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Maine Coon cat's exact origin is shrouded in mystery. It is
America's only native longhaired breed and has a background in folklore
which is unique and sets it apart from any other cat in America.
Although exactly where and how the Maine Coon originated is unclear,
it is documented that the Maine Coon was America's first show cat.
Maine Coons were shown as early as the 1860's in New England county
fairs and won honors at Madison Square Garden in 1895.
In 1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers
Association dedicated to preserve and protect this remarkable cat.
Truly a cat of many colors, the Maine Coon is recognized in almost every
color and combination with the exception of Himalayan marking. The
best known may be the brown tabby, but there are a great many accepted
colors loved, prized, and shown by people who know Maine Coons.
The breed is known for its friendly, outgoing personality and its
impressive size, with males averaging 15 to 20 pounds and females
averaging 10 to 15 pounds. Reports of Maine Coons weighing as much
as 35 pounds are most often exaggerated. Their beautiful large eyes are
wide set, slightly slanting upward towards their large, well-tufted ears.
The standard permits eyes in the colors of green, gold or copper except
in white cats where blue or odd eyes are permitted. Maine Coons are
muscular cats that stand tall on sturdy, wide-set legs, and large rounded
paws, famous for their tufting. The long tail is able to wrap around the
toes and it is said that the Maine Coon is a tail with a cat attached.
The breed, with its self-grooming coat which is virtually non-matting,
can groom its own coat but still enjoys the attention of being combed
now and then.
Maine Coons are "cool" cats with very even temperaments which blend
in well with multi-pet households and are very devoted and loyal.
   
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