Cat
Breed Description:
The Maine Coon: A Timeless Breed. One of the most distinctive of cat breeds is the popular Maine Coon cat. These attractive felines are known for their beautiful markings, personable temperament and large size. Today, many people have developed a fondness for this affectionate domestic cat. However, there is much more to the Maine Coon than good looks and a pleasant disposition. Royal Roots: The History of the Maine Coon being one of the oldest breeds of domestic cat in North America, the Maine Coon’s history is long and rich. There are many folk tales that accompany this breed and its origins. The history of the Maine Coon starts in France with the fate of one of the most widely known nobles to have ever lived. Shortly before her execution in 1793, the story tells of Marie Antoinette’s escape effort. Prior to departing, the Queen of France collected up her most prized possessions, among those was six Turkish Angora cats – her favorite feline companions. Most people know the story of Marie Antoinette and her failed escape. However what they do not know is that the cats were said to have survived and made the voyage to America. After arriving, the cats mated with a Norwegian Forest cat and thus the beloved Maine Coon was born. It is hard to tell fact from fiction, and there is some disagreement as to how it happened. Another version involves an English sailor, Captain Charles Coon. He also had an affection for long haired felines, and often kept them aboard his ship. When Captain Coon would stop in New England ports for any length of time, his fluffy cats would also enjoy a little dry land excursion. In doing so, it is believed they mated with feral cats residing in the area. Locals were aware of Captain Coon’s feline companions, and affectionately referred to the offspring as “Coon’s cats.” Still another, more widely accepted theory comes similar in nature. In this third variation, yet another type of traveling cat is responsible for creating the Maine Coon legacy. These sojourning felines were said to have traveled alongside Vikings during the 11th century. This version seems more valid when the Maine Coon is compared to the Norwegian Forest cat, another breed whose ancestors were said to travel with the infamous Vikings. Behavior of the Maine Coon: One of the most attractive aspects of the Maine Coon is its temperament. These cats are generally people friendly. They enjoy company however they are not overbearing or needy. This curious breed loves to assist their human owners, although they occasionally like to do their own thing. Males are known for their amusing antics while the females tend to be more calm and proud. Families with children or other pets may appreciate the Maine Coon’s ability to coexist with other creatures. They are more accepting than other breeds, and also have less of an inclination to climb, preferring to stay closer to the ground. They do, however, love a good chase! The Maine Coon: A Prize Winning Breed. The lengthy history of the Maine Coon comes with a number of fascinating landmarks. The first North American cat show was hosted in New York City at the famous Madison Square Garden in 1895. Among the contestants was a female Maine Coon. This sweet tabby, named Cosey, took the Silver Collar award and was also ranked as Best in Show. Today, the award can be viewed in the Jean Baker Rose Memorial Library. Initially, the Cat Fanciers Association did not accept the Maine Coon into the list of official breeds. The denial motivated Maine Coon enthusiasts to form the Maine Coon Cat Club in the early 1970s. By 1975, the Maine Coon was finally accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association. Ten years later, it was named the official cat breed of the state of Maine. A Healthy Feline is a Happy Feline. Although health greatly depends on the care and maintenance of the individual feline, some breeds experience common health issues that owners must be aware of. The Maine Coon is a healthy, sturdy breed in general. However, they are not immune to disease. Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a common problem in all felines. This disease manifests in the heart and worsens over time. It often comes with hind leg paralysis and sudden unexpected death. Anyone interested in adopting a purebred Maine Coon should consider having their kitten or adult cat tested for HCM. A specific mutation exists that is found in the breed, and can be identified before the onset of symptoms. Spinal muscular atrophy is a second potential problem that can be identified through testing. This severe disease is passed genetically and usually emerges early in life, at about three to fourth months. The cat’s life span will be greatly shortened and hindered with muscle weakness and atrophy. The best way to avoid these problems is to do the research and adopt kittens from reputable breeders. Many offer a health guarantee that may cover these and other underlying diseases. Have your new pet checked out by a certified veterinarian shortly after the adoption. An Adaptable Cat with a Well Traveled History. Potential owners in search of an independent cat with lots of personality may consider adopting a Maine Coon. Not only does this cat have a wonderful disposition, it is also one of the more eye-catching breeds due to its size, long fur, and color variations. Whether you live alone or with children and other pets, a Maine Coon cat adapts well to any environment. Compared to other breeds, they suffer from minimal health problems. Learn about this breed's long, well traveled history so you have an interesting tale to tell visitors who compliment your cat!
Temperament:
Maine Coons breed of cats are known as the "gentle giants". These cats are known to display and possess above-average intelligence; this makes them relatively easy to train. The Maine Coon breed of cats are generally loyal to their family, they are also know to be cautious around or near strangers. The Maine Coon is not known to be a "lap cat". The Maine Coon's 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 some theorize that this personality trait comes from their ancestors, who were aboard ships for much of their lives.
Height:
The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm) and they can reach a length of up to 40 in (100 cm), including the tail, which can reach lengths of up to 14 in (36 cm)
Weight:
The Maine Coo Breed of cat males weigh anywhere between 13 and 25 lb (5.9 and 11 kg) with females weighing between 8 and 18 lb (3.6 and 8.2 kg).
Health Problems:
The Maine Coon breed of cats experience some health problems, such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. Screening methods help reduce the frequency of these problems, including ultrasounds and genetic testing for heart problems and x-raying to look for hip abnormalities.
Living Conditions:
The Maine Coon comes from the barns and houses of New England's countryside. These cats evolved in rural, coastline and farming families. The Main Coon was sought after for their ratting skills. What allowed them to stand apart was their intelligent personality. They're comfortable indoors and out and their coat allows them to stay quite warm with the exception of the extremes.
Grooming:
The Maine Coon breed of cat is a long or medium-haired cat. Minimal grooming is required. The Maine Coon breed of cat's coat is mostly self-maintaining due to a light-density undercoat. Weekly brushing will keep it incredible and allow the owners of outdoor cats the opportunity to check their pets. The coat is subject to seasonal variations, with the fur being thicker in the winter and thinner during the summer.
Origin:
The Maine Coon breed of cats ancestral origins are unknown, which of course has lead to theory and speculation. One such folktale about the Maine Coon breed involves Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France. The story goes that before her death, Marie Antoinette attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. She loaded Clough's ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite long-haired cats. Although Marie Antoinette did not make it to the United States, her pets safely reached the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they mated with short-haired breeds and evolved into the modern breed of the Maine Coon.
Another folktale involves Captain Charles Coon, an English seafarer who kept long-haired cats aboard his ships. Whenever Coon's ship would anchor in the New England ports, the felines would exit the ship and mate with the local feral cat population. When long-haired kittens began appearing in the litters of the local cat population, they were referred to as one of "Coon's cats".
A theory which is biologically-based, though genetically impossible, is the idea that the modern Maine Coon descended from ancestors of semi-feral domestic cats and raccoons. This could have possibly explained the most common color of the breed (brown tabby) and the bushy tail, which is a characteristic trait. Another idea is that the Maine Coon originated between the matings of domestic cats and wild bobcats, which could explain the tufts of hairs that are so commonly seen on the tips of the ears. There have been reports of domestic cats breeding with bobcats.
The generally-accepted theory among breeders is that the Maine Coon is descended from the pairings of local short-haired domestic cats and long-haired breeds brought overseas by English seafarers (possibly by Captain Charles Coon) or 11th-century Vikings. The connection to the Vikings is seen in the strong resemblance of the Maine Coon to the Norwegian Forest Cat, another breed that is said to be a descendant of cats that traveled with the Vikings. Borrowed from Wikipedia. 