Maine Coon Cats: A Different Type of Cat

As you may have guessed the Maine Coon cat originated in New England and is the official cat of the state of Maine.

There are several theories as to how the Maine Coon cat came to be. Because this cat has a bushy tale and raccoon like markings; one theory is that domestic cats gone wild bred with raccoons. This is of course biologically impossible, but it makes for a good story.

Another theory is that Marie Antoinette was planning to flee France during the French Revolution and sent six of her pet cats ahead to Wiscasset, Maine. It is said that the Maine Coon cat are decedents of these cats.

Yet another theory is that a ship, whose captain's name was Coon, brought the cats to America.

The most acceptable theory is that short haired domestic cats (all ready here in America) mated with longhairs brought over by the Vikings.

The Maine Coon cat is a hardy, strong, healthy cat that can survive the harsh New England winters. It has a heavy water-resistant coat, longer on the stomach and britches to protect it against the wet and snow, while the hair is shorter on the back and neck so as not to get tangled in underbrush. The cat will curl its long, bushy tail around itself to keep warm in cold weather. His tuffed paws act as snow shoes so he can get around in deep snow.

These cats are tall and big-boned, with males weighing between thirteen and eighteen pounds. The female of the species is smaller, weighing in at nine to twelve pounds. During the winter months their long winter coats will make them look much bigger.

Maine Coon cats differ from most cats in that they don't reach their full size until they are three to five years old. They also don't meow like a regular cat. Instead they have a chirping trill.

While they aren't really considered lap cats, they like to be with their owner. They will follow their owner from room to room, but are more likely to sit on a chair next to their owner rather than share the owners chair or lap.

The Maine Coon cat has two common inherited health problems: hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. Hip dysplasia can cause lameness and cardiomyopathy can present itself from a minor heart murmur to severe heart disease.

They make excellent pets as they get along very well with children, dogs, and other cats. They can also be easily be trained to walk on a leash.

Buying a Maine Coon cat kitten from a breeder can be expensive. If you really want a Maine Coon consider adopting or buying (at a much lower price) a retired breeding stock cat. Or contact your local animal shelter and let them know you're interested in adopting a Maine Coon if they ever have one come into the shelter.