The White Maine Coon Cat Comprehensive Info

Table of Contents

It is believed that Maine Coons arrived in Maine by Viking ships in the 1900s, and gained fame as a beautiful cat. White Maine Coon is famous not only for its loyalty and affection but also for its rare and stunning long coat, large size and hunting nature.

This makes them ideal family members. White Maine Coons like spending time with children, and they can easily learn tricks. White Maine Coons are rare as compared to other Maine Coons because of their stunning and long white coats. They are popular for their vocal nature. They spend time with their owners while doping healthy conversation.

They usually don’t show destructive behavior, although they love to play. If you are interested in adopting a White Maine Coon, it is important to learn about them before you bring one into your home. This guide will help you to make a right decision if this breed is right for your family and home.

Origin Of White Maine Coon

Maine Coon, a famous and old cat breed, came from North America. Maine Coon was announced as the official state cat of Maine. There are a lot of stories about the origin of Maine Coon and here are some interesting stories.

Some people believed that Maine Coon is related to the long-haired cats of Marie Antoinette. It is said that these cats were sent to America before her escape from France. Other tales suggest that Maine Coon was created through the mating of short-haired cats in Maine with long-haired cats brought by sailors from New England even by Vikings when they were exploring North America.

Maine Coon gained fame in the 1800s in the United States. Cosey, a brown tabby Maine Coon won the top prize at the cat show held in 1895. Today, Maine Coons are famous worldwide. They hold the third position among the most loved cat breeds according to CFA. These big cats showed their elegance and won impressive prizes. White Maine Coon is just a coat color in this fascinating breed.

Official Recognition of the White Maine Coon Cat

In 1976, The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognized the White Maine Coon . In 1979, three years later, The International Cat Association also acknowledged this special cat as well.

What Makes a White Maine Coon Unique?

A White Maine Coon is unique as compared to other Maine Coons because it possesses beautiful long and rare white fur coats. This stunning white coat makes them stand out in all the other Maine Coons. However, they are as loving and affectionate as other typical Maine Coons.

Do Maine Coons Come in White

If you are wondering if Maine Coons can be white? Yes! Maine Coons come in 75 colors and patterns and White Maine Coons are very famous. They possess stunning long, pure white fur with fascinating eye colors like gold, green, and blue.

But the twist is White Maine Coons are not white naturally. They carry a white masking gene that masks their actual color and makes them all white. White is not considered a color but more like a non-color. Sometimes, White Maine Coon kittens might have a small spot of their natural color on them but that vanishes as they grow up.

Their colored eyes add to their charm. All Maine Coons possess green, copper, gold, and green-gold eyes. White Maine Coons even have blue eyes or eyes of different colors. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, white is recognized as a solid color. They possess pink noses and pink paw pads.

3 Facts About White Maine Coon Cats

Susceptibility to Skin Cancer

The skin of the White Maine Coons lacks pigments which makes them prone to skin cancer. Especially in areas where the fur is thin such as the ears. They need protection when they are outdoors, spending time under the sun. They need feline sunblock to protect their skin.

Probability of Hearing Loss

White Maine Coons and white cats are more prone to deafness than cats of other colors. White cats especially those with two blue eyes face 60% of being deaf. However, deaf Maine Coon are as loving and affectionate as cats that can hear.

Record Holder in the Guinness World Records

Maine Coons hold a record as one of the largest domestic cat breeds. In fact, Maine Coon named Barivel entered the Guinness World Record for being the longest cat ever at an impressive length of 3 feet and 11.2 inches.

How Rare Are White Maine Coon Cats?

Yes, White Maine Coon cats are rare. Only about 1.5% are White Maine Coon out of the entire Maine Coon population. This low percentage makes them unique and rare. Consider yourself lucky if you have a White Maine Coon at your home.

Appearance Of White Maine Coon Cats

The Maine Coon White is a variation of the Maine Coon breed, characterized by its elegant and stunning appearance. Although they share similar characteristics White Maine Coon stands out with their unique white coat. White Maine Coon cats possess medium to long silky fur. Their body is strong and well-built with big tufted ears, and long, bushy tails. Their unique eye colors combined with all White Maine Coon coats further enhance their appearance.

White Maine Coon kittens exhibit distinct features like strong chin, square-shaped muzzle, and high cheekbones. These features give them a majestic look. Despite their gorgeous appearance, these cats are also loving and easygoing.

Personality and Intelligence of The White Maine Coon

The White Maine Coon is a fun-loving and affectionate cat with a personality that everyone loves. They are nice with babies, love playing with kids, and enjoy cuddles with adults. They love to chat and might even do so at night. Give them toys and play with them during the day so they can sleep at night.

Maine Coon can be easily trained for the litter box and can learn to stay away from certain pieces of furniture. White Coon cats are fine by themselves at home, but spending time with them is necessary to prevent them from getting bored. These cats are calm and won’t fuss if they have comfortable spots to relax.

They might feel shy with strangers and hide initially. Yet, once they know someone, they will happily come out to greet them.

Do White Maine Coons Qualify as Albino Cats?

