European Maine Coon: The Friendly Giants Of The Cat World

Maine Coons are considered “the friendly giants” of the cat breed. This long-haired, friendly breed has established a reputation among breeders.  

However, European Maine Coons are a bit different from their counterparts, as European breeders have chosen a wilder look for them.  

They have tufted ears, long fur, and well-tufted paws that act as “snowshoes” in the winter. Moreover, they come in various colors and coat patterns, including calico, white, tortoiseshell, cream, bicolor, red, black, and blue. 

European Maine Coon Vs American Maine Coon: Are They Different?

The European Maine Coon and American Maine Coon are the same dog breed, but the only difference between them is their appearance. Their facial features are different. 

European Maine Coon	American Maine Coon
European Coons have square-shaped, strong muzzles.	The American Coons have a more natural and round face.
European Coons have elongated ears, along with prominent tufts, and bushier, longer tails. Moreover, they have higher cheekbones, which contribute to their majestic appearance.	American Coons have milder and softer features, resembling those of a typical house cat.
The European ones have almond-shaped eyes.	The American ones have oblong-shaped eyes.

History & Origin

European Main Coons are just normal Maine Coons that are bred in Europe and share the same origin history as any other Maine Coon. Their ancestry is believed to be rich in legends, adding to their mystery.  

They originated from the United States, but legend has it that they were bred from angora cats, possibly those brought by Marie Antoinette, or the long-haired cats that the Vikings introduced to America.   

There is another story associated with the name. A British captain once sailed to New England back in the 19th century and kept these long-haired cats here. 

However, genetic testing shows that they are descendant of both an extinct domestic mysterious breed and the Norwegian Forest cat, which inclines towards the Viking theory a little bit more.  

Breed Overview

Time to take a look at the European Maine Coon characteristics. They are best described as big cats with a sweet personality. They are a smart, intelligent breed with a warm and affectionate personality. 

1. Appearance, Size, And Weight

European breeders prefer to create a wilder, more majestic breed. European Maine Coon size generally ranges from 48-76 cm, and their height is around 25-40 cm. They weigh between 3.6 and 11 kg, with males being slightly larger than females. 

European coons are big-boned and have rectangular, muscular bodies. They have rounded paws, which set them apart from other breeds. Additionally, they have a well-proportioned body, which complements their gorgeous physique. 

Additionally, by the first year, most cat breeds reach full maturity, but the Coons require a little more time to reach their full size. However, their growth slows when they are around 9months, and continues till they are 4-5years old. 

2. Temperament

What is the temperament of a European Maine Coon cat? They are good-natured, fun to be around, loving, and loyal. Moreover, if you have kids at home, it would be beneficial to get a female Coon, as they are generally calmer.  

They can figure out where you have hidden their favorite toys and enjoy a good chase. They enjoy spending time with their humans and would often curl up in their lap for extended periods.  

This breed likes spending time in water and would not hesitate to join you in the shower. They are independent and require minimal human interaction. But if they see you closely, they will want to interact with you. 

3. Lifespan And Health Issues

The average lifespan of a European Maine Coon is around 10 to 13 years. Some of them can live longer and can live till their late teens or early twenties. This depends on various factors, including genetics, diet, and the care you provide. 

They are a resilient breed, but are prone to various health concerns, some of which are hereditary. Here are some of the health issues that commonly affect them. 

• Hip dysplasia 

• Spinal muscular atrophy 

• Stomatitis 

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 

• Polycystic kidney disease 

It is not possible to manage hereditary diseases, but a proper diet can help manage their condition more effectively and improve overall health. Apart from the genetic disorders, they also suffer from issues like diabetes and obesity. 

4. Exercise And Training

European Maine Coons are known for being extremely friendly, curious, and intelligent animals. They do well with training. You need to litter train them to settle them into their new home.  

With positive reinforcement, you can train them quickly. They learn tricks rapidly and respond to physical commands quickly. Training them will improve your bond with them.  

They are curious and active and need playtime as well. Play fetch, take them for a walk, let them spend some time in the sunlight. They are intelligent, so give them some puzzle toys and they will thoroughly enjoy themselves.  

If you are wondering how to train a cat, you can also seek help from a professional. 

5. Socialization 

These little giants are good at socializing with other pets and people. If you have a dog at home, do not worry, they will mingle just as well with them.  

They are energetic and playful, loving to explore their surroundings and spend time outdoors. So, be sure to look out for any potential dangers, such as traffic, toxic food, other animals, and poisonous substances.  

It is preferable to have a garden, but if you let them out on their own on the streets, be sure to keep a close eye on them. They are vocal and will speak to you when they are happy and when they are not as well. 

However, if you plan to keep them indoors, you have to train them. They are intelligent and will do well when trained properly. 

6. Nutritional Requirements

Nutrition impacts their health, weight, and quality of life. If you are giving them store-bought cat food, get them the highest quality.  

Cats are omnivorous creatures that hunt small creatures when left in the wild. Therefore, when you are feeding them, it should contain all the necessary nutrients and follow the natural feeding patterns to provide them with everything they would obtain in the wild.  

Meaning, the food you give them should be rich in animal protein, fat, high in moisture, and there should be very little to no carbs in their diet. Animal protein should be the primary energy source for your furry friend.  

You can give them lean meat, fish, tuna, salmon, chicken, liver, and something similar would be an amazing source of essential amino acids that would help in: 

• Improving muscle tone 

• Boosting hair quality 

• Improving bone health and brain function 

• Regulating weight 

• Boosting the overall immune system 

Avoid giving them plant-based proteins like sweet corn, carrots, and peas, as they can be difficult to digest. 

7. Grooming & Care

As I mentioned earlier, they are majestic, and their long, thick coats also contribute. However, their coat can become oily or matted if not properly cared for regularly.  

If you notice excessive oil, bathe them. They are fond of water and would not contest the idea of a bath if it were introduced into their routine from childhood.  

Their coat comes in various colors and patterns. They have double-layered coats and need proper grooming from time to time to maintain that shine. Also, you need to brush their coat atleast two to three times a week.  

Also, keep their ears clean and dry to prevent infection after bathing them. Trim their nails in four to six weeks. Cat grooming should be in your to-do-list if you get one of these.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people ask about the European Maine Coon

When Are You Getting One?

You can easily get one of these majestic furballs, and they will gel with you and the family in no time. They make amazing family pets and socialize well with other pets and kids as well. 

Take care of them as they are quite active and might end up hurting themselves without knowing. They are a stunning breed with unique traits and personalities. 

Initially, you might think they are high-maintenance because of their regular grooming needs. However, apart from that, they do not need much.