Maine Coon cats are from the North Eastern state of Maine, America. Being from a cold climate they have a long shaggy coat, which is short over the head, becoming longer over the back, shoulders and legs. They have a large thick ruff (like a lion's mane). This was to protect them from the cold climate they lived in.

Their legs are big and strong and their feet are tufted underneath acting as a snowshoe. They should have large furnished ears with lynx tips. The tail is long and well furnished, which gave them extra warmth in the winter months.

The males weigh around 12-18 pounds and females weigh around 7-12 pounds both sexes can grow bigger. The Maine Coon can take up to 4 years to fully mature. They came to Britain in the early 1980's and were recognised as a breed by the GCCF in 1988.

Maine Coon cats are a quiet but outgoing breed, which are highly intelligent. They have an obsession with water and will play in to for hours, they love to drink from the tap. They make a chirping noise when they greet you, which is unique to the breed and yakker at you when disapproving. They love to be part of the family adapting with other animals readily.

Once you own a Maine Coon you will want another. They are a fantastic breed to live with, you will not be disappointed.