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What is a Maine Coon Cat

by: JohnSavage
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The Maine Coon Cat is a domestic breed of cat. In fact, it is one of the largest domestic cats in existence, and is characterized with a bushy tail, which is usually striped and long fur. The Maine Coon Cat is native to North America. In fact, it is believed that the Maine Coon is actually native to the state of Maine, and the Maine Coon is the Maine State Cat.

The Maine Coon has been around for more than a century, and it is believed that their physical design enables them to withstand the harsh winters of New England. Everything from their overall size, to the shape of their paws, to the thickness of their fur makes them suitable animals for harsh winter weather. Furthermore, their fur has a water resistant quality to it.

There are numerous legends associated with this special breed of domestic cat. Some are possible, while others simply are not. Some believe that Maine Coon Cats came into existence when domestic cats and raccoons mated. However, this is not possible - and therefore, not considered to be true by experts. One legend that is more likely, however, is that Maine Coon Cats came into existence when short haired native cats mated with cats that the Vikings brought over. This legend is more possible, because the Maine Coon appears to be closely related to the Norwegian Forest Cat.

At one time only the brown tabbie was considered to be a proper Maine Coon, any cat of a different color was called a Maine Shag Cat. The people who have studied the Maine Coon over the years are generally of the opinion that long haired cats from overseas, probably Europe, mated with the domestic short haired cat, and produced what we know today as the Maine Coon.

Maine Coons have very special personaities similar in many ways to the family dog. Call out their name, and they will come bounding towards you. Go out for the day, and on your return you will find them eagerly waiting for you on the doorstep. They love people, and other animals, and in return they like a lot of love and attention themselves.

You may or may not be aware that cat shows have been taking place around the country since 1861, and it was in the 1900's, with the introduction of the Persian cat, that the Maine Coons popularity began to wane. But they bounced back again in the 1950's and their own Association was formed in 1968, the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association, with the express purpose of protecting the breed. However it was another 12 years before all the cat registries recognized the breed.

Today, there are thousands of people who own, show and adore the Maine Coon Cat. The MCBFA, which was founded so long ago, by just six breeders, now has a membership of over 200 breeders, with approximately 2000 other members (non-breeders) as well.

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What is a Maine Coon Cat

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