pets. In fact, most of the flea population in a home is hiding in carpets, furniture, and cracks in the floor. That’s why natural flea control works best when you treat the environment as well as the animal...

Mar 2, Maine Coon Size Guide

Mon, 2 Mar 2026 11:05:16 -0500

Everyone wants to know about the Maine Coon size! After all, it's their most famous trait. Their stature make them so fascinating and unusual.

Feb 28, The "Cameo" Color Term

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:59:03 -0500

What is a Cameo Maine Coon cat? This color refers to a red or cream coat with a pale silver undercoat. See how it compares to red, cream, and silver.

Feb 9, Maine Coon Cat Teeth and Gum Care

Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:19:43 -0500

Real-world questions about Maine Coon teeth and gum health, including gingivitis, mouth ulcers, gum infections, and kitten teething, with clear guidance on what’s normal and when to call the vet.

Feb 8, Meet 'Boyfriend'!

Sun, 8 Feb 2026 15:36:07 -0500

New in our Maybe-Maine Coons Album: Boyfriend! Becky in Oregon shares: "Boyfriend came to us when a dear family friend of ours had to move into a rental that would not allow pets. From the moment I saw him I told our friends that if ever the day came they could not keep their cat, I would take him. When they called to ask me if I wanted him.."

Feb 6, Maine Coon Cat Fur And Tail Care

Fri, 6 Feb 2026 13:48:40 -0500

From grooming tools and shedding to bathing, matting, and seasonal coat changes, this page walks through common Maine Coon fur and tail care questions using clear explanations and real owner scenarios.

Feb 5, Kitten-Proofing a Home

Thu, 5 Feb 2026 16:44:30 -0500

Kitten proofing the home isn't usually the first thing we think about before getting a new addition, but we should! Because Maine Coon kittens tend to be more athletic, larger, than average, and highly intelligent, safety at home is crucial. It's surprising how many potential hazards an average home contains.

Feb 5, Maine Coon Voices Q&A's

Thu, 5 Feb 2026 09:36:10 -0500

Did you know? The same Maine Coon can sound very different at different points in life. A kitten’s purr might start out buzzy or high-pitched, then slowly turn into a deep rumble as their chest broadens and their body fills out. Nothing mysterious there - a bigger body changes the sound, just like a larger instrument produces a lower tone.

Feb 3, Color Changing Kittens

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 16:10:39 -0500

Newborn kittens are adorable, and sometimes take a while to "come into" their eventual color. Solid versus smoke coats, like black versus black smoke or blue versus blue smoke, can be hard to distinguish early on. It's only as kittens grow into their fur that those hidden colors and patterns finally reveal themselves, which is why breeders often wait before making final color calls.

Jan 30, Is My Cat a Maine Coon Mix?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:46:30 -0500

Freshly Updated: Are you wondering if your cat is a Maine Coon mix? Sometimes a friend or family member asks the owner of a big cat with a shaggy coat if he or she is part Maine Coon, and that question begins a quest! This kind of conversation harks back to the old days, generations ago, when big shaggy barn cats with bushy tails roamed free...

Jan 29, Is a Maine Coon Cat Part Raccoon? Can They be Related?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:40:25 -0500

Is a Maine Coon cat part raccoon? This is a question many Maine Coon owners are asked by curious friends or family members at some point! Growing up in the state of Maine, I always thought of our state cat as being big, furry, mysterious, and native to the land - sort of like the local wildlife, but domesticated.

Jan 28, Can Maine Coons Be Small? Let’s Talk About What’s Normal

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:57:34 -0500

When we picture a Maine Coon, we often imagine these enormous, lion-like cats with massive paws and thick, luxurious coats. But the truth is, not every Coonie grows into a giant. In fact, my own little Alice was quite petite - she never weighed more than 8 pounds, even as an adult! She was healthy, happy, and full of personality, but she just never hit those big Maine Coon numbers on the scale. So, let's talk about what's normal when it comes to Maine Coon size, growth, and why some stay smaller than others.

Jan 27, How Social Media Affects Growth Expectations

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:49:38 -0500

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Maine Coon photos, it can create doubt and make you wonder if your kitten is on track. It happens to almost everyone. Social media quietly resets expectations, and growth and size are no exception. The internet doesn’t show you “normal.” It shows you outliers. When you scroll, you’re not seeing a random sample of kittens..

Jan 26, That Infamous 3-5 Year Growth

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:07:58 -0500

One phrase that comes up constantly with Maine Coons is that they are "slow to mature" and can take three to five years to grow. For people new to the breed, that can sound unbelievable, as if the cat will keep getting bigger and bigger or have unbounded "kitten energy" for years. That is not what it means at all...

