Maine Coon Breed Description

Introduction

Known as a working cat, this feline is a great hunter and was bred to endure harsh climates. They have broad chests, a long, rectangular body and square muzzles. This shaggy-coated breed comes in a variety of colors. They are large cats, with the females being somewhat smaller than the males, though still considerably larger than the average housecat. The Maine Coon has a great, easy-going disposition.

Brief History

This is among the oldest cat breeds in North America's eastern region and there are several legends that relate to their origin. A common myth (which is biologically improbable) is that this breed occurred as a result of raccoon and cat interbreeding. This myth was reinforced because the cat had a strange resemblance to a raccoon, hence the name coon. Initially, it was only brown tabbies that were referred to as Maine Coon Cats; differently colored cats were known as Maine Shags. Another common myth is that this breed developed from six cats that were sent to Wiscasset Maine by Marie Antoinette who was about to flee from the French revolution. From the breeders' point of view, this breed is considered to be a result of mating between ordinary domestic cats and exotic long haired varieties.

General Description

The general appearance of Maine Coon Cats acknowledges that the breed has various adaptations, which counter harsh climatic conditions. They have more fur than usual and their underside is shaggy for added protection in wintery conditions. Its distinctively bushy tail is able to protect it from drowning and can also be used for warmth.

This cat's coat is heavily furred, glossy and water resistant. The coat designs are also distinctly unique from other breeds and they can either be medium or long haired. Maine coons are one of the biggest domestic cat breeds and they have muscular rectangular shaped solid bodies which are needed to sufficiently sustain the cats' weight. The breed normally takes a longer time than usual to mature and their full size is not normally reached until the cat reaches the ages of three to four years of age.

Temperament

The Maine Coon cat is sweet natured and likes to play a lot. They enjoy the company of humans and therefore make great companions. However, they may not be inclined to get too intimate with people as other cats do. They are not noisy animals and are known for the low chirping sound they produce. Maine Coons are not fussy and can be found curled up somewhere in the rough. The cats are generally easy going and can get along well with little children as well as other pets within a household.

Health and Care

Maine Coon cats can be generally described as healthy cats and they have adapted effectively to deal with almost any weather conditions. The main health threat for these cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a heart ailment that is common in cats. Middle-aged Maine Coons are the most predisposed to this illness, which leads to heart failure. Some cats are prone to kidney disease, which is a slow and progressive disorder. Kidney ailments may begin to be prevalent when the cat is about seven years of age. Other ailments that may afflict this breed include spinal muscular atrophy which affects the spinal cord and hip dysplasia, which is an abnormal formation of the hip joint. Only minimal grooming is necessary for these cats.

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