Maine Coon Cats
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Maine Coon Cats are thought to belong to a naturally occurring breed which evolved in the Maine State area. In fact, it is the official cat breed of this state. The breed is thought to have evolved from domestic cats imported into the area from Europe in past centuries. Natural selection in the harsh weather conditions of Maine generated these big Maine Coon cats with their unique physique. This breed is recognized by all the major cat fancy associations and is quite popular, especially among those who love their cats in large sizes. This breed is large enough to gain the nickname of "the gentle giant", but don't expect anything that doesn't look like a domestic cat: males average around 15 pounds and females around 10 pounds. The Main Coons boast a tall strong build, a large frame and lots of coat over it. They have large eyes and ears too, often with tufts of fur protruding. Their coat is unique and unlike that of other breeds: it's semi-long and very dense, and is even water-resistant to some extent. These felines are indeed built for the harsh climate of the State of Maine.
Maine Coon cats were originally all brown tabbies. Their brown tabby coat coloring is what gave the breed its name, somewhat resembling the markings of a raccoon. In fact, early on, some people thought these felines were the result domestic cats mating with raccoons, which we now know is a genetic impossibility. Today, Maine Coons come in a variety of colors and patterns. Striped tabbies are still popular, but not only in brown, but in silver gray and red as well as their diluted versions. They also come in solids such as white, black and blue, and in various bi-color combinations as well as calicos and tortoiseshell. These are well-tempered intelligent cats, inquisitive and relatively quiet. They have a reputation for playfulness and for being easier to train compared to other cat breeds. More Resources: |
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