One of the most majestic and beautiful cats out there, the Maine Coon is truly a cat that can get anyone’s attention. The Maine Coon is one of the largest cats in the world, with striking, shiny fur and eyes that seem to know everything about the world, so it’s no wonder so many people are interested in them.
Here is a list of 8 interesting facts about Maine coon cats:
1. A Royal Beginning Of The Cat
How the Maine coon cat breed actually got started is unknown, but a legend that is often told is that the breed originated from the last queen of France Marie Antoinette‘s six pet cats that she apparently sent to Wiscasset in Maine.
She did this as part of her escape plans during the French Revolution. The house that was built for her near the Sheepscot River in Maine apparently still stands to this day. Those cats mated and led to the development of the Maine Coon we know today.
The Maine Coon is known to be the closest relative of the Norwegian Forest Cat because they have both evolved from the same climate, and that is why some people believe that the Vikings may have had something to do with it.
2. They Are Cross-breed Cats
Aside from that, historians also agree that the Maine Coon cat is the result of the mating of pre-existing overseas longhaired cats and domestic shorthaired cats in New England.
In 1861, the name “Maine Coon” was finally coined and used in cat literature, the most popular of which being Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines, a white Maine Coon cat.
Since then, Maine Coons have been a staple at cat shows and exhibitions, specifically in New York and Boston. In 1895, Cosie, a brown tabby Maine Coon cat, won the title of “Best Cat” at the Madison Square Garden fair.
3. The Dawn of Unpopularity And the Preservation of Beauty
While they dominated at first, Maine Coons soon became unpopular as show cats when Persian cats arrived in the early 1900s. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1950s that they regained their fame and were noticed for their beauty.
Then, in 1968, the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association was formed by six breeders so that the breed could be promoted and preserved. These days, there are over 200 registered Maine Coon breeders and around 1,200 fanciers, meaning the Maine Coon is close to reaching its former glory again.
4. They Are Equipped To Survive The Winter
The Maine Coon is bred to survive the harsh and cold winter season. They are also said not to be soft, but to be natural fighters, especially before the planned breeding age.
These days, planned breeding of Maine Coons prevails so that cats can be somewhat soft, without losing their natural and hardy qualities, making them healthy and strong at the same time!
5. Maine Coon is also Known as ‘Dog cat’
The Maine Coon is very fluffy and affectionate. In fact, some call the Maine Coon the “dog cat” because it is friendly and affectionate and therefore sometimes resembles a dog in certain cases. Also, the Maine Coone is quite large and has a nice, beautiful silky coat.
The colors of the cats differ. Generally speaking, the cat usually has a black base, however, this is not always the case. These cats can be divided into different types like solid, tabby, tortoise, and smoke.
6. American Maine Coon Cats Are The Largest Breed
The American Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds in the world. Sometimes its length can exceed one meter. In fact, the majority of the record holders for the world’s largest cats are Maine Coons.
The Maine Coon is, however, a gentle giant with a tender heart that prefers pampering and quiet to intense activity. The Maine Coone is a very pleasant companion, even for children and other animals.
7. Maine Coon Cat Named ‘Stewie’ Holds The Record For World’s Longest Domestic Cat
Dou you know, Stewie (full name was Mymains Stewart Gilligan), a gray tabby Maine Coon from Hermiston, USA, holds the record for the longest domestic cat in the world. This cat was 48.5 inches long (123 cm). That is over four feet long!
Sadly, Stewie passed away in 2013 of cancer at just eight years old. Stewie was said to be a very friendly cat who loved people.
Since Stewie passed away, the title of the longest living cat in the world has been awarded to Barivel, a 120 cm (47.2 in) Maine Coon who resides in Italy.
8. Maine Coons Have Unique Physical Characteristics Than Other Domestic Cat Breeds
Head
One of the most notable things about the Maine Coon is its ears. They have wide, large ears that have long locks sticking out of them and are noticeable even in kittenhood!
When you look at the face of a Maine Coon, you will notice quite a clever and expressive emotion in them. They have coppery, gold, or green eyes that seem to know everything about you, making it easy to connect with them. White or light-colored cats often have strange blue eyes, with noses that are anything but flat.
Maine Coons typically have this wild expression on their faces, but you should be aware that this is the complete opposite of their sweet and gentle natures! However, some have naturally sweet faces.
The body
Maine Coon cats could weigh between 9 and 20 pounds, so they really are some of the largest cats out there! In some cases, cats can weigh up to 30 pounds!
Each litter contains large, average, and small kittens, and some of them will be more hairy and scruffy than the others. Maine coon cats would only reach their full size once they reach the age of three, which means they are actually slow to mature.
Maine Coons have bodies that somewhat resemble rectangles, which means that their bodies are well-proportioned, sturdy, and definitely strong. The chest is full and they also have long necks and medium legs, which helps them stay flexible and balanced at all times. What you can expect is that their bodies are never out of proportion, which truly makes them some of the most beautiful cats out there.
The Coat
The Maine Coon is sometimes called “The Shag” because of its long, shaggy, and shiny coat. Said coat is soft underneath and fluffy on the outside. The difference in their coat from other cats is that Maine Coons’ coats are not uniformed. They can even come in a variety of colors, and designs, too!
Their tail patterns can be tortoiseshell, torbie (where there are colored stripes, rather than patches), tortie, tabby, or solid, and they come in all colors except ticked, lavender, or brown.