With their large build and flowing fur that resembles a mythical creature, many people believe that Maine Coons are a vicious and terrifying breed of cat. But in reality, these “gentle giants” are incredibly kind and gentle. Their stunning appearance, regal demeanor, and charming personalities have made them one of the most sought-after breeds in the world.

The Maine Coon cat breed is so well-loved that it has its own organization called “The Society for the Preservation of the Maine Coon Cat.” This global organization was founded in 1968 to introduce the breed to more people. Here are some interesting facts about this remarkable feline:
1. They hold several world records.

Maine Coon cats are famously known for their large size, typically weighing between 9 to 18 pounds (approximately 4.08 – 8.16 kg). Male Maine Coons can be even larger, with some reaching a weight of up to 25 pounds (11.34 kg). However, it’s not just their size that makes this breed impressive. In fact, Maine Coons hold several world records.

One Maine Coon cat named Barivel, who resides in Italy, was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest living domestic cat. Barivel measures a whopping 1.2 meters and was officially recorded on May 22, 2018. Prior to Barivel, another record holder named Stewie had an incredible length of 1.23 meters, but unfortunately passed away in 2013.

Meet Corduroy, another Maine Coon cat who has been recognized by Guinness as the world’s oldest living cat. This male cat from the United States was honored when he turned 26 years old. Maine Coon cats come in various colors of fur.

Many people are accustomed to seeing classic brown fur or gray-black and white coats on Maine Coon cats. However, in reality, this large breed of cat comes in a variety of colors. Maine Coon fur can be salt-and-pepper, Himalayan, or even tortoiseshell. Their eyes are typically green, yellow, or amber. These cats are also known for representing the state of Maine.

As the name suggests, the Maine Coon is a type of cat that originates from the Northeastern state of Maine. These cats are well-adapted to the harsh winters of New England with their thick, shaggy, and waterproof fur coat.

However, there is still no clear information about the original source of this cat breed. There are many theories surrounding the origins of the Maine Coon. For example, during the French Revolution, Queen Marie Antoinette made plans to escape and brought six of her beloved Angora Turkish cats to Wiscasset, Maine. Here, they bred with local shorthair cats and gave rise to the Maine Coon breed.

Another theory suggests that Maine Coons are the result of breeding between a native shorthair domestic cat and a longhaired cat brought to New England by Viking sailors in the 1700s. These cats have an excellent temperament.

The nature of Maine Coon cats is very friendly and gentle, despite their rugged appearance. These gentle giants are particularly fond of water, very loyal, obedient, and easy to train. Maine Coon cats make great pets for families with children. Their sociable, friendly nature and large size have earned them the nickname “dogs of the cat world”. Moreover, they are quite popular on social media platforms.

During the 19th century, Maine Coon cats were incredibly popular. In 1895, a Maine Coon cat won a beauty contest held at Madison Square Garden. However, their popularity waned in the 20th century as other long-haired cat breeds were introduced to America. Nevertheless, since the 1970s, Maine Coons have regained their fame and are now the third most popular cat breed in the world according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

The popularity of Maine Coon cats is evident from their presence on various social media platforms. If you search for Maine Coon on Instagram, you will find over 6.5 million pictures of this unique breed of cat. In fact, some cats have become social media stars with a large following. For instance, a golden-furred cat named Lotus, who lives in Sweden, has over 350,000 followers on Instagram.