It can be challenging for an average pet owner to identify a true albino cat. An albino Maine Coon might have pinkish eyes or lighter blue eyes, which makes it difficult for the owners to know what kind of genes they inherit.

Animals, including humans, can be albino. This means having white fur or light eyes. It means having pale skin too. Albino animals lack melanin and there is no pigment in their skin or fur. The absence of melanin makes their nose and skin pink.

The eyes also look pink due to the deficiency of pigment in the iris. The eyes also appear pale blue in the case of partial albinos. A White Maine Coon kitten with copper, green, gold, or other shaded eyes is not albino. They have a dominant masking gene covering the underlying color.

An albino is one that doesn’t have any color at all. Sometimes it is difficult for the owners to discern. Most Maine Coons are purchased from renowned breeders who understand that this breed is Maine Coon not albino.

The Water Fascination of Maine Coon Cats

Maine Coon cats like water and love playing with it. Their fur keeps them warm and resists water. It is common for them to drink water from a leaky faucet and they play with water bowls.

It is a common trait in Maine Coon and people find it interesting how much Maine Coon loves water. There is a story about why Maine Coon loves water. It says that Maine Coon might be descendants of cats that lived in Viking ships. These long-haired cats may be like Norwegian Forest Cats in order to catch mice. They grow on the ships, that’s why they love water.

There is a myth that Maine coon cats love water because of the raccoon genes is not possible. Scientific evidence confirms that there is no genetic relation between raccoons and Maine Coon cats.

Overview of White Maine Coon Cat Genetics & Breeding

White Maine Coon Cats are known for their large size, with various theories proposed to explain this characteristic. One straightforward explanation suggests that they have an extended period of growth. In contrast to most cats that reach their full size by the age of two or even earlier, White Maine Coon cats continue growing until they reach approximately four or five years old.

Below are some fascinating facts related to genetics and breeding:

Breeders have no control over whether their white Maine Coon will pass on the “masking gene” to its kitten. This gene plays an essential role in creating White Maine Coons by preventing the expression of other colors.

To produce an all-white Maine Coon kitten, it is important for at least one of the parents to be completely white.

White Maine Coon kittens generally have a small colored mark on top of their heads at birth, which gradually fades away within a few months. Breeders quickly take note of this mark because it signifies the cat’s masked coloring. If a white kitten with this mark matures and reproduces, there is a possibility that the kittens will either be white or have the same color that briefly appeared as a mark on the top of their heads.

White Maine Coon cats give to litters that might consist of completely white kittens or those with hidden patterns and colors. Breeders study the family history of the breeding cats and the past kittens born in a controlled breeding environment to figure out the masked patterns and colors exhibited by White Maine Coon cats.

Health Issues White Maine Coon Face & Lifespan

White Maine Coon is a strong cat and lives a healthy life of around 12 to 15 years. Although they are very sturdy, they face some health issues.

Deafness in White Maine Coons with Blue Eyes

White Maine Coon with blue eyes have higher chances of being deaf in one or more ears. This happened due to the gene called the W gene. This gene gives them white fur and it is also linked with deafness. But not all Maine Coon will be deaf and many White Maine Coon cats can also live happy and healthy lives. We can test deafness when they are young.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Owners of Maine Coon White should be aware of spinal muscular atrophy. This inherited condition can result in atrophy and muscle weakness.

Skin Cancer

White Maine Coon cats, known for their beauty, are sadly prone to skin cancer due to their light skin color. The RSPCA notes that pure white cats are more likely to develop skin cancer in areas with thin or absent hair, like around their nose, ears, and eyelids. Limiting sun exposure and keeping them inside can reduce the risk of skin cancer for your cat.

Sunburn

White cats, such as the White Maine Coon, are at a higher risk of sunburn in comparison to cats with other colors, as per the RSPCA. Sunburn can cause discomfort and potentially life-threatening damage to your cat’s skin.

As an owner, it’s essential to take additional precautions to ensure the safety of your White Maine Coon from sunburn. Here are some useful tips:

Consider consulting your veterinarian about using a pet-safe sunscreen specifically designed for cats on exposed skin areas, like the nose and ears.

Ensure there are shaded areas where your cat can seek refuge from direct sunlight.

Prevent your cat from spending extended periods outdoors during peak sun hours, especially when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is not common in cats as compared to humans and dogs, but cat owners should know its signs and how to handle it if it happens. It is a genetic problem where the ball-and-socket joint between a cat’s thigh bone and hip is malformed. This involves the bumpy top end of the thigh bone fitting poorly into the cup-shaped socket in the hip.

White Maine Coon is affected by hip dysplasia due to their larger size, affecting the development of the hip joint that leads to problems with mobility and arthritis. In cats with hip dysplasia, the femoral head moves unevenly because the ball and socket don’t align properly. This misalignment known as subluxation causes the top of the thigh bone and hip socket to rub and grind against each other.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

About 30% of the Maine Coon cats have a genetic mutation that increases the chances of a health issue called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition causes the heart walls to thicken which can lead to heart failure and some other issues like blocking important blood vessels due to the blood clots.

