| We love our pets don't we? Choosing the right | | | | or New England seamen. |
| family pet is a serious project. The pet you | | | | Whatever the origin of the Maine Coon Cat, it is |
| choose will be part of the family for years to | | | | one of the most loved breeds in the US and |
| come and will likely always be remembered. For | | | | beyond. Why else would there be so many |
| children, a pet is an important part of their life. | | | | legends behind this breed? People love their Maine |
| They learn a lot from pet ownership, including | | | | Coon Cats and help add to their mystique through |
| responsibility, caring for others, relationship skills, | | | | speculating on their origins. |
| and more. | | | | The breed almost disappeared in the early 1900's |
| Whatever pet you choose, keep in mind the | | | | after being very popular in the 1800's. In the first |
| impact a pet has on every member of your | | | | part of the 20th century Persian, Angora, and |
| family. If you are planning to add a cat to your | | | | Siamese Cats, along with other exotic imported |
| family, you should consider a Maine Coon Cat | | | | cats became all the rage and the Maine Coon Cat |
| (often incorrectly spelt Mancoon cat). They are | | | | was only popular among a few breeders. |
| one of the oldest breeds of cats in the United | | | | You will recognize a Maine Coon Cat when you |
| States and make a great addition to any family. | | | | see one, but especially if you get the chance to |
| Next to the Siamese cat, the Maine Coon Cat is | | | | pet one. Their coat of hair is water-resistant and |
| the most popular breed of cat there is. These | | | | thick and has a feel like no other cat's coat. The |
| cats were the only cat breed native to the United | | | | Maine Coon Cat is built for survival in harsh |
| States, but now there are Maine Coon Cat in | | | | climates. It's hair is longer on the undersides while |
| every corner of the world. Harsh winters in the | | | | shorter on the top of the neck and back to keep |
| Northeastern part of the US caused this cat to | | | | them from getting tangled in bushes. |
| evolve as a breed that can withstand the cold. | | | | Maine Coon Cats tend to be long, broad and |
| There is a myth about the origins of the Maine | | | | muscular with larger bones than other cats. Their |
| Coon Cat. It's bushy tail has led people to believe | | | | large round paws enable them to walk on snow |
| that it was originally the result of a cat mated | | | | similar to a human with snowshoes. The Maine |
| with a raccoon. The Maine Coon Cat's coloring also | | | | Coon Cat's tail is as long as his or her body and |
| adds to the myth. That's how it got the name | | | | bushy. To keep warm they wrap their tail |
| Maine Coon first, then Maine Coon Cat afterwards. | | | | completely around themselves like a fur coat. |
| Amateur historians have their own myth about | | | | These huge cats are very loyal to the family that |
| the Maine Coon Cat. They say the cat originated | | | | adopts them and they have a personality that |
| from pets that Marie Antoinette sent to the US. | | | | belies their great size. They are good-natured and |
| That story says a Captain Clough rescued her | | | | fun-loving pets that are good around children. The |
| long-haired cats and was preparing to rescue her | | | | voice of the Maine Coon Cat is something you will |
| from the guillotine as well, but was only able to | | | | have to get used to. It's a high-pitched squeak |
| save the cats. | | | | that doesn't seem to fit such a large cat. |
| Real historians have their own theory. They say | | | | I hope this article has helped you to learn more |
| Maine Coon Cats are likely a cross breed between | | | | about Maine Coon Cats and that it will encourage |
| short-haired cats here and long-haired cats from | | | | you to adopt one as part of your family. |
| overseas that were brought here by the Vikings | | | | |