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Maine Coon cats are among the largest domestic longhaired cats found in the United States. The male cats are generally larger and heavier than their female counterparts but they each have broad chests and large heads. Males typically weigh 12 to 15 pounds while females usually weigh 9 to 12 pounds. Their large eyes are very wide-set and come in a variety of colors. These cats also have long tails that are very wide with tremendous fullness and blunt ends. Maine Coon Cats have long and thick coats that need to be combed or brushed several times a week to prevent clumping and matting.
Maine Coon cats come in assorted colors and patterns and have excellent dispositions. The five color classes are solid, tabby, tabby with white, parti-color (multiple colors), and other. They make calm, gentle, and loving pets that are very good with children. They are very intelligent, like to hunt, and aren’t afraid to jump into water. These cats are great to have on a farm to control rodent populations. They are very friendly cats that like to meow and make other sounds. These loyal companions may even offer their assistance when their owners are working on projects such as reading a book, knitting a sweater, or making the bed.
Pricing of Maine Coon cats is dependent on the individual cat’s bloodline and markings. Kittens typically receive their basic vaccinations around 16 weeks and are strong enough to adapt to a new home environment by that time. It is not unusual for a Maine Coon cat to develop at a slow rate and reach maturity at 3 or 4 years of age. The typical life expectancy of an indoor cat is around 12 years or so but than can live to be 18 years or more. Cats who live inside exclusively generally live longer than outdoor cats because they are not exposed to as many illnesses and other perils that may cause injury or premature death. Some of these may include automobiles and other animals.
Maine Coon cats most likely are descendents of the first cats that were brought to North America when the United States was beginning to form. There are many myths, legends, and theories on how these cats came to be but the exact descent is not clear. There are stories that say they are from Norwegian, English, or French origins. Some other outlandish notions have been proven to be scientifically incorrect. The idea that these cats were hybrids of domestic cats and American Bobcats is false because it would be genetically impossible for the two of them to breed. It is most likely that the breeding of various domestic cats that were brought to North America by the early settlers developed into the Maine Coon cat breed.
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