The Maine Coon Cat is known as the "Gentle Giant" of the domestic cat world. They are currently the 2nd most popular breed of cat registered in CFA, and have been documented in history back to the 1700's. There are many folklore tails as to the breed's origin, the most probable being that the breed descended from longhaired cats brought over by the Vikings breeding the shorthair cats in the area. We know for certain that they did not evolve from breeding between raccoons and cats, it is genetically impossible. The name itself came about through their area of origin, plus the most well known color of Maines (brown tabby) is marked very much like a raccoon, down to it's ringed tail. Maine Coons also enjoy playing in water and sitting up on their haunches much as a raccoon does.
An adult male Maine Coon Cat weighs on the average 12-18 pounds, while females are smaller at 8-12 pounds. While some cats are larger, the 30 and 40 pound cats are for the most part grossly exaggerated, or grossly obese. Long and rectangular in body, with heavy boning, this is a well muscled cat designed to live in harsh, snow covered climates. Even the coat of a Maine Coon is designed by Mother Nature, short at the top so as not to tangle in brush or bushes, while longer at the sides and back to provide insulation from the cold. They carry a long, full tail and tufts of hair cover the opening to the ears and grow between each toe. These tufted toes act as snowshoes for the cat. Some Maine Coons also carry a full frontal ruff, like that of a male lion. The ears are large, set on top of the head approximately one ear width apart, with lynx tipping on the ends. The head is of medium width, muzzle square and box-like. The eyes are large, somewhat almond shaped, set slightly oblique. The chin should be in line with the nose when viewed in profile. The size of the bones in the legs, paired with the shaggy coat serves to make the cat appear larger than life.
Maine Coons come in every color combination except pointed, (like a Siamese) chocolate, or lilac. There are solids, both classic (blotched) and mackerel (pinstriped) tabbies, bi-color (solid on top with white legs, chest and tummy), tabbies with white, Calico, Tortoiseshell, blue-cream, and patched tabbies.
The breed is known for adaptively and gentle nature. They are as content in a small apartment as they are a large house. They get along very well with other cats and dogs. Maine Coons are affectionate cats, given to headbutting their friends. They are patient with children, and interactive with all people they come in contact with. They can readily be taught interactive games, such as fetching. Most Maine Coons prefer to sit next to their people, as opposed to on them, but there are many exceptions to that. The energy level of a Maine Coon is high enough to keep you entertained, without them swinging from your drapes and climbing the walls. They do like high places, and can be found sleeping on your furniture, or perched on the top of your refrigerator. They are athletic, without being obnoxious.
While the shaggy coat of a Maine Coon does not require as much maintenance as some of the other long hair breeds, they must be thoroughly combed on a weekly basis to remove snarls. A monthly bath and blow drying goes a long way to eliminating oiliness from the coats which encourages knotting. Breeders bathe and blow their kittens from an early age, so they are used to the routine when they go to new homes.
If you are looking for a cat that will be interactive with your family without needing to be the center of attention at all times, and one that will take your breath away with the splendor of Mother Nature's design, this "Gentle Giant" may be the breed for you.
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