Maine Coon

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is an American breed of domestic cat, known for its large size and typically affectionate nature. The first part of the breed's name reflects its New England roots. The origins of second part ("coon") is unknown, but may be based on a myth that the cat is a hybrid of feline and raccoon.

Traits

Maine Coons are typically large and long in body, with heavy, glossy coats, and tufts of fur on the tips of the ears and between the toes. Disposition is usually gentle and affectionate. They're known for high intelligence, a penchant for causing household mischief, and for making a "trilling" or "cooing"sound, as distinct from the typical feline "meow."

History

The Maine Coon is believed to be descended from from the interbreeding of American shorthaired cats with long-haired European breeds, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat. Maine Coons and their ancestral breeds are believed to have been kept as working cats on merchant ships and New England farms, for the purpose of catching pests.

Fast Facts

Known as the "gentle giant" of the feline world
The longest domestic cat on record is a Maine Coon 49 inches (121cm) in length
America's first indigenous show cat
In 1985, the Maine Coon was named the state cat of Maine
May weigh up to 25 pounds

Categories

Pets | Animals | Cats

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The Mahalo Top 7

Cat Fanciers' Association: Maine Coon
Iams Cat Breed Guide: Maine Coon
Wikipedia: Maine Coon
Official Site: Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association
Official Site: United Maine Coon Cat Association
MSN Live Image Search: Maine Coon
About.com: Maine Coon Cat Breed Profile

Maine Coon Background and Characteristics

UK: Maine Coon Cat Club What is a Maine Coon Cat?
Cat Fanciers: Maine Coon FAQ
American Cat Fanciers Association: Maine Coon
Central Pets: Maine Coon

Maine Coon Rescue and Adoption

Main Coon Rescue
United Maine Coon Cat Rescue League
Fanciers Breeder Referral List: Maine Coon
Yahoo! Groups: Pets: Maine Coon Alliance Rescue Network

Maine Coon Care and Special Needs

Maine Coon Health

The Merck Veterinary Manual: Cardiomyopathies
Cat Fanciers' Association: "Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Advice for Breeders"
Winn Feline Foundation: "Feline Hip Dysplasia"(2006)
Wikipedia: Maine Coon Health Considerations
Amazon.com: Main Coon Cat (Pet Love) Book

Maine Coon Photos and Videos

UK: Maine Coon Cat Club: Gallery of Maine Coon Colors
Flickr: Main Coon Cats
Google Image Search: Maine Coon
Yahoo! Image Search: Maine Coon
Google & YouTube Video: Maine Coon

Maine Coon History and Trivia

Maine Coon Rescue: History, Legends and Myths of the Maine Coon
Cat Fanciers' Association: "America's First Show Cat - The Maine Coon Cat"
Verismocat.com: Characteristics, History and Origins of Maine Coon Cats
Maine Secretary of State Kid's Page: State Symbol: Maine Coon Cat
Dirigo Maine Coon Cats: Legends of the Main Coon Cat

Maine Coon Related Merchandise

Amazon.com: Maine Coon Cat Books and Merchandise
Animal Den: Maine Coon Cat Gifts
eBay: Maine Coon Cat Merchandise
CafePress: Maine Coon Cat T-Shirts and Gifts

Related Pages on Mahalo

Exotic Shorthair | Cats | Cat Food | Cat Allergy | Pet Toys | Abyssinian (Cat) | American Shorthair | Burmese (Cat) | Cat Food | Cat Allergy

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