Maine coon cats are a well-known breed that has been around for quite some time. However, it is possible that you do not know everything about this particular breed. These cats are commonly referred to as “gentle giants,” and they have an intriguing history. Here are a few fascinating facts about Maine coon cats that might surprise even their most ardent fans: Firstly, Maine coon cats are enormous felines.
Maine coon cats have an average weight of 18 pounds, which is quite impressive. They are so big that people have even confused them with bobcats at times. Additionally, there are multiple intriguing theories surrounding the origin of this feline breed.
It is commonly believed that Maine coon cats are direct descendants of felines brought to Maine by Queen Marie Antoinette amidst the French Revolution. Another theory suggests that their origin stems from a crossbreeding between semi-wild cats and raccoons. However, the most plausible explanation is that they emerged as a result of short-haired cats mating with long-haired domesticated cats brought over by the Vikings in the 1700s. One thing for certain is that Maine coons are well-equipped to endure harsh winter weather.
The Maine coon cats have a unique feature of bushy tails that they can wrap around their bodies to keep themselves warm during chilly weather. Additionally, these cats have an array of coat colors apart from brown.
Maine coons are commonly thought of as having a coloring similar to that of raccoons, but these cats can actually come in a wide variety of colors such as smoke, cream, cameo, mackerel, and tortoiseshell. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) acknowledges all of these coat colors as purebred. In addition, Maine coons made history by winning the first juried cat exhibition held in America.
Back in 1895, a cat exhibition was held at Madison Square Garden in New York, and it was one of the earliest recorded juried events of its kind in the United States. The Maine coon was crowned as the “Best Cat” at this show, which helped to cement its popularity. It’s worth noting that this breed is widely adored across the country, not just in Maine.
In 2015, the CFA disclosed that Maine coons were ranked as the third most favored breed in the United States. Additionally, records show that Europe and Japan are also fond of this feline. Interestingly, one of the notable characters in the Harry Potter movie series was a Maine coon cat.
You got it right! The character of Mrs. Norris in Harry Potter series had three Maine coon cats playing the role of Argus Filch’s pet. Moreover, the first pet to be commercially cloned was a Maine coon cat.
In 2004, a Maine coon cat named Little Nicky made history as the first commercially cloned feline. His owner paid $50,000 to a company called Genetic Savings Clone, Inc., which implanted Little Nicky’s DNA into an egg cell. The resulting kitten was born to a surrogate mother and shared many physical and behavioral traits with Little Nicky. Additionally, the Maine coon breed holds the record for the longest cat ever documented.
The largest domestic cat in the world according to Guinness World Records goes to a massive breed known as the Maine coon. The proud recipient of this title is an 8-year-old feline named Stewie. Not only that, but the Maine coon is also the breed that holds the record for the oldest cat in the world.
Meet Corduroy, the incredible Maine coon who has reached the ripe old age of 26! He has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest domesticated cat in existence. Interestingly, Maine coons are unique in their fondness for water, setting them apart from other feline breeds.
Maine coons exhibit an unusual behavior that is not common among cats – they love spending time in the water. Although the reason for this behavior is not clear, it may be attributed to their thick and water-resistant fur. Numerous owners of Maine coons have observed this trait in their pets. Additionally, many Maine coons are known to have extra toes, a condition referred to as polydactyly.
Did you know that Hemingway’s cats aren’t the only ones with six toes? The Maine coon is another breed that sometimes has an extra thumb. This makes them one of the most interesting cat breeds out there!
