Maine Coon Cats are some of the most sought-after pets in the feline world. These massive, fluffy cats can grow to weigh as much as 25 pounds and stand close to twice as big as the average house cat. Combined with their unique personalities, these cats are the package deal. Many have said the Maine Coon Cat reminds them more of canine mannerisms than feline mannerisms. These regal fluff balls seem to have even more fun than typical cats, which brings us to the question: Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic?
Meet the Unique Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cats are remarkable for their good looks and laid-back attitude. Many people with long-haired cats have mistakenly referred to them as Maine Coon mixes. Some may be correct, though once you’ve seen a Maine Coon Cat, they look quite different than other lengthy-haired varieties. Let’s find out a bit more about this interesting breed.
Maine Coon Cat Origin
The Maine Coon Cat’s origin has been a hot topic in the past with feline connoisseurs. Some say the gentle giant’s origin can be traced back to Marie Antoinette’s Turkish Angora Cats. It is said that she was packed up and ready to leave by ship that night but was arrested and taken into custody in Versailles in 1793 before she could make it there. Her cats made the trip to Maine without her and became the first Maine Coon Cats.
Another take on the cats’ origin is that they descended from Norwegian forest cats that arrived in Maine on Viking ships long before Europeans set foot on the soil. There is a striking resemblance between the Norwegian forest cats and the Maine Coon. They are graced with furry “boots,” an extra long fluffy tail, and long soft fur. Norwegian forest cats do not have ear tufts. That seems only to be found on the Maine Coon Cats.
Another story suggests that Captain Charles Coon, who frequently came ashore in Maine, had many long-haired cats that would follow him on shore, and it’s thought that perhaps not all of them returned. It’s possible that Maine Coon Cats are the descendants of Captain Coon’s long-haired felines, and so they were named after him. This story could be about just any captain and their cats, and there isn’t any evidence to support the theory either way.
Maine Coon Cat’s Good Looks
There’s one thing that pretty much everyone can agree on; Maine Coon Cats are a stunning breed. Their extra long, super fine, silky fur is loved by many, as are their adorable, enormous tufted ears. This characteristic is reminiscent of a bobcat’s ear tufts. Their ears make these extra-large babies look a bit like lovable Muppets than cats. If you have compared a Maine Coon’s facial structure to that of a typical house cat, you probably noticed some outstanding differences, like their cheeks.
Maine Coon’s have very prominently formed faces. They can make the cats appear to be regal gods. Their puffy cheeks, notable whiskers, and protruding nose and jaw all help the Maine Coon stand out as a unique breed with a sturdy frame, tough demeanor, rugged body for all terrains, and extra long fur (even growing between their toes) to take on any of the harshest winters in Maine.
Maine Coon Cat’s Beloved Personality
Some cats prefer their solitude over being cuddly and social. Cats are known for their elusiveness and preferred solitude. They want affection and attention when they want it and not a moment before. On the other hand, some cats are every bit as clingy as a German shepherd.
Maine coon cats fall somewhere in between these two states of mind and settle on being affectionate but not as clingy as a dog would be. They will probably follow their beloved human from room to room, simply wanting to be near them. This is one Maine Coon trait that makes them such a popular pet and breed.
Maine Coon Cats’ loyalty to their humans has been compared to the loyalty a dog shows its owner. When you choose to adopt a Maine Coon, you are choosing a pet that will want a lot of attention from you and to physically be near you. If you tend to work or travel a lot, a Maine Coon may not be the right choice for you. They can become depressed if attention is not paid to them.
Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?
No, Maine Coon Cats are not hypoallergenic, and those who are sensitive could experience lots of sneezing, nose-blowing, and itchy, watery eyes. Believing anything with this much “floof” could be hypoallergenic is silly when you think about it. These cats have more excessive hair than the average domesticated short-haired cat. Some cats may shed more than others, but overall, if you are allergic to cats and are determined to have a Maine Coon, you will need to show up with an arsenal of allergy meds.
Advice for Maine Coon Owners Who Are Allergic
If allergies plague you, you know how miserable they can be. You likely already have an over-the-counter or prescription allergy medication you use regularly. If not, it’s time to make a doctor’s appointment and discuss the issue. There are many allergy medications out there that work well, but finding the right combo could take time. Flonase, Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, and so on are traditional allergy meds that are the first line in treating severe allergies. Those are all well-test, been-around-the-block medications that give many people excellent results. We suggest beginning there and, by trial and error, finding out what works best for you.
Another way to help lessen your sneezes is to have your Maine Coon frequently groomed and de-sheded. This will help with shedding and hopefully cut the sneezing out of your life. Keeping your cat in part of the house while still having an allergy-free zone to retreat to is important. Sleeping snuggled up to your gigantic cat may sound lovely, but it can be a nightmare for those who are allergic. It’s best to exclude your cat from your bedroom so that you can sleep without issues. New allergy medications are always coming out, and it’s possible scientists may develop a type-specific for fur allergies. We are keeping our paws crossed over here. Worst-case scenario: you find a different type of pet you won’t sneeze yourself into oblivion over.
