The Maine Coon cat is one of the largest domesticated breeds of felines. In fact, the title for the “longest cat” in the 2010 Guinness World Records was held by Stewie, who measured 48.5 in (123 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Male cats can weight up to 35 lb (15.9 kg). The origins of the Maine Coon, however, are shrouded in mystery. Although genetically impossible, one myth holds that the cat is the result of breeding between cats and raccoons; another states that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, tried to flee execution her favorite Turkish Angora cats. While she didn't make it to the US, the cats supposedly landed on the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they began to breed.
Maine Coon Cats Images
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Maine Coon Cats Facts
The Maine Coon is among the largest domesticated breeds of cat. It has a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically native to the state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.
Although no records exist regarding the Maine Coon's exact origins and date of introduction to the United States, there are multiple competing theories. The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long-haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century. The Maine Coon has since made a comeback and is now one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.
The Maine Coon is a large and sociable cat, hence its nickname – "the gentle giant", and is characterised by a robust bone structure, rectangular body shape, a silky flowing coat and a long, bushy tail. The breed's colors vary widely, with only lilac and chocolate disallowed for pedigree. Reputed for its intelligence and playful, gentle personality, the Maine Coon is often cited as having "dog-like" characteristics. Professionals notice certain health problems in the breed including feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia, but reputable breeders use modern screening methods to minimize the frequency of these problems.
Maine Coon Cats Description
Maine Coons are the largest breed of domestic cat. Males weigh from 21 to 35 lb (9.5 to 15.9 kg) with females weighing from 15 to 29 lb (6.8 to 13.2 kg). The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm) and they can reach a length of up to 48 in (120 cm), including the tail, which can reach a length of 14 in (36 cm) and is long, tapering, and heavily furred, almost resembling a raccoon's tail. The body is solid and muscular, which is necessary for supporting their own weight, and the chest is broad. Maine Coons possess a rectangular body shape and are slow to physically mature; their full potential size is normally not reached until they are three to five years old, while other cats take about one year.
In 2010, the Guinness World Records accepted a male purebred Maine Coon named "Stewie" as the "Longest Cat" measuring 48.5 in (123 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Stewie died February 4, 2013, from cancer at his home in Reno, Nevada, at age 8. Large Maine coons can overlap in length with Eurasian lynxes, although with a much lighter build and lower height.
The Maine Coon is a longhaired, or medium-haired, cat. The coat is soft and silky, although texture may vary with coat color. The length is shorter on the head and shoulders, and longer on the stomach and flanks with some cats having a lion-like ruff around their neck. Minimal grooming is required for the breed, compared to other long-haired breeds, as their coat is mostly self-maintaining owing to a light-density undercoat. The coat is subject to seasonal variation, with the fur being thicker in the winter and thinner during the summer.
Maine Coon Cats Costs
If you're thinking of adding a Maine Coon cat to your family, be warned – they're expensive. The average price for is $1,000.
Did you know that Maine Coon cats can sing too? Check out Max in the video below to see a Maine Coon cat in all his glory!
[youtube width=”800″ height=”500″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s8SU1mLhYU[/youtube]
Maine Coon Cats Health
Pet insurance data obtained from a study during years 2003 – 2006 in Sweden puts the median lifespan of the Maine Coon at >12.5 years. 74% lived to 12 years or more and 54% lived to 16.5 years or more. Maine Coons are generally a healthy and hardy breed and have adapted to survive the New England climate. The most severe threat is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common heart disease seen in cats, whether pure bred or not. In Maine Coons, it is thought to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Middle-aged to older cats as well as males are thought to be predisposed to the disease. HCM is a progressive disease and can result in heart failure, paralysis of the hind legs due to clot embolization originating in the heart, and sudden death. A specific mutation that causes HCM is seen in Maine Coons for which testing services are offered. Of all the Maine Coons tested for the MyBPC mutation at the Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine located at Washington State University, approximately one-third tested positive.Not all cats that tested positive will have clinical signs of the disease and some Maine Coon cats with clinical evidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy test negative for this mutation, strongly suggesting that a second mutation exists in the breed. The HCM prevalence was found to be 10.1% (95% CI 5.8 -14.3 % ) in this study. For more information on Maine Coon Cats Visit Wikipedia.
Maine Coon Cats For Sale
The average price for a Maine Coon Cat is $1,000.
Another option? Apply to one of the many Maine Coon rescue organizations for your new friend. They exist across the US, and adoption fees typically range from about $115 to $300 (or even less for a senior) and may be far less at animal control facilities. And don’t be alarmed if your Maine Coon doesn’t start out very large. Like the Manx, Maine Coons are slow growers and may not reach their full size until they are 3 to 5 years old.
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H/T: boredpanda.com & Wikipedia
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