The Main Coon Cat

The Maine Coon is a natural breed that came to be without human intervention. Nature favored these cats as best suited for survival in New England’s harsh winters. The story goes that people used to think these bushy-tailed cats were part-raccoon, which we now know is genetically impossible. The Maine Coon are probably the result of shorthaired cats mating with longhaired cats brought overseas.

The long, insulating, water-resistant fur isn’t for show: It keeps the cat very warm. The fur on the neck is mane-like, and they even have furry “britches” for their back legs. They have fur between the toes of their big, snowshoe-like paws. Their bushy tails are often as long as their bodies. Some have lynx-like tassels of fur on the tips of their ears.

They can be almost any combination of colors and patterns, with few exceptions. Lilac, chocolate, and “Siamese” point coloration are not part of the natural breed.

They are well adapted for hunting: They have large eyes and ears, enabling them to detect sound and movement better. They are strong, big-boned, and often use their paws to grasp and pick things up.

It takes Maine Coons longer than other cats to reach their full size, sometimes as long as five years. The male can reach a length of 40 inches and weigh in between 10 and 18 pounds. The female tends to be slightly smaller.

Maine Coons have a light, chirpy meow that sounds kittenish. They love to be around people, but they are not overly dependant and generally aren’t comfortable as lap-cats. They are playful and curious, sometimes learning to play fetch. It’s no surprise that they’re extremely popular: They are easy-going, amusing, and friendly cats.