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The
Maine Coon Cat is America's
first true show cat, according
to the Cat Fancier 's
Association (CFA).
Weighing in at between 12 and 15
lbs.; some males reach 20 lbs.
or more, without an ounce of
fat. Everyone agrees that
the Maine Coon is the "Gentle
Giant" of the domestic cat
kingdom.
The Maine
Coon has an interesting history.
Some fanciers believe that the
breed originated when bobcats
and lynx interbred with domestic
cats brought over on ships from
Europe. Some believe that
the breed got its tabby rings
from the raccoon. One
theory suppose s
that the Maine Coon Cat is
descended from cats belonging to
Marie Antoinette! It is
more likely that the breed
developed naturally from matings
between short and longhaired
domestic cats. The Maine
Coon Cat is sociable, very vocal
(chirps), and - depending on the
breed of dog you have - may be
bigger than your canine!
POPULARITY: 
According to CFA registration
statistics, 4,385 Maine Coon
Cats were registered in 2003.
This makes then 2nd in
popularity for registered cats.
FIRST
RECOGNIZED AS A BREED:
The breed is listed as far back
as 1878 in a Boston cat show
program. The Maine Coon is
known as America's only true
domestic cat.
APPEARANCE:
The Maine Coon is a tabby
patterned longhaired cat.
Its most distinguishing features
are its neck ruff, and the tufts
of hair on the ears, which makes
it resemble some common wild
cats. Its hair is long on
the abdomen and back of the
legs. The CFA recognizes
five color classes in the Maine
Coon: solid, tabby, tabby with
white, tabby with parti-color,
and tabby with other colors.
PREFERENCES: Affection,
love, and a lot of social
interaction.
BIGGEST
CHALLENGE TO OWNER:
The Maine Coon takes longer to
fully mature than other breeds.
You may essentially, have a big
kitten on your hands for three
or four years!
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