Cats are the second hottest pet in the US. Many households have multiple, and so they’ve been our companions for roughly 12,000 years.1 They’ve additionally succeeded past our expectations as mousers. The Worldwide Cat Affiliation (TICA) acknowledges 73 breeds.2 The variations exist primarily with colours, temperaments, and dimension.
Male Maine Coons can recover from 20 kilos, whereas females are smaller at round 15 kilos. They’re the quintessential mild large and make affectionate animal companions. Maine Coons get together with all people, together with different household pets. It speaks to the selective breeding that introduced out these fascinating traits. So, let’s check out some fascinating details about this distinctive breed.
The 12 Maine Coon Details:
1. Maine Coons Are an All-American Cat
The Maine Coon’s title most likely offers it away, however this cat is native to North America, though their origins are a bit murky. Some tales level to a hybrid between home animals and wild ones, with the raccoon contributing its distinctive tail and title to this feline. It’s extra probably a cross between cats in North America with long-haired varieties from Europe.
2. Pet Homeowners Describe Maine Coons as Canine-like in Their Temperament
This reality most likely isn’t a stretch, given the cat’s dimension. Anecdotal proof means that Maine Coons act extra like canines than felines. They’re social in methods we affiliate extra with canine. They’re lively pets and entertaining to observe. Some might even play video games like fetch.
3. Maine Coons Don’t Attain Their Optimum Dimension and Conformation Till 3 to 4 Years Outdated
Giant canine breeds attain sexual maturity later than small ones. The identical applies to Maine Coons. Consequently, the breed requirements of the foremost cat registries advocate ready till this time to present the animals time to succeed in their peak conformation. The cats will present their greatest should you give them time to get their full grownup dimension.
4. Maine Coons Are A part of an Elite Group of Three Different Felines Acknowledged as State Cats
Once more, the animal’s title offers away this reality. The state has adopted the feline as their very own, making them the state cat in 1985. This honor is shared by another fortunate animals. Maryland acknowledges the calico, whereas Massachusetts has the tabby cat. California, Colorado, and Tennessee gave this prestigious recognition to shelter and rescue animals.
5. Maine Coons Are Effectively-Tailored to Their Native Land
The diversifications obvious on this cat live proof of their origin. Their thick, water resistant coat is an asset in Maine’s frigid winters. It’s additionally longer and dense on the animal’s underside, the place they may want it probably the most. Even their bushy tail helps the Maine Coon courageous the chilly. The animal wraps it round their physique when sleeping to remain toasty heat, not not like an Arctic Fox.
6. Maine Coons Have a Distinctive Vocalizations
Researchers have documented 21 vocalizations in pet cats. The meow we affiliate with our feline companions is exclusive to the cat-human relationship. Maine Coons take it one step additional with their trilling and chirping as a substitute of meows to get their house owners’ consideration. It’s one other factor that makes them such pleasant pets.
7. Maine Coons Can Swim
Felines aren’t significantly keen on water, besides maybe for the appropriately named Fishing Cat. The Maine Coon is the exception on the home entrance. Their water resistant coat is undoubtedly an element. Pet house owners report their feline companions not minding the occasional tub. Some even swim. The probably origin of the breed and affiliation with sea journey might clarify these traits.
8. Maine Coons Have Been Cloned
Anybody who has ever misplaced a pet understands the overwhelming grief of shedding a beloved animal companion. It’s not shocking {that a} Texas cat proprietor opened her pockets to get her Maine Coon kitty cloned. The unidentified particular person misplaced her pet, Nicky, in 2003. Little Nicky is a clone of the girl’s animal companion. The worth tag was $50,000.
9. In response to the Cat Fanciers’ Affiliation (CFA), Maine Coons Are the Second Most Fashionable Breed
The Cat Fanciers’ Affiliation (CFA) is one other main cat registry. The numbers inform the story concerning the favourite breeds. The Maine Coon captured second place in 2021. It’s a powerful accomplishment because the group first formally acknowledged the breed in 1976. Additionally it is the most important of the pedigreed felines, however the Norwegian Forest Cat is comparable in dimension and temperament.
10. The Maine Coon Is available in a Kaleidoscope of Colours and Patterns
Many cat breeds have a singular set of colours and patterns that determine them. For instance, a Siamese is unmistakable. The Maine Coon is one other story. The CFA’s breed standard lists a number of lessons, together with smoke, tabby, and stable coloration, with many variations inside every one. A potential pet proprietor could have a dizzying array of selections, with 75 coloration combos out there.
11. Maine Coons Are Typically Polydactyl Cats With Six Toes
Polydactyl cats are frequent amongst Maine Coons. It makes evolutionary sense this mutation would persist within the breed. The additional toe makes their paws extra like snowshoes for traipsing by way of the deep snow of their native Maine. The TICA has a separate listing for the polydactyl felines to account for this trait. The CFA lists further toes as a disqualification.
12. Maine Coons Are the One of many Oldest North American Cat Breeds
The Maine Coon is one of the oldest breeds in North America. That partly explains the murky historical past of this cat. It’s price mentioning formal selective breeding is comparatively new. Fanatics began the method with canine about 160 years ago. The CFA was based in 1906. Maine Coons have an oral historical past tied to the state and its individuals.
Conclusion
The Maine Coon is a beautiful cat that’s as pleasant and lovable as they are beautiful. They’ve many distinctive qualities for somebody in search of a superb household pet that may get together with all family members. They might not be lap cats, however they greater than make up for it with their antics and entertaining habits.
Featured Picture Credit score: Utekhina Anna, Shutterstock
