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