Featured Breed – Maine Coon

History

According to petmd.com, Maine Coons have inhabited America for centuries. It was one of the first breeds to be officially recognized in the early 19^th century and has gained popularity ever since. It’s also a seasoned winner in cat shows. In 1895, Cosey, a Maine Coon, was awarded Best in Show at the first ever cat show in New York City. Since then, the breed has won numerous show awards.

Looks

If you’re familiar with the Maine Coon, you know that it’s a large cat. Typically, adults weigh anywhere between 12 to 18 pounds. Fun fact: the largest living domestic cat, as calculated by the Guinness World Records, is a Maine Coon named Ludo, who measured in at 118.33 cm (3 feet, 10.59 inches) long in 2015.

Another unmistakable feature of the Maine Coon is its beautiful long-haired coat. It’s smooth, shaggy, and water-repellent and comes in a variety of colors. Because of their long fur, regular grooming is necessary.

Characteristics

The Maine Coon is known for its gentle giant demeanor and its ability to get along with everyone—even canine siblings! According to mainecoon.org, they are typically intelligent, friendly, playful and curious. And like most cats, they love to hunt and chase, and are extremely loyal.

Fun Facts

• They are the largest domestic cat breed.
• Their large paws and layered fur originated to help them walk in the snow, and their bushy tails were meant to wrap around their body for extra warmth.
• Maine Coons are often referred to as the “dogs of the cat world.” This is due to their social demeanor and eagerness for human interaction.
• Some Maine Coons are known for their love of water. They even have water-resistant fur!