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Maine Coons are known to be one of the largest domestic cats and oldest natural breeds in North America. The Maine Coon named after its origin state of Maine and is the official Maine State Cat. Maine Coons were recognized as a specific breed in 1861 with a 22 pound male called Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines.   It is thought and believed that the breed originated in matings between shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs Angora.

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Maine Coons make the perfect pet. They are the gentle giants of the cat world, and often thought of as the dogs of the cat world, their personality and size being compared often to dogs.  . Coons are easygoing, intelligent, playful, affectionate and like to follow their owners around the house. They are not destructive and would much rather lounge around with their humans. They don't speak often, but when they do it is with an endearing voice with tiny chirps or coo's. Their coats are easy care, with a once a week brushing and a delight to touch, with a softness beyond compare. They are larger than most other breeds, with females ranging from 9 to 12 pounds, and males from 12 to 16 pounds, some reaching 20 or more.

Many legends have been told about the Maine Coon. One, that they are the offspring of Marie Antoinette's Angora' s or that they came on Vikings ships and bred with early settlers cats. For a history of the Maine Coon visit: 

 

 http://www.cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/MaineCoon/MCArticle.aspx

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