Considered to be one of the first truly American cats though true origins are quite confused and disparate. Said by some to have been the cats of Marie Antoinette brought over on the ship of Captain Clough to Wiscasset Maine. Some say it was Captain Coon who on his excursions to this continent brought his house cats with him. Others like to think it is a cross between a raccoon and a house cat (zoologically impossible) or perhaps a cross between a house cat and a Bobcat or Lynx (this would explain the ear tufts).

  

However obscure the origins, the characteristics are quite distinct and very much valued - a bruiser of a cat, physically, with a long and large, rectangular body and thick silky fur that repels water, a lush tail and toe and ear tufts.

The Maine Coon is a tough, rugged, muscular working cat, well adapted to cold weather yet is a beautiful cat too, in conformation, coloring (many variations), because of its luxurious c oat and not least because of its disposition.

Some of the words used to describe this breed are elegant, gentle, amiable, loving, faithful, self confident, resourceful, quiet, good tempered, active and healthy.

  

The Maine Coon is also affectionate, playful, intelligent, docile, independent with a moderate need for attention and they are good with children and with other pets. They can weigh 19 lbs. or more and live to 16 or more years.

The Maine Coon also has the distinction of being the first breed to be shown in competitive cat shows. From the early 1860's farmers from all over New England brought their Maine Coons to the annual cat shows at Skowhegan Fair. Gradually, and more recently with the introduction of exotic breeds the popularity of this superb breed declined slightly but the Maine Coon is considered to be the third most popular breed in the United States, according to The Cat Fancier's Association.

Information in this article was obtained from Barrons Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds, Desmond Morris's Cat World as well as from online sources and personal experience.