The Maine raccoon cat or Maine Coon, was bred over 100 years ago in North America, where it is rightfully considered a national pride.
According to one legend, this cat came from the love of a cat and a raccoon cat, from which many Maine Coons inherited a striped tail. The second legend says about crossbreeding with the North American lynx. In favor of this version speak (or proof of this version are) all known tassels on the ears. However, both versions are impossible because of species differences and the impossibility of interspecific crosses.
The truth is that Maine Coons are a natural population of the American feline metropolis. Its formation for many years was determined by nature itself, which made these cats large and physically robust animals that survive well in harsh winters.
Since ancient times, the Raccoon Cat from the state of Men has lived on farms, and its main duty was to control numerous rodents. Living in a semi-feral state on farms, in villages, and often just on the streets, these cats were able to survive by adapting to the harsh New England climate. Only the most hardy individuals with strongly developed musculature were given the opportunity to participate in further breeding.
Maine Coons develop slowly and reach maturity only at 4-5 years of age. By this age, the weight of males can reach 12-15 kg, females weigh less. They are large, gentle and good-natured giants.
Important distinguishing features of Maine Coons are the shape of the head, ears, body and the texture of the wool.
The head is slightly elongated more in length than in width, with a slightly curved profile and high cheekbones. The ears are large and broad at the base, high-set, well pubescent inside. The tassels on the ears are lynx-like. The neck is of medium length, the body is long and the chest is broad. The tail is the same length as the body.
The Maine Coon’s tail is its pride, often described by authors as “a tail with a cat on the end”. Once again, nature has proven that a beautiful tail can be an important factor in an animal’s survival. When a Maine Coon lies down on the cold ground, it wraps this bale of fur around itself to protect itself from the cold. Foxes and other animals with fluffy tails do the same thing. The long tail also serves as a “rudder”, helping to coordinate the animal’s movements.
Wool Maine Coon dense and short on the neck and shoulders gradually lengthens to the croup, which gives him the opportunity to move in forests and shrub thickets. The coat on the back and flanks is called the “cover coat”. This is a dense, water-repellent coat that serves to protect the animal from external factors.
The Maine Coon has extremely long whiskers, which is also a gift from nature. Being nocturnal predators, they could sense the proximity of branches and bushes without bumping into them in the dark.
Maine Coons have a long body with a broad rib cage and have incredible mass and strength.
However, the breed gained worldwide love not only for its appearance, but more so for its gentle and accommodating nature. Supporting Maine Coons for their rat-catching abilities, people increasingly admired their friendliness and intelligence. These tough looking cats are giants, completely devoid of aggression towards humans and other animals. That’s why they easily get along in families where there are small children, dogs or other animals.
Maine Coon – this is an amazing animal that arouses respect for itself. It strikingly combines power, strength and grace with a soft character, the look of a wild and independent beast with a gentle purr. They possess a voice of exceptional beauty. You will not hear from a Maine Coon howling or boring meowing, they are extremely musical and all their emotions are conveyed by a melodic purr.
This is a very intelligent and noble animal, the beauty of which pleases us like everything perfect. Their intelligence is not inferior to their size, they are very intelligent and logical in all their actions. Cats of this breed are never isolated from kittens. They are directly involved in the education of offspring on a par with cats, and if you have a small child at home, the best babysitter you just can not find.
They get along well with all members of the family, but still prefer to choose one owner for themselves. With strangers they are polite and loyal, but do not tolerate familiarity.
Maine Coons have a good memory. They are able to memorize many words and intonations and can understand a person by a barely noticeable gesture or look.
In nature Maine Coons look very harmonious and feel excellent. As a rule, there are no attempts to run away. They are not embarrassed by either fall puddles or winter snowdrifts.
Their love of water is simply unique. They are happy to play with water and bathe, even if during bathing their owners shampoo them several times. Maine Coons require no special grooming and are perfect for those who love long-haired cats but don’t have the time for daily combing.
Maine Coons are very agile and curious. They have time for everything, always and everywhere – to help make dinner, watch TV, play and run around. Like all large animals, Maine Coons must have free space for movement. They like to watch their owners from a height. Sometimes they seem to know more about us than we realize.
You can talk about Maine Coons for a long time, but it is much more interesting to watch them.
