The Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is an affectionate cat and good company for the whole family. It is an easy cat to train because of its intelligence. It can also cohabit with other pets. This is what makes it the most popular cat breed in the world.
Its history
Originating in the United States, the Maine Coon is probably one of the oldest natural breeds of North American cats. Its history stems from several different legends, including one that is a cross between a raccoon and a cat. For information, the raccoon means "racoon" in English, hence its name.
However, the most famous and plausible origin is that it was imported by Europeans into the state of Maine. The latter has a rather harsh climate, which led the cat to have a powerful musculature and thick fur like that of the raccoon. It is also an excellent hunter and Maine farmers were quick to appreciate and adopt it. The breed has been spread in Europe since the 1990s.
Appearance
The Maine Coon can be recognized by its large size, as it can reach up to one meter. In fact, it is the largest recognized cat in the world. Its appearance is quite wild with its large, upright ears and powerful musculature. Its ears are covered with small tufts of hair.
It has a long coat, especially on the throat, belly and tail. Its head is almost rectangular in shape. It has a square muzzle and a rather awkward nose with a break. The colour of the Maine Coon is however varied.
Character and behaviour
Although the Maine Coon is a very large cat, it has a gentle and pleasant character. It can adapt to any environment. It is also the most popular pet because it loves its owners, including children. It can also mix with other pets without behaving aggressively.
However, it is necessary to give the Maine coon enough space to make it comfortable. It is true that it makes a lot of noise when it runs around the house, but in the end its soft voice reminds you that it is a docile and cuddly animal.
Care
The Maine Coon's diet generally varies according to its age. However, its large size does not mean that it needs a lot of food. On the contrary, a diet rich in animal proteins is sufficient. As for grooming, it requires regular maintenance, including brushing once a week to prevent its thick fur from matting.
Health
Generally, the Maine Coon has a lifespan of up to 20 years. However, it is a rather fragile animal when it comes to health, as it can be exposed to many diseases. These include hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease. However, good treatment and medical care will keep him healthy.
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