This cat breed is believed to have arrived by Viking ships to Maine, United States, sometime in the 1900s, where they quickly became popular pets. Not only is the White Maine Coon a loyal and loving cat, but their hardy size and hunting nature make them perfect household family members and ratters on farms. White Maine Coons love spending time with kids and are intelligent enough to learn basic tricks if you are committed enough to teach them.

These cats have long, beautiful white coats that are rare compared to the other colored Maine Coons. They do not mind spending time alone, but they will seek out attention if a family member is at home. They love to talk, and many owners feel like they are carrying on long conversations with their kitties while spending time together.

Although they like to play, White Maine Coons are mild-mannered and are not known for being destructive inside the house. Are you interested in adopting a White Main Coon of your own? There is much to learn about them before making such a big decision, so we put together a comprehensive guide about the White Maine Coon that should help you make a final decision about whether this interesting cat breed is right for your family and home.

White Maine Coon Kittens — Before You Welcome One Into Your Family…

3 Little-Known Facts About White Maine Coon Cats

1. The Breed Made It Into the Guinness Book of World Records

Maine Coons are one of the largest cat breeds in existence. In fact, a Maine Coon named Barivel earned a Guinness World record for being the longest cat ever recorded at 3 feet, 11.2 inches in length.

2. They Are Prone to Skin Cancer

The lack of pigment in the White Maine Coon’s skin makes them prone to skin cancer, especially in sensitive areas where fur is not as thick, like the ears. If these cats are going to spend time outside in the sun, they should be protected with special sunblock for cats.

3. There Is a Chance They Will Be Deaf

White Maine Coons and white cats in general are more prone to deafness than cats of other colors. White cats with two blue eyes have a 60% chance of being deaf. Luckily, deaf Maine Coons are just as loving and affectionate as cats that can hear — they just will not respond if you call their name.

Temperament & Intelligence of the White Maine Coon

The White Maine Coon has a goofy, fun-loving personality that is easy to fall in love with. This cat breed is gentle with babies, playful with older kids, and cuddly with adults, especially when they are snuggling up on the couch or in bed. They enjoy talking and may even do so in the middle of the night while everyone is trying to sleep.

Keeping them active with toys and games throughout the day will help them sleep and stay quiet throughout the night. With high intelligence, these cats are easy to potty train and can be taught to stay off certain pieces of furniture. They do fine when left at home alone, but they can get bored and lonely if they cannot spend time with family members daily.

They won’t complain if they have plenty of cozy places to hide and relax while at home. They are wary of strangers, so they will probably hide under the bed or in a closet when strangers come to their home. However, once they get to know new friends, they will gladly come out to greet them.

Are These Cats Good for Families?

White Maine Coons are great family pets because they get along well with kids of all ages. They do not mind a little teasing, but they will not put up with tail and ear pulling, so kids should be taught how to respect them when spending any time around them. Younger children should always be supervised when hanging out with this breed to ensure that they do not get too rambunctious with them.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The White Maine Coon can get along with other cats and dogs if they are introduced to them at a young age. If being introduced to a new animal family member as an adult, the introduction should be done slowly and under supervision until the cat gets used to the new animal. They do not typically have much interest in meeting new dogs or cats in passing, though. Their prey drive may kick in when smaller animals like mice and hamsters are around.

Things to Know When Owning a White Maine Coon

Once your new White Maine Coon comes home for the first time, you should know what to feed this breed, how much exercise should play a role in their daily routine, and how to best keep them groomed as time goes on, to ensure that you are prepared to be an awesome cat parent.

Food & Diet Requirements

The Maine Coon is a true carnivore at heart, just like any other cat breed. They can eat either wet or dry commercial food, a combination of both, or a homemade meal if you have the time and want to make the commitment to cook for your kitty cat. Whatever food they eat, real animal protein should be the predominant ingredient. They do not need to eat any fruits, vegetables, or grains to stay healthy. If commercial food is chosen, look for options that contain no artificial ingredients or fillers like corn and soy.

Exercise

White Maine Coons are active and curious, so they need plenty of space to run and play throughout the day. They should be provided with interactive toys, balls, squeakers, and scratching posts to keep them entertained, especially when they are at home alone. They do not need special walks or time in the yard to stay happy and healthy, but they do expect to play games with their family members while spending time at home together.

Training

White Maine Coons can be trained to come when their names are called, to sit and stay when asked, and to be quiet when commanded. However, if they are deaf, training may require the help of an experienced trainer. The truth is that these cats know how to behave well and can get along in various settings, so they do not need any training to be a great addition to any family’s household.

Grooming ✂️

This breed’s long hair should be groomed every day to keep shedding to a minimum and prevent tangling. Luckily, the silky texture of their fur naturally fights off matting, but too many days between brushing could still result in mats that will need to be cut out. Daily brushing is also necessary to prevent these cats from consuming too much hair while they groom themselves, which could result in the development of hairballs. There is no need to bathe a White Maine Coon, and their nails should stay naturally trimmed if they have access to scratching posts and cat gyms.

Health and Conditions

The White Maine Coon is generally healthy, but there are a few health conditions that they are susceptible to that you should know and learn about.

Male vs. Female

Both male and female White Maine Coons are loving and gentle yet playful. While both sexes are independent, males tend to like to have alone time more often than females. The boys seem to be a little harder to potty train than girls, especially if they do not start training when young. Another difference that owners may notice between males and females is their penchant for talking. The gals are typically the ones to carry on conversations, while the guys tend to remain quieter.

Final Thoughts

The White Maine Coon is an excellent pet choice for families and households of all sizes. They can adapt well to apartment life, yet they will thrive in the space that a house can offer them. They do require grooming, so daily commitment is necessary to keep them looking and feeling great. Otherwise, these cats are generally easy to take care of. How do you think the White Maine Coon will fit in at your home? Are you ready to take on a new furry family member? Let us know what your thoughts are in our comments section below.

Featured Image: Kanashi, Pixabay