When I was in Oxford, I got introduced to my friends gorgeous and fluffy Maine Coon cat. It prompted me to find out more about the breed.
The Maine coon cat breed is one the most popular cat breeds in the UK and USA. This article takes a look at the Maine coon cat breed as well as other reasons why this cat breed has become so popular.
Where does the name Maine Coon come from?
Maine coon cats get their name from an area just north of New York called Maine. This area was originally inhabited by many large black domestic cats.
While Maine coon cat breeders are still not certain of the exact origin of the Maine coon cat.
It is believed that those black domestic cats were descendants from an Asian leopard cat which was brought to America by English settlers.
As a result, many Maine coon cats have been shown to contain genetic markers that can be traced back to Asian leopard cats.
They are Larger than most Cats!
One of the things that make Maine coon cat unique is their large size. The males can weigh between 8 and 12 pounds with females ranging between 6 and 9 pounds.
They are one of the longest domestic cat breeds in existence being able to grow up to fifteen inches long. The Maine coon cat breed is also known for its tufted ears, puffy tail and waterproof coat.
Friendly and Intelligent
Maine coon cats have a reputation for having large personalities and being very intelligent. In fact they are one of the most trainable cat breeds in existence.
These reasons along with their outgoing nature makes this cat breed ideal for households with children.
In addition to their outgoing and playful nature, the Maine coon cat is also very active. They are often seen scaling walls and trees.
As a result, they are considered one of the best mousers in existence because of their large size and athleticism.
The Coat of the Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon cats can do well in a variety of climates. This is due to their water-repellent coat which protects them from cold temperatures and rain.
The Maine coon cat’s coat is one of the major reasons why this breed became so popular. The thick coat protects them from harsh weather conditions and also sheds off dirt as it builds up.
The Maine coon cat’s coat consists of two layers which makes it one of the heaviest coats in existence.
They have a soft undercoat that helps protect their skin from cold temperatures as well as a thick outer coat that protects them from heat, rain and dust.
Since this breed has a water-repellent coat, they are ideal for people who like to spend time outdoors. You can easily train your Maine coon cat to walk on a leash which makes it easy to take them with you when you go for walks in the park or while running errands around town.