One of the most fascinating cat breeds in the world is the Maine Coon. It is not only the largest domestic cat—some individuals reach an impressive size of 120 cm. It is also exceptionally loyal and intelligent. Often called the “Gentle Giant,” it combines impressive size with a lovable, charming personality. Every Maine Coon is a unique character, shaped by an exciting history.
The Maine Coon is even a true record holder. The longest cat ever recorded was Stewie, a Maine Coon, measuring an incredible 123 cm—an official Guinness World Record! The longest whiskers in the world, a proud 19 cm, also belonged to a Maine Coon. But that’s not all: the Maine Coon even had a taste of Hollywood! For the iconic cat Mrs. Norris in the Harry Potter films, tricks and scenes were performed by a total of six different Maine Coons.
But how do you transport such a velvet-pawed star comfortably and safely without causing discomfort? The solution is a specially designed cat backpack for large cats like the TARIGS ROOFPACKER.
Maine Coon
| Origin: | USA (State of Maine) |
| Weight: | Males: 6–11 kg, Females: 4–8 kg |
| Shoulder Height: | 25 – 41 cm |
| Length (Total): | Up to 120 cm (from nose tip to tail tip) |
| Life expectancy: | 12 – 15 years |
| Fur: | Long, dense, silky, water-resistant, with thick undercoat, bushy tail, and ruff (neck fur) |
| Color: | All colors and patterns allowed (e.g., Tabby, Solid, Bicolor, Tortie), except Point patterns (Siamese markings), Chocolate, Cinnamon, Lilac, and Fawn. |
| Character: | Gentle, friendly, playful, intelligent, very social (“dog-like”), and often communicates through trilling. |
Origin & History: From Ship’s Cat to Loyal Adventure Companion
The Maine Coon is considered the oldest natural cat breed in North America. As the name suggests, it hails from the rugged U.S. state of Maine in New England.
Originally, they lived on farms and ships, serving as hardy working cats and indispensable pest controllers. This background shaped their build: dense, water-resistant fur, strong muscles, and furry paws that act like little snowshoes.
The name “Maine Coon” does not come from a cross with raccoons—that’s genetically impossible! It most likely refers to their bushy tails and place of origin. This distinctive tail isn’t just for show: in winter, Maine Coons love to wrap themselves in it, almost like their own fluffy scarf keeping them warm.
Some legends say they descend from European ship cats. Maine Coons are born explorers who love adventure, especially alongside their human companions.
Personality & Temperament: A Giant with a Big Heart
The Maine Coon is not only visually impressive but also exceptionally special in character. They are known for being loyal and affectionate, often following their humans around without being intrusive. They love being in the middle of family life. Thanks to their friendly and patient nature, they make ideal companions for children, dogs, and other cats.
Their intelligence is also striking, as many Maine Coons learn quickly and can master tricks like fetching or even walking on a leash. Their curious, adventurous spirit shows in every corner of the house. Cabinets, windowsills, and new toys are thoroughly explored.
Rather than loud meowing, they communicate in their distinctive way: with gentle trills, chirps, and charming sounds that almost sound like a little “hello.” This quiet, loving form of communication is typical for the breed and makes them even more endearing.
The Water-Loving Cat
Unlike many other cats, Maine Coons have a special fondness for water. They enthusiastically play with faucets, curiously dip their paws into bowls, or enjoy watching the activity at the sink. This relaxed relationship with water likely stems from their past as hardy ship cats.
Care & Health: The Key to a Long Cat Life
Despite their semi-long fur, Maine Coons are surprisingly low-maintenance. Generally, brushing them two to three times a week is enough to prevent matting and keep their dense, water-resistant coat healthy. In addition, claws, teeth, and ears should be checked regularly to catch small issues early.
Equally important as coat care are proper nutrition, plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation. Due to their active and playful nature, climbing opportunities, interactive toys, and shared walks are ideal for keeping them mentally and physically engaged. Since Maine Coons are genetically prone to certain conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or hip dysplasia, regular veterinary check-ups are highly recommended.
Did you know? Maine Coons are true late bloomers! Despite their impressive appearance, they grow surprisingly slowly, with some reaching their full size only between three and five years of age.
Maine Coon Adventures with the TARIGS ROOFPACKER
Regular cat backpacks are usually too small for the impressive size of a Maine Coon. This is exactly where the TARIGS ROOFPACKER comes in. It was specially designed for large cats and offers more than just transport: it becomes a mobile adventure platform for these gentle giants.
With plenty of space for their muscular bodies, a sturdy build, and a smart ventilation system, the ROOFPACKER ensures that a Maine Coon feels completely comfortable while on the move.
The special highlight is the elevated resting platform: from here, the Maine Coon can survey its surroundings and, secured on a leash, communicate with its characteristic trilling sounds. This makes the backpack an exclusive communication hub for curious giants.
Whether for vet visits, walks, hiking, or travel – the ROOFPACKER transforms every outing into a stress-free adventure. The Maine Coon doesn’t get an ordinary carrier, but a mobile throne that perfectly combines a sense of adventure with comfort.
Not every Maine Coon gets used to wearing a backpack right away. It’s best to start with short trips, observe closely, and respect your cat’s limits. With patience, every outing can become a positive experience. A gentle training routine for the TARIGS ROOFPACKER cat backpack could look like this: https://tarigs.com/get-your-cat-used-to-the-roofpacker/.
Ready for new adventures? This gentle giant is eager to explore the world with you. 🐾
And don’t forget: Tag us on your adventures! #tarigs