Maine Coon
Maine Coon History
As with many domestic cat breeds, the origin of the Maine Coon is not known to man. However, there are many different stories about the development of the breed, some could be true others are just ridiculous! One story arose that Maine Coons are a domestic cat/raccoon hybrid, hence the name and the tail similarities. Obviously this is biologically unachievable but it didn't stop people believing the rumour. Another well known story is that they are the descendants of Marie-Antionette's long-haired cats.
The most realistic tale of the Maine Coon origin is that of a seaman with a rodent problem. Captain Coon sailed the seas in the 18h century and used long-haired cats to control rats on board the ship. It is believed some of the cats went ashore in Northern America and lived on farms with early settlers. There is no hard evidence that suggests any of these tales are true, all we know is that somehow this large, beautiful, affectionate breed of cat was given to us and we are very thankful.
In 1968 the Maine Coon Breeds and Fanciers Association was founded in the US, more recently the Maine Coon Cat Club and the Maine Coon Breed Society were set up in the UK. It took until 1994 for the Maine Coon to be granted full GCCF Championship Status in the UK. Now it is the 7th most popular breed in their registry.
Maine Coon Appearance
Maine Coon's are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, at full maturity males usually weigh between 12 and 18 lbs and females between 10 and 14 lbs. Often their coats make them appear larger than they actually are due to the placement of longer hair against short hair. Their ears are large, set quite far apart and slightly pointed. Eyes are also large and can be green, copper or gold, sometimes white Maine Coons have blue or odd coloured eyes. This breed of cat can take up to four years to reach full size.
The coat has to be one of the most desirable aspects of this breed, it is long and scruffy looking but feels silky when touched. The fur is shorter towards the cats head and longer on the stomach and back, their tails are long (as long if not longer than their bodies) and fluffy with flowing fur. Brown tabby is the most common colour and pattern for a Maine Coon but many other colours are accepted as well. Fur can become tangled quite easily therefore grooming a few times a week is recommended.
Maine Coon Character and Temperament
Maine Coons are often labelled the clowns of the cat fancy, although quiet and reserved, small things can turn them silly! They are intelligent and learn to adapt well to changes in their lives and love nothing more than to be adored by their human companions. They are loving, affectionate animals but also enjoy their independence – a garden is a great place for them to run around and practice their hunting skills. They are a playful breed of cat but also love a long sleep on the sofa. You may be surprised to find your Maine Coon sleeping in a very strange place, they are well known for this.
It is common for a Maine Coon to bond strongly with one member of the family, this is usually the person that spends the most time with them and of course... feeds them! Sometimes they can shy away from people they don't know but just give them time to get used to the situation. They are great with young children and other domestic pets and do not crave too much attention unlike some other breeds.
Some of the Maine Coons' important characteristics are shown below:
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Maine Coon Lifespan
9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size
4 - 5 kittens
Common Ailments
The Maine Coon is a healthy and hardy breed of cat and many live into their late teens. Like with all breeds they should be checked by the vet yearly for teeth deficiencies and liver problems from about the age of 8 or 9 onwards.
Maine Coon Recognition
User Comments
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Maine Coon or State of Maine Offical Breed in USA Maine Coon male are more 14-30lbs and girl 10-18lb I have a male 30lb neuterd at 14 weeks of age and hes not fat Also I have a very large female 18lbs neutered and very soft natured girl www.katmea.com
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Maine Coons are the best I have a 1 year old who is very affectionate he is already 16 pounds!!
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We have a beautiful Maine Coon named Snickers (for her coloring). Wonderful pet, but definitely a one-person/family cat. She is 12 yrs. old and just this summer has had two surgeries on her hind legs. Torn ACL's, at two different times. She's been quite a trooper and has been caged each time for 8 weeks. She's actually caged right now, had surgery #2 last week.
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Aww, so adorable!
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I have a maine coon hes wonderful i love him sooo much.... i want another one.... hes so smart.
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I had a Maine Coon when I was a kid, who had an orange coloration. He would play with anything he could get his hands on, and was very attached to my mother. He wasn't a super friendly cat, though, and did not like children. He unfortunately only lived ten years, which nowadays, is actually a little bit young for a cat. I don't remember exactly, but I think he had cancer. By the way, he was a very powerful cat and could jump straight in the air and catch low-flying blue-jays :D
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i really want a maine coon cat lol
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I have a maine coon tabby named treacle and she is adorable
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Hi, I have a beautiful maine coon who will be 16 years old on 1st April 2008. She is called Pearl and is the most affectionate cat you could meet ( but hates my 18mth old cocker). She is a very special creature and fantastic with my 3 children.
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i now own a most beautiful maine coon cat who is sitting with me on the computer. we have been so blessed. he is everything a cat should be, except maybe he could cut down his appetite a little. i'll need a second job soon. his name is mickey and he loves to watch animal planet on channel 62.
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Roscoe McQueen is a fine representation of the Maine Coon family!We Luv him! Thanks for representing him...oops I mean her!
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it wasn't Queen Mary, but Marie-Antionettes angora cats according to legend, although as this is nonsensical, I suppose it doesn't really matter, however I feel that your weight variation neds to be larger, we've had adult males weighing between 25 and 30 lbs !
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