Maine Coons The Original American Longhair Cat

The Maine Coon is so named because it was once believed that these wonderful cats were the offspring of domestic shorthair cats who bred with raccoons. The cats do have a fondness for water not seen in most other cats, and many have distinctive, raccoon-like markings on their tails. But however intriguing, this fanciful tale is biologically impossible.

Still, these native Maine cats do capture the imagination. They are large cats hearty, muscular and big-boned. The common weight range for full-grown males is 13 to 18 pounds, with 9 to 12 pounds being common for females. Their winter coats are heavy and long, suited for withstanding a New England winter, which makes them appear even larger. The fur is water-resistant, and their long, fluffy tails are perfect for wrapping up in for a warm nap. Their ears are furry both inside and out to protect from the cold, and large feet make for easier walking on snow. These cats are well known for their large, expressive eyes, playful attitudes, and intelligence.

Most breeders today believe the breed resulted from domestic shorthairs that bred with longhairs brought to North America. Norwegian Forest Cats are the breed most like the Maine Coon perhaps it was these cats that the Vikings brought to North America that were the progenitors of the Maine Coons we know today.

In terms of disposition, these cats are gentle and playful. They retain their kitten-like qualities into adulthood, though they seldom allow you to baby them. They have a distinctive trilling voice and a surprisingly delicate meow given their large size. They dont spend a lot of time climbing, preferring instead to chase things along the ground. As you might expect, these cats make excellent mousers, a trait which kept them fed before they were domesticated. However, they do enjoy being with people and are generally happy around children and other pets, including dogs. They are well-suited to active and large families they arent lap cats generally, preferring instead to be active companions. Maine Coons are affectionate, and their antics are often quite entertaining.

The friendly, playful nature of this cat has also led to it being described as a dog in cat clothing. They dont have the aloof personalities of some cats and usually enjoy interacting with humans. Some Maine Coons will even play fetch with you a very uncommon game for a cat!

The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association was formed in 1968 and now boasts more than 200 breeders and 1,000 fanciers around the country. In terms of genetic health conditions, the most commonly seen in this breed are hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. Be sure to check with any breeder about these conditions before making a purchase. In addition, these cats grow slowly and dont achieve full size until somewhere between three and five years old be sure youre prepared for their size when you encounter the tiny, fuzzy kittens. Finally, plan to comb your cat about once a week, perhaps more often during spring and fall when their coats are shedding.