The Maine Coon Cat is frequently referred to as the "dog of the cat world" and is among the most popular breeds of animals overall, let alone feline breeds. One of the oldest natural breeds in America, these gentle giants have long been a favorite for companionship and are really the state cat of Maine.
The breed features a huge, muscular frame, large ears, big, rounder eyes, and a face with a square muzzle. The tail is very long and bushy.
Although Maine Coons can reach up to 25 pounds, they typically weigh 13 to 20 pounds for adult males and 7 to 11 pounds for females. The male Maine Coon can reach a length of more than 40 inches. Maine Coons often achieve their adult size at age four or five, which is later than the average for cats.
These 5 entertaining facts may surprise you:
FACT #1: They have a LOT of Origin Stories (most are nonsense)
The origin tales of the Maine Coon Cat are as fantastical as Paul Bunyan's legends (another Maine native). Some claim that a wild cat and a raccoon crossed to create this breed. This story, which was supported by the bushy tail and the most popular color (a raccoon-like brown tabby), could have resulted in the adoption of the name "Maine Coon," despite the fact that it was obviously biologically impossible. According to a different tradition, the cat was called after the ship's captain named Coon who brought it to the shores of Maine. Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, and Captain Samuel Clough tried an escape in 1793, according to a different folktale. Six of her favorite cats were among her precious things that were hidden on this ship. Although she was beheaded, her cats made it to Massachusetts without incident.
The reality, however, is far less dramatic; domestic cats that were introduced to the new world in the 17th and 18th centuries encountered extremely harsh winters in New England, and only the strongest and most adaptive cats survived. The Maine Coon evolved into a big, tough cat with a thick, water-resistant coat and a sturdy constitution by natural selection (as opposed to selective breeding). Today, the breed comes in a far wider range of distinguishable hues, such as black, blue, cream, red, tortoiseshell, blue tortoiseshell, white, smoky, silver, brown, red, blue, and cream tabby, as well as bi-color.
FACT #2: They are the Largest Domestic Cat
This breed is usually referred to as a "gentle giant," and for good reason—they can grow to weigh 18 pounds and stand up to 40 inches tall. They are the biggest domestic cat in the entire world due to their size, and their long, fluffy hair gives them the appearance of being much bigger than their actual size.
Maine Coon Cats enjoy being in the water much like their canine cousins do. For Maine Coon Cats, swimming is enjoyable and simple because to their water-resistant fur. Many owners fill up bathtubs so their cats may play and burn off energy in places where Maine Coon Cats don't like to be up for play or hunting.
FACT #4: The Dog of the Cat World
This reputation for Maine Coon Cats has been earned honestly. The breed is playful, loving, loyal, and affectionate. The Maine Coon typically gets along with kids, other dogs, cats, and other social animals. These cats are wonderful breeds for family households and have wonderful personalities. It's interesting to note that many prefer to stay close to the ground rather than perching or climbing like the majority of other cats do.
Maine Coons are regarded as one of the kinds of cats that are simplest to educate due to their superior intellect. When bored, Maine Coons will occasionally act naughtily, like as using their paws to purposefully push objects off of tables and the tops of refrigerators.
FACT #5: They Don’t Meow
The Maine Coon Cat does not meow; instead, its vocalization is quite distinctive. These cats are well recognized for their vocalizations, the chirp and the trill, which have two very distinct functions: the chirp is used to identify prey, and the trill is used to convey delight. When they trill their meows, which sound like a hybrid of a purr and a meow, they usually do it because they are excited or scared.
