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The Maine Coon Cat is North America’s only
natural longhaired breed of cat. These
cats originated in the State of Maine and are the official cat of this
state. It is believed
that this cats’ origin goes back to the early settlers of the 1600’s
that brought longhaired cats across the ocean from Europe or
Scandinavia. These large
cats were cherished for their hunting abilities onboard ship as well as
in warehouses. Their long
shaggy coats with its waterproof ability, large furry paws and ears made
them readily adaptable to the harsh climate of New England.
One particular trait that has remained is the polydactyl or
mitten paw that is natural to this breed.
This trait was almost bred out of the Maine Coons but thankfully
is starting to revive.
Maine Coon’s were considered the working class or
blue-collar cat. They were
prized by sailors, warehouse merchants and farmers for their excellent
hunting skills. It took a
big cat to handle the large vermin and be able to survive with little
coddling. They worked for
their board so to speak and did a good job of it.
There are tales of these cats catching fish and bringing them
home to their families.
All aspects of the Maine Coon point to its
adaptation to a harsh climate. The glossy, heavy and water-resistant
coat, is like no other breed of cat. It is longer on the collar, stomach
and britches to protect against wet and cold, and shorter on the back
and neck to guard against tangling in the brush. The coat falls
smoothly, and requires little maintenance.
A weekly combing will keep it in top condition. The long, bushy
tail, which the cat wraps around himself, can protect him from cold
winters. It has been
said jokingly “this is the tail with the cat attached.”
His ears are more heavily furred than many breeds for protection
from the cold. Big, round,
tufted feet serve as 'snow shoes, even more so with the polydactyl paws.
They have large eyes and tufted ears that are also traits for
survival. The relatively long, square muzzle enhances the ability to
grasp its prey.
This breed of cat is tall, muscular, and large
boned. Males commonly reach 15 to 18 pounds, with females normally
weighing about 9 to 12 pounds and with their long thick coat it appears
to be one big cat!
Maine Coons are slow to grow and don’t reach full
growth maturity until about 4 years old.
Males tend to maintain their kittenish dispositions and can be
clowns. The females can be
a little more reserved but no less loving and gentle natured.
What is funny is their voice.
You would think with such a large cat they would have a big
booming voice, but the Maine Coon has a distinctive, chirping or trill
and a quiet gentle meow.
Maine Coons love to play, and love water.
They are very intelligent and have been compared to dogs for
their loyalties and abilities. It is not uncommon for these cats to learn how to play fetch,
walk on leashes or be seen playing in water (bowls, toilets, sinks,
showers). Polydactyls can
take this one step further. With
their thumbs they can grasp things with in their reach as well as in mid
air. Opening cupboards and
doors is no problem for these very agile cats.
These are definitely people cats.
They will supervise your every move and you will find them in any
room where a family member is. These
are definitely the Gentle Giants of the cat world.
Whether it is a regular footed Maine Coon or a
Polydactyl they are all Maine Coons and a welcome addition to any
family.
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