Page 166 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

164 C A T AL OG OF BREED S

Oval copper-
colored eyes
Large,
Red coat tufted ears
with smooth,
silky texture
Heavily built,
broad-chested
body
Square
muzzle
Hair longer
on ruff

Medium-long,
sturdy legs

Large, round,
tufted feet
Long,
thick-furred
tail
MAINE COON

AN IMPRESSIVELY LARGE CAT THAT IS KIND-NATURED AND EASY TO KEEP

Place of origin US Regarded as America’s native cat, the popular pet since the mid-20th century. Maine
Date of origin 1800s Maine Coon is named after the state where Coons have many endearing characteristics,
Breed registries CFA, FIFe, it was first recognized. How the breed including a tendency to act like kittens all
GCCF, TICA
first arrived there has been explained their lives. Their voice, described by some as a
Weight range 9–17lb (4–7.5kg)
in various entertaining but mostly improbable birdlike chirp, sounds surprisingly small for
Grooming
tales. Wilder versions of the Maine Coon’s such a big cat. These cats are slow to mature
history put forward the theory that it descends and do not usually reach their full magnificent
Colors and patterns from Scandinavian cats brought in by the growth until about their fifth year.
Many solid colors and shades Vikings, or claim that several cats of this type
in tortoiseshell, tabby, and
bicolor patterns. were sent to the US by Marie Antoinette, SEASONAL COAT
anxious to preserve her pets during the
A Maine Coon in full coat has an immense
French Revolution. The suggestion that the ruff, which is usually shaggier in males
Maine Coon was originally a hybrid between than in females. This provides excellent
feral cats and raccoons can definitely be insulation and would have been a vital
cold-weather
discounted as a scientific impossibility, though
accessory when
the cat’s bushy tail makes it easy to see how Maine Coons were
the idea might once have had credibility. outdoor working
Huge and handsome, the Maine Coon has a cats. The coat
changes
thick, shaggy, waterproof coat that served it seasonally, much
well in its earlier role as a farm cat, leading an of the thick
outdoor life through harsh North American undercoat being
shed in summer.
winters. Once highly regarded for its skills as a
vermin catcher, this breed has become a