Maine Coon Cats 101: The Oldest Natural Breed in North America

Why This Breed Has a Contraversial Origin

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  • Small Breed
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon cats photo

Is The Maine Coon Cat Good For You?

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    Maine Coon cats are some of the fastest, strongest and coolest felines around.

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    The Maine Coon is acclimated to colder climates with thick fur that gets even thicker on the belly and neck.

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    Their paws often sport an extra joint which makes their paws more like snowshoes--this is called polydactylism.

HISTORY

Maine Coon cats are one of the oldest breeds native to America. Having a background peppered with various myths and origin stories, the Maine Coon is considered by many to be a national treasure. Thought to be a cross between domestic shorthairs and european longhaired cats (although some believers in lore insist that they are a raccoon/cat hybrid), these cats are known around the world for being gorgeous, well-mannered, and wonderful mousers.

quick facts

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    Size

    Large

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    Lifespan

    12 - 15 years

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    Hair Length

    Long

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    Litter Size

    An average of 4 kittens

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    Male Weight

    13 - 18 pounds

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    Female Weight

    9 - 13 pounds

PERSONALITY

The Maine Coon is known for being a relaxed, good tempered, friendly, fun loving pet that makes a great companion for kids and other pets alike. They are naturally gentle and have a high level of intelligence, making them ideal cats for new pet owners. They love to be around people, but are also more than happy doing their own thing. Aside from their long fur, these cats are the very picture of a low maintenance cat.

color

The Maine Coon cat comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

health concerns

The genetic health problems that are common in this breed are:

APPEARANCE

The Maine Coon cat’s most prominent feature is their long, shaggy coat. They are a large breed that are lovingly known as the "gentle giants" of the cat world. A healthy, strong breed, the Maine Coon cat has a concave profile and a thick, weatherproof coat that keeps them warm in even the coldest climates. Their big, tufted feet help them stay aloft as they walk across a snowy forest floor, in much the same way as a snowshoe. In terms of overall shape, their head and frame is generally considered boxy. Also, their tail is covered in long hair, making them look like they are carrying a feather duster.

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