Jan 25, You're Not a Bad Owner if Mats Happen

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:58:45 -0500

Most Maine Coon owners intend to brush regularly. They know the advice. They’ve heard the "15 minutes a day" rule. Some even keep a brush near the couch or bed, fully planning to make it part of the routine. And then… life happens. Work runs late. Family needs attention. A few days turn into a week. Your cat isn't always cooperative. And one day, you run your hand along your Coonie's side and feel a small mat that definitely wasn’t there before.

Jan 23, Making Sure Your Litter Box is Big Enough

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:59:22 -0500

If you’ve ever looked at a litter box labeled “jumbo” or “XL” and thought it still seemed small, you’re not imagining things. Those labels aren’t standardized. One brand’s jumbo is another brand’s regular, and none of them tell you whether a large, long-bodied cat can actually move comfortably inside the box. Maine Coons don’t just step in and go..

Jan 23, Feeding Chart Confusion

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:43:53 -0500

One of the most common frustrations we hear from Coonie owners is this: "Am I feeding enough?" or "Is he/she getting too much to eat?" Basically, "I’m following the chart… but it still doesn’t feel right." That's because feeding charts are built for average cats with finished bodies, steady metabolisms, and short growth windows.

Jan 21, Do Maine Coons Really Eat That Much More?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:28:12 -0500

Bigger cats don't automatically eat twice as much. A doubled body weight doesn't mean doubled calories. Metabolism, activity level, and growth stage matter more than size alone...

Jan 20, When Growing Confidence Looks Like “Alpha” Behavior

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:50:07 -0500

"Less cuddly" + personality shift: What some owners call “new alpha behavior” is usually not dominance in the strict sense, but a developmental confidence surge. Here's what’s actually going on: When kittens hit a certain age, often somewhere between 5-9 months, their brains and bodies finally sync up.

Jan 16, Cat Holidays 2026: Awareness Months, Days & This Year's Dates

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:29:57 -0500

How Do People Celebrate Pet Holidays? These it's mostly on social media! Pet-centric holidays are all about awareness. If one of these days or months resonates with you, it's a time to post on social media for all your friends and family to see. It's a time for people with common interests to come together and say "I do that too!"

Jan 15, Heat Seeking Behavior

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:16:57 -0500

Warmth seeking is one of the most consistent comfort behaviors you will notice at home. Sun patches, heating vents, laptops, and freshly folded laundry all offer gentle heat that helps relax muscles and conserve energy. Your cat is not being quirky or clingy. Body temperature runs higher than ours, and resting on a warm surface reduces the effort needed to stay comfortable. This is especially noticeable during cooler seasons, after naps, or when the house temperature drops even slightly. For cats living indoors, these heat pockets also provide a sense of predictability..

Jan 15, 2012 Maine Coon Album

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:53:01 -0500

2012 was one of the first years this site really came to life through photos! What started as a handful of reader submissions quickly turned into one of our first big community albums - long before themed collections, color galleries, or curated features were even a thing...

Jan 15, Djamo and Eros!

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:25:25 -0500

Djamo and Eros have joined our album of Coonie pairs! Christa in Belgium says: "Djamo is a Blue Tabby male, and Eros is a Black male. They felt at home from the first moment... Djamo is a very sweet boy, compared to Eros, who is a real devil!"

Jan 14, Pounce Play vs Bullying

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:32:42 -0500

When play includes pouncing, chasing, or surprise attacks, it can be hard to tell what you're actually seeing. Ambush-style play is a normal hunting behavior, especially in active or confident cats, and it often looks rougher than it really is. In healthy play, there's movement in both directions. One cat jumps out, the other bolts, then later the roles reverse...

Jan 13, Sometimes Cuddly, Sometimes Not

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:28:17 -0500

If a Maine Coon only seeks closeness when he initiates it, this usually isn't a sign of distance or lack of bonding. It’s about feeling safe, predictable, and in control of the interaction. Many highly social, intelligent cats prefer to choose when physical contact begins and ends, and that choice is what allows them to relax. Affection doesn't always start with touch. Sitting nearby, following you from room to room, sleeping close by, or quietly sharing space are all meaningful signs of connection..

Jan 12, Getting Comfortable With The Carrier

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:42:19 -0500

For many households, the carrier only comes out when something unpleasant is about to happen. That pattern teaches a quick lesson. Carrier equals loss of control. Over time, even seeing it can raise tension. If the only time the carrier comes out is for a stressful vet visit, your Coonie will dread it. Leave it out in your home with the door open...

