How to Identify a Maine Coon Kitten

Maine Coon cats are among the most popular and desired cat breeds. They are renowned for their large size, lynx-like tufted ears, fluffy paws, and friendly demeanor.

Despite their fame, identifying a purebred kitten isn't straightforward. To complicate matters, scammers often try to sell their kittens as costly purebreds when they are not, making identification even more challenging!

If you're curious about how to recognize a Maine Coon kitten, my comprehensive guide will help you identify key characteristics of the breed, allowing you to buy with confidence.

Before identifying a Maine Coon kitten, it's essential to understand the breed's origins and characteristics. Did you know that Maine Coons are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America? Their rich history and unique traits distinguish them from other cats.

Maine Coon cats originated in the Northeastern United States, specifically in the state of Maine.

There are several theories about their origin, but one popular legend suggests they are descendants of Marie Antoinette’s long-haired Angora cats, which she tried to escape France with during the French Revolution.

Although this story is romantic, it's more probable that this cat breed developed through natural selection:

• Adaptation to Climate: Maine Coons possess a thick, semi-water-resistant coat and a long, bushy tail that help them stay warm in Maine's harsh, cold winters. Their large, tufted paws act like snowshoes, enabling them to walk on snow.

• Hunting Skills: Farmers observed that Maine Coons were excellent hunters and kept them as farm cats to manage the mouse population.

• Breed Enthusiasts: In the late 19th century, Maine Coons were featured in cat shows, and in 1985, they were named the official state cat of Maine.

Personality And Behavior

Maine Coons are often called “gentle giants” due to their large size and friendly nature.

1. Gentle And Friendly

Maine Coons are known for their relaxed and affectionate nature. They enjoy human company and are often described as dog-like in their loyalty and behavior. They form strong connections with their owners and love being involved in family activities. With a very calm and non-aggressive demeanor, this breed is an ideal family pet, especially for homes with young children.

2. Playful

Maine Coon kittens are famous for their playful nature, which they maintain into adulthood. They are more active than many other breeds and need regular interaction to stay happy and healthy.

They enjoy interactive play sessions with their owners, such as chasing feather toys,

3. Curious

These inquisitive kittens love exploring their surroundings. Look for a kitten that enjoys checking out every corner of the breeder’s home, climbing furniture, and perching in high spots.

4. Intelligence

Maine Coons are intelligent cats that enjoy activities and games that challenge their minds. You can teach them tricks or use interactive toys that require them to think and strategize.

5. Children And Pets

Maine Coons are generally very tolerant and get along well with children, making them excellent family pets. They usually get along well with other cats and dogs, making them a good choice for multi-pet households. Early socialization helps them build positive relationships with other pets.

6. Vocal

While they are more vocal than some breeds, Maine Coons are not typically loud or incessant talkers. Instead, their vocalizations are moderate and usually occur in response to interaction or specific situations.

These large cats communicate with the following sounds, but never meow:

• Trills

• Chirps

• Chattering (they make this sound when talking to birds)

These sounds are charming and often used to express affection or curiosity.

7. Sociable

Maine Coon kittens are known for their sociable nature and thrive on human interaction. They enjoy following their owners around the home to see what’s happening.

Female Maine Coons are more reserved than their male counterparts, so they are less likely to approach a stranger immediately.

8. Affectionate

Maine Coons are affectionate without being overly demanding. Some enjoy sitting on your lap, though most prefer to sit next to or near you.

They enjoy being petted and cuddled, but are also content to relax nearby if you are busy.

9. Love Water

This lovely cat breed is fascinated by water and can often be seen patting and playing with their water bowl. One of my Maine Coons loves to stick his entire face into his water fountain!

Physical Characteristics

Maine Coon kittens possess several unique physical characteristics that distinguish them from other breeds, even at a young age. Here are the key features to observe:

Size And Build

Maine Coon kittens are generally larger than average kittens. Check if the kitten you are viewing is of an expected weight. Look for a kitten with a sturdy and muscular build that is proportionate (except for their paws and ears):

• Sturdy Build: Maine Coon kittens have well-developed muscles that give them a solid, robust appearance. When you pick them up, they should feel heavier and more substantial than other kittens of the same age.

  
  

• Body Shape: Kittens have a long, rectangular body shape, a long torso, and a broad chest. They appear more slender than a ‘normal’ cat. Maine Coon kitten’s legs will also be intense, a trait noticeable when they jump.

Ears

One of the most striking features of Maine Coon kittens is their large, wide-set, tufted ears, which sit atop their heads, giving them an alert appearance!

If you’re observing a kitten with overly large ears that seem out of proportion with the rest of their body, you might have found a purebred Maine Coon kitten.

Not all Maine Coon kittens have tufted ears, but lynx-like ear tufts extending from the top of the cat’s ears are a common characteristic of the breed.

Finally, examine the kitten’s ears for ear furnishings. These long hairs extend outward and help shield the ear from debris and cold weather.

Fur

Maine Coons have dense, semi-water-repellent fur with a silky texture. They reach full length once the cat is fully grown (between 3 and 5 years of age).

They have medium-long,

thick hair, uneven in length across their bodies.

• Silky Texture: A Maine Coon kitten’s fur feels soft, not coarse.

