Complete Guide to White Maine Coon Cats: Characteristics, Care, and Why They Make Perfect Pets
Maine Coon cats are a large breed of cats known for their fluffy tails and friendly personalities. They come in different colors like red, black, and blue. These colors are natural for Maine Coons. However, when you see a white Maine Coon, it’s not actually white. This white color is because of a special gene that hides the cat’s real color.
Even though they look white, these cats aren’t born that way. When they are little kittens, you can sometimes see their true color on a patch of fur on their head. But as they grow, they look completely white. These white Maine Coons are very beautiful and special.
White Maine Coons are quite rare. In fact, only about 4 to 6% of all Maine Coons are white. So, if you ever have a chance to own one of these unique, snow-colored cats, you’re very lucky!
Can vary: blue, green, gold, copper, or odd-eyed (different colors)
Personality Traits
Friendly, Intelligent, Playful, Loyal, Sociable
Grooming Needs
High: Regular brushing, occasional baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning
Health
Generally healthy but prone to certain genetic conditions
Lifespan
Typically 12-15 years, can live longer with proper care
Suitability
Good for families, compatible with children and other pets
Training Ability
High: Responsive to training due to intelligence
Activity Level
Moderately active
Cost Range
$1,000 – $4,000 depending on breeding, age, and pedigree
Special Needs
Needs space due to large size, mental stimulation, social interaction
Ideal Home Environment
Spacious with opportunities for climbing and exploration
Recognizing a White Maine Coon Cat
When you’re looking to buy a white Maine Coon cat, especially if it’s your first time, there are a few key things to look for to make sure you’re getting a genuine one. White Maine Coons are unique, but since many cat breeds have white-colored variations, it’s important to know how to identify the real deal.
Check for a Color Spot on the Head of Kittens: When Maine Coon kittens are born, even the white ones, they often have a small patch of their actual fur color on their head. This is a telltale sign of a genuine white Maine Coon. As they grow older, this spot may disappear, and their coat becomes completely white.
Overall Body Color: The cat should be uniformly white all over its body. Unlike some other breeds, a white Maine Coon doesn’t have any mix of colors or patterns in its fur; it should be pure white.
Colors and Patterns of Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coon cats are known for their majestic and varied colors and patterns, which make them stand out from other cat breeds. Their unique color combinations add to their attractiveness and charm. Here’s a look at some of the distinctive color and pattern variations found in Maine Coon cats:
Blue Cream and White: This combination features a mix of blue (a diluted version of black) and cream (a diluted red), along with white areas.
White Tiger Maine Coon: This pattern resembles a tiger’s stripes, but in a white Maine Coon, these would likely be more subtle.
Cream Smoke and White: ‘Smoke’ refers to a cat that appears solid but has roots of a different color, usually white, making the cream color look smoky.
Blue and White: This is a simple but beautiful combination of blue (grayish) patches mixed with white.
White and Gray Maine Coon: A classic pattern where the cat is predominantly white with gray markings.
White and Shaded Blue Silver: This pattern features a white base with shaded or tipped blue-silver fur.
Red and White: Bright red (or orange) patches combined with white, creating a striking look.
Patched Tabby and White: A patched tabby has different colored patches (like red or cream) along with the typical tabby stripes or swirls, mixed with white.
White and Shell Cream: This is a delicate coloration where the cat is mostly white with cream-colored tips on the fur.
White and Black Bi-color Maine Coon: A two-tone pattern of white and black, distributed in large patches across the body.
White and Black Smoke: A smoky pattern with black and white, where the white undercoat is visible at the base of the black fur.
Shaded Silver and White: Similar to the smoked patterns, but with a silver shading that gives a glittery effect, combined with white.
Appearance of White Maine Coon Cats
The White Maine Coon is known for being incredibly cute and adorable, making it a highly desired cat among the Maine Coon breeds. Their charm and beauty, combined with their impressive size, make them stand out.
Body Size
The male and female White Maine Coons differ in their body size, with males generally being larger
Length: Female cats range from 28 to 35 inches, while male cats are longer, measuring 38 to 45 inches.
Height: Females stand at about 8 to 14 inches tall, and males are slightly taller, ranging from 10 to 16 inches.
