Lida Choate's Maine Coon Cats part 4
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| early drawing of a Maine Coon Cat, tabby & white |
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Maine Coon · Requires regular grooming · Friendly with children · Good-natured · Healthy and robust Active and playful · Efficient mouser · Moderately quiet
The Maine Coon is an old American breed whose ancestry traces back to the cats brought to the northeastern United States by early settlers. Some far-fetched myths are attached to its origins: one is that it evolved from matings between domestic cats and raccoons (offspring from such breedings are genetically impossible); another is that it descends from Marie Antoinette?s cats that were shipped to Maine in anticipation of her escape from prison during the French Revolution; and a third involves a strange Captain Coon, whose reality has never been substantiated. Most authorities, however believe that Maine Coons resulted from crosses between early Angoras or Persians and domestic shorthairs. The breed was more than likely named for its area of origin and distinctive color and markings. Brown Tabbies were (and still are) the most popular color, and the breeds bushy tail does resemble that of a raccoon. Maine Coons were popular show cats in the last century, one named Leo being designated ?Best Cat? at the first organized show at Madison Square Garden in 1895. But as the more unusual breeds came into vogue the Maine Coon experienced a gradual decline in popularity until its resurgence in the 1960s. Maine Coons are large-boned, solidly built cats. They tend to mature slowly. Their heavy, shaggy coats, will-tufted ?snowshoe? paws, and busy tails are ideal for harsh climates. Maine Coons require regular grooming, but their coats are less inclined to mat than most other long-coated breeds, except during heavy-shedding periods. The breed comes in practically every possible cat color or coat pattern. They are friendly and devoted (most love to hug), and males of the breed are reported to be more affectionate than the females.
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