The appearance of the Orange Maine Coon is striking – from the sheer size of these gentle giants to the rich color of their fiery coats, which range from pale cream to deep russet. If you’re considering welcoming one of these magnificent felines into your home, this guide covers everything you need to know about these cats.
What are the Physical Characteristics of an Orange Maine Coon?
The Maine Coon breed is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. They’re famously large in size, have luxurious, thick coats, and feature their signature tufted ears.
Size and Build
The Orange Maine Coon is a solidly built cat with a robust, muscular body. Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, with adult males weighing in at between 13 and 18 pounds, and sometimes more. Females are typically smaller, ranging from 8 to 12 pounds.
In terms of length, these cats can measure up to 40 inches from nose to tail tip, but some can be even longer.
Orange Maine Coon cats share the typical breed standards of a strong, broad chest, a rectangular-shaped body, a long bushy tail, and a prominent ruff of hair around the neck.
Coat Colors and Patterns
It’s not just the size of these beautiful felines that is so captivating, but the Orange Mainee Coon cat’s vibrant and fiery coat color makes this a popular choice. Maine Coon cats come in over 75 color variations, but the Orange Maine Coon is arguably the most striking.
Within the Orange Maine Coon category (referred to as red by the Cat Fanciers’ Association), several coat patterns emerge, namely the solid orange color, orange tabby (which is the most common), orange and white bicolor, orange tortoiseshell (found in females only) and cream variations.
Personality and Temperament
The popularity of Orange Maine Coon cats is partly due to their gentle nature and friendly disposition. While they’re fairly independent, these giant lovebugs will insist on cuddles and attention when you’re at home. If you work from home, this might challenge your ability to focus.
Families choosing an Orange Maine Coon cat will see that these fiery-looking felines are, in fact, very adaptable to other pets and patient with children, distributing their cuddles fairly among their humans rather than picking favorites. The flame of their loyalty burns bright, so don’t be surprised if these cats follow you around the way a dog might. This breed is extremely intelligent and highly trainable. Orange Maine Coon cats are often very playful, a trait that they maintain well into their adult years.
While most cats hate water, one fun fact about Maine Coon cats is that they love water and have been known to join their humans in the bath or shower.
How to Care for an Orange Maine Coon
Grooming
The vibrant, luxurious coat of the Orange Maine Coon cat requires regular brushing to avoid tangling and matting. Two to three times per week is advised, although in shedding season, you may need to increase this.
Bathing is rarely required, but it can be beneficial in keeping your cat’s coat at its best. When bathing, always consult the breeder for the best products to use, as each coat requires different care.
Other regular grooming tasks include regular nail trimming as well as ear cleaning to prevent build-up.
Diet
Your Orange Maine Coon cat will thrive on a high-quality diet of protein-rich food. As a large breed, they will require more food than the average cat, but to ensure they don’t gain weight or become obese, keep portion sizes controlled.
A mix of wet and dry food is recommended for your Orange Maine Coon, as is a supply of fresh water at all times.
Exercise and Stimulation
The hunting instinct of your Orange Maine Coon will need to be honored with regular play time (20 -30 minutes daily) and interactive toys to keep them stimulated. These are not high-energy cats, but they do need space to run and play and have been known to do well on the leash.
Consider investing in a large cat tree for climbing as well as a sturdy scratching post, and of course, a good window perch is always recommended.
Training and Socialization
Orange Maine Coon cats are pretty laid back and adaptable, but socializing them with people and other pets is essential while they are still young to avoid any issues when they get older.
Any training or exposure is best done while the cat is still young; this includes handling and grooming, leash training, and basic command and response. If you intend to bathe your Orange Maine Coon, this is something to begin early on so that they may become accustomed to the process.
Are Orange Maine Coon Cats Healthy?
Maine Coon cats are generally healthy cats but are prone to certain health conditions. In addition to the common feline health concerns of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease, Orange Maine Coon cats are also prone to hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy.
Genetic testing is possible for hereditary conditions, and reputable breeders usually test for these and can provide these test results. Regular veterinary visits are also essential for catching any health concerns early on.
How Much is an Orange Maine Coon?
The purchase price for an Orange Maine Coon kitten from a reputable breeder is between US$800 and US$2000, but sometimes more.
The ongoing expenses include high-quality food, occasional professional grooming, regular veterinary check-ups, and any toys or furniture as it is required.
As Orange Maine Coon cats are prone to breed-specific health concerns, it’s important to ensure you take out appropriate pet insurance to ensure access to any treatment needed.
Final Thoughts
The striking appearance and loving nature of Orange Maine Coon cats make them a popular choice among cat lovers. Their affectionate personality and loyalty make them the ideal companion, while their gentle and adaptable ways make them a fantastic addition to families. These fiery felines are big in size but also in personality and affection.
