The Maine Coon Breed Standard

by Carrie Profenno: Author, Coonie Mama & lifelong Mainer

The Maine Coon breed standard describes the ideal look, build, and personality of these incredible cats.

It helps breeders and judges recognize the best traits in the breed.

But even if you don’t plan to show your feline friend, understanding the standard can be fun and helpful. 

It explains why these kitties have their signature large size, tufted ears, and flowing coats. It also highlights their playful yet gentle nature.

Different registries, like CFA, TICA, and FIFe, have slight variations in their standards, but the overall picture remains the same. While show cats must meet strict guidelines, pet Maine Coons come in all shapes and sizes.

Some may have small quirks that make them even more lovable! Whether you're curious about your own fluffy companion or just love learning about this magnificent breed, this guide covers everything from size and coat to personality and movement.

This page highlights key aspects of the standard, but it’s not an official guideline. For full details, each registry provides its own complete standard.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes a Maine Coon a Maine Coon!

General Appearance

The Maine Coon breed standard describes a cat that is strong, well-balanced, and built for the harsh New England climate.

These kitties are large and muscular, with a solid frame that gives them a powerful yet graceful presence.

Their long, bushy tails help with balance and warmth, while their tufted ears and dense coats offer protection from the elements.

Despite their rugged build, they have a friendly, intelligent expression that reflects their playful and affectionate nature.

Their heads are slightly longer than they are wide, with high cheekbones and a squared-off muzzle. The eyes are large and expressive, adding to their alert and curious look.

Every registry has slight differences in how they describe these features, but the overall appearance remains the same.

These cats are meant to be sturdy, elegant, and well-proportioned.

Whether lounging at home or exploring their surroundings, they carry themselves with a natural confidence that makes them stand out.

Size, Proportion, and Substance

The Maine Coon standard describes a cat that is large, sturdy, and well-muscled.

Males tend to be bigger than females, but both have a solid, well-proportioned build.

Their bodies are long and rectangular, giving them a balanced look rather than appearing overly bulky.

These kitties take longer to reach full size than most breeds. Many don’t finish growing until they're four or five years old.

Their weight can range widely, with some tipping the scales at over 20 pounds. Despite their size, they are never clumsy. They move with confidence and agility.

Strong boning and firm muscles give them the substance needed for an active lifestyle.

Legs are sturdy and medium in length, keeping their bodies balanced. Large, tufted paws help with traction and walking on soft surfaces.

Everything about them reflects strength, from their broad chests to their thick tails that add to their overall powerful appearance.

Head and Skull

The head is slightly longer than it is wide, giving these kitties a balanced, structured look.

Their skull is gently contoured with a smooth forehead and high cheekbones. This shape gives them their signature strong and expressive face.

The muzzle is square and well-defined, never narrow or pointed. A slight dip between the forehead and nose creates a gentle slope, rather than a sharp stop.

Their chin is firm and in line with the upper lip and nose, adding to the structured appearance.

These features all come together to meet the standard while allowing for individual variation.

Eyes and Ears

The eyes are large, set wide apart, and slightly oval. When fully open, they appear rounder, giving these kitties a bright and alert expression.

Eye color varies, with shades of green, gold, and copper being common. White-coated cats may have blue or odd-colored eyes.

Ears are tall, wide at the base, and set high on the head. They taper to a pointed tip, often with tufts of fur extending upward.

Ear furnishings, or the longer hairs inside, add to their wild and rugged look. These features match the standard while allowing for natural variation.

Together, the eyes and ears contribute to an expressive, intelligent appearance.

Whether they’re focused on a toy or listening for treats, their alert look is part of what makes them so captivating.

Coat and Coat Colors

The coat is thick, shaggy, and built for all seasons. It’s longer on the belly, ruff, and britches, with a shorter, smoother texture along the shoulders.

This uneven length gives these kitties their signature look. The fur is soft but not overly silky, helping it resist matting.

A well-groomed coat keeps them comfortable in both warm and cold weather.

Colors and patterns vary widely. Solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, and smoke are just a few possibilities.

Some, like chocolate, lavender, and pointed patterns, aren’t accepted in the Maine Coon breed standard.

Eye-catching combinations, like classic brown tabby or silver shaded, are especially popular.

No matter the color, the coat is an important feature. It adds to their rugged charm and makes them stand out.

Regular brushing helps keep it looking its best while strengthening the bond between cat and owner.

Tail

The tail is long, flowing, and full, adding to the breed’s wild, elegant look. It should be at least as long as the body, tapering slightly at the tip.

A thick, bushy tail helps with balance and warmth, especially in colder weather.

Felines with a well-plumed tail meet the standard more closely. The fur is soft and feathery, often fanning out when they walk or curl up.

Some love to wrap it around themselves while resting. Others flick it expressively when curious or playful. No matter the color or pattern, the tail is always a striking feature.

Paws and Legs

The legs are sturdy, well-proportioned, and built for strength. They support a large frame without looking bulky.

The back legs are slightly longer than the front, giving a gentle slope from shoulders to tail.

Paws are large, round, and well-tufted between the toes. These tufts help with traction and insulation, especially in colder climates.

Some Coonies even appear to "float" over snow thanks to their wide paws.

A well-built kitty with strong legs and fluffy paws meets the standard more closely. Whether climbing, pouncing, or stretching, their legs and paws are as functional as they are striking.

Gait and Movement

Movement is smooth, confident, and effortless. Each step shows power without looking heavy or clumsy. Coonies have a natural grace, whether walking, trotting, or leaping to a high perch.

Their long, muscular bodies create a flowing motion. The back legs provide a strong push, while the tail helps with balance. This combination allows for impressive agility.

A confident stride and fluid movement align with the Maine Coon standard. Whether playfully chasing a toy or strutting across the room, these kitties move with purpose and elegance.

Temperament

These gentle giants have a personality as big as their fluffy tails. Friendly and affectionate, they enjoy being around people but aren't overly demanding.

They often follow their favorite humans from room to room, just to be part of the action.

Playfulness lasts well into adulthood. Many love chasing toys, learning tricks, or even playing fetch.

Despite their size, they have a soft, chirpy voice and use it to communicate in the sweetest way.

These fluffy companions get along well with children, dogs, and other pets. They adapt easily to different households, whether quiet or busy.

While they love attention, they’re independent enough to entertain themselves.

Curious and intelligent, they like figuring things out. Some even learn to open doors or turn on faucets. Their mix of playfulness, loyalty, and charm makes them a wonderful addition to any home.

Maine Coon Breed Standard: A Final Look

These lovable, fluffy companions bring personality, charm, and a touch of mischief to any home.

Their impressive size, playful nature, and affectionate temperament make them stand out.

Whether lounging in a sunbeam, chasing a favorite toy, or chirping for attention, they always find ways to steal hearts.

Understanding the Maine Coon breed standard helps highlight what makes these magnificent felines so special. 

For those interested in the official standards, check out the CFA Maine Coon breed standard and the TICA Maine Coon breed standard. Each organization outlines the key traits that define this incredible feline.

For anyone lucky enough to share life with one, every day is filled with fun and feline affection.

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