Paw tufts look adorable, but these long hairs have a practical purpose. In the wild, cats and other animals rely on these tufts to protect their paws from sharp objects, snow, or ice. Long-haired breeds like the Maine Coon tend to have more noticeable paw tufts.
These images will give you a better idea of what Maine Coon paw tufts look like!
Jump to:
- 1. Black and White Paw Tuft
- 2. Majestic Black Paw Tufts
- 3. Cuddly Maine Coon
- 4. Stunning White Maine Coon
- 5. Gray Maine Coon Paw Tufts
- 6. Maine Coon Kitten
- 7. Paws With White Tips
- 8. White Paw Tufts
- 9. Maine Coons in the Snow
- 10. Exhausted Kitten
- 11. At the Window
- 12. Ginger Cat
- 13. A Pair of Maine Coons
- 14. White With Green Eyes
- 15. Fluffy Maine Coon
- 16. Long-Haired Maine Coon Kitten
- 17. Sleepy Maine Coon
- 18. Playful Maine Coon
- 19. Kittens With White Paws
- 20. Scared Maine Coon
- 21. Unique-Looking Maine Coon
- Conclusion
1. Black and White Paw Tuft
This helpful kitty seems eager to help its owner with their work, giving us an excellent view of the long hair that grows between its toes.
The medium length of the hair is an excellent example of what Maine Coon paw tufts look like with regular trimming. While these long hairs are beneficial in the wild, they can form painful and uncomfortable mats if you let them grow.
2. Majestic Black Paw Tufts
This serious-looking Maine Coon stands out with its black coat and soulful eyes. The paws look large in proportion to the rest of the body, which is a common characteristic of the Maine Coon breed.
Originally from New England, the Maine Coon had to adapt to survive harsh winters. Large paws act as snowshoes and give this breed an advantage when hunting in the snow.
3. Cuddly Maine Coon
This Instagram post features a proud owner cuddling her Maine Coon. The cat’s paw tufts are clearly visible, and you can see how the long hair that grows between the toes contrasts with the darker color of the fur that grows on the paws.
The tabby pattern on this cat’s fur is one of the most common colors you’ll find in Maine Coon and other breeds like the Domestic Shorthair, Oriental, or Turkish Angora.
4. Stunning White Maine Coon
This majestic white Maine Coon has a unique look with its ear tufts and yellow eyes. You can clearly see the white paw tufts in this photograph that captures a relaxed pause where the animal is lounging on its favorite cat tree.
This image is an excellent example of what Maine Coon paw tufts look like if you don’t trim them.
5. Gray Maine Coon Paw Tufts
This photogenic pet is proudly displaying her paw tufts while lounging on the back of the couch. The paws look trimmed, but you can see the tufts have started to grow back.
While vets don’t recommend trimming your cat’s hair unless it gets matted, you should brush your pet daily if you own a breed with long hair.
6. Maine Coon Kitten
This young Maine Coon is showing off her oversized paws with a playful pause. While this kitten has ear tufts that clearly show her Maine Coon DNA, her paw tufts aren’t noticeable.
Since Maine Coons don’t get their adult coats until they reach six months to a year of age, it’s possible that this kitten’s paw tufts haven’t grown yet. In some cases, kittens don’t get their full adult coat until they’re two.
7. Paws With White Tips
This Maine Coon looks regal with her serious expression and impressive coat. This photograph is a great example of how Maine Coons can get longer hair in their manes.
The paw tufts look trimmed and contrast with the rest of the long coat, but the white tip illustrates how a cat’s coat can go through changes and become gray or white with age.
8. White Paw Tufts
White hair and blue eyes are a rare combination for the Maine Coon breed. This white cat is a gorgeous example of what a Maine Coon with a lack of pigment looks like.
The paw tufts are long and cover most of the paws, giving them an odd shape. While letting paw tufts grow is generally not an issue for indoor cats, this length can lead to matting or make it difficult for your pet to retain her balance when walking on smooth surfaces.
9. Maine Coons in the Snow
Maine Coons are from the state of Maine. Supposedly, these cats are the result of European animals breeding with American cats.
With its long coat and sturdy build, the Maine Coon can survive the harsh New England winter. This photograph shows three Maine Coons walking in the snow while their long hair and paw tufts protect them from their cold and damp environment.
10. Exhausted Kitten
Being a kitten is hard work! This napping kitten has black hair growing underneath her paws, illustrating the color contrast that Maine Coons can have on their extremities.
The back feet have paw tufts with a medium length. It’s what growing paw tufts look like when a kitten starts getting her adult coat.
11. At the Window
This curious pet is standing up to see what is going on outside. The fur on her front legs shows trim marks that indicate her owner used a pet hair clipper to keep the hair short.
The medium length of the mane also suggests her owner get her a recent haircut. The lack of paw tufts, short mane, and trimmed hair are excellent examples of how you can help your pet regulate her body temperature if you live in a warm climate.
12. Ginger Cat
This photograph shows a ginger or red Maine Coon with a curious expression on her face. The medium hair length and red color show how varied Maine Coon coats can look.
The paw tufts stand out thanks to their lighter color. You can clearly see how the paw tufts are growing between the toes.
13. A Pair of Maine Coons
These two Maine Coons have found a cozy spot for cuddling. Their paws are ideal for comparing what paw tufts look like on black and silver cats.
While the black paw tufts blend in with the rest of the paw, the other cat has more noticeable paw tufts that stand out against the silver fur.
14. White With Green Eyes
This white Maine Coon is holding a toy, an ideal pause for showing off her long paw tufts. Even though paw tufts can make it challenging to walk on smooth surfaces, they don’t prevent cats from using their paws to hold items.
15. Fluffy Maine Coon
Did you know Maine Coons have three layers of hair? This fluffy pet is laying on her back and showing off how fluffy her thick coat looks, including her long paw tufts.
16. Long-Haired Maine Coon Kitten
Even though kittens typically don’t get their adult coat until they’re older, it doesn’t mean they can’t have long hair. This adorable Maine Coon kitten has plenty of length and is starting to grow ear and paw tufts.
17. Sleepy Maine Coon
This sleeping Maine Coon is using her paw to rest her head. You can see how the paw tufts protect the toes, which can be sensitive due to the many receptors cats have in this part of their body.
18. Playful Maine Coon
With her oversized paws and long legs, this majestic-looking Maine Coon gives you a better idea of how large these cats can get. Note how the short paw tufts are peeking out between the toes to offer cushioning and protection.
19. Kittens With White Paws
These gorgeous Maine Coon kittens have long ear tufts already but are yet to grow their paw tufts. You can see how the white fur on their paws is starting to get longer compared to the rest of their coat.
20. Scared Maine Coon
This uncomfortable-looking Maine Coon is clinging to her owner, probably to avoid a stressful situation. The white paw tufts are clearly visible, and this photograph is an excellent example of how Maine Coons can use their paws for a wide range of tasks, even with long paw tufts.
21. Unique-Looking Maine Coon
This unusual Maine Coon stands out with her black face and silver hair. Her coat is longer than the average Maine Coon, and you can see white paw tufts growing against her darker toes.
Conclusion
While Maine Coon paw tufts are an adorable feature, these long hairs have a practical purpose. As a Maine Coon owner, you should check your pet’s paw tufts regularly for knots or mats and trim these long hairs if needed.
