History of the Maine Coon
What is a Maine Coon?
Origin:
Many legends have surrounded the Maine Coon breed. It has been
said that the cat came about as a cross between domestic cats
and the American lynx, or even between a cat and a racoon. The
Maine Coon is a very large breed of cat with some males reaching
a weight of 10 to 15 Kilograms. The true origins of the Maine
Coon are somewhat unclear, but it is believed that the breed
developed in a similar way to the Norwegian Forest Cat. Indeed,
the two breeds may have originated from the same stock of cats
brought to Maine by the Vikings. The Maine Coon is a very old
and entirely natural breed with a long and weatherproof coat
that developed to enable it to survive in rough and varying
climates. It has been know in the US since the very start of the
cat fancy.
Description:
The Maine Coon is a large semi-longhair cat. It is somewhat
rectangular in appearance – a heavy and solidly build cat, which
is musculare and powerful. The coat is full during the colder
months, with a very large neck ruff and a heavy, water resistant
coat on the body, together with a well-plumed tail. During the
warmer months the Maine Coon loses most of its long coat and can
almost look shorthaired, with just a slightly fluffy tail. The
head is of medium length and square looking. The ears are large
and pointed with tufts on the tips, while the eyes are round and
set well apart. The legs are in proportion to the body and are
thickset. The neck is substantial, with many Maine Coons being
far to wide around the neck for any collar intended for pet cats
to fit them. The tail is long.
An adult male Maine Coon can weigh as much as 10 to 15kg the
females are much smaller.
Temperament:
The Maine Coon can best be described as a dog like cat. Not only
are Maine Coons the size of a small dog but also it is a cat
that loves to follow its owner around and will happily
play-retrieving games. Maine Coons are a friendly and outgoing
cat sometimes referred to as the "Gentle Giant" of the cat
world.
Colours:
Any colour or pattern is allowed, except for the pointed
Himalayan pattern, Chocolate, or Lilac. The most popular colour
is the Brown Tabby, as this colour gives the cat a very wild and
natural look. Red, Silver, and Cream Tabbies are also popular in
the US as are Tortoiseshells.
"Cat’s by Marianne Mays"