Orange Maine Coon Cat Breed: A Comprehensive Guide In 2024

Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 04:00 pm

The orange Maine Coon is often mistaken for its counterpart, the ginger Maine Coon, as their colorings bear a resemblance. However, it is important to note that the two have distinct differences. While both are stunning and eye-catching, the orange Maine Coons has unique attributes that set it apart from the ginger variety.

Orange Maine Coons make excellent pets! These charismatic and affectionate cats are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them excellent companions for individuals and families. They have a playful and outgoing personality, adding a delightful household dynamic. Orange Maine Coons frequently receive praise for their affectionate and devoted nature, as they forge deep connections with their human companions.

This striking coloration sets the orange Maine Coon apart from other cat breeds, making it a captivating and sought-after companion.

Orange Maine Coon Kitten — Before You Bring One Home …

Fluffy Maine Coon kittens, with their overwhelming cuteness, beckon prospective owners into a world of feline charm. A word of caution: entering a litter without absolute certainty may lead to an inadvertent agreement to reserve one, especially if your kids accompany you on this delightful journey!

Maine Coon cats embody a unique blend of affection and independence, making them an optimal choice for households with empty spaces during the bustling hours of work or school. Despite their love for attention, these majestic felines graciously accept solitude, showcasing commendable independence that sets them apart.

Orange Maine Coons, with their patient and good-natured disposition, make ideal companions for kids who understand safe and respectful cat interaction. However, their longhaired coats require regular grooming, necessitating at least two weekly sessions for optimal care.

Maine Coons exhibit dog-like personalities, thriving on human interaction, relishing in learning tricks, engaging in games, and even having a playful splash with their paws in water.

Height10 to 15 inches
Weight10 to 18 pounds
Lifespan12 to 15 years
Good withcats, children, dogs, families,
Playfulnessaffectionate yet independent, patient with kids and pets
Intelligencehigh
Playfulnesshigh
Energy Leveactive
Colorsblack / ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/tan, red /orange, white
Other Traitseasy to train, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, prone to health issues, requires lots of grooming, strong loyalty tendencies, tolerates being picked up

What Is An Orange Maine Coon?

Cute style of Orange Maine Coon

The history of the Maine Coon is shrouded in fascinating tales and speculation. Many experts believe this majestic breed descended from long-haired cats brought to Maine by early American explorers.

During the 19th century, the Maine Coon enjoyed some popularity in cat shows held in New England. However, as time went on, more exotic breeds gained the spotlight, causing the Maine Coon to fade into the background. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the breed experienced a resurgence in popularity.

A significant moment in the history of the Maine Coon occurred on May 8, 1895, with the first North American cat show held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. During this prestigious event, a female Maine Coon named Cosey achieved the coveted title of Best in Show. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) Foundation acquired the silver collar that Cosey won, which holds significant historical value.

5 Little Facts Of Orange Maine Coons Cat

1. Orange Maine Coon Size

Maine Coons, hailed as the world’s largest domesticated cat breed, exhibit impressive size characteristics, especially in the orange variant. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their size:

a) Male Orange Maine Coon Size

  • Length: Impressing with a remarkable length of up to 40 inches.
  • Height: Generally standing between 10 to 16 inches.
  • Weight: Fully grown males typically tip the scales between 15 to 25 pounds.

b) Female Orange Maine Coon Size

  • Length: Sharing a comparable length range of 19 to 40 inches.
  • Height: Averaging around 8 to 14 inches.
  • Weight: Adult females usually maintain a weight of 8 to 12 pounds.

Maine Coons exhibit a slow growth pattern, often requiring 3 to 4 years to reach their full size. Monitoring their diet is crucial to prevent obesity, a prevalent issue in this breed. The substantial size of Maine Coons adds to their allure, making them not only a visual spectacle but also a captivating presence in the world of feline companionship.

2. Maine Coon Colors with Hints of Orange

Maine Coons in front of you in different and charming colors

Apart from the recognized Red Maine Coon classification, various other Maine Coon colorings display hints of orange, presenting a rich spectrum of captivating variations. Although not assigned a unique color class, these enchanting variations showcase the breed’s diversity. Here are some noteworthy examples:

  • Brown Patched Tabby Colour Class (Name: Brown Patched Tabby): Boasting a brilliant coppery brown ground color adorned with dense black markings.
  • Silver Patched Tabby Class (Name: Silver Patched Tabby): Featuring striking silver tabby patterns that add elegance to their appearance.
  • All Other Tabby Color Class (Name: Cameo Tabby): Known for various tabby patterns, these cats exhibit shades of red that contribute to their unique charm.
  • Parti-color Color Class (Name: Tortoiseshell): Sporting a black fur base with patches of red or intermingled areas, creating a visually dynamic coat.
  • Parti-color Color Class (Name: Tortoiseshell): Showcasing a white undercoat complemented by a mantle of red tipping, gracefully shading down the sides, tail, and face.
  • Shaded & Smoke Color Class (Name: Shell Cameo): This variation, with a white undercoat and red tipping, creates a sparkling and distinctive appearance.
  • Shaded & Smoke Color Class (Name: Shaded Cameo—red shaded): This class is similar to Shell Cameo but with subtle black tipping, adding depth to the red shading.
  • Shaded & Smoke Color Class (Name: Shell Tortoiseshell): Features a white undercoat deeply tipped with black, interspersed with patches of red for a captivating blend.
  • Shaded & Smoke Color Class (Name: Shaded Tortoiseshell): This class exhibits a white undercoat paired with a mantle of black and red shading, creating a beautifully balanced contrast.
  • Shaded & Smoke Color Class (Name: Cameo Smoke – red smoke): This variation exudes a delicate and alluring aesthetic with a white undercoat deeply tipped with red.

3. Orange Maine Coon Cats Personalities

Orange Maine Coon

Orange Maine Coon cats share noteworthy characteristics with their counterparts in various color variations. While individuality is inherent, purebred orange Maine Coons typically exhibit the following traits:

  1. Overly Affectionate: Maine Coons, including the orange variant, are known for their affectionate nature. They often seek out cuddles and attention from their owners, even if not immediately reciprocated.
  2. Loyal: Exceptionally loyal, orange Maine Coons tend to stay close to their owners, thriving on companionship and enjoying quality time with their human families.
  3. Gentle: Often dubbed “gentle giants,” Maine Coons, including the orange variety, possess a docile and non-aggressive nature. Rarely exhibiting hissing or aggression, they make excellent family pets.
  4. Good With Other House Pets: Their sociable disposition makes orange Maine Coons ideal for households with other pets. They act as natural diplomats, often establishing positive relationships with fellow animals.
  5. Playful: Maintaining their playful nature throughout life, orange Maine Coons are curious and enjoy exploration, offering a constant source of entertainment to their owners.
  6. Good Hunters: With a strong hunting instinct, don’t be surprised if your orange Maine Coon brings you “presents” in the form of captured critters – a behavior demonstrating their affection.
  7. Friendly: Male orange Maine Coons tend to display more outward friendliness to strangers compared to their female counterparts, who may initially be reserved but warm up over time.
  8. Highly Intelligent: Exceptionally intelligent, orange Maine Coon cats can learn tricks and commands, showcasing quick-wittedness that adds to their overall charm and makes them engaging companions.
  9. Love Water: Embracing a quirky trait, Maine Coons, including those in orange, often exhibit a fascination with water. This might involve playful interactions with water bowls, patting the water, or even taking a dip in the bath.

4. Orange Maine Coons are the dogs of the cat world

Orange Maine Coons are often described as the “dogs of the cat world.” These cats are renowned for their outgoing and playful personalities. In many ways, they exhibit behavior more reminiscent of dogs than traditional cats. They adore human attention, readily learn tricks, and can even relish walking with a leash. Their unique blend of cat and dog-like qualities makes them a fascinating and endearing pet choice.

5. Maine Coon cats can be traced back to 1861

The first documented reference to Maine Coon cats dates back to 1861 when a black and white cat was mentioned. While their exact origin remains a mystery, these cats were prized as shipcats for their exceptional hunting skills.

The name “Maine Coon” is a nod to the state where they were discovered, Maine. It’s also inspired by their distinctive ringed tails, which resemble a raccoon.

Price Of An Orange Maine Coon Cat

Bringing an orange Maine Coon cat into your home comes with a price that reflects their popularity and distinctive qualities. The cost varies based on factors such as age and pedigree:

  • Kitten (under nine months): Expect to invest approximately $1000 (£819) for the joy and vibrancy of an orange Maine Coon kitten.
  • Cat (over nine months): Adult cats typically cost around $600 (£471), reflecting their maturity and established characteristics.
  • Senior Cat: Even with the wisdom of age, older Maine Coons may still command a price of around $600 (£471).

For those with a keen interest in breeding Maine Coons or participating in cat shows, prices can rise to $2000 (£1580) for a kitten or cat. These premium costs often include the assurance of no spaying or neutering and genetic screening to ensure the absence of common health issues. Acquiring an orange Maine Coon cat is not just a transaction; it’s an investment in an exceptional feline companion.