Jan 7, 3 Types of Purring

Wed, 7 Jan 2026 13:53:39 -0500

When you live with a cat long enough, you start to notice that purring isn’t a single sound with a single meaning. We tend to think of it as a sign of happiness, and often it is, but cats also purr in situations that don’t look especially cozy. Purring shows up in more moments than we usually expect...

Jan 6, Teenage Coonie Changes

Tue, 6 Jan 2026 14:41:00 -0500

Somewhere between about five months and a year, many kittens go through a noticeable shift. A kitten who once wanted to be held constantly may start hopping down sooner, choosing to sit nearby instead of on your lap, or acting a bit more independent overall...

Dec 20, Red Silver, Cream, and Cameo Differences

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Red Silver, Cream, and Cameo are closely related coat terms, which is why they're often mixed up. They're not competing colors. Rather, they’re describing how the same red pigment shows up under different genetic influences. Red (sometimes called ginger or orange) is the base color...

Dec 19, Feeding Cats When Your Routine Is Off

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500

When your household schedule goes off track with travel, holidays, kids home, or work shifts, it’s easy to wonder if your cat’s feeding routine should change too. Especially when you’re eating at weird times yourself and the day already feels messy. Most of the time, it shouldn’t. Cats don’t rely on your routine as much as they rely on predictability. They don’t care what time you wake up, they care that breakfast still shows up the same way it always has. Where things unravel is during short-term chaos. Feeding later one day, earlier the next, or adding extra snacks “just in case” can make cats seem anxious or pushy. That’s not them being dramatic; it’s them trying to re-anchor their day. If your schedule is messy but temporary, keep feeding times boring and consistent. Tools like phone alarms or timed feeders help more than adjusting the clock. If the change is permanent, shift feeding times gradually over a week or two. When everything else feels off, a predictable meal routine is one of the simplest ways to keep your cat grounded.

Dec 18, How Winter Changes Play Style

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500

When winter rolls in and the days get darker, most cats don’t stop wanting to play. The timing just gets… weird. Cats are naturally wired to be most active around dawn and dusk, so when daylight shrinks, those play windows slide around. That’s why a cat who used to get playful in the afternoon suddenly turns feral at 9 pm or starts bouncing off the walls before breakfast. Play in winter also tends to look shorter and more intense..

Dec 17, Why Cats Ignore New Things (At First)

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:26:33 -0500

It’s the age-old adage! Kids and cats always seem to prefer the box that their new gifts come in, right?! It's completely normal for a cat to ignore a brand-new bed, tree, or scratcher at first. What looks like disinterest is usually a just an evaluation period.

Dec 16, Maine Coons & Houseguests

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:10:03 -0500

The season of hosting guests is upon us once again! Maine Coon cats are often more social than many breeds, but that doesn’t mean hosting guests is effortless for them. Their friendliness tends to show up as curiosity and involvement, not endless tolerance.

Dec 15, Winter Grooming Tips

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:02:55 -0500

Winter doesn’t drastically change your long-haired cat’s grooming needs, but the dry indoor air does. Heating systems pull moisture from the air, which can lead to dry skin, mild dandruff, or a coat that looks dull even when your cat is grooming normally. The biggest winter upgrade is simple consistency. A few calm brushing sessions each week help distribute natural oils, reduce static, and catch tangles before they turn into mats. Pay extra attention to friction spots like behind the ears, under the arms, and along the chest, where fur rubs more when they curl up to stay warm and nap longer. What doesn’t need changing? Baths..

Dec 13, Kittens and Dogs: How They Bond

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:14:44 -0500

Some of the sweetest pet friendships start with a Maine Coon kitten meeting the family dog. Kittens usually arrive curious and confident, but the real key is the dog’s temperament. Calm, steady dogs that read signals well give kittens the space they need. Bark-prone or chase-y dogs need slower introductions and short, structured sessions. Most pairs find their rhythm once boundaries are clear, and that early respect often grows into a close bond. It’s always fun to see how quickly a brave little Coonie can win a dog’s heart.

Dec 12, How Paw Shape Affects Gait & Climbing

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:14:13 -0500

Maine Coon paws are a whole world of their own. They are wide, sturdy, and built for traction, which is why these cats move with that steady, almost big-cat confidence. Their toes spread for balance on slick floors, their pads cushion big jumps, and those long digits give them an impressive grip when climbing. Once you notice it, you can always tell a Coonie by the way they plant their paws and navigate the world with a sure-footed confidence.

