The Maine Coon cat is a very large, friendly cat originating from the US State of Maine, whose bushy tail resembles that of a racoon (hence its name). A male Maine Coon can weigh as much as 8 or 9 kilos.

This breed has a thick coat to be able to deal with cold winters, but the coat is silky soft, water resistant and very easy to groom. Maine Coons come in a wide variety of coat colours (30+) and patterns.

Maine Coons have large, muscular bodies with broad chests, long legs and long, thick tails. They have tufts at the tips of their ears and under their paws. A vocal breed, the Maine Coon cat talks to you with different sounds: typically some kind of charming chirp or trill rather than a regular meow.

Often referred to as the gentle giant of the feline world, this large cat has a friendly temperament and is highly sociable. They are a fabulous choice if you’re after a loving family cat, as Maine Coons are known to get on well with children as well as other pets. This sweet cat loves to play and enjoys the company of humans.

An intelligent breed, the Maine Coon Cat can quite easily be trained to do tricks and walk on a leash. Also: don’t be surprised if you find your Coon in the bath tub or sink – this cat simply loves water.

The typical Maine Coon is a strong, healthy cat without any specific health issues, with a life expectancy of 12-14 years.