Maine coon cat pictures

Due to their hefty bodies and good, cuddly nature, Maine coon cats are often referred to as the gentle giants of the cat world—and for good reason see more Maine coon cat pictures here. Male Maine coon cats can weigh as much as 18 pounds, while females can weigh up to 16 pounds. Maine coons, on average, measure 39 to 40 inches long.

These sweet and shaggy creatures are also one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats in the United States, so they have a lot of history. Whether you are already a Maine coon parent or are considering adopting one, you will love these fun facts and cute pictures of these king-sized kitties.

Maine coons are not just fans of the Pine Tree State—they actually originated in Maine and are believed to be the only breed of cat from the United States. Some origin theories about the breed include:

• Theory 1: This one is a debunked myth, but worth mentioning since many people believe it. Due to their shaggy, brown fur and larger size, some believe Maine coons are the result of semi-domesticated cats breeding with raccoons. This theory, however, is biologically impossible.
• Theory 2: Today’s Maine coon cats are actually descendants of royal kitties. The story is that when Marie Antoinette was attempting to flee France during the French Revolution, she shipped her pet cats to Wiscasset, Maine. The cats made it to America, but Marie, as history will tell you, did not.
• Theory 3: Long-haired cats, brought to New England during the 1700s by European sailors, were bred with domestic shorthair cats. The result was Maine coons. This theory is plausible. Because Maine coons resemble Norwegian forest cats, this is the most widely accepted origin theory.

At the first American cat show held in New York City’s Madison Square Garden in 1895, a brown tabby Maine coon named Cosey took first place.

After the New York City cat show, their popularity skyrocketed. When the Cat Fanciers’ Association formed in 1906, a Maine coon named Molly Bond was the fifth cat ever registered. Then in 1968, the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association was formed.

Today, Maine coons are the third most popular breed in the United States and are highly prized in Europe and Japan, too.