| Are you looking for a cat that is both intelligent and | | | | have a broad chest and large, muscular legs. It takes |
| fun-loving? If so, you might be interested in acquiring | | | | anywhere from three to four years to grow to this |
| a Maine coon. The Maine coon, which is the second | | | | size, however, as the cat is slow to develop. |
| most popular cat in the United States, is one of the | | | | They also have heavy coats and the fur tends to be |
| oldest native breeds to North America. In addition to | | | | shorter in the area around the shoulders, while the |
| its interesting personality, this breed also boasts a | | | | fur around the stomach is longer. This feature makes |
| silky smooth coat and an unusually large size. | | | | the cat appear to be even larger than it actually is. |
| The History of the Maine Coon | | | | The breed tends to have a brown tabby pattern, |
| The Maine coon has been a native of North American | | | | though they can be found in a variety of other color |
| since colonial times and was likely brought to the | | | | patterns as well. |
| continent when the first settlers came from Europe | | | | Keeping a Maine Coon as a Pet |
| to the New World. They were most likely brought | | | | Thanks to their gentle nature, they are great pets |
| along when sailing to the New World in order to help | | | | for nearly any household. Despite their large size, |
| keep the rodent population on the ships under control | | | | they are very good-natured cats who have a |
| rather than for companionship. After arriving, its ability | | | | tendency to bond with one person or with an entire |
| to adapt to the harsh Maine winters allowed it to | | | | family. As a result, they are considered to be |
| prosper as well as to continue to evolve. As a result, | | | | devoted and sweet pets. |
| the breed developed a water-resistant coat and its | | | | Maine coons are also very curious cats who actually |
| large, rugged size. | | | | enjoy occasionally sticking a foot in water or drinking |
| During the 1800s, the Maine coon was easily the | | | | from running faucets. They are also excellent |
| most popular of cat breeds in the United States. By | | | | mousers and are quite agile when properly motivated |
| the early 1900s, however, the Persian cat became | | | | by a runaway rodent. If you keep this breed as an |
| favored, and the breed had nearly vanished by 1950. | | | | indoor pet, you should be certain to purchase catnip |
| Thanks to a small group of breeders who remained | | | | mouse toys for your kitty to play with so it can put |
| dedicated, the breed once again rose in popularity | | | | its mousing instincts to work while keeping happy and |
| over time. | | | | active. |
| Recognizing the Maine Coon | | | | There are many different types of cat breeds out |
| The large size is one feature that makes this breed | | | | there, but if you are looking for a devoted and |
| easy to recognize. Males generally weigh anywhere | | | | fun-loving feline friend, the Maine coon is just the cat |
| from 12 to 18 pounds, while females weigh anywhere | | | | you are looking for! |
| from 10 to 14 pounds. The Maine coon also tends to | | | | |