2 appearance features which define the Maine Coon

In my view, there are two features of the Maine Coon appearance which define this cat breed. The most important of these is the "visibly square" (to use the language of the Cat Fanciers' Association) muzzle. This pronounced muzzle distinguishes the Maine Coon from all other breeds. If you want to quickly check whether a Maine Coon is genuine you could do worse than starting at the muzzle.

2 appearance features which define the Maine Coon. This individual has been selectively breed to extreme but the square muzzle and lynx-tipped large ears are very noticeable. Photo in public domain.

The second defining feature is the "large, well-tufted, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed" ears. The tufts of hair coming out of the tips of the ears is a very strong defining attribute of the Maine Coon cat. You see breeders enhancing and emphasising both the square muzzle and the lynx tipped ears.

ASSOCIATED: Picture of a Maine Coon who looks like a middle-aged man

Sometimes people ask whether their cat is a Maine Coon. They should know the answer because they should have documentary evidence to prove a pedigree. Without that you are reliant upon appearance. If you are reliant upon appearance then the above appearance features, as I've described them, would certainly help in providing an answer.

The average random bred cat or other breeds simply don't have these features. They are that noticeable. Extreme breeding results in these features becoming more pronounced which can be unfortunate because it can look a bit ridiculous and it is not wise to over breed cats because you distort their anatomy which can be detrimental to their health. That isn't the case with respect to the Maine Coon, however.

P.S. The Maine Coon's relatively size is also an important appearance feature but this is not specified in the breed standard.