Fact Sheet: MAINE COON CAT

(Original Title: Maine Coon Cat Breed Facts)

A Maine Coon cat. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Maine Coon cats, the official state cat in Maine, are one of the oldest breeds in North America. As one of the largest breeds, these cats can weigh between 15 to 20+ pounds. Its distinctive characteristics include a long, thick tail; muscular body; broad chest; and tufted ears. Because of their friendly temperament, they are nicknamed "Gentle Giants" by their owners.

Maine Coon History

Their origins are unknown though several popular stories have been passed along the years. One story involves Capt. Charles Coon, an English captain who frequently traveled to New England with long-haired cats aboard his ship. Upon docking, the cats mated with local feral cats and produced lots of offspring. Townspeople referred to the strays as "Coon's cats".

Another folktale involves Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, who attempted an escape with Capt. Samuel Clough in 1793. Her prized possessions, including six beloved cats, were stashed on Clough's ship. Though she didn't escape her beheading, her cats arrived safely in Massachusetts. The cats were described with similar characteristics to the cooncat. Breeders consider the cats' ancestry to go back to the 11th century with the Vikings. History shows the breed existed in the 1800s as a hunting and domestic cats.

In 1967, the breed was officially recognized as a unique breed of domestic cat.

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Maine Coon Weight and Size

Maine Coon cats can weigh between 9 to 18 pounds. Males typically weight between 13 to 18 pounds, while females average 9 to 12 pounds. Their large, body shape, rectangle-build, and long hair make them look even larger. They are not full-grown until they reach 3 to 5 years of age. Adults can reach 10 to 16 inches in height.

Their length can be up to 40 inches, including their tails which can be 14 inches long.

Maine Coon Personality

They have several distinctive features, including their long, bushy tail; tufted ears; large, expressive eyes; and ruff around their neck (like a lion). Their eyes are green, gold, green-gold, or copper colors. Their coat is soft and comes in every color and pattern, except pointed patterns, like the Siamese. Their thick fur is shorter on their front legs and shoulders and longer on their back, perches, stomach, and tail. Their tail is often as long as their body.

They have a squared muzzle. They are nicknamed "Gentle Giants" for their affectionate, loving behavior. They are not lapping cats, though they enjoy following family members to offer help with any projects. Their playful nature continues in adulthood. Their distinctive meow -- a chirping sound -- lets owners know when they want their attention, to play, or to mate. They are great pets for families. Generally, they are indoor cats, and they enjoy interacting with people.

By Sarah Charlotte - Article Source: EzineArticles

Huge MAINE COON CATS - How Big Are They?

Maine Coon Silver Tabby in snow
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Maine Coon Cat breed is known for many striking characteristics. Not the least of these is its size. Huge Maine Coon Cats are quite something to behold!

Myths and legends abound when it comes to a big Maine Coon Cat. We've all heard a story at some point about a massive cat of enormous proportions. So just how big are they, compared to most cats?

An average house cat weighs between 8 and 11 pounds. If they weigh more, they are probably on the chubby side. A female Coon usually weighs between 9 - 13 pounds. Then there are the boys. Males usually tip the scales at around 13 - 18 pounds. There are definitely some huge Maine Coon Cats out there!

The physique of this cat breed is solid. They are strong, muscular, and well proportioned. So an extra large Coon will have a frame to hold his weight. That means he'll be noticeably longer and wider than most other cats. Now, add a shaggy coat and a massive tail. What a specimen!

"What about really huge Maine Coon Cats?" you ask. It's true, many males end up growing well past the average. It's not unusual to hear of a 20 pounder, and sometimes even 25 - 30 or more pounds! These are definitely huge Maine Coon Cats.

Many people want to know where to get a very large Coon. This happens especially when there are photos of big Maine Coon Cats circulating on the Internet. Some folks see pictures of huge Maine Coon Cats and ask, "Where can I get one of those?"

That is certainly part of the allure of this breed. If you are ready to commit to a new cat in your life, you'll want to make sure this cat breed is right for you. Then you'll want to locate a responsible breeder in your area. Most breeders will not breed specifically for size. They are breeding to a standard, breeding great specimens in order to produce, with each litter, the best example possible of what this breed is meant to be.

