Maine Coon
Known as the gentle giants of the cat world, he’s fluffy and he’s Yuuuuge.
But, he’s also sweet tempered and said to be the most dog-like of all the domestic cat
breeds.
This plus-size cat, adorned with a beautiful neck ruff, tufted feet that resemble snowshoes
and a big, bushy tail is likely the oldest cat breed native to America.
Hi, welcome to Animal Facts.
Today, we look at 10 Fun Facts about the big, friendly feline, the Maine Coon.
Let’s get started.
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10.
He’s a kitty of legend.
Lots of myths surround the origin of the Maine Coon, from the belief that he’s the result
of a cross between a cat and a raccoon, which is kinda genetically impossible to a folktale
that he descends from French kitties sent to Maine by Marie Antoinette anticipating
fleeing from France.
Some even say the Vikings brought them when they landed in America centuries before the
settlers.
Indeed there is a resemblance between the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat, but
most likely, the cats descend from hook-ups between shorthaired domestic cats already
in the US and longhaired foreign cats, possibly Agora types, brought home as souvenirs by
New England seafarers.
9.
There’s a reason why some people have mistaken Maine Coons for bobcats—they’re huge.
Female Maine Coons tip the scales at anywhere from 9 to 16 pounds and 13 to 18 pounds for
males.
Although there have certainly been larger.
Maine Coons aren’t the largest cat breed, and they actually fall somewhere between Norwegian
Forest Cats, which weigh up to 16 pounds, and Ragdolls, which can weigh up to 20 pounds.
It’s ok, big boy, we still love you.
8.
In 2010, the Guinness World Records accepted a male purebred Maine Coon named "Stewie"
as the "Longest Cat" measuring 48.5 in (123 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of
his tail.
Stewie died in February 2013, from cancer at his home in Reno, Nevada, at age 8.
7.
These beautiful cats are superbly equipped for Maine's harsh winters.
He has long, shaggy multi-layered fur and large paws that help him walk on the snow.
He also has furry ears (some with tufts) and a bushy tail, which he can wrap around his
body for extra warmth.
6.
His personality has earned him the reputation of being the “dog of the cat world”.
The loyal and good-natured Maine Coon adapts well to many lifestyles and personalities.
He likes being with people and has the habit of following them around, but he isn’t needy.
He’s happy to receive attention, but if you’re busy he’s satisfied to just supervise.
Close a door on him and he will wait patiently for you to realize the error of your ways
and let him in.
He’s not typically a lap cat, but he does like to be near you.
5.
The show career for the Maine Coon cat began in New York in 1895 when the best cat award
was given to a tabby Maine Coon named Leo.
Leo kept winning at the Boston cat shows until 1900 when he was defeated by his own son.
4.
The Maine Coon cat likes water and enjoys playing in and with water.
His luscious coat is water-resistant, and also thick and dense.
A lot of Maine Coon owners have observed their cat’s love of water and it is actually a
delight both for the cat and his owners.
See, told ya he was dog-like.
3.
Any cat can chirp or trill but theMaine Coon cat does them often.
Cat owners love hearing these sweet sounds from their cats.
We don’t know for sure why they chirp or trill, but chirping is said to be made by
cats when they spot or catch prey.
Either way, it makes them fun to talk to.
2.
He has larger bones, a barrel chest, with a rectangular body shape that tends to be
more muscular as compared to most other breeds.
Unlike most other domesticated cats, he doesn’t reach his maximum growth until 3-5 years of
age!
1.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but he is the official state cat of umm, Maine.
Yeah, shocker, right?
The Maine Coon cat was recognized as the official state cat of Maine in 1985.
Cats are also recognized as state symbols in Massachusetts (tabby cat), and Maryland
(calico cat).
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