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Many years ago, I adopted a wonderful stray cat from my veterinarian. As this fellow became taller, longer, shaggier and heavier, we began to suspect that he was at least part Maine Coon. I loved the impact he had on the other pets in the household in that he required, or rather demanded that they all get along with each other. Back then, I used to say that every household should have at least one Maine Coon in the mix! So, I began reading up on Maine Coons, and here is a quick assessment of what I learned. Maine Coons are the oldest American breed as well as one of the largest domestic breeds. Because of their raccoon-like appearance, legend held that local wild cats actually breed with raccoons, which is, of course, biologically impossible. The best theory of their creation holds that they first evolved in the great state of Maine, apparently the product of Norwegian ship mousers mating with local wild/domestic cats that had developed a hardiness to the harsh New England winters. For instance, on their very large feet, they have thick tufts of hair between their toes which allows their feet to function like snowshoes. They have an almost water repellent, shaggy, long, layered coat that helps keep them dry and warm. Their unusually long and bushy tails can wrap around them and warm them like a blanket. These cats are huge with equally large jaws, and this enables them to catch a variety of prey for food. Not only are they very large, but they are a very strong and healthy breed. Natural selection in the rugged Northeast saw to that! Maine Coons are very attractive cats and can come in almost any color and with almost any eye color - as long as it's the same color for both eyes. They generally have a long, shaggy coat, with fabulous lynx tips on their ears and a long tail with hair rivaling any Golden Retriever! (Note to owners: this breed should be combed at least once a week to prevent matting. Potential owners should be prepared for this responsibility before taking on this breed.) Their eyes are large, round and spaced widely. I've read that full-blooded males can weigh as much as thirty pounds! You know some of those crazy emails you've seen with unbelievably big cats in the photos? Yep, they're Maine Coons. 
 Here are some personality/behavior traits that I know to be true, based on reading and my own personal experience. First of all, these cats are so canine, it is just uncanny! I have friends that don't like cats who like THESE cats. They are practically a dog in cat's clothing. They love all people and all pets. They greet you and stay at your feet just like a dog. They easily train to "fetch". They assume all guests have arrived to see only them. They are ALWAYS in a good mood, very laid back, very inquisitive. Much like a dog, they love to supervise your every activity. Their personality seems to be a perfect fit for any household. Although they are a large breed, they still love to be in your lap or snuggled at your side. Their beguiling voices are typically little chirps - very soft and sweet. They are quite intelligent and learn things easily. My coon cat, Ranger, spent a lot of time watching out the glass door while racoons ate another cat's food. Ranger now scoops up his food into his paw to eat, and he will even dip it into water on occasion! Now here I am with two full-blooded, registered Maine Coons plus two other kitties! I really am not that crazy cat lady of whom your children might be afraid. However, I do tend to help out strays in need, and I recently inherited my mother's cats when she moved into a "no pets" retirement home. Thus, I do enjoy felines in volume! But let me just say, when these giants play and go romping through the house, it feels just like standing on the rail at the horse track! |
Maine Coons are an accepted breed of the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). It is my understanding that CFA coons tend to look "sweet" while TICA coons tend to look "wild" like bobcats.   Even though my coon cats have the same father, my Landry looks wild. My Ranger looks sweet. Go figure... 
Top - Ranger at 9 Weeks
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