Maine Coon

Amongst the largest cat breeds, Maine Coon is an intelligent and pretty animal. As the name implies, the cat originated from the state of Maine in United States where it is officially recognized as the State Cat. It is a native of that place and is found widespread in many parts there for more than a century now. Some believe it evolved from mating of imported longhairs and native shorthaired felines of Maine. In any case, the cat existed and survived in that natural habitat long before it was formally bred.

Also known as Maine Cat or Coon Cat, this felid's hallmark features are its big size and distinctive coat. Adult may reach over twenty pounds in weight and be as much as a meter in length, with males being the larger of the two genders. Coat is long and exists in two layers. In many ways, the physical makeup of this animal is in adaptation to its life in the wild in the harsh climate of its native land. The thick coat protects it from the severe winter and large body enables it to retain heat better. Other features including big bright eyes and long tufted ears are also survival mechanisms. Paws have fur between pads, enabling the cat to tread with ease on snow. The long bushy tail shields the cat's face against cold as it curls up to rest and nap.

Maine Coons are healthy cats overall though they do have occasional genetic defects as many other cats do. Some have the relatively harmless extra toes, polydactyly, while others have the somewhat sinister hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Both of these, however, are relatively infrequent occurrences.

Bright and playful, Maine Coons are quite popular as pets. They are adoring yet not overly demanding and are quite capable of grooming and managing themselves. They are easy to train and their flamboyant nature means that they are much adored everywhere.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Maine Coon cats.