Have you ever seen a smoke Maine Coon? Those majestic beings are one of the most eye-catching cats you’ll ever encounter.
A smoke Maine Coon can look quite basic at first glance. You may see a cat with solid black fur, but once you come closer you can see the strands of the lighter undercoat that gives these cats a very smokey effect.
You’ll notice that their fur gets lighter toward the base, while they have a very solid color on the top of the strands.
These are the biggest domesticated cats, but they’re extremely friendly, understanding, elegant, and playful. They make the perfect companion for adults and children – especially if you bring them home while they’re small kittens.
Do you have a Maine Coon? Or are you planning on getting one?
Before you bring that bad boy into your home, you need to know some things. He’s a little bit different from other cats, but that’s exactly his entire appeal.
1. Temperament
The fluffy big boy that you’re bringing into your home will most likely be your best companion. Especially, because Maine Coon cats can stay playful long into their old age. The most important thing about him is that he’ll never be aggressive. Cats become agitated because of past trauma and they’re not very friendly when it comes to strangers.
However, if you treat your cat well, he’ll want to grab your attention by slightly tapping you with his paw. Or he’ll want to jump into your lap, which is fun when he’s a kitten, but when he’s a full-grown cat – it can become a little too much. Your Smoke Maine Coon will be friendly even to people who are new to him once he gets to know them. You don’t have to worry about him attacking someone or being aggressive. He’s not going to hurt anyone unless he’s provoked.
2. Good with Children
Having a Smoke Maine Coon in your home means that you’ll have a gentle giant. I know that it’s intimidating to have him around your kids, but I can promise you that he’s good with children. He’ll make a fantastic addition to any home.
Considering that you’re probably scared that your toddler may play a bit rougher with him and make him aggressive, you need this reassurance. However, he’s extremely sturdy and patient. He won’t attack your child just for pulling at his fur or running after him through the house. He knows that the child is just playing and cats can be rough with each other as well, without causing any harm. A Smoke Maine Coon is really a gentle giant, and you don’t have to be afraid. Just don’t let your kids torture the poor animal – that’s crossing the line.
3. He Gets Along With Other Pets
You can’t really expect a smoke Maine Coon to be friendly right off the bat. He’ll need some time to adjust to other animals. In the beginning, he may even seem shy. He’ll hide for a while until he’s sure that he’s safe and that he can play with your other pets.
The large size of the Maine Coon will deter other cats from becoming aggressive, as they’ll be intimidated. However, your gentle giant will be quite patient. You don’t have to worry if you have a dog, either. They’ll get along, they’ll play together, and they’ll become best friends in no time. But take into consideration that a cat can have a very traumatic past that may create some troubles.
4. Playtime Is Crucial
Smoke Maine Coon cats need just as much playtime as other breeds. The good thing is that cats are usually very independent beings who can play by themselves for hours on end. They’ll find a reason to run around, play with toys, and simply occupy themselves when you’re not able to play with them.
However, it’s important to play with them every single day. If you don’t, your cat may not be as fit as you’d want. Obese cats are more likely to have health issues and become lethargic. My recommendation would be that you play with him before you go to sleep. This way, you’ll help your cat get rid of any excess energy that he may have. This will, in turn, help him sleep better. This is much better than having him wake you up during the night with the “zoomies.”
5. Big Appetite
A Smoke Maine Coon doesn’t require a specific diet. He’ll eat the same foods a normal cat would, however, he will need much bigger portions. For the most part, you’ll find instructions on how much food you should give your cat per pound. Larger amounts of wet food can be bad for his gut.
At the end of the day, normal, dry food will help your cat get all the nutrition that he needs. It’s filled with vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy and strong. The good thing about dry food is that it’s also good for the teeth. It prevents dental disease in cats, which is a very common issue that your cat can suffer from.
6. Easy to Train
Considering how smart smoke Maine Coon cats are, they’re very easy to train. He’ll learn tricks like a pro if he knows that he’ll get a treat afterward. His playful nature will be the best asset here. He won’t lose focus, but he’ll want to play with you and get those treats that you have in your pocket.
