If you’ve ever seen a Maine Coon in person, it might take your breath away. They are huge, gorgeous, stunning creatures. No wonder you are attracted to them in general, but the blue color is something amazing!
If you’ve just witnessed one for the first time, you probably want to learn all you can about this cat. Here are all the details about this beautiful blue and all the perks of the breed itself.
Race Overview
Colors:
Blue, but also a wide range of other colors
Suitable for:
Almost any cat-loving home
attitude:
Obedient, gentle, adaptable
The blue color in the Maine Coon is a diluted gene that produces a smoky lavender gray. Against their sharp pair of eyes, you can imagine how the contrast can make the coat really pop.
In this article, we will not only discuss the blue color, because it is not a breed in itself, but only one of the potential coat colors. We will also explore the Maine Coon breed in its entirety.
Characteristics of the Blue Maine Coon
The Earliest Blue Maine Coon Records in History
Maine Coons are said to have originated in the mid-19th centuryth century. You can tell by the name alone that the Maine Coon originated in the state of Maine. These hardy cats are capable of withstanding even the coldest Maine winter temperatures.
These cats not only survived, but they also thrived, proving to be a versatile and adaptable animal. These kittens are naturally occurring, meaning no one is really trying to create them.
The creation of the Maine Coon was a spontaneous one. Researchers seem to believe that the Maine Coon descended from long-haired Angoras that came overseas with travelers. Those cats were mixed with domestic cats here, resulting in a huge, ferocious incredible breed.
Because of their size, these cats are often rumored to be mixed with some type of wildcat. Because of their pointed ears, size, and markings, they closely resemble the North American bobcat. It has long been rumored that the Maine Coon has true bobcat DNA.
Researchers certainly do not agree with this ideology. However, it’s great to know that these massive animals have a wild breed to match their overall appearance.
How the Blue Maine Coon Gained Popularity
How can you look at a beautiful blue Maine Coon and not think they are the most popular choice? These stunning animals are one of a kind with large bodies, pointed ears, and a presence that beats all others.
No wonder Maine Coon cats are incredibly popular today. People are very attracted to their solid size, extreme calmness, demeanor, and overall presence. The Maine Coon is a very hardy cat, which means they can adapt to many different types of environments. This helps the breed develop and eliminates many potential issues.
Formal Recognition of Blue Maine Coons
The American Cat Breeders Association recognized the Maine Coon cat breed in 1976. On the other hand, the Cat Fanciers’ Association informally recognized the Maine Coon in 1975, and then officially recognized them in 1976. Blue is a of the many recognized colors of Maine Coons according to the breed standard.
Since then, the breed standards have grown exponentially, creating the overall visual of the perfect Maine Coon that we know and love today. There are breeders all over the United States, and even in some other parts of the world today. They are a favorite for many reasons, and it is not surprising that these associations have taken an interest in this self-developed breed.
The Top 6 Unique Facts About Maine Coons
So, what do you love most about Maine Coons? Lets find out.
1. Maine Coons Hold the Record for Being the World’s Longest Cat
We already know that Maine Coons are a very large size. An adult Maine Coon can weigh up to 25 pounds. More than that, though, they’ve earned actual accolades for being the longest-kept cats in the world.
2. Maine Coons Are Widely Respected As Gentle Giants
They are widely known for their incredible and gentle behavior. These cats are rare animals, being the Newfoundland dog of the cat world.
3. The Maine Coon Has a Waterproof Coat
A really interesting thing about a Maine Coon is that they have a waterproof coat. This feature protects them from bad weather. Since these cats are built to withstand the frigid environment of Maine winters, their coat helps them adapt accordingly.
4. Most Maine Coons Have Interesting Paws
Most Maine Coon cats are polydactyl, meaning they have extra toes.
5. There Are Over 75 Maine Coon Cat Colors
When it comes to a Maine Coon, blue is definitely not the only variation. There are over 75 colors and patterns that exist in the Maine Coon breed alone.
6. Maine Coons take a long time to mature
What is interesting about this particular cat is that they take longer to grow than other cats. A Maine Coon is not fully developed until they are at least 3 to 5 years old. After the first year of life, growth slows down significantly, but they continue to increase in length and weight over time.
Do Blue Maine Coons Make Good Pets?
A blue Maine Coon, or any Maine Coon, for that matter, will make a great pet for almost any lifestyle. These cats are extremely adaptable and very comfortable in almost any setting. They easily make friends with children, the elderly, people with disabilities, other cats, and even dogs!
True, you should never leave your Maine Coon alone around your gerbil because they are vicious predators. But when it comes to your average everyday household, these cats fit the mold perfectly.
One thing to consider is that the Maine Coon has an overabundance of hair. This can cause an increase in shedding, which can trigger even people with mild allergies. So, even if you are very attracted to the breed itself, it can be very annoying if you have cat allergies.
A Maine Coon tends to be an adventurer and loves to explore the outdoors. So, if you’ve been thinking about getting a cat that you can train, these cats would be ideal candidates. Their protective coats also keep them insulated in extreme temperatures. We do not recommend keeping your cat outside full time.
Conclusion
Now you know a little more about the Maine Coon breed. The blue color is absolutely exceptional, but certainly not the only one that exists. If a Maine Coon sounds like a cat right up your alley, you can look for local breeders in your area.
Remember that rescues and shelters also get purebred cats or their mixes. You can always check in to see if you can find a cute blue kitty to call your own.
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
