| Have you ever heard of a cat that behaves like a | | | | 3- Many original Coon cats had six toes (called |
| dog? A cat with a long bushy tail more like a raccoon | | | | polydactylism). These cats do have large paws, but |
| than a feline? A domestic cat that doesn't meow… | | | | the majority of the present-day cats do not have six |
| We're talking about Maine Coon cats. Although they | | | | toes. This trait almost disappeared because show |
| share some features with other animals, such as their | | | | rings disqualified cats with extra toes. |
| tufted ears (like a lynx), a ruff around their neck (like | | | | 4- Named "Gentle Giants" for their affectionate |
| a lion), and a bushy tail (like a raccoon), they have | | | | behavior and large size. These cats are playful and |
| several characteristics which are unlike any other | | | | silly even as they grow into adults, though they don't |
| cats. . | | | | reach maturity until ages 3 to 5 years. |
| 1- Their thick fur is unlike other cats. It is soft, silky, | | | | 5- Their popularity has increased. In 1985, the state |
| heavy, glossy, and water-resistant. Their ears are | | | | of Maine announced the Maine Coon as their official |
| more heavily tufted inside and on the tips than other | | | | state cat. In the Cats Fancier's Association, the Maine |
| cats. These cats have adapted for harsh, outdoor | | | | Coon Cat is the second most popular cat. |
| weather. Their long hair protects them from the cold, | | | | 6- They interact with behavior more commonly seen |
| while the shorter hair around their neck keeps them | | | | in dogs. They play fetch with their owners and prefer |
| from being tangled in bushes. Their long tail is | | | | to chase objects on the ground rather than climb or |
| resistant to sinking in snow and can be wrapped | | | | jump to higher surfaces. They often follow family |
| around their backside or neck for extra warmth. | | | | members around the house from room to room |
| 2- Larger than life. Although one of the largest | | | | offering "help". The cats can also be trained to |
| breeds of domestic cats, the Maine Coon cat looks | | | | accept a leash. |
| even larger because of its large boned, | | | | 7- Their distinctive meow is more birdlike. Their |
| rectangular-build, and semi-long hair. There have been | | | | musical chirp or trill is high and seemingly out of place |
| stories of these cats weighing 30 or more pounds. | | | | for this large cat. They are talkative cats and often |
| Typically, Coon cats weigh between 12 to 25 pounds. | | | | chirp to play with people, get attention, and to mate. |