Maine Coons have a unique look that often makes people think they are aggressive and scary because of their large size and flowing fur that resembles a creature from mythology. However, they are actually very sweet and gentle cats. They are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their kind nature. Their majestic appearance, calm demeanor, and charming personalities make them one of the most popular cat breeds globally.
The Maine Coon cat breed is adored by so many that it has its very own association known as โThe Society for the Preservation of the Maine Coon Cat.โ Established in 1968, this worldwide organization aimed to familiarize people with the breed. Discover some intriguing details about this exceptional feline below:1. They have set multiple world records.
Maine Coon felines are widely recognized for their remarkable size, commonly tipping the scales between 9 and 18 pounds (equivalent to roughly 4.08 – 8.16 kg). These cats, particularly male specimens, can grow even larger, with some weighing as much as 25 pounds (11.34 kg). However, it’s not just their size that’s impressive – Maine Coons have achieved several world records. For example, Barivel, a Maine Coon residing in Italy, holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest-living domestic cat, measuring a staggering 1.2 meters. This record was officially set on May 22, 2018. Prior to Barivel, another Maine Coon named Stewie held the record with an astonishing length of 1.23 meters but unfortunately passed away in 2013.
Introducing Corduroy, a charming Maine Coon feline who has recently been acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the oldest living cat. Born in the US, this male kitty reached the remarkable age of 26 years old. One interesting fact about Maine Coons is that they sport different colored furs.
Most individuals are familiar with Maine Coon cats having the traditional brown or gray-black and white fur. Nonetheless, these giant felines come in various color tones, such as salt-and-pepper, Himalayan, or tortoiseshell. Besides, their eyes usually range from green, yellow, to amber. Besides, these cats are also popularly associated with the state of Maine.
The Maine Coon, a breed of cat hailing from the state of Maine, is named after its place of origin. These cats are well-suited to the cold and snowy winters of New England, thanks to their thick, shaggy, and waterproof fur coat. Despite this, the true origins of the Maine Coon remain shrouded in mystery. Many theories exist, including one that suggests the breed arose from the breeding of French queen Marie Antoinette’s six Angora Turkish cats with local shorthair cats in Wiscasset, Maine during the French Revolution.
There is another idea floating around that Maine Coons are a product of crossbreeding between a domestic shorthair cat and a longhaired feline, which was introduced to New England by Viking seafarers during the 18th century. Additionally, these cats are known for having wonderful personalities.
Maine Coon cats are known for their friendly and gentle disposition, despite their tough exterior. They are affectionate towards water and are loyal, obedient, and trainable. These giants make excellent family pets, especially for those with children, as their sociable and amiable nature has earned them the nickname “cats that act like dogs.” Due to their charming personality and size, they have also garnered a significant following on various social media platforms.
In the 1800s, Maine Coon cats were all the rage. They were so beloved that in 1895, one even won a beauty pageant at Madison Square Garden! Unfortunately, their popularity dwindled in the following century as other long-haired cat breeds became more prevalent in America. However, starting in the 1970s, Maine Coons have made a comeback and are now the third most sought-after cat breed worldwide, according to the Cat Fanciersโ Association.
Maine Coon cats have captured the hearts of many cat lovers as evidenced by their widespread presence on different social media platforms. A quick search for Maine Coon on Instagram reveals a whopping 6.5 million photos showcasing these charming felines. Some of these cats have even gained social media stardom with an impressive fan base. An example is Lotus, a golden-furred cat residing in Sweden, who boasts over 350,000 followers on Instagram.