Weight: Female White Maine Coons weigh between 10 to 15 pounds, and males are heavier, weighing between 15 to 25 pounds.
Body Shape
Knowing the body shape is key to recognizing a White Maine Coon. They have distinct physical features
Long Bushy Tails: Their tails are notable for their length and bushiness.
Ear Tufts: The ears of a White Maine Coon are often adorned with thick tufts, adding to their majestic look.
Rectangular Body Shape: The overall body shape is rectangular, giving it a sturdy and robust appearance.
Big Paws: Their paws are large and round, aiding in their agile movements.
Coat Length: The fur is shorter on the shoulders and gradually becomes longer towards the belly.
White Maine Coon Eyes
How to Spot Them by Their Eyes
White Maine Coon cats have big and round eyes. These eyes are one of the reasons people love them so much. They look lovely and can really show feelings, which is special for a cat. When you look at them, it feels like they understand you.
Their Eyes at Cat Shows
At cat shows, like the ones run by The International Cats Association (TICA), cats with the best eye shape can win prizes. White Maine Coons often have the perfect eye shape for these shows, so they have a good chance of winning.
Colors of Their Eyes
The eyes of White Maine Coons can be different colors
Some have copper-colored eyes.
Others have blue eyes.
You might see some with gold or green eyes.
A special thing about them is that some have two different colored eyes – one might be green or gold, and the other blue.
When they are little kittens, all of them have blue eyes. But as they grow up, their eye color can change.
Eye Problems
White Maine Coons usually have healthy eyes, but sometimes they can have problems
Conjunctivitis: This is when their eyes get sore and watery. If you see this, you should take them to a vet so it doesn’t get worse.
Astigmatism: If they have this, they can’t see clearly. It might make their eyes tired, and they might have headaches.
Hyperopia: This is a common eye problem in cats. They can see things far away but need help seeing things close up.
White Maine Coon Kitten
Appearance and Initial Care
White Maine Coon kittens are incredibly beautiful, with soft, snow-like white fur. Many people prefer to get these kittens instead of adult cats because it’s exciting to watch them grow and train them from a young age. These kittens are not very common, making them quite special but also harder to find. If you get one, it’s both a wonderful experience and a big responsibility. They need lots of care and attention, especially when they are young, to grow up healthy and happy.
Personality Traits
White Maine Coons are not just pretty; they also have great personalities:
Gentle and Loving: They are known for being very gentle and affectionate with their owners.
Laid-back and Friendly: These cats are relaxed and easygoing, making them good companions.
Sensitive: They form strong bonds with their owners and love to be around them.
Loyal: Like dogs, white Maine Coons can be very loyal to their owners. They will stay close to you if you treat them well.
Friendly: They are naturally friendly and enjoy playing with both kids and adults. You can have lots of fun with different games.
Sociable: These cats are good at making friends. They are not shy and will happily meet new people and other pets.
Intelligent: White Maine Coons are smart, which makes training and grooming them easier. They learn quickly and understand how to behave well.
Grooming White Maine Coon Cats
General Grooming
Grooming is an important part of taking care of a White Maine Coon cat. It includes brushing their teeth, giving them baths, and trimming their nails. While professional grooming centers can do this, you can also do these things at home if you have the time. Let’s break down each aspect:
Bathing
Frequency: It’s a good idea to bathe your White Maine Coon at least twice a month. Because they are white, dirt shows up more easily on them than on darker cats. If they get really dirty, you might need to bathe them every week.
Products: Use high-quality shampoos and conditioners made for cats. This helps keep their fur soft and healthy.
Nail Trimming
Why It’s Important: White Maine Coons have long and sharp nails that grow quickly. Regular nail trimming is important to prevent them from becoming too long, which can be uncomfortable for the cat and might accidentally hurt you during play.
How Often: Ideally, you should trim your cat’s nails every week.
Tooth Brushing
Preventing Dental Diseases: Just like humans, cats can get dental problems. Brushing your White Maine Coon’s teeth every day helps prevent these issues.
How to Do It: Use a toothbrush recommended by your vet. There are special toothbrushes and toothpaste made for cats.