Dec 10, Food Boredom?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:55:53 -0500

Some cats act like they’re “bored” of their food, but most aren’t bored at all. Cats actually crave routine, and a sudden snub usually points to something simple like stale kibble, a quiet formula change, or a request for attention rather than a new flavor. True dietary variety matters over months, not days. Rotating proteins every so often keeps things balanced without turning your kitty into a picky eater.

Dec 9, The Goodbye Meow!

Tue, 9 Dec 2025 13:04:17 -0500

Some cats give a soft little mrrp when you head out the door. It isn’t really a goodbye. It’s a quick check-in from a cat who notices routine changes and wants to comment on them. Social breeds are more likely to do it, but any cat with a keen sense of timing might chime in. That tiny sound is their way of acknowledging the moment before things shift again.

Dec 8, Personality Traits & Coat Colors

Mon, 8 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Some folks swear black cats are calm, red cats are clowns, and torties have “attitude,” but personality isn’t tied to coat color at all. What really happens is that breeders who specialize in certain colors often shape the same temperament traits generation after generation. So the pattern feels real, even though the color itself isn’t causing it. It’s one of those charming cat-world illusions that sticks because we’ve all seen just enough examples to believe it might be true.

Dec 7, Winter Static Tips

Sun, 7 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

If your Coonie’s coat seems extra poofy or “crackly” this time of year, it’s probably winter static. Thick double coats pick up charge fast in dry indoor air, which is why you sometimes hear tiny snaps when you pet them. A little added humidity, regular brushing, and lightly damp hands during petting can calm the sparks. Winter coats plus dry air make static one of the season’s funny little quirks!

Dec 6, Sleep Stalking You

Sat, 6 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Some cats love to watch their humans sleep, and it’s not as spooky as it feels. Early mornings are “go time” for them, so they check in to see if you’re waking up. They also watch your face for little movements because that’s how cats read cues. And for some, it’s simple affection. They sit nearby, keep an eye on you, and wait for their favorite person to rejoin the day!

Dec 5, Favorite Toy No More

Fri, 5 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Cats losing interest in a favorite toy isn’t picky behavior, it’s instinct. Once they “solve” how a toy moves, the excitement fades because predictable prey isn’t worth chasing. Their brains crave novelty, so they naturally rotate through different play styles from chasing to wrestling to batting. The neat part is that a toy only needs a short break to feel new again. Put it away for a couple of weeks and most cats come running back like it’s brand new. Their sense of boredom is really just their inner hunter asking for a fresh challenge.

Dec 4, Do Coonies Follow You Around?

Thu, 4 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Some cats are little shadows and some are quiet roommates, and both are completely normal. “Velcro” cats usually have a strong social bond and a curious streak. They like to know where their person is, help with every task, and move through the house as part of a little “mini pride.” Others love you just as much but prefer to nap in another room and check in on their own schedule. Maine Coons often lean toward the shadow side: not clingy, not distant, just happily involved in whatever you are doing!

Dec 3, Do Maine Coons Get in Fights?

Wed, 3 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Some Maine Coons handle household tension in the calmest way. Instead of jumping into a scuffle, they usually pause, read the room, and choose a strategy that keeps things peaceful. Sometimes that means stepping aside, sometimes it means hopping to a higher perch, and sometimes it is just a quiet stare that says “let’s not do this.” Their size may look intimidating, but their conflict style is all about steady nerves and social awareness.

Dec 2, Do Cats Get Lonely When Home Alone?

Tue, 2 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Some cats handle alone time like pros, but others really do feel the quiet. You can often tell by what happens after you walk in the door. A cat that sticks close, talks more than usual, or follows you from room to room is showing you that your presence matters. Maine Coons in particular like having someone in their orbit, so when the house stays silent for too long, they notice.

Dec 1, Always-Hungry Kittens

Mon, 1 Dec 2025 14:14:44 -0500

Kittens burn through energy in tiny, rapid bursts, so grazing is actually how their bodies work best. Those small stomachs empty fast, and a steady supply of kibble keeps playtime gentle and moods even. When kittens get over-hungry, you often see the classic “bitey” behavior or sudden zoomies that come out of nowhere. Free-feeding works great. A couple of wet-food meals add hydration, but free access to dry food helps them stay balanced while they grow!

Nov 30, Time-Outs For Naughty Kittens?

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:50:12 -0500

Today we’re talking about kitten “time-outs” and whether they actually work. Kittens don’t understand time-outs the way human kids do. They don’t sit there thinking about what went wrong. What they do understand is when play suddenly stops for a moment, just like it would with their littermates. That tiny pause is what teaches bite control and boundaries. Long isolations only confuse them. If play gets too rough, a short break and a quick redirect to a toy teaches far more than any trip to the other room.