A LIttel About The Maine Coon Breed
The Maine Coon Cat is one of America’s oldest breeds. European settlers are thought to have brought their ancestors over. From these shorthaired cats the Maine Coon evolved into longhaired, hardy cats able to withstand the cold temperatures of the state of Maine. Known as a “working cat” they were used to keep the mouse population down in homes and on farms.
According to Maine Coon Central there are different legends regarding the Maine Coon. One is they are descended from semi-wild cats and cats brought over by European settlers, or even possibly by Vikings in the 10th and 11th century. Because of the Maine Coon’s big bushy tail another legend is they were a cross between cats brought over by settlers and raccoons. Regardless of where these cats actually came from they have always been valued for their amiable disposition and beautiful form.
Maine Coons are known for their long muscular body. A Maine Coon head is medium long with a squareness to the muzzle, with high cheekbones, and large almond shaped eyes, along with large high set, well tufted pointed ears. Maine Coon males are usually around 15lbs whereas the females range around 12lbs. They tend to appear larger due to their long body and bushy tail. They are not fully grown until they are three years old. Today, the Maine Coon is recognized as one of the largest domestic cat breeds.
The Maine Coon personality is outgoing and sociable and they make great companions. We started out with two altered Maine Coons. Loki, I call my one o’ clock boy. This is the time he will come over to the couch by me and let me pet his belly. Loki is very laid back. He likes his tummy rubs and likes to take long naps during the day. He is bonded more to me than my husband, but will go over to my husband and stand up on his hind legs and reach out his very long paw and let my husband know it’s time to eat. He is the one when feeling frisky that will jump out at you and want to play hide and seek. Lucy, my girl, is the spunk of the house. Lucy likes to talk to you. She will meow, chirp and chuff and when that doesn’t get your attention will head butt you until you pet and scratch her. Lucy does like to cuddle in bed at night, but has never been a big lap cat. She is the one known for knocking everything off of counters. Pens in her mind are meant to be on the floor and she truly has a fetish for playing with them. She has never run into a box that has gone unexplored and loves to climb up high to look over her domain. In our experience this breed makes wonderful, entertaining companions.