Maine Coon cat breed is recognized as the largest domestic cat breed. It is one of the oldest natural cat breeds in North America. Maine Coon is the official state cat of native to the state of Maine. It is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. Sometimes it’s cited as ” dog like ” characteristics.
More Facts about Maine Coon Cat Breed
Origin
The origins of Maine Coon are unknown. But there are several speculations and folk tales about the origins of Maine Coon. One such folk tale relates with the queen of France, Marie Antoinette. Before her death, she wanted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. So she loaded Clough’s ship with valuable things. Her most favorite six ”Turkish Angora” cats were also taken into the ship. Though she failed her mission but her cats safely reached the shores of ”Wisc asset” and bred with other short-haired breeds.
Another folk tale is Captain Charles Coon, a sailor man who kept a long-haired cat into his ship. When he anchored his ship his cat mate with the local feral cat. They produce long-haired kittens. These kittens were referred to as one of ”Coon’s cats”. There is also some other myth about the origin of “Maine Coon”. But the most accepted hypothesis is that Maine Coon is originated from the local short-haired domestic cat and long-haired breeds brought possibly by Captain Charles Coon.
Physical Appearance
The Maine Coon is a large cat breed. Head of Maine Coon is medium in length and width. Cheekbones are high. The nose is medium in length. Eyes are large, wide with green, gold, or copper shades. The white cat may be blue or odd eyes. Ears are large, moderately pointed, and wide at the base. The body is long, medium to large in size with a squareness to the rump. Legs are medium in length, paws are large and round. The tail is long and equal to body length.
Coat Color
This is basically a long or medium-haired cat. The coat is very soft and silky. It has lion-like hair around its neck. Hair is short near the head and shoulders but long in the stomach. Their coat becomes thicker in winter and thinner in the summer season. There is a great variation in their coat color. White, black, silver, golden and different types of shade is observed in their coat.
Weight And Height
Average males weigh is 5.9 kg to 8.2 kg. The average female’s weight is 3.6 kg to 5.4 kg. The height of the adults can vary between 10 to 16 inches or 25 to 41 cm. With the tail, its length is about 48 inches or about 120 cm. Its body is supportive enough to support its weight.
Related: Maine Coon Cat Fact You Didn’t Know
Temperament And Personality
Maine Coon is a very intelligent, playful, and gentle personality. Sometimes it’s cited as ” dog-like” characteristics. They are playful throughout their lives. Males are more clownish. Females are possessing more dignity. They are both very affectionate. They have a great attraction for water. They have a very loud vocal sound. They also retain their skill as a mouser. No rodents will be safe in a home where a Maine Coon lives. As well as any cat they can climb but usually prefer to stay on ground level.
Maine coon is very friendly and typically curious cat nature. They are very social cats and love their family member. Sometimes they follow them around the house. They are happy to receive attention but never demanding on their full attention. This cat has also very friendly with other cats and cat-friendly dog. They are very smart and will happily learn tricks or play with puzzle toys. They also enjoy playing fetch and will retrieve small balls, toys or wadded-up pieces of paper.
Diet
Because of being a large cat, it needs ample protein and nutrients in its diet. For its high level of energy, it is best to feed them quality food. Both dry food and wet food should be included in its diet. Dry food should be mixed in with wet food only 2-3 times a week. Grain foods should be avoided. Because grain can lead to obesity and diabetes. Foods containing lists soy should be avoided. It is best for the cat to eat out of a glass or stainless. Plastic bowls sometimes cause allergies to cats.
Cat Shows
In 1895, Maine Coon was first entered into a cat show in Baston. A female Maine Coon brown tabby was entered into the cat show. Its name was Cosey, owned by Mrs. Fred Braw. Cosey won the silver collar and medal. Later the silver collar was purchased by CFA with the help of the National Capital Cat Show. It is now housed at the CFA central office.
Popularity
At the beginning of the 20th century, the popularity of Maine Coon began to decrease. This time many long-haired breeds also introduced. In 1911 Maine Coon last participated in the cat show but won the competition. After 40 years in 1950, Maine Coon was declared extinct. After that CMCC (Central Maine Cat Club ) was taken attempt to increase the popularity of Maine Coon again. It worked hard to make Maine Coon compatible in championship competitions. In 1973 a club named Maine Coon Cat Club was formed. Finally in 1975 CFA accepted the Maine Coon under provisional status. After that, in the next couple of decades, people saw a rise in the popularity of this cat. It won a different championship. In 1985 it was declared as the official state cat of the state of Maine.
More To Read
Hi I have 3 Maine coons. They are all different in size colour and temperament. Not sure how to post there photos as yet. My biggest boy us 9k. He is from the old type Maine coon. They are wonderful cats. Great hunters. My big boy brings home rabbits. Turns feral if you try to remove it. Wonderful cats to own.
I really appreciate your piece of work, Great post.