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Maine Coon Cats
Breed Rating (8 Reviews)
| Appearance | |
| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
| Garden |
History
The Maine Coon is a breed from Maine, not surprisingly. It is the official State Cat for Maine (did you know such a thing existed?), and there are various legends about its beginnings. One of the sillier stories says that feral cats mated with racoons... not a biological possibility, of course. The story was no doubt inspired by the breed's bushy raccoon-like tail and tabby coat, and that is where the 'Coon' part of the name comes from.
In reality, it is likely that the breed originated when shorthaired domestic cats mated with longhaired cats brought in from other States, or perhaps from Europe. This probably happened in the mid-19th century.
Maine Coons have always been popular at cat shows in the US. The breed's first champion took the stage in 1895, when a cat show at Madison Square Garden was won by a female, brown tabby Maine Coon called Cosie, who won best in show.
Behaviour
Maine Coons are independent and lively cats. They enjoy their own company, and are not the type of breed that pesters its owner for attention. They reman a bit aloof, but are still happy to curl up on the sofa next to you. They are in their element outdoors.
Varieties
Maine Coons come in a wide variety of colors but are always long haired.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Place of Origin: USA
- Rough date of Origin: 1800s
- Hair length: Longhair
- Activity Level: Medium
- Vocalness: Low
- Child friendly: Good with children
- Intelligence:
- Playfullness: Moderate
- Grooming Requirements: More than once per week
- Weight: 4.0 - 7.5kg
- Size: Large
- House Cat or Outdoor Cat: House Cat
- Pet Compatibility:
- Social Needs:
More to love
Maine Coon Pictures
Latest Reviews For Maine Coon (5 of 8)
The best breed - Jenn,
I absolutely adore Maine Coons and have found them to be very affectionate, friendly, playful, and vocal. They definitely underestimate their own size and try to be lap cats
Wonderful breed! Very healthy from quality breeders! - Debbie,
Amazing devoted breed. Very dog -like.
- Robyn,
The most intelligent, gentle, healing soul. Loyal, protective, affectionate. So beautiful.
I love my cat. - Bob,
I have a sweet maine coon cat. He is very vocal, hates jumping, and is nearly blind. I rescued him from an abusive family when he was a year old. He loves to lay on me, and often jumps on my shoulder. (He's really heavy.) I love this cat so much. He is my entire world, and he's the most affectionate cat I've ever had.
A fluffy dream - Michele,
Maine coons are not only gorgeous and regal kitty’s, they are also playful and mine loves attention. Jade with her jade colored eyes is the most vocal cat I’ve ever encountered! I rescued her at 5 yrs old and so she has some issues with bolting and when outdoors she quickly jumps fences of all heights. I haven’t yet found a harness she didn’t escape from but I’m still looking because we’ll be living the van life on the road real soon. She’s not a fan of the car (yet) but we’re working on it and prefers to sleep on my lap as opposed to her carrier in the car. She’s a smart girl and extremely observant. I love Jade to pieces!