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

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 5, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

calico maine coon cat lying on the grass

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

Breed Overview

Height:

10 – 16 inches

Weight:

10 – 20 pounds

Lifespan:

13 – 14 years

Colors:

White, Chocolate, Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Lilac, Fawn, Cream, Blue

Suitable for:

Families with young children, Apartment dwellers

Temperament:

Gentle, Easygoing, Sweet, Vocal

Are you in the market for a colorful, sweet feline that is as soft and fluffy as your favorite blanket? The Calico Maine Coon cat may be the perfect pet for you! They have gorgeous coats, friendly temperaments, and love curling up on the couch beside their owners. If you’re thinking about adding a Calico Maine Coon to your family, here is everything you need to know about this lovely kitty.

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Calico Maine Coon Kittens – Before You Welcome One Into Your Familly…

calico maine coon kitten walking
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, 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.

Although they’re exceptional pets, Calico Maine Coon cats are rare. Before you go to a breeder to purchase a Calico Maine Coon kitten, it’s best to focus on those that specialize in the breed. This will ensure that you’re getting a Calico Maine Coon  instead of a Tortie.

Unfortunately, some potential pet parents assume that low-quality breeding facilities, such as puppy mills and backyard breeders, only apply to dogs. Sadly, there is such a thing as kitten mills.

They’re often more concerned with profits than their cats’ health, and their felines live in deplorable conditions. They’re sometimes crammed together in tight spaces, are more susceptible to disease and infections, and rarely have veterinarians examine them.

Kittens and cats from kitten mills can suffer from deformations, parasites, starvation, and behavioral issues.

Some red flags of a kitten mill can include:
  • Multiple cats kept in a confined space
  • Matted fur on the cats
  • The breeder always has kittens available for sale
  • Overgrown nails
  • Selling expensive breeds at low prices
  • An overwhelming odor of ammonia or excrement
  • No vet records for any of the animals

If a breeder displays any of these red flags, turn and run; don’t walk the other way. To find a good cat breeder, you can see if they are associated with the TICA or the CFA, ask your network of cat owners for their recommendations, ask for referrals from pet care professionals, or visit local cat shows in your area.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Calico Maine Coon

1. They’re Massive!

Calico Maine Coon cats can tip the scales at up to 20 pounds!


2. They’re Ready for Winter

Calico Maine Coons evolved to flourish in cold climates. They have thick, bushy tails, water-repellant fur, and big, tufted paws to navigate snowy terrain.


3. They Were Cloned!

In 2014, a Maine Coon was the very first pet to be commercially cloned.

calico maine coon cat face closeup
Image Credit: Andriy Blokhin, Shutterstock

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Calico Maine Coon

The Calico Maine Coon is a gentle, sweet, and loving cat. As long as they have enough room to get exercise, they can thrive in nearly every environment. They are also incredibly intelligent and can learn basic tricks, like how to play fetch.

Are These Cats Good for Families?

Due to their sweet and patient nature, the Calico Maine Coon is the ultimate family-friendly pet. They can tolerate young, curious children. However, it is important to closely monitor all interactions between your kids and cat so everyone remains safe.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Yes, the Calico Maine Coon can cohabitate with almost all other animals, including other cats and even dogs. Since they have a high prey drive, rabbits, rodents, and other small pets must be secured in another room the cat cannot access or rehomed.

Calico maine coon cat sitting outside
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

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Things to Know When Owning a Calico Maine Coon

From feeding and grooming to exercise, here is everything you need to know to keep your Calico Maine Coon kitty happy and healthy.

Food & Diet Requirements

When it comes to your Calico Maine Coon’s diet, there are a few factors to take into consideration, including:

  • They’re large cats with big appetites
  • They won’t reach maturity until 3 to 5 years of age
  • They are prone to hip dysplasia

This is why feeding your Calico Maine Coon the correct diet is so important. They require a protein-rich diet with minimal carbs, moderate fats, and other vitamins and minerals.

It’s also important to feed your kitty the proper diet throughout the different stages of life. Always talk with your vet to find the right food for your Calico Maine Coon’s kitten, adult, and golden years.

Exercise

While the Calico Maine Coon is an easygoing cat, they need daily exercise. You can engage them in physical activities with cat-friendly toys, such as a laser light or catnip-filled mouse.

side view of a young playful maine coon cat
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

Training

As mentioned earlier, Calico Maine Coons are exceptionally smart cats that can be trained to play games such as fetch. They’re one of the easiest breeds to leash train, which is becoming more common. Maine Coons love adhering to a routine, so training is more likely to be successful if you stick to a regular schedule.

Grooming ✂️

Your Calico Maine Coon certainly needs a lot of grooming, or their fur can become matted. Try to brush them every day with a soft bristle brush. They also need to have their teeth brushed regularly and have their claws clipped.

Health and Conditions

Minor Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Obesity
  • Periodontal disease
Serious Conditions
  • Stomatitis
  • Spinal muscular atrophy
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Calico Maine Coon cats are typically very hardy. However, as with all cats, they are susceptible to health conditions later in life, including obesity, hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, and dental problems.

To avoid these common health conditions, routine vet visits are critical. It’s also essential to buy your Calico Maine Coon kitten from a high-quality and reputable cat breeder to avoid genetic disorders and defects.

Male vs Female

While male Calico Maine Coon cats will be several inches and pounds larger than female ones, both genders are the same as far as personality is concerned.

Final Thoughts

The Calico Maine Coon is a dynamic, docile, and family-friendly cat with a personality that’s as big as their body. They’re available in a wide array of colors and will be adored by every family member, from the kids and dogs to the other household cats.

Due to their rarity, be prepared to spend a pretty penny on a Calico Maine Coon kitten. Always purchase your kitten from a quality, responsible breeder who specializes in the breed. Even if a low price tag is tempting, avoid doing business with a kitten mill.

Your Maine Coon requires a premium diet and daily grooming sessions to keep them looking and feeling their best. If you want to add a lovely cat to your home, consider adopting a Calico Maine Coon today!


Featured Image Credit: Aleksei Verhovski, Shutterstock

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