The Maine Coon is known for its massive appearance and luxuriant, plumed tail. Despite its potentially intimidating size, it is also known for its gentle, mild-mannered, friendly demeanor. The Maine Coon is a great family cat. The Maine Coon weighs from 9 to 22 pounds.

The tail, a prized feature of the Maine Coon, is long and thickly covered, creating a bushy, plumed appearance. The coat is long, thick, and silky with a large ruff. The traditional coat of the Maine Coon is tabby, but most other coat patterns and colors are acceptable. A few exclusions include Chocolate, Lilac and Siamese Points, blue or odd eyes in all coat colors except white, and Bi-color or Parti-color cats with white fur for more than a third of the coat. This breed can withstand extremely cold weather and sheds profusely in the summer.

For some owners, the Maine Coon has an ideal personality. It is an affectionate, amiable breed that gets along with most people and animals, but is not too needy. It is gentle and easy-going, but also self-confident and a good hunter. Some say that the Maine Coon is shy, while others say that it is out-going. This breed remains playful and "kittenish" throughout its years. It has a soft, chirping or squeaking voice. The Maine Coon is an easy-going breed that generally gets along with people, dogs, and other cats. It shows affection toward the whole family, but tends to become especially close with one person.

Though it is a massive long-haired breed, it requires only moderate grooming.

It has a long life-span of 13 or more years.