| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | very large. Male Maine Coons can grow to as long as |
| Coon Cat Unique History | | | | 40 inches. The longest cat on records is a Maine |
| The Maine Coon, considered one of the largest cat | | | | Coon which measured 48 inches in length. This breed |
| breeds, is known for its physical appearance, as well | | | | usually reaches its full size only when it reaches its |
| as its intelligence. It originated in North America | | | | fourth or fifth year of age. |
| specifically in the state of Maine, where it is | | | | There are many colors of the Maine Coon, the most |
| considered as the official State Cat. | | | | common being the brown tabby. They also have a |
| It is often referred to as The Gentle Giant Great | | | | wide variety of eye color which is usually green, |
| Training for the Gentle Giant | | | | green-gold, or gold. When the cat has a white coat, |
| A great site for cat information | | | | they can have blue eyes, or one blue eye and one |
| There have been many myths, legends and folklore's | | | | gold eye. Whatever their color, they usually share the |
| that surround the origin of the Maine Coon. The most | | | | distinct shape of the letter âoeMâ on |
| wide-spread which is also the most biologically | | | | their forehead. Their fur is medium-long and dense |
| impossible story of origin states that the breed | | | | that is similar to the mane of a lion. Their tails are |
| originated from the matings of a domestic cat and a | | | | bushy and broad. Sometimes they are even referred |
| raccoon. This was said to be the cause of the bushy | | | | to as âoethe tail with a cat attached to |
| raccoon-like tail and the raccoon-like color. | | | | because of the bushiness of its tail. |
| Another theory is that the Maine Coon originated | | | | Maine Coons are known for their intelligence and |
| from Marie Antoinetteâ(TM) six pet cats that | | | | playfulness. They use their front paws to a great |
| she sent to Maine during the French Revolution when | | | | extent and as a result can easily learn skills such as |
| she was planning her escape from France. | | | | turning on faucets, opening cabinet doors, flushing |
| Though there are many theories, most cat breeders | | | | toilets, or picking up small objects. Because of their |
| believe that the Maine Coon originated from short | | | | high intelligence, they are one of the easiest breeds |
| haired domestic cats and overseas longhairs. It was | | | | to train. It is common for this breed to enjoy playing |
| known before as the âoecoon-catâ | | | | with water. They like to dip their toys in the water |
| during the mid 1800s. During the 17th and 18th | | | | bowl or skim their paws on the surface of water. |
| centuries, only the strongest and most adaptive cats | | | | Sometimes, they even drink water from their paws. |
| survived when they were brought in from different | | | | They prefer to eat and be in the company of other |
| locations. The Maine Coon eventually developed into a | | | | cats or humans. They like accompanying their owner |
| rugged cat that had water-resistant and a thick | | | | wherever they go. They can be quite dog-like in |
| longhair coat. | | | | terms of behaving as they like to play fetch. |
| Maine Coons are known for their size as they are | | | | |