The Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat, occasionally weighing up to 11-12 kilograms. The average weight is around 6-9 kilos for adult males, with females coming in a little lighter. Maine Coon cats are known for their energy, intelligence and playfulness as well as their distinctive physical appearance. A large bushy tail, and often with tufted ears, Main Coon cats have an almost regal appearance. Their fur is medium/long, and more dense than other breeds. They can often have a ruff on their chest which is why they are often lovingly called "Mane Coons", for the similarity to a lion's mane.

There are many differing stories of how the breed came to be in existence. Some are quite believable, whereas others are almost certainly myth. One story tells that a domestic cat released in the wild at Maine mated with a raccoon (hence the coon in the name), resulting in offspring with the bushy tail, and stripes of a racoonlike colouring. Of course this is impossible, yet still remains a fondly spoken tale. Another tale speaks of a Captain Coon, who was responsible for the cat reaching the shores of Maine.

However, the most feasible explanation is that mating between domestic short haired cats, and foreign long haired cats has produced this hardy, and friendly cat. DNA evidence has shown that one of Main Coon's early ancestors is the Norwegian Forest Cat.

Due to them having a higher level of intelligence than other cat breeds, Maine Coons are known as one of the easiest breeds to train. Maine Coons are noted for their ability to trill their meows, which sounds like a combination of a purr and a meow, and they tend to make this sound when happy or startled. Onwers of Maine Coons often describe their cats, as speaking to them.