| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | domestic cat. |
| Maine Coon cats, the official state cat in Maine, | | | | Weight and Size |
| are one of the oldest breeds in North America. As | | | | Maine Coon cats can weigh between 9 to 18 |
| one of the largest breeds, Maine Coon cats can | | | | pounds. Males typically weight between 13 to 18 |
| weigh between 15 to 18 pounds. Its distinctive | | | | pounds, while females average 9 to 12 pounds. |
| characteristics include a long, thick tail; muscular | | | | Their large, body shape, rectangle-build, and long |
| body; broad chest; and tufted ears. Because of | | | | hair make them look even larger. |
| their friendly temperament, they are nicknamed | | | | They are not full-grown until they reach 3 to 5 |
| Gentle Giants by their owners. | | | | years of age. Adults can reach 10 to 16 inches in |
| History | | | | height. Their length can be up to 40 inches, |
| Their origins are unknown though several popular | | | | including their tails which can be 14 inches long. |
| stories have been passed along the years. One | | | | Characteristics and Personality |
| story involves Capt. Charles Coon, an English | | | | Maine Coon cats have several distinctive features, |
| captain who frequently traveled to New England | | | | including their long, bushy tail; tufted ears; large, |
| with long-haired cats aboard his ship. Upon docking, | | | | expressive eyes; and ruff around their neck (like |
| the cats mated with local feral cats and produced | | | | a lions). Their eyes are green, gold, green-gold, or |
| lots of offspring. Townspeople referred to the | | | | copper colors. Their coat is soft and comes in |
| strays as Coon’s cats. | | | | every color and pattern, except pointed patterns, |
| Another folktale involves Queen of France, Marie | | | | like the Siamese. Their thick fur is shorter on their |
| Antoinette, who attempted an escape with Capt. | | | | front legs and shoulders and longer on their back, |
| Samuel Clough in 1793. Her prized possessions, | | | | perches, stomach, and tail. Their tail is often as |
| including six beloved cats, were stashed on | | | | long as their body. They have a squared muzzle. |
| Clough’s ship. Though she didn't escape her | | | | They are nicknamed Gentle Giants for |
| beheading, her cats arrived safely in | | | | their affectionate, loving behavior. They are not |
| Massachusetts. The cats were described with | | | | lap cats, though they enjoy following family |
| similar characteristics as Maine Coons. | | | | members to offer help with any projects. Their |
| Breeders consider the cats’ ancestry to go | | | | playful nature continues in adulthood. Their |
| back to the 11th century with the Vikings. History | | | | distinctive meow -- a chirp sound -- lets owners |
| shows the Maine Coon cats existed in the 1800s | | | | know when they want their attention, to play, or |
| as hunting and domestic cats. In 1967, the Maine | | | | to mate. They are great pets for families. |
| Coon Cat was officially recognized as a breed of | | | | |