The Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon cat is quite  a large cat. Big-boned and solidly muscled, it is not uncommon to find  them at 20+ lbs. They are in no way related to raccoons, but certainly can resemble them with their full tails and tufted ears. While most cats reach their full size within their first year, Maine coons can take up to five years to reach maximum height and length. Despite their wild appearance, Maine Coons are friendly, charming domestic cats who can get along with the whole family. Enjoys casual interaction and can be a great choice for homes with multiple children and pets. They often communicate in soft, chirp-like meows that defy their mass.

 

 Cool Cat Facts...
The Maine Coon cat is the oldest breed of purebred cat originating in America. It is believed they are descended from cats brought over by Vikings due to their similarity to the Norwegian Forest Cat.                                                                   

Is A Maine Coon Cat Right For You?

The Maine Coon cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. and is one of the most popular pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cat breeds. The breed developed in the cold climate of Maine, but the details of its origins are unsure. Several were shown in the first cat show ever held at Madison Square Garden in 1895, and a female won that historic show. The Maine Coon comes in almost any color or pattern with classic "tabby" or "tiger cat" patterns being most common. Pointed or ticked colors are undesirable. The beautiful coat is long or semi-long with a plush undercoat. Shedding may be high and regular grooming is desired. These are sturdy, very large cats that may have a tendency toward heart problems in their later years, but otherwise have few breed-related health issues. Because it is relatively active and enjoys moderate interaction, the Maine Coon cat is a nice family cat that does well with considerate children, and may enjoy rougher play than most smaller felines. Apartment dwellers should keep in mind that they are quite large and require a little regular outdoor time.

Maine Coon Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head is medium in width and slightly longer than wide with allowance for broadening and jowls in males. Muzzle is square when viewed from any angle. Cheek bones are high. Chin must be firm and in line with nose and upper lip. Profile: The nose is slightly concave with no break. Ears: Large, tall, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed, with lynx-like tipping and inner tufts extending beyond the outer edge of the ears. They are set high on the head, the distance between them being equal to the width of an ear at its base. Eyes: Large, round, wide-set, with a slightly oblique setting. Eye color may be shades of green, gold or amber. Clarity of color is desired. There is no relationship between eye color and coat color, except in solid white cats, which may be blue-eyed, amber-eyed, green-eyed or odd-eyed.
Body and Tail: Large in size, muscular and broad chested. The body should be long with all parts proportioned to create a rectangular appearance. Neck medium to long; may be thick and muscular in older males. The body should feel solid, with firm muscle and no flabbiness. When viewed from the rear, there is a definite squareness to the rump. Legs/Feet: Sturdily boned, wide-set, medium in length, in proportion to the body. Feet large, round and well tufted underneath and between the pads. Tail: Long, at least the length of the body, wide at the base and tapering to the tip.
Coat: Coat is uneven in length and markedly subject to seasonal variation. Fur on head, neck and shoulders is short, becoming gradually longer along the back toward the tail and down the sides toward the belly. Britches and belly fur are full and shaggy. The coat flows smoothly down the body, continuing in the same manner on the tail. There is a frontal ruff, generally heavier on males than females. The tail is heavy furred, long and flowing, but it is not bushy as is a fox’s brush. Texture: More or less self maintaining, the coat is warm with a light density undercoat covered by a water proof outer coat. The coat is not fluffy. Coat texture may vary with coat color.
Pattern: Although the tiger or tabby pattern is by far the most common, this breed actually comes in many colors and shades.
Overall Appearance: This should be a massive, wild-looking cat, well-boned and heavily furred. A natural breed with keen survival skills, they greatly enjoy time in the outdoors. May be reserved with strangers, and are not usually overly affectionate. A pleasant cat that is nicely domesticated despite appearance, and is blessed with startling beauty. 

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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