Training White Maine Coon Cats:
Training your White Maine Coon cat is important and can be quite enjoyable due to their intelligent nature. They learn quickly, which makes training easier. Here are some methods to help you train your cat effectively:
Start with Easy Training
Gradual Learning: Begin with simple tasks that your cat can easily understand and accomplish. This approach helps your cat get used to the idea of training and builds their confidence.
Step-by-Step: Increase the difficulty of tasks gradually, so your cat doesn’t feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Rewards Over Punishment: Avoid punishing your cat if they makes a mistake or doesn’t follow instructions. Instead, focus on rewarding them for good behavior or even small successes.
Encouragement: Treats, praises, and affection are great ways to motivate your cat. This positive approach makes learning enjoyable for them and strengthens your bond.
Incorporate Training Games
Fun Activities: Include games like fetch in the training sessions. This keeps the training enjoyable and engaging for both you and your cat.
Consistency: Games help maintain consistency in training. Your cat is less likely to get bored and more likely to look forward to these sessions.
White Maine Coon Prices
The cost of a White Maine Coon cat can vary a lot depending on several factors like its breed quality, color patterns, size, and where you are getting it from. Generally, White Maine Coons are more expensive than other colors like black or blue because they are rarer.
Here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay for different types of White Maine Coons:
Purebred White Cat: If you’re looking for a purebred White Maine Coon, they are on the higher end of the price range. You might pay between $2,000 and $4,000. This high price is because purebreds often come from reputable breeders and have a detailed lineage that proves their purebred status.
Adult White Cat: Adult White Maine Coons are usually a bit cheaper than purebred kittens. Their prices typically range from $1,000 to $2,000. The price can vary based on the cat’s health, age, and whether it has been spayed or neutered.
White Maine Coon Kittens: Kittens are usually in the middle price range. You could expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 for a White Maine Coon kitten. Again, the exact price can depend on the breeder and the kitten’s lineage and health.
White Maine Coon Cats pros and cons
Pros
Stunning Appearance: Their striking white fur and large size make them visually captivating.
Friendly Nature: White Maine Coons are known for their sociable and affectionate behavior.
Intelligent: They are smart and can be trained relatively easily.
Good with Families: They generally get along well with children and other pets.
Loyal Companions: Known for their loyalty, they often form strong bonds with their owners.
Playful: They remain playful even into adulthood, providing fun and entertainment.
Adaptable: White Maine Coons can adapt to various living environments, including homes and apartments.
Cons
High Cost: White Maine Coons are rare and can be quite expensive to purchase.
Grooming Needs: Their long fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain coat health.
Potential Health Issues: As with any breed, they can be prone to certain genetic health problems.
Size: Their large size means they need more space and can eat more than smaller cat breeds.
Attention Requirements: They can be demanding in terms of attention and may not suit very busy owners.
Rareness: It can be challenging to find a purebred White Maine Coon, especially for adoption.
Possible Prey Drive: Their hunting instincts might pose a risk to smaller pets like birds or rodents.
FAQ,s
White Maine Coons are rare and have a unique, striking appearance with their pure white fur. They share the same friendly and intelligent traits as other Maine Coons but stand out due to their rarity and distinctive color.
The cost of a White Maine Coon varies but typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000. Prices depend on factors like pedigree, breeder reputation, and whether the cat is a purebred, adult, or kitten.
Yes, like all Maine Coons, the White Maine Coon requires regular grooming due to its long fur. This includes brushing several times a week, occasional baths, and regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.
Generally, yes. White Maine Coons are known for their sociable, gentle, and friendly nature, making them good companions for children and other pets. However, it’s always important to supervise interactions between pets and young children.
Yes, White Maine Coons are intelligent and can be trained relatively easily. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, making them adept at learning tricks and good behaviors.
Conclusion
White Maine Coon cats are very special and not so common. They stand out with their beautiful white fur and big size. They cost quite a bit of money and need regular care, especially for their long fur. These cats are really smart and friendly, making them great pets. They love being around people and can get along well with kids and other animals. But, they do need a lot of space because they’re big cats. If you’re ready to take care of a big, loving cat, having a White Maine Coon can be a great and rewarding experience.
