What is the official state cat of Maine?
The Maine Coon became Maine's official state cat in 1985, which makes sense for a breed that developed naturally in the state's harsh New England winters.
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Maine Coon Facts
Maine coon facts and facts about maine coons.
10 facts on this shelf
Which breed won the first major cat show in the US?
A brown tabby Maine Coon named Cosey won the first major cat show in the US, held at Madison Square Garden in 1895.
Are Maine Coons part raccoon?
A popular legend claims Maine Coons came from cats mating with raccoons, which explains the name and bushy tails, but that is biologically impossible. The Maine Coon is 100% cat.
What is the longest domestic cat on record?
A Maine Coon from Italy named Barivel was measured at about 3 feet 11 inches (120 cm) long, earning the Guinness World Record for the longest living domestic cat in 2023.
Why were extra toes common in early Maine Coons?
Polydactyly, having extra toes, was once very common in Maine Coons and may have worked like natural snowshoes for walking on snow. Many show standards now disqualify it, but some breeders keep polydactyl lines going.
How is the Maine Coon built for cold weather?
The Maine Coon is basically built for winter, with a shaggy water-resistant coat, a thick neck ruff, tufted ears, big furry paws, and a long bushy tail it can wrap around itself for warmth.
What sounds do Maine Coons make?
Maine Coons are known for chirping and trilling, surprisingly small, bird-like sounds coming from such a big cat, instead of loud meowing.
How long does it take a Maine Coon to fully grow?
Maine Coons are slow to mature and can take three to five years to reach their full size, so a Maine Coon "kitten" can keep growing well past its second birthday.
What heart disease are Maine Coons screened for?
Maine Coons can carry a gene mutation linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a disease that thickens the heart muscle, so responsible breeders use DNA tests to screen breeding cats.
Did the Maine Coon almost disappear?
After Persians arrived in the US in the early 1900s, the Maine Coon lost popularity so badly that it was nearly written off by the mid-1900s. Dedicated breed clubs revived it, and it's now the most popular pedigreed cat in the CFA rankings.