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Maine Coon

Maine Coon

The largest of all the cat breeds, the Maine Coon cat has a powerful muscular body and substantial legs. The head has a squared-off muzzle and large ears held wide and tall. The coat is long and thick and consists of an undercoat covered by a substantial glossy, waterproof top coat. The hair on the head, neck and shoulders is shorter and increases in length down the back, sides, and tail. The hair on the belly and breeches is full and shaggy. There is a ruff, which begins at the base of the ears and is heavier in males than females. The tail hair is long and flowing. The ears have tufted tips. The paws also have tufts forming a snowshoe effect. The Maine Coon cat breed has a variety of 30 or more colours. The eyes maybe green, gold or copper. In white cats it is possible to have blue or odd-eyes.

The need-to-know
  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Larger stockier cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat

Personality

Maine Coon cats have a sweet nature and are very playful and friendly. They enjoy human company and make good pets. Possibly because of their humble origins, they are often found curled up in the strangest of places. They enjoy the outdoor life, and so need a chance to climb and simulate hunting. Maine Coon cats are noted for the delightful, quiet, chirping sound they make.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA

The ancestors of the Maine Coon cat were longhaired coats brought into the State of Maine in America by seafarers in the 1850s. These cats mated with the local shorthair cats. The offspring were big, strongly built cats with semi-long coats and brush-like tails that resembled the raccoon’s tail, hence the name Maine Coon. The cats developed thick dense coats to withstand the extreme Maine winters. Special shows were held for Maine Coon in the early 1860s and the breed gained popularity as pets. 

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