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Brief History
This is among the oldest cat breeds in the North American 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 while 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 is 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 their low chirping sound that 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 that 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 spine 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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