Maine Coon

Character

The Maine Coon is one of the largest of all the original cat breeds. The breed is native to the New England, Maine and surrounding states of the US. These purebred cats have a calm and stable character, but they are also playful and full of energy. They are tolerant and social towards other pets and people. This harmonious cat has a balanced mood. She is relatively independent. This makes it possible to keep them as the only cat in the house. She does consider herself part of the family and keeps a close eye on the ins and outs of the house from a distance.

Appearance

The Maine Coon has an impressive appearance. It is one of the largest originally domesticated cat breeds in terms of height, length and weight. This cat has a sturdy skeleton and a long, full tail. During the winter she has an imposing collar and dense ‘pants’ of hair around her hind legs. Some specimens also have ear tufts. Their semi-long coat comes in a variety of colors. Adult females weigh between 4 and 6 kg and males between 5 and 9 kg.

Other particulars

According to an urban legend, the Maine Coon is said to be a cross between a lynx and a raccoon. That is of course not true. Her exact parentage remains a mystery. Although it is suspected that she shares genes with the Norwegian Forest Cat that would have been brought to America, perhaps by colonists. The Maine Coon would therefore have served as a ship’s cat, to catch the rodents on board. This breed is particularly suitable for people looking for a female that only lives indoors or in an apartment. Main Coons are the cats’ circus performers. They are fantastic to watch. They can enjoy themselves for hours with the smallest items. They also remain playful in later life. This cat is fully grown after about 3 to 4 years and has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.