Heart failure can lead to long-lasting discomfort, while blocked vessels result in severe pain. It is possible to detect this genetic mutation by doing a special genetic test and using ultrasound to check the cat’s health before the cat reaches breeding age.

See Also: Are Maine Coon Hypoallergenic.

Price of White Maine Coon

The price of a white Maine Coon cat varies depending on where you get it. Typically, a white Maine Coon cat ranges from $1000 to $3000 when brought from a reputable breeder. The price might be high if brought from a pet store. They are costly because of their big size, fluffy fur, and charming ear tufts, making them a wonderful addition to any family.

White Maine Coon Cat Names

Certainly, these cool cats deserve names that capture their playful, angelic, and pure nature. Names like:

Seraphina
Pippin
Bubbles
Harmony
Sprinkle
Whisper
Giggles
Nimbus
Celestia
Pixie

What You Should Know Before Having a White Maine Coon

It is necessary for owners to understand White Maine Coon kitten’s dietary needs before bringing their cat home. Learn how to groom them and suitable exercises. If you are well prepared you are now ready to be responsible and caring cat owners.

Grooming Of White Maine Coon

It is important to brush your White Maine Coon’s long fur in order to keep them in good shape and minimize shedding. Brushing prevents tangles, in fact, their silky fur avoids matting.

Brushing their hair daily also prevents them from eating too much hair while they are grooming themselves. Consuming hair can lead to hairballs. Trimming is not important for them if they have access to scratching posts and cat gyms, their nails stay naturally trimmed.

Exercise and Training Tips

White Maine Coons are lively and curious, and they require ample space for running and play throughout the day. Provide them with interactive toys such as balls, scratching posts, and squeaky toys especially when your cat is home alone.

Teach your Maine Coon cat white to respond to their names, stay and sit when asked, and be quiet when commanded. However, if they are deaf, training may require professional guidance. Their good behavior and adaptability make them a great addition to the family.

Nutritional Requirement

Maine Coon like all other cats have dietary requirements. Their food consists of wet or dry food, or even homemade meals if you enjoy making meals for your cat. The main ingredient should be real animal protein.

Grains, vegetables, and fruits are not necessary for your cat’s health. Opt for commercial food free from artificial additives and fillers like soy and corn.

Family Pets & Compatibility with Other Animals

Maine Coon cat White is an excellent family pet as they are loving and friendly with children of all ages. Maine Coon is nice with kids and it is important to teach your children to prevent pulling their tails and ears. Keep an eye on kids to ensure they are playing nicely with cats.

White Maine Coons can easily form bonds with other dogs and cats if you introduced them early. When you are introducing a pet to your all-white Maine Coon a gradual and supervised process is advisable. They may not show interest in meeting with new animals as they need some time to become familiar with new pets. They show hunting instinct around smaller pets like mice and hamsters.

Unique Traits of My Amazing White Maine Coon Cat

Meet my incredibly vocal cat, Milo. He’s always talking, meowing, trilling, chirping, and even mumbling to himself.

He is more than any cat I have ever met. As long as Milo is around I never have to worry about oversleeping or forgetting to feed the clan. Like an alarm clock, he is there every morning at 5:45 am, announcing the sunrise.

He is majestic but goofy at the same time. He carries himself with great confidence and walks around like a lion. Sometimes, he seems a bit unaware of his surroundings and is usually late to the party. He constantly wonders, “What did I miss”?

The large kitty will patiently sit at the dinner table with us, waiting for some bite-size yummies, without jumping on the table.

He knows that if he stays in his seat, he will earn a reward. He is a foodie. He will eat anything from cheese and Macaroni, to chicken, and more.

He gets along with everyone. I have never seen him have any conflicts with the other Maine Coons or our dog, Sloopy. He is just a big giant who loves everyone.

Conclusion

The White Maine Coon cat is an amazing pet for families and households of any size. They can easily adjust to apartment living but truly thrive with the ample space a house offers. Regular Grooming is necessary for maintaining their appearance and well-being, yet overall, they are normally easy to take care of.

White Maine Coon cats can be tough to find, but their rarity makes them more famous. Due to their unique genetics, it is important to make sure that you buy a White Maine Coon cat from a reputable breeder.

That way you can be sure that your extraordinary cat will be as healthy as possible, allowing you to anticipate many years of affectionate companionship with your White Maine Coon cat!

Looking for more Maine Coon colors & patterns? Our guides covers plenty, including black, black smoke, smoke, blue, grey, orange, red, calico, tuxedo, black and white, and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Maine Coon cat a cat?

The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed and stands as one of the most ancient natural breeds in North America. The breed originated in the U.S. state of Maine, where it holds the distinction of being the official state cat.

What is the price of the pure White Maine Coon?

Purebred Maine Coon kittens generally range in price from $1,000 to $2,000. Given the significant investment, selecting the right breeder becomes vital. It’s highly recommended to meet the breeder before the official purchase to address any questions or concerns you might have.

Are Maine Coon Cats like dogs?

Similar to dogs, Maine Coon cats exhibit a strong desire to be in the company of their people. Many Maine Coon cats like playing in water, and are particularly good with kids and other pets, even dogs.