Maine Coons Cat.

The Maine Coon is considered a Native American breed that occurred naturally in the northeastern areas of the United States and parts of Canada. There have been all sorts of stories circulated about this distinctive cat breed.

Early legend has it that this robust cat resulted from matings between a domestic cat and an American Lynx and even more ridiculous that the first sire was a Raccoon. Although genetically impossible, this legend may explain the origin of the breed's name. Another popular legend possibly explaining the name, tells of a Captain Coon who brought the Maine Coon's ancestors to America from China.

Surprisingly, history has associated Marie Antoinette with the coast of Maine. Prior to her unfortunate demise during the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette planned, with the help of an American sea captain, to escape to the port of Wiscasset, Maine. A house was set aside for her and her furniture taken there, but she never made it to the New World. As the tale goes, the captain made the journey, taking along Marie Antoinette's favourite longhaired cats.

Some historians believe today's Maine Coon cats descended from these noble cats.
Another popular scenario traces the Maine Coon's ancestors to the hearty cats brought to America by the Vikings. Guardians of the Viking ships stores, these cats closely resembled a sturdy breed from Norway called the Skogkatt, whose coat and facial features are similar to the Maine Coon. Like their ship mares, these seafaring cats occasionally jumped ship. Before long it is believed they mated with the native cats of America, and the modern Maine Coon began to evolve. Lacking though, is documentary evidence of early European settlers stating they actually saw domestic type felines when they first arrived in America.

Physical characteristics.
One of the Maine Coon's best features is its low-maintenance, semi long flowing coat. The coat evolved to become heavy and shaggy down the back and sides, ending in beautiful "britches" on the cat's hind legs. Although the hair rarely mats, the Maine Coon enjoys a weekly combing. Some fanciers believe the Maine Coon cat is the largest of all pedigreed breeds. For those of you who belong to the "bigger is better" school of animal lovers, the Maine Coon is the most treasured domestic cat. The Maine Coon's medium-wide head features high cheekbones and a squarish muzzle with a strong chin. In profile the cat's face shows a gentle concave slope. The Maine Coon views life through large, obliquely set eyes, usually green or gold but sometimes copper.

Large ears, which are lynx-tipped, are set high and far apart. They feature striking, bobcat-like tufts that curl out to the sides of the head from within the ears.

One of the most impressive characteristics of the Maine Coon is the tail. Full at the base and tapering to a point with long guard hairs that flow when the cat walks, the tail has enough undercoat to make it bushy and full. Often, as weather changes cause the cat to shed, the tail is all that proves the Maine Coon is a longhair.

Colours Maine Coons come in a variety of colours and patterns, but perhaps the best known is the brown tabby. Brown classic tabby and brown mackerel tabby are the colours seen most often at today's shows but more breeders are showing solids, tortoiseshells, smokes and parti-colours. So much variety in the Maine Coon colour exists that every cat lover can find one to suit his or her colour and pattern preference.

Temperament.
Maine Coons have an unusual soft chirping voice. They can be very affectionate, inquisitive and bold. They are people-orientated cats and generally get along well with children and other household cats and dogs. Many Maine Coons will play retrieving games with their owners and like to follow you around. Life expectancy is similar to any other cat. Being a large cat there could be a problem with hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardio myopathy for which breeding cats are tested. Maine Coons will live quite happily indoors if you provide them with a scratchiing pole and suitable toys. The cost of a pet Maine Coon kitten is $800 and this includes vaccination, desexing and microchipping. For a show cat you can expect to pay around $1000 and breeding cats by negotiation.

_{source Cat & Kitten Mag.}