Also, these kittens are born to be a certain size. Feeding them extra food or supplements won't make their bones grow longer. It'll only make them fat, and perhaps raise the risk of hip dysplasia.

The kittens are already genetically predestined to be larger than an average cat. But just like in human families, there will be the occasional kitten who falls below the lowest "average threshold" and ends up being a beautiful 8 pound cat. There will also be some who are clearly going to be big, going above and beyond the high end of 18 pounds. The breeder will be able to tell you. So, put in a request for a big boy and your breeder will work with you.

Huge Maine Coon Cats are mysterious and alluring. Of course, there is a lot more to this breed than just size. If this is the breed for you, learn about their stunning physical characteristics, magnificent and gentle personality, and then fall in love with a Coon of your own!

For even more about huge Maine Coon Cats, including photos comparing an 18 pounder with his 8 pound sister, check out http://www.maine-coon-cat-nation.com/big-maine-coon-cat.html

And to learn all about this awesome breed of cat, including breed history and characteristics, cat care advice, and see lots of pictures, visit http://www.maine-coon-cat-nation.com

By Carrie Profenno About the author: Carrie Profenno is a life-long animal lover. She and her young family currently reside in Maine with five pets, including two beloved Maine Coon cats. They are the inspiration behind Maine Coon Cat Nation. Article Source: EzineArticles

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MAINE COON Traits and Temperament

Traits:

Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation into a harsh climate. It is glossy coat, large and water-resistant, is compared to that of not any other breed, and has to be felt to be appreciated. It is longer around the ruff, stomach and britches to defend against wet in addition to snow, and shorter around the back and neck to guard against tangling within the underbrush.

English: Male and female shaded silver Maine Coons have white roots on their guard hairs and undercoats and dark tips
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The coat falls smoothly, and is also almost maintenance-free: a weekly combing is all of that is usually forced to keep it inside top condition. Your long, bushy tail that the cat wraps all-around himself when he curls up to sleep can safeguard him from chilly winters. His ears are more heavily furred (both inside and around the tips) than many breeds for protection from the cold, and have a very large range of movement. Big, round, tufted feet assist as 'snow shoes. ' Their huge eyes and ears will also be survival traits, serving as they do increase perception and hearing.

Although the Yankee delusion of 30-pound cats is that, a delusion (unless the kitty is grossly overweight ), these usually are indeed tall, muscular, big-boned cats; males commonly reach 13 to 18 pounds, having females normally considering about 9 to 12 pounds. Add to that 2 or 3 inches of wintertime coat, and people will swear they are looking at 1 big cat.

Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full dimensions until they are 3 to 5 years old. His or her dispositions remain kittenish during their lives; they're big, gentle, good-natured goofs. Even their voices set them as well as other cats; they've a distinctive, chirping trill they will use for sets from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. (Maine Coons want to play, and many will joyfully get back small items. ) That they rarely meow, then when they do, that will soft, tiny speech doesn't fit their size!

Temperament:

While Maine Coons usually are highly people-oriented kittens and cats, they are not necessarily overly-dependent. They don't constantly pester people for attention, but prefer to "hang out" along their owners, investigating whatever activity you're involved with and "helping" after they can. They will not be, as a normal rule, known as "lap cats" but much like any personality trait there are many Maine Coons that will prefer laps. Most Maine Coons will continue close by, probably occupying the chair beside yours instead. Maines will adhere to you from room to room in addition to wait outside some sort of closed door for you to emerge. A Maine Coon will probably be your companion, your own buddy, your pal, but hardly ever your child.

Maine Coons usually are relaxed and easy-going in almost everything they do. The males are typically the clowns as you move the females retain additional dignity, but both remain playful during their lives. They generally get along properly with kids in addition to dogs, as properly as other kittens and cats. They are quite a bit less vertically-oriented as a few other breeds, preferring to chase objects on a lawn and grasping them of their large paws -- undoubtedly instincts developed as professional mousers. Many Maine Coons may play "fetch" because of their owners.

By James Torres For more information, pictures and videos you can visit us at http://www.catopia.info Article Source: EzineArticles

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