While it’s safe to say every kind of cat is unique in their own way, Maine Coons have several special ways they stand out, with their majestic manes, bushy tails, and large stature. Nicknamed “the gentle giant” of the cat world, they’re known for having a gentle disposition and being very vocal. They’re also known to be relatively easy to train, which makes them easily one of the most popular breeds. There’s plenty more to these magnificent, fluffy creatures, so let’s get to know them!

MAINE COONS ARE NATIVE TO MAINE.

Maine Coons, as their name suggests, are native to Maine where they’re the official state cat. There are countless competing fun theories as to their ancestral origins and how they ended up in the United States, from the belief that their bushy tails resulted from ancestors of domestic cats mating with raccoons (it’s scientifically impossible) to the theory that they’re descendants from Queen Marie Antoinette’s six favorite Turkish Angoras she had shipped to the U.S. while planning her escape during the French Revolution. Somewhat similar to this idea is the more plausible theory they originated from short-haired domestic cats breeding with long-haired cats brought over by the Vikings or European sailors in the early 18th century. Genetic testing suggests the Maine Coon is a descendant of both the Norwegian Forest cat and a mysterious extinct domestic breed, so it’s likely the Vikings are responsible. As for how Maine Coons got their names, one theory involves Captain Charles Coon, a British sea captain who kept long-haired cats aboard his ship. When he would dock in New England ports, the cats would mate with local cats, and when long-haired kittens started to appear, they were known as “Coon’s cats.”