A participant carries his Maine Coon during the World Cat Show in Zagreb October 27, 2012. Credit: ANTONIO BRONIC | REUTERS
The Maine coon cat is a particularly peculiar and beautiful animal: It has tufted ears and feet, will talk to you in trills and chirps, and often grows to be larger than many dog breeds. The cat’s origins are also a bit mysterious. No one really knows where they come from.
Some believe the Maine coon cat — which is the state’s official cat — came about when domestic cats brought to North America interbred with the bobcat. There is a small resemblance, though bobcats will eat fawns, let alone feral and domestic cats. So those seafaring cats would have to have been quite tough.
A more reasonable assumption is that the breed was created when pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats mated with longhaired cats from overseas — perhaps Angora types brought by seaman traveling to New England or other longhair types brought by the Vikings.
Either way, they’re intriguing critters. In homage:
Even the kittens are tough. Credit:
If they can survive Maine winters, they can survive a filming episode. Snarl! Credit:
Maine coon cats grow to be big-boned felines that can weigh as much as 20 pounds. But they still enjoy a bit of silly time. Credit:
Maine Coons don’t reach their full size until they are 3 to 5 years old. This one has a way to go. Credit:
Maine coons are well suited to survive New England winters — and sneak attacks. Credit:
Some people say Maine coon cats are dog-like. They can be taught tricks, such as how to make a high five. Credit:
They have big bushy tails to keep them warm in the winter. Credit:
Maine coons might take down your smaller cats. Credit:
But they might also be very tolerant. Credit:
Very, very tolerant. Credit:
Their long fur might require grooming — and solicit glares. Credit:
Some might even put up with a gentle vacuuming. Credit:
Feed all cats, including Maine coon cats, good-quality wet and dry food. Credit:
Erin Rhoda is the editor of Maine Focus, a team that conducts journalism investigations and projects at the Bangor Daily News. She also writes for the newspaper, often centering her work on domestic and...
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