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Written by Anne Moss
Note: for Breeders of Maine Coon Cats on Meowhoo.com click here:
Maine Coon Cats
The Maine Coon is one of the most impressive cat breeds out there.
When a Maine Coon walks into the room, with its dense long coat and
large body build, people take notice...
The Maine Coon Cat - Breed History
The history of this particular breed is riddled with myths and
unlikely tales. We do know it's a relatively old breed, going back to
colonial times. Early Maine Coons were part of Maine rural life from
the time of the first settlers.
The myths surround the very origins of
this magnificent cat, with one of them going as far as claiming that
these felines came about as a result of cross breeding between
domestic cats and wild raccoons. A genetic impossibility, that
particular myth can be disputed with ease. Other theories, about some
initial cross breeding between domestic cats and local bobcats may
have a grain of truth in them.
However, there is a more likely explanation for the breed's thick
coat, including those impressive tufts. The first cats, arriving
aboard ships where early colonists had them as pest control measures,
had to adapt to the rough Maine winter. Within a few generations, only
the largest, stockiest cats with the longest and most durable coat
survived. Breeding with one another, these cats were the founding
individuals for the Maine Coon Breed.
By the end of the 19th century, they had become a distinct cat breed,
recognized by the American Cat Fancy and put on display in early cat
shows. With the growing popularity of new exotic breeds that were
imported into the country in the early 20th century, the Maine Coon's
glory days were past. At least for a while. Some breeders maintained
Maine Coon lines, enough to resurrect the breed within the Cat Fancy
world in the Nineteen Sixties and Seventies.
Maine Coon Cats - Breed Description
Maine Coons are fairly large cats. Adult males can reach the 14 to 20
pounds range, and females usually weigh between 10 and 14 pounds.
These cats are slow to mature, often reaching their full size only at
the age of three to four years.
The coat is heavy and silky to the touch, longer on the stomach and
britches and shorter around the shoulder area. Maine Coons come in all
colors and patterns except for pointed patterns. There are some
magnificent Maine Coons with shades, silver and smoky patterns.
The head is well balanced, medium in width and length with a square
muzzle. The ears are large and well tufted and the eyes are large,
expressive and wide set.
Maine Coons are considered quiet solid cats in character as well.
Owners say they are playful and devoted and make excellent pets. Maine
Coons are known for being reserved around strangers, but once they
warm up to newcomers, their warm loving nature is revealed.
Maine Coon Cats - Special Needs
Having evolved as barn yard cats in stormy Maine, these cats are known
for their hardiness and have no special needs or requirements. Their
long coat doesn't matt easily and doesn't not require extensive
grooming.
As with any breed, there is a higher likelihood of certain genetic
problems, due to breeding within a relatively limited genetic pool. In
the Maine Coon, these include a higher tendency for hip dysplasia and
cardiomyopathy. If you plan on buying a Maine Coon kitten, you should
ask any breeder whether he is screening for those problems and have
they occurred with previous litters.
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