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