The Maine Coon Cat

The exact history of the Maine Coon is unknown but it has been acknowledged as one of America’s oldest cats and is the state cat of Maine. There are many myths about how the Maine Coon got to America and how it got its name. One myth says that Marie Antoinette planned to escape France to the New World before she could be beheaded so she sent her belongings and cats ahead on Captain Samuel Clough’s boat. She never made it but her cats did and arrived in Maine or so the story goes. Another idea about the Maine Coon’s origin is that it arrived on the original pioneer ships, as cats were used to control rodent problems and bred with the local cats. A myth about the name Maine Coon is that the Coon comes from people thinking it resembled a raccoon originally. There are many other myths and legends about the Maine Coon but it is generally agreed that they first appeared in New England and especially in Maine.

The Maine Coon is considered a long-haired cat and one of the oldest cats in America. Maine Coons are a recognized breed by many US and foreign cat organizations and are able to compete in shows. Some specific, but not all, associations accepting the Maine Coon include the Cat Fancier’s Association, Untied Feline Organization and The International Cat Association. The exact requirements including specific color and patterns permitted in a cat show vary depending on the organization hosting the show.

The Maine Coon can be most of the normal colors and patterns possible for a cat except for the Siamese like color points. The most common color and pattern for the Maine Coon is the brown tabby. Eye color for the Maine Coon is typically gold, green or a combination but it is possible for a white Maine Coon to have blue eyes or a blue eye and a gold eye. There is also no correlation between coat and eye color. The heavier Male Main Coon weighs about 12-18 pounds while the female weighs only about 10-14 pounds. Some male Maine Coons have been over 20 pounds. The average lifespan for a Maine Coon is 9-15 years with a better chance for a longer life if kept indoors. A litter averages around 4 kittens. Also the Maine Coon reaches maturity at 3-5 years of age. The Main Coon has a water resistant and silk like coat. A trademark of the rectangular shaped, big boned Maine Coon is its long bushy tail. There is also more fur on its neck, belly and britches than on its back and shoulders. The paws could be compared to snow shoes. Most of the heavier fur and big paws were adaptations for the cold Maine environment as only the fittest animals could survive. As a result the Maine Coon is very muscular across its body.

Despite the size and weight of the Maine Coon, it is a gentle cat with a playful, quiet personality. Maine Coon’s are not generally considered lap cats, instead they tend to develop a deep bond with an individual or family and follow you around the house or wait nearby. They tend to want to help you in whatever task you are working on. Maine Coon’s are also not afraid of water and will walk around a bath tub or sink and may stick their paws in the water. Maine Coon’s are considered playful and silly throughout their lives and do not seem to outgrow it as they mature. They remain kitten like and have been known to figure out ways into closed places even if latched or shut. The Maine Coon is also a quiet cat who makes soft, high pitched noises even though it has a big body.

The harsh environment of Maine has made the Maine Coon a sturdy and healthy cat with no specific illnesses. However, general veterinary care like shots, check ups and spaying or neutering is recommended. Since a Maine Coon’s fur is water resistant, they do not require a lot of grooming as their fur does not get tied into knots as often. However, regular grooming is recommended especially during the spring and fall when it sheds its coat.

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