About Maine Coon Cats

Numerous legends surround the origins of the Maine Coon Cat. Probably the most often repeated is that the feral cats of Maine were crossbred with raccoons, giving the Maine Coon his appearance and coloring, and henceforth, his name. Another legend has Marie Antoinette sending her prized Angora Cats ahead of her to French Canada during the French Revolution. The queen never joined her beloved cats, thanks to an ill-fated run-in with a guillotine, compliments of the French Revolutionaries.

The most likely origin of the Maine Coon Cat is that they began as the offspring of local farm cats and the Norwegian Forest Cats, brought to North America by the Vikings.

Regardless of origins, the Maine Coon is known as the gentle giant of the feline world. The largest of the domesticated cats, males average between 15 and 20 lbs; females are somewhat smaller. They are a semi-long coated breed with a "shaggy" coat, beautiful long plumed tail, and large ears furnished with both tufts and lynx tips. They also have large feet with tufts between the toes.

Although the most common color seen is the brown tabby, Maine Coons come in almost all colors, with or without white. There is one to match every decor! They are lovable clowns, always willing to play, and have an affectionate purrsonality. They are truly wonderful companions!