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Smoke Maine Coon Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

blue smoke maine coon cat lying on the couch

Smoke Maine Coon Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Breed Overview

Height:

10–16 inches

Weight:

22–30 pounds

Lifespan:

10–13 years

Colors:

Black smoke, red smoke, blue smoke, cream smoke, tortoise smoke, and blue tortoise smoke

Suitable for:

Active families, those looking for a low-shedding cat

Temperament:

Loyal and loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, gets along with other pets

The Smoke Maine Coon is a type of Maine Coon Cat with a special coat. The coat is usually black but can be any of several colors. It usually looks solid at first, but closer inspection reveals the light-colored undercoats that create the smokey appearance. The tips of the hairs have solid pigment, but there is a lighter band toward the base. These large, intelligent, and unusually friendly cats make fantastic companions and pets.

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Smoke Maine Coon Kittens – Before You Bring One Home …

Black maine coon kitten sitting outdoor
Image by: Ludmila Pankova, Shutterstock

Energy
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A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
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Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
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Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.

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3 Little-Known Facts About Smoke Maine Coon

1. Smoke Maine Coon cats are native to America.

No one is completely sure how these cats came to be in America, but they have been here since colonial times. There are several theories about how they came to be, but the most likely reason is that they are descendants of long-haired cats living on ships to remove mice and rats.


2. Smoke Maine Coon Cats are fascinated with water.

While most cats run from water, the Smoke Maine Coon cat enjoys being around water and likes to play in it. You can often find them in the shower after you leave, and they may even choose to get in with you for a short time.


3. The Maine Coon is the largest cat breed in the world.

The Maine Coon cat, which includes the Smoke Main Coon, is the world’s largest cat. A full-grown cat can reach up to 35 pounds, more than twice that of most breeds.

silver smoke red maine coon on black background
Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the Smoke Maine Coon

All Maine Cats, including the Smoke variety, are known for their friendly and loving nature. They can stay active and playful well into their old age. They are wary of strangers but quickly come around and make friends. They tend to stay close but are unlikely to climb on you or sit on your lap.

The Smoke Maine Coon is a very intelligent cat capable of solving simple problems and completing small tasks. They are naturally curious like most cats and will watch you closely to get what they want. They will tap you lightly to let you know they are trying to communicate with you and often lead you to the source of their problem.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Yes, the Smoke Main Coon cat is friendly and will make a fantastic addition to any home, especially those with families. Their large cuddly appearance will attract children and adults, and they are sturdy enough to handle rough play by toddlers without becoming aggressive.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Yes, the Smoke Maine Coon cat gets along with other animals well. They may be shy during initial encounters with other pets, but it’s not uncommon to see the Smoke Maine Coon playing with the other cats and dogs. They never become aggressive, and their large size is a deterrent for other cats who may choose to become aggressive.

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Things to Know When Owning a Smoke Maine Coon:

In this section, we’ll list a few things you should consider before contacting a breeder.

Food & Diet Requirements 🐡

Your Smoke Maine Coon cat will eat a diet similar to most cats, just more of it. You should follow the package’s directions, which will tell you how much to feed per pound. We recommend dry cat food because it provides all the nutrition your cat needs, and the crunchy texture helps clean teeth as they chew, which can slow the onset of dental disease.

Tooth decay and dental disease is a big problem for cats. You should do what you can to prevent it, including brushing their teeth with a cat-safe toothpaste.

Exercise 🐈

Luckily, cats get most of the exercise they need on their own. However, 15 to 30 minutes of playtime per day will help your Smoke Maine Coon stay fit, and it will give to time to bond. Having playtime right before bed can help expend excess energy that might have your pet running around at night, keeping you awake.

One way to get your cat moving quickly is to use a laser pen.  The laser pen will be one of your cat’s favorite toys. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and will help your cat run while you remain still. The only thing you need to worry about with the laser is shining it in their eyes.

tortoiseshell blue smoke maine coon standing outdoors
Image by: N Roberts, Shutterstock

Training 🧶

The Smoke Maine Coon is a very intelligent animal, and though you can’t train cats like dogs, your cat will learn a few ticks if they know they will get treats. Cats have an unbelievably accurate inner clock, so if you have medication to take and have trouble remembering, experts suggest giving your cat a treat at that time, and they will remind you each day.

Grooming ✂️

The Smoke Maine Coon is a long-haired cat and will require frequent brushing to keep the fur from becoming tangled and matted, especially on the back legs. First, go over the cat with a metal comb to get deep into the undercoat, then use a soft-bristled brush to go over the topcoat and remove loose hairs and dander.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Let’s take a look at some health issues common to the Smoke Maine Coon.

Minor Conditions
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Obesity
Serious Conditions
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Serious Conditions:

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is common in all colors of the Main Coon. A malformed hip joint is the root of the condition, and the large size of the cat causes it to progress faster than it might in a smaller breed. Hip dysplasia signs include decreased activity, a reluctance to climb stairs, and a narrow stance with the back legs closer than usual.

Maintaining a proper weight can slow the progression, and medication can help relieve pain, and in some cases, your cat may require surgery.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic condition that results in a loss of the nerve cells in the spinal cord. It does not appear to cause pain nor affect mental abilities, but it will result in a loss of muscle mass. Some cats can live long, healthy lives with spinal muscular atrophy, while others may lose the use of their hind legs early in life.

Minor Conditions:

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a term used to describe several conditions that lead to tooth decay. Experts estimate that up to 85% of cats over the age of 4 have some type of dental issue, so it’s important to stay vigilant about keeping them clean.

Crunchy food is better since the hard kibble will help scrape away plaque, and as we mentioned earlier, regular brushing is also important. Red, inflamed gums are usually the first signs, and they may also experience bad breath, drooling, loss of appetite, and facial swelling.

Obesity

Obesity is another problem affecting more cats than ever before, and it can lead to a long list of other health issues that can shorten your pet’s life. It can also make it hard to breathe and to clean themselves.

The best way to avoid obesity is to avoid overfeeding them. Use a high-quality brand of dry cat food with whole meat like chicken, beef, and turkey listed as its top ingredient, and limit the treats you provide to 10% of their daily calories.

Male vs Female

Male Smoke Maine Coons tend to be noticeably larger than females and will need more space in the home, especially when fully grown. The males are also more outgoing and require more attention, while the females are more independent and enjoy a few minutes to themselves.

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Final Thoughts

The Smoke Maine Coon is a magnificent cat and a great family pet. They’re one of the more friendly breeds and are considered healthy. They enjoy being close to people in their family and get along well with other pets.

We hope you have enjoyed our in-depth look at these cats and decided to add one to your family. If we have answered your questions, please share this guide to the Smoke Maine Coon on Facebook and Twitter.


Featured Image Credit: Okeanas, Shutterstock

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