Maine Coon Treasures

[EnglishCat]

Having had a Maine Coon in our family for years I can absolutely endorse them as a truly wonderful cat. They are truly sweet and just seem to cruise through life. Have a look.........

The Maine Coon is a breed of domestic cat with a distinctive physical appearance. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically native to the state of Maine, where it is the official State Cat and is now the second most popular cat breed in North America, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association.

The Maine Coon is noted for its large bone structure, its rectangular body shape, and a long, flowing coat. The breed can be seen in a variety of colors .

The ancestral origins of the Maine Coon are unknown. There are only theories and folktales. The one that is generally-accepted among breeders is that the Maine Coon is a descendenet of pairings of local short-haired domestic cats and long-haired breeds brought overseas by English seafarers (possibly by Captain Charles Coon) or 11th-century Vikings. The connection to the Vikings is seen in the strong resemblance of the Maine Coon to the Norwegian Forest Cat, another breed that is said to be a descendant of cats that traveled with the Vikings.

The Maine Coon is a longhaired, or medium-haired, cat. The coat is soft and silky, although texture may vary with coat color. Minimal grooming is required for the breed, compared to other long-haired breeds, as their coat is mostly self-maintaining due to a light-density undercoat.

Maine Coons are known as the "gentle giants" and possess above-average intelligence, making them relatively easy to train. They are known for being loyal to their family and cautious—but not mean—around strangers, but are independent and not clingy. The Maine Coon is generally not known for being a "lap cat" but their gentle disposition makes the breed relaxed around dogs, other cats, and children. They are playful throughout their lives, with males tending to be more clownish and females generally possessing more dignity, yet both are equally affectionate. Many Maine Coons have a fascination with water and some theorize that this personality trait comes from their ancestors, who were aboard ships for much of their lives.

Meow................

[John Travis]

Well, Kitty...I gotcha a Maine Coon rescue story.

Last winter, about the time it started gettin' good and cold...not crisp...cold...I noticed a
big cat hangin' around pretty close. She'd appear whenever I did, so I started leaving food for her. She'd eat, but wouldn't come out from under my pickup more than just enough to reach the food. She'd taken up residence under the truck, and since I don't drive it much...the arrangement worked out pretty well.

I stuffed an old blanket under there for the cold nights...but it took me a full 2 weeks of feeding and coaxing before she'd let me touch her. I could feel a little too much bone down her back to suit me...and she'd been eatin' pretty good for 2 weeks.

I made the decision to move her onto the enclosed sun deck at the back of the house, where I have a propane heater...and left it on for her. She didn't fight much when I picked her up, and hurried to get her up the long flight of steps...feeling her stiffen up...I was expecting to lose some skin every step of the way.

She didn't claw me, and she settled in to deck livin' easily as soon as she discovered that it was warm. She'd lived out there for about a month...while I ran an ad in the newapaper...when a friend of mine from another town stopped in. He spent half his visit out on the deck...pettin' the dang cat.

Then, we discovered that she'd been declawed. Figuring that somebody had to be lookin' for this beautiful critter...I had a local vet scan her for a chip. No cigar.

My pal started comin' more often...and he soon made friends with her. On his 4th visit...he took her home with him, and she's been there ever since. She's doubled her weight, and when he comes to visit or calls...he's got to tell me all about what "Miss Kitty" has been up to...which takes about 30 minutes before I can get him off on another subject. He's plumb wrapped up in that cat.

I'm gonna have him make a picture of her and post it just for you. She is slam-dunk gorgeous...completely spoiled...and I think they were meant for one another. I just hope that some little girl didn't cry herself to sleep over that cat.

[Mark-D]

They are a great looking breed of cat and one of the most lovable. We have had a few over the years and they are our favorite!

[Lissi]

You cant go wrong with a Maine Coon if your looking for a cat, I am talking from experience I had one for 16 yrs.

[Rhonda]

John Travis, Another wonderful rescue story! I never heard of a Maine Coon Cat before, they are beautiful!

[EnglishCat]

Thanks for the story JT. Just wonderful! You have a very kind heart and in this case particularly, the rescuee is very easy to love. They are great cats and gorgeous!! The one we had sounds very much like the one who came to visit you. I am sure that your friend will be very happy that he has brought Ms. Kitty into his life.

[John Travis]

Rhonda...You can tell which is a Maine Coon by lookin' for the "M" in the center of their foreheads. If it's there...it's either a Maine Coon, or there's one somewhere in the woodpile.

I've got a little Calico that's almost got one, so she's at least part Maine Coon.
She's one of the orphaned litter that we raised not long after we moved into the house...and she was the only one that had the mark.

[John Travis]

See the mark on these Coons?

http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profile...les/maine.html

[Fuji]

HI all,

I just adopted a tabby from our local shelter, but I really want a Maine Coon. I really would like to get one from a shelter. As I know that is the responsible thing to do. Hopefully I'll find one soon

[rhtwist]

Hello Fuji
Noticed this is your first post, welcome. Good luck in finding the cat you want.
Twist