The Look of the Maine Coon cat Breed
His body is medium size to large, muscly, and broad-chested, with a well balanced oblong appearance. The Maine Coon's coat is heavy and shaggy, but shorter on the shoulders and longer on the britches and stomach. He sports a handsome front ruff and a long flowing tail.
A Rainbow of ColoursThe Maine Coon comes in a rainbow of colours. The CFA standard permits most colors and patterns, including tortoise and parti-colors, with the exception of pointed patterns. TICA doesn't mention color in its breed standard, other than that white trim around eyes, lips, and jaw is permitted except in solid colours. Add lynx ear tufts and a charming chirping voice, really like young raccoons, and you've a strikingly pretty but solid and strong pussy, completely fitting to Maine's extraordinary climate conditions.Though named after the raccoon, in contrast to popular folklore, the Maine Coon pussy isn't the result of a moggy breeding with a raccoon ; rather more likely is the tale about a cross between an American domestic pussy-cat and a long-haired pussy-cat ( doubtless an Angora ), brought by ship from Europe.
The " Light Giant"
A full-grown Maine Coon can be an armful ; males can reach as much as twenty-five pounds, females rather less, though the average is twelve to fifteen pounds for males and nine to twelve pounds for females. Normally it takes 3 to 4 years for the "Coon" to reach its full-size. It's sweet disposition and big size blend suitably for the Coon's nickname, " Mild Giant."
Whether you intend to show or breed your Maine Coon, or simply need a pet for your folks, your principal objective will be to choose a good, friendly pussy with no dangerous genetic defects, and the easiest way to find one is thru a responsible breeder. The Breedlist page is a handy place to start, and do not forget the Maine Coon Breeders Index on this site ( see sidebar. ) Similarly at home with kids, dogs, or older folks, the Maine Coon is the ultimate pet, handily earning its standing as the 2nd most well liked breed in America along with it's fond nickname, "The Light Giant." Who can resist?