Things to Know When Owning an Orange Maine Coon

Bringing an Orange Maine Coon into your family is not a decision to rush. Take time to find a reputable breeder conducting health checks, and be ready to invest both time and money in ensuring the health and happiness of your new feline companion. Before taking the plunge, explore additional information to guide your decision.

Food & Diet Requirements 

Orange Maine Coon cats, known for their lively nature, benefit from a high-quality diet with a substantial protein content. When selecting cat food, prioritize options with real meat as the primary ingredient, devoid of fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavorings. Whether you opt for kibble, wet food, or raw food depends on your preferences, budget, and your cat’s taste!

Given their tendency towards obesity, it’s crucial to monitor your Maine Coon’s weight closely. Your vet can guide you in assessing your cat’s body condition, allowing you to adjust their diet if necessary. Additionally, Maine Coons, with their long coats can be prone to hairballs. Specialized diets with elevated fiber levels are available to reduce the likelihood of hairball formation, ensuring your feline friend stays healthy and happy.

AgeWeightMeals (per day)Dry Food
3 to 12 weeks1.5 – 3.5 Ibs410g – 15g
3 to 6 months3.0 – 5.5 Ibs316g – 26g
6 to 12 months5.5 Ibs +235g – 60g

Exercise

Orange Maine Coons thrive on exercise and exploration. If your cat ventures outdoors, they will likely get sufficient exercise naturally. However, for indoor felines, encouraging play becomes essential to prevent weight gain.

Maine Coons delight in games, so a diverse array of toys can satisfy their instinct to chase and hunt. Engage them in food hide-and-seek games, sprinkle catnip for added enjoyment, and explore various interactive activities!

Training

Orange Maine Coon catching the ball during training

Orange Maine Coons, known for their intelligence, quickly learn commands. Whether it’s teaching them to walk on a harness, sit, stay, or even high-five, the possibilities are limitless, limited only by your imagination!

Opt for positive reinforcement techniques, utilizing a clicker to mark desired behaviors and offering a food reward to reinforce their positive actions. With their receptive nature, Orange Maine Coon cats are quick learners, making training sessions a delightful and rewarding experience for both you and your feline companion.

Health and Conditions

In the 1900s, Maine Coon cats experienced a decline in popularity, leading to a reduction in breeding numbers. Although they have regained their status as a popular breed, the revival originated from a small gene pool. Consequently, Maine Coons are prone to a higher-than-average occurrence of health conditions.

Regardless of coat color, including Orange Maine Coons, they share an equal likelihood of inheriting specific health conditions. The small gene pool accentuates the importance of health tests carried out by reputable breeders on parent cats and their kittens. While the breed’s resilience has endured, responsible breeding practices remain crucial in mitigating potential health concerns.

Minor Conditions:

  • Stomatitis
  • Periodontal disease
  • Obesity

Serious Conditions:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Spinal muscular atrophy
  • Polycystic kidney disease

Final Thoughts:

The Orange Maine Coon stands out with its remarkable size, distinct visage, and endearing tufted ears. These cats are visually captivating and make wonderful family pets, thanks to their playful and affectionate dispositions and easygoing natures. Whether indulging in water play or enjoying quiet moments alone, they bring joy to your home.

It’s essential to note that this breed may be more prone to health issues than others. Thus, the utmost care should be taken when selecting a breeder, focusing on their expertise in producing healthy kittens. Orange Maine Coons from robust bloodlines can enjoy a lifespan of up to 20 years. Working with a reputable breeder significantly increases your chances of welcoming a kitten who will lead a long and healthy life. If you do adopt an Orange Maine Coon, we’d love to hear more about your delightful feline companion!

FAQs

1. What 2 breeds make a Maine Coon?

Some suggest that Maine Coons originated when six Turkish Angora cats arrived in Maine aboard the ship Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution. Once on land, these Angora cats bred with local short-haired cats, giving rise to the Maine Coon breed we know today.

2. What is the rarest color for a Maine Coon?

The rarest Maine Coon colors are gold and silver, resulting from a unique inhibitor gene causing undercoat depigmentation. While all Maine Coons are stunning, gold remains one of the most sought-after colors.

3. Are Maine Coons friendly?

Yes, Maine Coons are renowned for their friendly and playful nature. They have an affectionate disposition, enjoy human company, and make excellent companions due to their large size and delightful chirping sounds.

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