| Like many older breeds, the origin of the | | | | but do not need their attention. They prefer |
| Maine Coon is unclear and steeped in rumor. | | | | instead, to spend time with them in the same |
| Some believe Maine Coons, also known as | | | | room, but not necessarily to interact. They |
| American Longhair, American Shag, American | | | | are not a lap cap, and can be quiet |
| Forest Cat, American Snughead and Maine Trick | | | | independent, but will follow people into |
| Cat, are a cross between semi-domestic wild | | | | other rooms to be near them. Unlike many |
| cats and raccoons (doubtful if not | | | | breeds, Maine Coons do not like to jump or |
| impossible). Others believe that Marie | | | | perch in high places, instead preferring to |
| Antoinette sent her beloved Angoras to | | | | chase things on the ground. |
| America for safety. They escaped and inbred | | | | |
| with wild cats. Still others believe a cat | | | | Some Maine Coons can be trained to play fetch |
| was brought to Maine by Captain Coon and the | | | | and generally do well with children, thanks |
| cat escaped to live in the wilds of Maine. | | | | to their loving nature. This breed is |
| | | | generally healthy but can be prone to hip |
| Whatever the origins, it is generally agreed | | | | dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. Some Maine |
| that the Maine Coon is the one of the oldest | | | | Coons are born with an extra toe, though this |
| Native American breed of cat and they were an | | | | does not mean anything for them medically, it |
| established domestic and hunting cat by the | | | | will only disqualify them from being shown. |
| 1800s, but were not recognized as an actual | | | | |
| breed of cat until 1967. Maine Coons are a | | | | There is a website that has great information |
| hearty breed due to the New England winters | | | | on Maine Coon and most other breeds of cats. |
| they endured early on. This has resulted in a | | | | It has details that pertain to a cat breeds |
| semi-long shaggy coat in almost all colors | | | | health, grooming, living conditions, best |
| that makes it look like a wild Lynx. This | | | | food choices and more, the website is called: |
| coat does require regular grooming, which is | | | | Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this |
| enjoyed by the cat. | | | | url: |
| | | | |
| Maine Coons males will reach an average | | | | By Robert W. Benjamin |
| weight of thirteen to eighteen pounds and | | | | |
| females of nine to twelve pounds, though with | | | | Copyright © 2007 |
| their thick coats, they may look larger. They | | | | |
| mature slowly and are not considered adult | | | | You may publish this article in your ezine, |
| until somewhere between ages three and five | | | | newsletter, or on your web site as long as it |
| (when they stop growing) and will live | | | | is reprinted in its entirety and without |
| approximately twelve years. | | | | modification except for formatting needs or |
| | | | grammar corrections. |
| Maine Coons do enjoy their human companions, | | | | |