About the Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of cat and is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America.
It is thought that the Maine Coon is descended from the matings of local short-haired domestic cats and long-haired breeds brought overseas by English seafarers or 11th-century Vikings. The connection to the Vikings is seen in the strong resemblance of the Maine Coon to that of the Norwegian Forest Cat a Scandinavian breed.
In the early 20th century, the Maine Coon's popularity began to decline with the introduction of other long-haired breeds, such as the Persian, which originated in the Middle East. The decline was so severe that the breed was declared extinct in the 1950s, although this declaration was considered to be exaggerated and reported prematurely at the time.
Maine Coons are large cats that can take up to 3-5 years to reach their adult size. Males weigh from 15 to 25 lb with females weighing from 10 to 15 lb .The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 in and they can reach a length of up to 40 inches including the tail. which can be up to 14. inches long. It is tapering, and heavily furred, almost resembling a raccoon's tail. The body is solid and muscular, which is necessary for supporting their own weight, and the chest is broad.
Maine Coons are known as the "gentle giants and possess above-average intelligence, making them relatively easy to train. They are known for being loyal to their family and cautious around strangers. The Maine Coon is generally not known for being a "lap cat" but their gentle disposition makes the breed relaxed around dogs, other cats, and children. They are playful throughout their lives, with males tending to be more clownish and females generally possessing more dignity, yet both are equally affectionate. Many Maine Coons have a fascination with water and it is thought this personality trait comes from their ancestors, who were aboard ships for much of their lives. Maine Coons are also well known for chattering, chirping, and “talking"
They are gentle, loving cats and make wonderful additions to any family.