Maine coon cats have been a popular breed for many years, but there may be some facts about these cats that you are unaware of. Known as “gentle giants,” Maine coon cats have an interesting past. Here are some intriguing tidbits about this breed that may surprise even the most devoted fans. To begin with, Maine coon cats are known for their large size.
Maine Coon felines possess an impressive average weight of 18 pounds, which is quite remarkable. Their size is so substantial that people have often mistaken them for bobcats. Furthermore, there are several captivating theories regarding the origin of this particular cat breed.
Many people believe that Maine coon cats are descendants of the felines that Queen Marie Antoinette brought with her to Maine during the French Revolution. Others claim that they originated from a crossbreeding between semi-wild cats and raccoons. However, the most likely explanation is that they came about through the mating of short-haired cats and long-haired domesticated cats that the Vikings brought to America in the 1700s. Regardless of their origin, one thing is certain: Maine coons are tough enough to withstand harsh winter weather.
Maine coon cats are known for their distinct bushy tails that they can use to snuggle up and stay cozy in colder temperatures. Not only that, but these felines come in a variety of coat colors beyond just brown.
Although Maine coons are often associated with raccoons because of their distinctive coloring, these felines actually have a broad range of coat colors including smoke, cream, cameo, mackerel, and tortoiseshell. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognizes all of these hues as purebred. Interestingly, Maine coons made history by emerging victorious in the inaugural juried cat exhibition held in the United States.
In 1895, a cat show was organized at Madison Square Garden in New York. This event was one of the early instances of a juried competition for cats in the United States. The Maine coon emerged as the winner and was accorded the title of “Best Cat,” which contributed to its widespread popularity. Interestingly, the appeal of this breed extends far beyond Maine and is cherished by cat lovers nationwide.
Back in 2015, the CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) revealed that Maine coons were the third most popular cat breed in the US. It’s not just Americans who love these furry felines – Europe and Japan are also big fans. And did you know that a Maine coon cat made a memorable appearance in the Harry Potter movies?
Correct! The Harry Potter series features Mrs. Norris, who is played by three Maine coon cats that portray Argus Filch’s pet. Interestingly, the very first pet to be cloned for commercial purposes was also a Maine coon cat.
Back in 2004, a Maine coon cat named Little Nicky became the first feline to be commercially cloned. This was made possible by Genetic Savings Clone, Inc., who inserted Little Nicky’s DNA into an egg cell. After being carried by a surrogate mother, a kitten was born who exhibited many of the same physical and behavioral characteristics as Little Nicky. Interestingly, the Maine coon breed boasts the record for being the longest documented cat.
Did you know that the Maine coon is the biggest domestic cat around? It’s official – according to Guinness World Records, an 8-year-old Maine coon named Stewie takes the crown. This breed isn’t just big, it’s also got the record for the oldest cat ever recorded. Pretty impressive, right?
Say hello to Corduroy, the amazing Maine coon who has lived to the impressive age of 26 years old! He has earned the distinguished title of being the oldest domesticated cat ever recorded in the Guinness World Records. One interesting trait that sets Maine coons apart from other feline breeds is their love for water.
Maine coon cats are quite unique in their behavior as they tend to love being around water, which is not a common trait among felines. While the reason for this characteristic is still unclear, it could be due to their dense and water-resistant fur. Many Maine coon owners have witnessed their pets’ fondness for water. It’s also worth noting that a lot of Maine coons have extra toes, a condition referred to as polydactyly.
It’s a little-known fact that not only Hemingway’s cats have six toes, but the Maine Coon breed do too! This makes them a fascinating breed to learn about and admire.
