Maine Coon cats
Maine Coons are one of the oldest natural breeds of cats in North America and are a domestic breed. They were massively popular in the 1800s but then in the 20th century they became threaten when a number of other long haired breeds were introduced from around the world. However they managed to become popular again and are now the second most popular breed in North America.
They are noticeable for their large bone structure, long thick fur and long body, they are one of the largest breeds of cat in the world, a male Maine Coon tends to weigh in at its largest at 25 lbs and females at their largest weigh in at 18 lbs. Both genders of the breed can reach around 16 inches, the tallest a Maine Coon cat has reached is 40 inches. Their tail can reach 14 inches long and is heavily furred; many have likened it to a raccoon's tail.
Their body is very rectangular but solid and muscular, which is something they need in order to allow them to carry their own weight. Maine Coons take quite a while to physically mature and you will find that they don't reach their full size until they are around 3 or 4 years old.
They can either be long-haired or medium-haired, either way their coat tends to be silky and thick, their coat also tends to be shorter on their head and shoulders and at its longest on their stomach. Although they have a very thick coat they are one of the breeds of cats that need the least amount of grooming, because they have a undercoat that is particularly light in its density, their coat is extremely self maintaining, their coat also gets thicker in the winter to keep them warm and thinner in the summer to keep them cool. They can be a number of colours with the most common being a brown tabby colour.
Maine Coons have a number of physical changes through-out the year to suit each season, for example in the winter their fur becomes thicker, and water-resistant, particularly on their stomachs and backs allowing them to have extra protection when laying down or walking through wet/snow like areas/surfaces. Due to their tails ability to reach such a long length they are able to wrap it around their shoulders and face as protection, they also tend to curl it up and use it as a cushion when sitting down. They also have large paws which make walking through the snow easier. Maine Coons are also known for having one or more extra toes.
Even though Maine Coons grow to such a massive size they are one of the gentlest breeds, they are extremely loyal to their family and for this reason can be a bit cautious around strangers. They get on well around other cats; they are also confident around dogs and are good around children. They are a very playful breed and you will find that male Maine's are very clownish whilst the females are elegant and dignified. Maine Coon's all tend to have a fascination with water, some link this to being down to their ancestors living on ships all their lives.
In general they are a healthy breed, but some can suffer from the feline disease Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, HCM. Middle aged/older cats and males cats are more likely to get the disease which can result in heart failure, the disease can also paralysis their hind legs and cause sudden death.
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