The Maine Coon cats, a renowned breed with a long history, might still hold some surprises even for their most devoted admirers. Often called “gentle giants,” they boast a distinct set of characteristics that have intrigued cat enthusiasts for generations. Here are several captivating facts about Maine Coon cats that might astonish even those well-versed in their lore.
First and foremost, Maine Coon cats are indeed colossal creatures. With an average weight of 18 pounds, their size is truly remarkable. Their grandeur is such that they have occasionally been mistaken for bobcats. Moreover, the origin of this feline breed is shrouded in intriguing theories.
One popular belief holds that Maine Coon cats are direct descendants of felines brought to Maine by Queen Marie Antoinette during the tumultuous era of the French Revolution. Another hypothesis suggests a hybrid lineage between semi-wild cats and raccoons. Nonetheless, the most plausible explanation is their emergence through the interbreeding of short-haired cats with long-haired domesticated felines introduced by Vikings in the 1700s. One certainty is their natural aptitude to endure severe winter conditions.
A unique attribute of Maine Coon cats is their bushy tails, which they can elegantly wrap around their bodies, providing warmth during chilly weather. Furthermore, their coat colors encompass a variety beyond the expected brown hues.
While the popular notion is that Maine Coons resemble raccoon coloring, they actually exhibit an array of coat colors, including smoke, cream, cameo, mackerel, and tortoiseshell. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognizes all of these coat variations. These cats etched their mark in history by triumphing at the inaugural juried cat exhibition in the United States.
In 1895, Madison Square Garden in New York hosted a pioneering cat exhibition, and the Maine Coon was crowned the “Best Cat,” solidifying its growing popularity. Worth mentioning is that this breed’s appeal extends nationwide, transcending its Maine origins.
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s 2015 report, Maine Coon cats ranked as the third most favored breed in the United States. Additionally, their appeal spans continents, with Europe and Japan showing fondness for this captivating feline. In a delightful twist, a Maine Coon cat found a role in the Harry Potter film series.
Indeed, the character of Mrs. Norris in the Harry Potter series was portrayed by three Maine Coon cats, representing Argus Filch’s pets. Adding to their uniqueness, the first commercially cloned pet was a Maine Coon cat.
In a groundbreaking development in 2004, a Maine Coon named Little Nicky became the inaugural commercially cloned feline. His owner paid a hefty sum of $50,000 to Genetic Savings Clone, Inc., which utilized Little Nicky’s DNA to create a cloned kitten born to a surrogate mother, exhibiting both physical and behavioral resemblances. Additionally, Maine Coon cats hold records for being the longest and oldest documented cats.
Securing a place in the Guinness World Records, the world’s largest domestic cat is none other than a Maine Coon named Stewie, who claimed this title at the age of 8. Furthermore, the oldest documented domesticated cat, recognized by Guinness World Records, is the remarkable 26-year-old Maine Coon named Corduroy. Distinctively, Maine Coon cats break from the norm by displaying a fondness for water, setting them apart from other feline breeds.
Uncommon among cats, Maine Coons demonstrate an affinity for water. While the exact rationale behind this behavior remains unclear, their thick and water-resistant fur might play a role. Numerous owners have observed this peculiar trait in their Maine Coon companions. Additionally, a striking number of Maine Coon cats are known to possess extra toes, a phenomenon known as polydactyly.
Just as Hemingway’s cats aren’t the sole bearers of six toes, Maine Coon cats also exhibit this remarkable feature, making them one of the most intriguing and captivating feline breeds in existence.