Maine coon cats are thought to have originated in Maine. In fact, the Maine Coon is the official state cat. The other half of their name results from a myth believing they were the genetic result of mating between domestic cats and raccoon's. This is an impossibility, but the legend was born long ago, probably due to its very fluffy tail, and the name stuck. Although popular show cats in the late 1800′s, they saw a decline in popularity due to more exotic breeds being introduced into this country. Around the 1950′s the Maine Coon enjoyed a boost in popularity as breeders began to notice what a handsome and hearty cat they truly are.
Physical Characteristics
Maine Coons come in all different colors, although the most common color is the brown tabby. Eye colors can range from gold to green and sometimes even blue. The physical characteristics of the Maine Coon are that of a big, hearty, healthy cat who obviously evolved in cold climates. Their coats are very thick, shiny, and resistant to water. The fur on their backsides is thicker and becomes shorter toward the front. The tail and ears are thicker and furrier than other breeds of cats. These cats are one of the larger breeds and their feet are disproportionately large for their size. Females typically weigh in at around nine to twelve pounds while their male counterparts can reach anywhere from thirteen to eighteen pounds. People in general commonly misjudge their size as being much larger than reality due to the extremely thick coat.
Perhaps one of the more interesting characteristics of the Maine Coon is their voices. The sounds they make almost sound like chirping. It is strange indeed to hear such a high-pitched voice come from such a large breed of cat.
Maine Coons Personality
Maine Coon cats are really just big kids. They mature more slowly than other breeds of cats and their youthful playfulness they never seem to grow out of. While they are very social cats, they are more simply just joyful observers, content to watch their human roommates engage in activities of daily living and sometimes even try to help out. They are not generally territorial and seem to cohabitate well with dogs and other cats. Their gentle playfulness and quirky ways make them a great addition to any home with children. Many owners report that the Maine Coon can be trained fairly easily, such as to submit to walking on a leash.
Care and Maintenance
While they are long-haired cats, their special coats need no more than a weekly brushing. Food may be left out, as they are typically not a breed that will eat themselves to obesity, but they are heavy water-drinkers and need a constant supply of clean, fresh water.
Common Medical Problems
Every breed of dog or cat is susceptible to certain genetic problems. For the Maine Coon, the most common problems are hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. The breeder from which the cat was obtained should know the genetic line and what problems have been inherent in its ancestral line.
The wonderfully playful Maine Coon is definitely a breed all its own. It's rugged, distinctive look, clownish antics, and gentle social nature makes it a favorite among cat lovers everywhere, not just in Maine.