I mean, let’s be honest – you’ll never be able to train a cat as well as a dog, but they can learn a few tricks. A smoke Maine Coon won’t learn how to protect your home from strangers, but he’ll definitely learn how to jump through hoops or sit on command. These are still some great party tricks!
7. Plenty of Grooming Required
Have you seen a Smoke Maine Coon? That long fur needs a lot of maintenance. The good thing is that these cats don’t shed too much, which means that you won’t find more cat hairs than usual.
However, the fur of a Maine Coon cat can become so tangled that you won’t be able to detangle it, and you’ll only be left with one possibility. That would be shaving all of his fur off, which you probably don’t want to do. My recommendation would be a metal comb to get deep into the fur and detangle the undercoat. When you’re done with that, you should use a brush with soft bristles to make sure that you’ll get all the loose hairs out.
8. Health Conditions
With the proper exercise and dietary plan, your smoke Maine Coon will live a healthy and happy life. However, just like any other creature on this planet, he may experience a few health issues. Some of the issues that your Maine Coon could have are dental issues and issues with obesity. You can avoid both of these if you take good care of your cat. If you choose to neglect him, then the condition of his teeth will deteriorate.
Obesity should be another one of your concerns, because it may seem that your Maine Coon needs more food, but you should know how much is too much. Other health issues may include problems with his hips, spine, or muscles. All of those can be attributed to his size. If you see that your Smoke Maine Coon is having any troubles, you need to take him to a specialist.
9. Large Size
Renowned for their impressive size, Smoke Maine Coons weigh between 13 and 18 pounds, with some males reaching as much as 25 pounds. Their grand physique, complete with a bushy tail and tufted ears, gives them a majestic look.
Despite their size, Smoke Maine Coons are gentle giants, known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They enjoy human company and often follow their owners around the house, forming strong bonds with their families.
10. Distinctive Coat
One of the most striking features of the Smoke Maine Coon is its distinctive coat. The top layer of their fur is a dark, smoky hue, while the undercoat is lighter, creating a shimmering effect that catches the light beautifully. This unique combination makes them stand out among other Maine Coon varieties.
Their fur is not only beautiful but also practical, providing insulation during cold weather. Regular grooming helps maintain their coat’s luster and prevents matting, keeping them looking their best.
11. Loyal Companion
With their remarkable loyalty, Smoke Maine Coons are known for forming close relationships with their families, often following their owners around and eagerly greeting them at the door like a devoted dog.
This loyalty extends to their patience and understanding, making them excellent pets for families with children or other animals. Their gentle and tolerant nature ensures they get along well with everyone, providing comfort and companionship to those around them.
12. Quiet Voice
Unlike many other breeds, the Smoke Maine Coon is not known for being vocal. Instead, they communicate through soft chirps and trills, using their quiet voice to express affection and curiosity. This subtle communication adds to their charm, allowing them to engage with their owners without overwhelming noise.
Their gentle vocalizations are often reserved for moments of interaction, making them endearing companions who listen and respond in their unique way, fostering a tranquil environment.
13. Intelligent and Curious
The Smoke Maine Coon is not just a pretty face; they are highly intelligent and curious creatures. Their inquisitive nature leads them to explore their surroundings, often seeking out new challenges and experiences. This makes them excellent problem solvers, capable of learning new tricks and commands.
Providing stimulating toys and activities will engage their minds, preventing boredom and encouraging positive behaviors. Their intelligence makes them adaptable to various living situations, thriving in homes where they are mentally and physically stimulated.
14. Adaptability
Whether you live in a lively city or a peaceful countryside, the Smoke Maine Coon adjusts effortlessly. Their remarkable flexibility and friendly disposition make them a wonderful addition to any household.
Their ability to adapt to new surroundings and routines makes them ideal pets for those who may move frequently or have fluctuating schedules. Their laid-back demeanor allows them to cope with changes without stress.
15. Slow to Mature
Known for their slow maturation, Smoke Maine Coons can take up to four years to reach their full physical and emotional maturity. This extended growth period helps them maintain a youthful and playful spirit well beyond kittenhood.
This slow maturation allows them to bond deeply with their families, growing alongside them and adapting to changes over time. Their prolonged youthfulness ensures they bring joy and energy to their households, remaining lively and engaging companions.