| Amongst the largest cat breeds, Maine Coon is an | | | | enables it to retain heat better. Other features |
| intelligent and pretty animal. As the name implies, the | | | | including big bright eyes and long tufted ears are also |
| cat originated from the state of Maine in United | | | | survival mechanisms. Paws have fur between pads, |
| States where it is officially recognized as the State | | | | enabling the cat to tread with ease on snow. The |
| Cat. It is a native of that place and is found | | | | long bushy tail shields the cat's face against cold as it |
| widespread in many parts there for more than a | | | | curls up to rest and nap. |
| century now. Some believe it evolved from mating of | | | | Maine Coons are healthy cats overall though they do |
| imported longhairs and native shorthaired felines of | | | | have occasional genetic defects as many other cats |
| Maine. In any case, the cat existed and survived in | | | | do. Some have the relatively harmless extra toes, |
| that natural habitat long before it was formally bred. | | | | polydactyly, while others have the somewhat sinister |
| Also known as Maine Cat or Coon Cat, this felid's | | | | hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Both of these, |
| hallmark features are its big size and distinctive coat. | | | | however, are relatively infrequent occurrences. |
| Adult may reach over twenty pounds in weight and | | | | Bright and playful, Maine Coons are quite popular as |
| be as much as a meter in length, with males being | | | | pets. They are adoring yet not overly demanding and |
| the larger of the two genders. Coat is long and exists | | | | are quite capable of grooming and managing |
| in two layers. In many ways, the physical makeup of | | | | themselves. They are easy to train and their |
| this animal is in adaptation to its life in the wild in the | | | | flamboyant nature means that they are much adored |
| harsh climate of its native land. The thick coat | | | | everywhere. |
| protects it from the severe winter and large body | | | | |