• Dense Undercoat: Although the kitten’s fur is shorter than an adult Maine Coon's, their undercoat should still feel dense. Gently part the cat’s fur to see how thick it is.

• Color and Pattern: Don’t rely on color alone to identify a Maine Coon kitten.

One of the key physical traits of an adult Maine Coon is the ruff of long hair around its neckline, which resembles a lion’s mane.

BEWARE: Kittens will not have developed a full, thick mane by the time you visit them, so check the kitten’s parents to ensure they have one.

Tail

The Maine Coon’s tail is a defining feature of the breed. Ensure the kitten has a larger-than-average, extra bushy tail that is as long as their body, or longer!

If you’re curious about why the Maine Coon’s tail is longer than the average cat, make sure you.

An additional tip is to observe how the kitten uses their tail. Maine Coons often wrap their tails around themselves when resting, a behavior developed for warmth and comfort.

Another physical trait to look for is a black-colored ring around the end of the kitten’s tail. Although not present in all Maine Coons, this coloring is common among tabby Maine Coons.

Eyes

Maine Coons have large, expressive eyes that can come in various colors.

• Large Eyes: Purebred kittens have large, rounded eyes.

• Eye Colors: All Maine Coon kittens are born with blue eyes, but this coloring changes as they age. Look for green, gold, or copper eyes if you are viewing a white Maine Coon.

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Paws

Adult Maine Coons have large paws with tufts of fur protruding from them. These big paws enable these stunning felines to walk across the snow without sinking!

One amusing and overly cute feature of Maine Coon kittens is that their paws always look out of proportion! Don’t worry; they grow into their paws by 3-5 years.

The kitten you view should have extra-large (and fluffy) paws.

How to Avoid Maine Coon Scammers

When purchasing a Maine Coon kitten, it's essential to verify the breeder to avoid scams and ensure you receive a healthy, purebred kitten.

Here are some tips for confirming a breeder's authenticity. For a comprehensive guide on 24 different scams, be sure to check out my complete guide.

1. Research the Breeder

Begin by examining the breeder's online presence. Trustworthy breeders typically have professional websites, social media profiles, and listings on reputable cat breeding directories. Look for comprehensive details about their breeding practices, philosophy, and the cats they breed. Check for recent reviews and testimonials from past buyers. Websites and specialized cat breeding forums can offer insights into other buyers' experiences. Positive reviews suggest a reliable breeder, while negative or absent reviews could be a warning sign.

2. Verify Breeder’s Credentials

Reputable breeders are usually members of recognized cat breeding associations, such as:

• (GCCF) In the UK

• The International Cat Association (TICA)

• Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)

These organizations enforce strict standards for breeders, ensuring ethical practices and healthy breeding.

Check the breeder’s membership status with these associations, which can usually be verified through the association's website or by contacting them directly. A legitimate breeder will readily provide proof of their affiliations.

3. Visit the Breeder’s Facility

If possible, visit the breeder's facility to see the environment where the kittens are raised.

The facility should be clean, spacious, and well-kept, with plenty of enrichment activities for the cats.

Observe the health and behavior of the kittens and their parents. They should look well-cared for, with clean fur, clear eyes, and active behavior.

Healthy kittens are usually curious and playful, whereas a neglected environment might result in lethargic or sickly cats.

If an in-person visit isn't feasible, request a video call. This allows you to view the facilities and interact with the breeder remotely. During the call, ask to see the living conditions, the kittens, and their parents.

4. Request Documentation

Authentic breeders will provide pedigree papers detailing the kitten's lineage, confirming it is a purebred Maine Coon.

These papers should come from recognized cat breeding associations and include information about the kitten's parents and grandparents.

Request detailed health records, including vaccination history, deworming treatments, and any health checks the kitten has undergone.

Reputable breeders ensure their kittens have received all necessary vaccinations and veterinary care before transitioning to their new homes.

5. Meet the Kitten’s Parents

Meeting the kitten's parents can provide insight into what the kitten will look like as an adult. Maine Coon parents should display the breed's distinctive traits, such as large size, tufted ears, and bushy tails.

Observing the parents' behavior can offer clues about the kitten's potential temperament. Friendly, sociable parents are more likely to have kittens with similar traits. Meeting the parents helps confirm the kitten's lineage and the breeder's credibility. It strongly indicates that the breeder is not running a kitten mill or engaging in unethical breeding practices.

6. Watch for Red Flags

Reluctance to Provide Information

Be cautious of breeders unwilling to provide detailed information, pedigree papers, or health records. Transparency is crucial in ensuring a breeder's reputation.

Denial of Visits

If a breeder refuses to allow visits or video calls to their facility, this could indicate they have something to hide.

Immediate Payment Demands

Avoid breeders who push for immediate payment without giving you adequate time to consider your decision or who offer significantly lower prices than other breeders. Scammers often attract buyers with low prices and pressure them to act quickly.

Contracts and Guarantees

Reputable breeders often provide a sales contract that includes health guarantees and a return policy, indicating they stand behind the health and quality of their kittens.

Communication

Good breeders are open to communication and willing to answer all your questions thoroughly. They are interested in ensuring their kittens go to good homes and will ask you questions to confirm you are a suitable owner.