Maine Coon Characteristics: Decoding the Breed Standard#

When you look at a Maine Coon, you aren’t just seeing a “pretty cat.” You are looking at a biological machine built for survival in the freezing winters of New England.

Every feature of this breed—from the tufts on their ears to the size of their paws—serves a function. Understanding these traits helps you appreciate the breed and distinguish a true Maine Coon from an imposter.

Here is a breakdown of the physical characteristics that make up the “Breed Standard” used by judges in TICA and CFA.

1. The Ears (Lynx Tips & Furnishings)#

The Feature: Large, wide-set ears topped with “Lynx Tips” (tufts of hair) and filled with “Ear Furnishings” (hair growing outward).
The Function: The furnishings act like earmuffs, protecting the sensitive inner ear from snow and frostbite. The large size helps them hear prey (mice/voles) moving under snow.

2. The Coat (The Uneven Shag)#

The Feature: The coat is not one length. It is short on the shoulders, longer on the back, and shaggy on the belly/britches.
The Function:
- Short Shoulders: Prevents snagging on underbrush while hunting.
- Shaggy Belly: Keeps the vital organs warm when walking through deep snow.
- Water Resistant: The coat is naturally oily to repel rain and sleet. (This is why bathing them takes so much shampoo!).
- Short Hair? A purebred Maine Coon cannot have short hair. If you see one, read our guide on the Short Hair Myth.

Anatomy of a Maine Coon showing ear tips, shaggy coat, and large paws — Every physical trait of the Maine Coon, from the ear tufts to the 'snowshoe' paws, served a survival purpose in the wild.

3. The Paws (Snowshoes)#

The Feature: Massive, round paws with tufts of fur growing between the toes.
The Function: They act literally as snowshoes, distributing the cat’s heavy weight over the snow so they don’t sink.
Polydactyly: Historically, many Maine Coons had extra toes to increase surface area. Read our full guide on Polydactyl Maine Coons to understand the “Hemingway Cat” gene.

4. The Tail (The Blanket)#

The Feature: A tail as long as the body, covered in flowing fur.
The Function: It is a portable blanket. When sleeping, a Maine Coon wraps its tail around its nose and face to filter freezing air and conserve body heat.

5. The Muzzle (The Box)#

The Feature: A strong, square muzzle.
The Function: A powerful grip for catching prey. Unlike the dainty triangle face of a domestic cat, the Maine Coon has a “bulldog” jaw strength.

Conclusion#

The Maine Coon is a triumph of nature. While breeders today select for “wild looks” and extreme colors, the core of the breed is still a rugged working cat. When you see your cat sleeping with its tail wrapped around its nose, remember: that isn’t just cute; it’s an ancient survival instinct kicking in.

Resources & Further Reading#

TICA: Maine Coon Breed Standard (Official PDF).
CFA: The History of the Maine Coon Cat.