Maine coons are large, affectionate cats that love to play and spend time with their humans. This cat breed is typically known for its massive size—up to 40 inches in length—but Maine coon owners know and prize these cats for being loving family pets. Maine coons are surprisingly popular, especially considering at one point this breed almost faced extinction. In 2019, the Cat Fanciers’ Association listed the Maine coon as the fifth-most popular cat breed.