Titoto’s illustrated breed guide

The Maine Coon.

A Maine Coon can take three to five years to grow into those ears and paws. Many keep their kittenish love of games for life, and like to be wherever their family is.

Kitten

A young tabby, standing tall on long legs with a developing ruff

Young cat

Adult

Growing up

From kitten to grown cat.

Two young ginger Maine Coons nestle together outdoors — Two little reds · Titoto kitten album

The kitten months

Ears to grow into.

Look at the pair in Sheila’s photograph. Their upright ears already stand out, while their faces are still round and their necks have only a little fluff.

Sheila’s kittens usually go home at around 14 weeks. By then their families have followed them in weekly photographs.

Bringing a Titoto kitten home

Illustration of a young brown tabby stretching up on its long legs — A young tabby · Illustrated growth study

Still filling out

The long-legged stage.

A young Maine Coon can look all legs and tail. In the drawing, you can see the outline of the adult cat, but the chest and ruff have yet to fill out.

This is a good time to make a gentle comb-through part of an ordinary day. Short, familiar sessions will come in handy once the longer coat arrives.

Life with a Maine Coon

Tonka with his paws together, showing his wide muzzle and full tabby ruff — Tonka · Photograph by Frédéric Lhonoré

The mature cat

The ruff comes in.

Tonka’s portrait shows the broad muzzle and thick collar of fur that give the adult Maine Coon such a recognisable face. The breed matures slowly. TICA gives a range of three to five years to reach full size. Each cat fills out at its own pace.

There’s more than one way to look grown-up. Coat colour, the fullness of the ruff and the size of the cat all vary.

Meet Sheila’s cats

The Maine Coon at play

Watch the reach.

A feather changes direction. The eyes follow, the hind legs push off and two great paws reach for the catch. For a moment you can see just how much cat was folded into that crouch.

Klaus stretched across the seat of a red armchair, his head and paws hanging beyond its edges — **Klaus, off duty.** An ordinary armchair gives his length away.

Illustrated Maine Coon springing up, front paws extended towards a feather toy — A feather in flightIllustrated movement study

Choosing a family companion

Good with children?

Often, yes. Maine Coons tend to be sociable and playful. Many enjoy sitting close to their people, and each cat has its own idea of how much company feels right.

The first hello

Have a grown-up sit on the floor with your child and let the kitten come over. A toy gives them something to do together. When the kitten wanders off to its quiet spot, that’s the end of the game for now.

Finding the right match

James and Anna remember Sheila asking about their household before inviting them to meet a kitten. Photos followed while they waited, and Sheila kept in touch after the cats settled in.

Read James and Anna’s story

At home with the breed

A character of their own.

Magic and her kittens sharing the climbing shelves in Sheila’s house — Magic and the climbing committee

A chirrup in the hallway: Listen for a little trill amongst the meows and purrs. Some Maine Coons carry on a quiet conversation as they follow you about the house.
A mind for mischief: Hide a favourite toy and a curious Maine Coon may set about finding it. Some learn to fetch. A few would happily spend just as long watching a dripping tap.
A coat worth knowing: Feel how the shorter fur at the shoulders gives way to longer fur on the sides, belly and tail. A comb a few times a week helps keep the longer coat free of tangles.

From a Titoto family

Florence, all grown up.

Kate remembers Tonka’s daughter unrolling the loo paper as a kitten. Florence later qualified as a Pets As Therapy cat. At home, she still liked to follow Kate from room to room.

Read Kate’s story

Would a Maine Coon suit your home?

Tell Sheila about the children, pets and routines in your household. She can help you think through what a kitten would need.

Ask Sheila about the breed

Further readingTICA breed profile GCCF breed profile Cat Fanciers’ Association Introducing children