Facts about Maine coon

The wildest theory states they are a crossbreed of a domestic cat and a raccoon. There are some who claim Maine coons descend from cats sent to Maine, U.S., by Marie Antoinette, who planned to leave France during the French Revolution. Both theories do not appeal to scientists.

The most plausible theory is that they are descendants of a crossbred of short-haired domestic breed and long-haired cats, brought to the U.S. by the European sailors, most likely the Vikings, in the 1700s. The genetic testing indicates they, in fact, descend from the Norwegian Forest Cat, native to Scandinavia.

The average weight of a female Maine coon is 7 kg, while males weigh an average of 8 kg. Only the Ragdoll breed can surpass their weight, and weigh up to 10 kg.

However, it is not uncommon for a Maine coon to weigh over 13 kg.

There are some vital differences, however, since bobcats are spotted, and have short, smooth tails.

It gives the cat an even more massive look.

Their tails are very fluffy, and usually as long as the cat itself.

The longest Maine coon, holding the Guinness World Record, was Stewie from Nevada, the U.S. He measured 123 centimeters. Sadly, he died of cancer in 2013.

Apart from the dense, waterproof coating, and bushy, prolonged tail they can wrap around their body to hold the temperature, they have tufted paws that serve as snowshoes.

Properly taken care of, they can live up to 15 years.

He was 26 when named the oldest living cat by the Guinness World Records in 2015. Sadly, a year later, he ran away from home, and after several weeks was presumed dead at 27.

They also enjoy fetching and can be trained.

This is why they are one of the most allergenic breeds.

The most common are polycystic kidney disease and hip dysplasia.

Apart from typical meowing, Maine coons often chirp.

The most popular Maine coon is Mrs. Norris from the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.

Little Nicky was cloned in 2004 from a DNA of a 17-year-old cat named Nicky. The procedure cost US$50,000.

This feature certainly distinguishes them from other domestic cats, and it is all thanks to their water-resistant fur.

The event was held at Madison Square Garden in New York. To this day, Cosie’s medal hangs in the headquarters of the Cat Fanciers’ Association–one of the oldest and the largest cat registries in the world.

Approximately 40% of Maine coons carry the polydactyly gene. However, breeders are actively taking steps to remove this harmless genetic anomaly.