(Lollipop 1975)

Some folks once believed that Maine Coon Cats came from the breeding fo the American bobcat with the domestic cat.  Because there are some similarities, the extra hair in the ears and on the feet.  Some even say the coon cats bred with raccoons. The early Maine Coon looked alot like a raccoon because of it's brown tabby look and bushy ringed tail.

The Maine coon cat always has a cry like a young raccoon. It has a trill or chirp sound. Most coon cats like water.

We know today, this is not true. Domestic cats can't breed with either of these wildlife critters. It's impossible.  There are more stories about how coon cats came about. These are my favorite.

Maine Coon Cats is an American cat. Somewhere in the late 1800's that cats became famous. Around 1920, coon cats started to decline. Due to other long hair cats being bred.

It wasn't till 1968, that an attempt was made to bring the Maine Coon to it proper status. True coon lovers where trying to get the cats recognized and marked for it's status and registered.  The Maine coon was accepted for its status in 1975. Held championship status for American longhair cat.

Maine coon have a heavy & water resistant fur. Their soft, smooth coat must be felt to be appreciate it.  It is a longer ruff on the stomach, britches, ears and feet. This helps protect against the wet and snow.  Under the neck they look like they have a mane. Shorter hair on the back.  They have longer  bushy tails which the cat wraps around itself when it curls up to sleep. The tail is an added feature that helps protect it in the harsh Maine elements.  Their ears are more heavily furred inside and out. They also have extra tufted feet. That make great snowshoes for them in the winter. They also have larger eyes then most other breeds. Their larger ears increase the hearing.  Everthing about the Maine Coon points to its adaption to the harsh climate.

The neck should be medium-long, the torso long and the chest broads. The tail should be twice as long as it's body. They have a lynx like look to their ears. Their eyes are large, round and expressive.

The coon is a little slower to mature.  It usually takes up to four years for it to age.

Male cats can reach up to 20 pounds. Females can reach 12 pounds.

They are mostly gentle, loyal and protective. Some can get highly protective to their families. They are a vocal breed, with a variety of meows, trills and chirps.

One of the oldest breed in North American and is a native of the state of Maine.