As you probably know, cats are one of the best companions a person could ask for. Whether you are living by yourself and would like some feline company or are a large family that adores animals, it’s always crucial to know what kind of cat you are getting.
Orange Maine Coon cats are large, furry, and have one of the most gorgeous coats in the cat kingdom. But what makes them unique, and what do you need to know when getting an Orange Maine Coon cat?
These are just some questions that may bother you but don’t worry; I will answer all your pressing questions here. Learn all you need to know, from where they originate to whether Orange Maine Coon cats shed.
So stick around to learn everything about this beautiful cat and if it is right for you.
There are several myths about Orange Maine Coons, such as they share DNA with raccoons. But the truth is far simpler than any of the stories associated with these cats. Most likely, they came from Europe and had to adjust to the cooler conditions in the state of Maine.
The Maine Coon breed is from the cold northern region of America, which is why the cats have thick, long fur. They are also the biggest domestic cat breed in the world, which is where the myth that they are descendants of bobcats originated. Orange Maine Coons also have padded paws to help them walk through snow and cool climates without a fuss.
The Maine Coon has received formal recognition from the International Cat Association since 1979 and has become a popular breed worldwide. However, you are more likely to find other types of Maine Coons, as the orange coats are still fairly rare.
It is reasonably easy to misidentify this cat breed, so you must know some key features that only Maine Coons have.
This breed has long and shaggy hair that helps keep them warm during winter. Their coats also have an oily feeling, which helps keep the cat dry. And, of course, if you are looking for an Orange Maine Coon, the cat will have an orange coat.
A unique feature of the Maine Coon breed is their fascination with water. They are also the largest cat breed out there, so you expect a big cat once it reaches full size after two years.
However, these characteristics are not as noticeable when they are kittens, so it’s best you learn how to tell if your kitten is a Maine Coon.
For some more details about the Orange Maine Coon cat, here are the key characteristics of the breed.
These beautiful animals are large, with sizes differing between males and females.
On average, males can get 40 inches in length, 10 inches to 16 inches tall, and weigh between 15 lbs and 25 lbs. On the other hand, females can reach 40 inches long, 8 inches to 14 inches tall, and weigh between 10 lbs and 15 lbs.
Despite male and female Orange Maine Coon cats being the same length, the males tend to be much larger than the females.
Although these cats are orange, they are officially known as the Red Maine Coon by the Cat Fanciers Association. The breed is also known as ginger, marmalade, or Orange Maine Coons.
There are four color classes that the Red Maine Coon (orange) cat falls under:
- Solid red – the cat is one color all over its body.
- Red tabby – you can get a red tabby in a mackerel or classic pattern.
- Tortoiseshell – the cat’s coat is either red and black or red and blue.
- Red silver/white – the coat is lighter and has a paler orange.
The red coats are one of the most popular Maine Coon colors. It’s interesting to note that you are more likely to get a male Orange Maine Coon cat (a one in two chance of having an orange coat) than a female (a one in three chance).
These cats are gentle, friendly, and extremely patient with children. This makes them a fantastic option if you are looking for another addition to the family.
They are also relatively independent and will do their own thing, but like most cats, they can be vocal when they want something. If you live alone and love the company of a feline friend, Orange Maine Coon’s also make excellent companions.
These cats are also very curious and love to hunt, so make sure you have toys around to prevent any valuables from getting thrown around the house. Orange Main Coon personalities vary from cat to cat, but this breed is generally very loving and makes an amazing addition to any household.
There are a couple of things you should know before buying an Orange Maine Coon cat, from the best environment for them to how much they can cost.
As Orange Maine Coon cats are pedigree, they are pretty pricey, but it is well worth the extra expense. If you are buying a cat from a breeder, expect to pay between $800 and $1,500 per kitten.
If that is too expensive for you, you can also adopt. However, this may take some time, and there is no guarantee of getting a purebred Orange Maine Coon. Adopting a cat is a great way to help out, and you can expect to pay between $100 and $400 depending on if it is an older cat or a kitten.
