Maine coon cats have been a popular breed for a while now, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. They’re often referred to as “gentle giants” and have a fascinating background. Here are some interesting tidbits about Maine coon cats that even their biggest fans might not know: To start with, they’re huge felines.
Maine coon cats are quite remarkable because they can weigh as much as 18 pounds. Their size is so impressive that some people have mistaken them for bobcats on occasion. Moreover, there are several captivating speculations about the ancestry of this cat breed.
Many people believe that Maine coon cats can trace their ancestry all the way back to France and Queen Marie Antoinette. Some suggest that these fluffy felines are the result of a wild crossbreeding between semi-wild cats and raccoons. However, the most credible explanation is that they were born from a mix between short-haired and long-haired domesticated cats brought to Maine by the Vikings in the 1700s. Regardless of where they came from, Maine coons have proven themselves to be highly adapted to surviving harsh winter conditions.
Maine coon cats are known for their special attribute of having bushy tails that they can curl up into themselves to stay cozy in colder temperatures. Furthermore, these felines come in a variety of fur shades beyond just brown.
When people hear the term “Maine coons,” they usually picture a cat with raccoon-like coloring. However, these feline friends actually come in a multitude of hues, including smoke, cream, cameo, mackerel, and tortoiseshell. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognizes all of these colors as purebred. Maine coons also made a splash in history by snagging first place in the inaugural juried cat exhibition in the United States.
In the year 1895, an exhibition showcasing cats was organized at Madison Square Garden situated in New York. It was one of the initial recorded contests of its type in America, where judges were appointed to evaluate the participating cats. The Maine coon, a breed of cat, was declared the winner and was honored as the “Best Cat” at the event. This victory played a significant role in making this breed popular among cat enthusiasts all over the country, despite its name being inspired by the state of Maine in the US.
Back in 2015, the CFA let it slip that Maine coons happened to be the third most popular cat breed in the United States, with Europe and Japan also being fans of these felines. Fun fact: One of the beloved characters in the Harry Potter films was a Maine coon cat.
Correct! In the Harry Potter books, Mrs. Norris was portrayed by three Maine coon cats that played the role of Argus Filch’s beloved pet. Additionally, the Maine coon cat holds the distinction of being the first animal to be commercially cloned.
Back in 2004, an exceptional Maine coon cat named Little Nicky became the first ever commercially cloned feline. His owner spent a whopping $50,000 to Genetic Savings Clone, Inc. and had Little Nicky’s DNA implanted into an egg cell. After that, a surrogate mother gave birth to a kitten that closely resembled Little Nicky in both physical appearance and behavior. By the way, the Maine coon breed boasts the record for having the longest cat documented in history.
Guinness World Records recognizes the Maine coon as the biggest domestic cat globally, and an 8-year-old feline named Stewie has earned this title. Furthermore, this breed holds the record for the world’s oldest cat.
Introducing Corduroy- a remarkable Maine coon who has lived to the impressive age of 26! His extraordinary longevity has landed him a spot in the Guinness World Records as the oldest domestic cat known to mankind. What’s fascinating about Maine coons is their love for water, which sets them apart from other cat breeds.
Maine coon cats have a unique characteristic that sets them apart from other feline breeds – they enjoy being in the water. This behavior is not commonly seen among cats, but many owners of Maine coons have noticed this trait in their pets. It is thought that their thick and water-repellent fur may be the reason for this behavior. Moreover, it is not uncommon for Maine coons to have an extra toe, which is known as polydactyly.
It may surprise you to learn that not only Hemingway’s cats have six toes. The Maine coon is a unique breed that also possesses an extra digit, making them an intriguing feline species worth exploring.
