Maine Coon The Giant Cat - 20 pounds

Maine Coon cats can compete in size with small dogs and are very intelligent, playful and energetic. They grow well in families that have children and other pets including dogs. Keep in mind that they are very skilled and able to use their front legs like raccoons to collect food with them. They like to wet favorite toys in water bowls. It is known that they can stretch upwards and wrap their front legs over the door handles to open them.

They are ideal companions for families with children, singles with other domestic animals and for those who for the first time will own a cat.
They tend to be a resistant breed but are at risk of developing hip dysplasia, polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Things you should know: Many nicknames like "Gentle Giant", "Feline World Greeters" and "fluffs" honor him. This long-haired breed requires minimal preparation since it keeps its coat in top condition. They look like small lynxes. They are slow growing until they reach full maturity at the age of 4 or 5 years.

History: According to legend, British Captain Charles Coon sailed up and down the New England coasts in the 1800s and took some of his cats with him when he entered the ports. These sailor cats crossed paths with the mainland although people referred to them as "the Coon cats". Another legend mentions that these cats originally belonged to Marie Antoinette and were smuggled aboard ships bound for America when it was decapitated.

A true American Cat Maine Coon was first shown at professional cat shows in 1878 and now ranks second in popularity with the Persians ahead. In 2007, the Association of Cat Breeders assigned him a place in the cat breeds registry. It is also recognized by the International Feline Association (TICA).

Appearance: The Maine Coon cat has weather resistant fur, hairy tail and tufts in the ears provide protection against the harsh winters. The fur can be found of three different types, fallen, fawn and shelter. The thick bow tie around the neck and the thick fur of the tail serve to keep the cold away from the body and keep warm. The square head is wide, the ears and eyes are large and the latter are also very expressive. The muscular body of the race has a broad chest and large bones.

The females weigh between 8 and 12 pounds while the males can weigh up to 20 pounds.
Their bodies can stretch up to 40 inches long.

Pictures by Robert Sijka