The Maine Coon is a beloved purebred cat known for its big size and friendly nature, making it the third most popular cat breed in the US. This article aims to explore the history of this iconic American feline. Native to the state of Maine in North America, the Maine Coon has a distinguishing long and thick coat, setting it apart as an American long-haired breed. Despite their popularity, the true origin of Maine Coon cats remains shrouded in mystery, with speculations and anecdotes being passed down over the years. Although some believe that these cats are related to Norwegian forest cats or Siberian cats, no conclusive evidence supports these theories.
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♦ Theory 1: Marie Antoinette’s Cats and the Origin of Maine Coon Cats
Marie Antoinette was known for many things during her reign as the queen of France, but perhaps one of the lesser-known facts about her is her love for cats. When she attempted to escape from Paris with her family in 1791, she brought not only her jewels and clothes, but also her beloved Angora Turkish cats. Unfortunately, she had to leave them behind when their plan failed and they were caught at Varennes. One version of the story suggests that she entrusted her cats to Captain Samuel Clough, who took them to America and let them mate with the local feline population in a small port called Wiscasset, in the state of Maine. Over time, their offspring developed into a distinctive breed that became known as the Maine Coon. These cats were named after the places where they dwelled and were characterized by their large size, fluffy fur, and friendly temperament. Today, Maine Coons are among the most popular cat breeds in America and the world, and they owe their origin to the cats that were once cherished by Marie Antoinette.
Captain Charles Coon, a seafarer with a strong affection for long-haired cats, had an intriguing experience while visiting Maine, New England. While walking around the town, his feline companions mated with local street cats, unknowingly producing a new kind of cat. The inhabitants of the area named these kittens after the port and the captain, hence giving birth to the Maine Coon breed. These cats were quite popular in 1895, but they soon fell out of favor due to the popularity of Persian and Siamese breeds. As a matter of fact, at one point it was believed that the breed had almost gone extinct. However, in 1976, the CFA officially recognized Maine Coons after being rejected three times before. This decision was backed by Maine Coon cat enthusiasts. By the 2010s, the breed had become the third most popular cat breed in the United States.
II – Characteristics of a Maine Coon Cat’s Physical Appearance
♦ An Overview of the Body
The Maine Coon cat is a naturally occurring breed that is known for its size, with the exception of hybrids like the Savannah cat. Its skeleton is quite large, and its solid, muscular body is extremely well-proportioned. A fully-grown longhaired American cat can measure up to 41 cm in height and up to 120 cm in length from head to tail. Males can weigh between 5.9 and 8.2 kg, while females can weigh between 3.6 and 5.4 kg.
The Maine Coon cat has a relatively large head that is perfectly suited to its body size, with a broad chin and a square muzzle. This characteristic is distinct and helps differentiate it from breeds that are similar, such as the Siberian or Norwegian Forest Cat. The ears of the longhaired American cat are broad and erect, with tufts of long hair usually present at the top. The hair around the earlobe is also relatively lengthy. Maine Coon cats have round eyes, with acceptable colors including blue, yellow, or bronze. For white-haired Maine Coon cats, two-color eyes are still acceptable.
Maine Coon cats possess a unique and dense coat that keeps them warm in all weather conditions. It consists of two layers with denser hair on the belly and legs, allowing them to rest on snow or wet surfaces comfortably. Their long, thick tail fur aids in keeping their head warm by wrapping it around their face when sleeping. These cats have a distinct mane-like appearance due to their thick and ruffled chest fur. They come in various colors, but hybrid colors like Siamese or chocolate shades are not common among them.
Despite looking slightly rugged and being larger in size, Maine Coons have a gentle and friendly personality. They easily make friends with other animals such as dogs, cats, or even hamsters. However, these cats are high-energy and require ample space to play and interact with their owners daily. Maine Coons love attention and tend to lay on top of your work or crawl between your hands while you’re talking on the phone. These cats are also quite vocal and tend to meow when bored or hungry. Overall, Maine Coons are obedient and loyal pets who feel guilty when they make mistakes. Therefore, make sure your cat is well-fed if you have a baby around to avoid unnecessary meowing.
IV – Health Concerns for Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coon cats are generally a healthy breed with a longer lifespan of 12.5-15 years, with some even living up to 20 years. However, due to their large size, they may experience specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, spinal muscular atrophy, polycystic kidney disease, and obesity. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
V – Tips for Raising and Caring for Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coon cats require extra attention when it comes to their diet and grooming due to their large size.
♦ Diet
Feeding your Maine Coon double or triple the amount of food that regular cats eat is unnecessary. It’s best to provide them with a quarter more than the average cat and let them regulate their daily food intake. To maintain good dental health, rotate between dry and fresh foods or mix them together weekly and monthly. Wet foods are perfect for cats with reduced chewing power or excessively long teeth. Since Maine Coon’s chin is quite large, using nuts designed specifically for them is highly recommended.
♦ Hair Care
Maine Coon’s fur is thick and long, making shedding and tangling inevitable. Using a specialized comb can help brush and care for their coat every day, preventing frizziness and evenly distributing oil secretion on the body. Pay particular attention to the hair on the feet and near the tail since these areas tend to accumulate waste due to excessive hair. Regular baths or spa visits can help keep their coat clean and smelling fresh.
♦ Exercise to Avoid Obesity
Maine Coon cats tend to eat a lot and may be lazy. It’s crucial to take them for a walk in the park or on a walking trail to interact with other cats. You can also play catch, chase balls or lasers with them for 15-20 minutes a day at home to prevent obesity.