After purchasing a cat, you need to get your cat all its shots and get them spayed or neutered. You also need to get supplies such as food, a cat bed, and all the other necessities for your cat to be happy. Expect these initial costs to be between $350 and $1,500.
Once you have everything set up and your cat is comfortable, monthly expenses range between $90 and $250. These costs include food, healthcare, pet insurance, medication, and litter box maintenance. Remember that Orange Maine Coons are large cats and may cost more to keep than others.
If you are a digital nomad or someone who likes to travel, you may want to know if the Orange Maine Coon does well with traveling. The short answer is yes, they do well in a traveling family, but it may not be smooth sailing from the start.
Like any cat, the Orange Maine Coon will need to get used to the new way of life, as moving to new environments can confuse the cat. Knowing all the tips and tricks for your road trip with a cat is best before you start traveling the world together.
Now that you know how much to budget for an Orange Maine Coon cat, read these essential tips to learn how to look after your feline friend.
It is best to feed your cat with food that contains high protein levels as they are fairly active cats. Try to use food that doesn’t contain preservatives, fillers, and artificial flavors, as these tend to mean the food is not as healthy for the cat.
Depending on your budget, you can feed your Orange Maine Coon wet, dry, or raw food. My top suggestion for those in the UK is to get the Royal Canin Maine Coon kibble. If you are in the US, you can get the same brand on the chewy website.
Orange Maine Coon cats are generally energetic and are more than happy to wander outside alone. However, Maine Coons are known to get obese if they stay indoors most of the time, so it’s essential you keep track of your cat’s weight.
Although it’s not easy to notice if your Maine Coon is obese because of their longhaired coats, your local veterinarian can help you identify obesity in your cat. With the aid of your vet, you can get your Orange Maine Coon on a diet, and it’s best to encourage your cat to exercise if they don’t enjoy going outside.
Orange Maine Coons are known as the dogs of the cat world, so they do well with training. They are intelligent cats that learn commands quickly, especially when you use positive reinforcement. I recommend using cat treats and pet training clickers, which you can get from the chewy website in the US and the pet supermarket in the UK.
Orange Maine Coons have a lovely thick long coat underneath their iconic orange fur. You must groom your cat at least twice a week to prevent the tangling of its hair. If your Orange Maine Coon explores the outdoors regularly, you may need to groom them up to four times a week.
Although these cats love grooming, I suggest getting your pet used to the feeling from kitten age, as it can be difficult getting into the routine the older they get.
Like any other pedigree cat, the Orange Maine Coon tends to have genetic health issues that you need to watch out for.
There are some minor health issues that your Orange Maine Coon may experience. These are relatively easy to treat and shouldn’t hinder your cat’s quality of life if you treat them correctly.
- Stomatitis: It is inflammation in the mouth that can affect your cat’s ability to eat and sleep.
- Periodontal disease: It is a gum infection that can affect your cat’s jaw-bone density and teeth.
- Obesity: It is when your cat becomes overweight due to a lack of exercise and overeating.
Aside from the minor issues your Orange Maine Coon may experience, there are some more severe health difficulties – some of which are treatable – that your cat may experience.
- Hip dysplasia: It is a treatable issue where the cat’s joints dislocate and grind against one another.
- Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disease in cats, but it is curable.
- Spinal muscular atrophy: It is an incurable genetic disease that causes muscles to become weak and degrade.
- Polycystic kidney disease: It is an incurable hereditary disease that causes the kidney to degrade over time and eventually stop working.
If you are buying a cat from a breeder, expect to pay between 0 and ,500 per kitten.
Orange Maine Coon cats, like all Maine Coon cats, tend to live between 10 and 13 years.
You might enjoy reading my article on white Maine coon cats.
Orange Maine Coon cats are beautiful animals with gorgeous coats and lovely personalities. Like any pet, there are specific health issues that you need to keep an eye out for, but in general, the Orange Maine Coon is definitely a cat worth having.
Although they are expensive, they make for the perfect companion and fantastic family pets.
This orange Maine coon cats post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase I will most likely receive a small commission. This won’t affect the price you pay. Just wanted to make sure you knew.
Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.
