Charmalot The Fair Roxanne 'Roxie'	Maine Coons are America's native longhaired cat. The classic Maine Coon is a large shaggy brown tabby cat with a gentle disposition.
The origin of the Main Coon breed has been lost, but there are a number of myths and theories. One is that the Maine Coon originated from six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to flee from France. Another widely held (although biologically impossible) belief is that the breed originated from matings between semi-wild domestic cats and raccoons. It is this belief, coupled with the generally accepted belief that 'coons are native to the state of Maine, which gives the breed it's name, Maine Coon. (Actually, originally only brown tabbies were tagged as 'Maine Coons', other colors were referred to as 'Maine Shags'.)
Today, most breeders believe that the breed originated in matings between existing breeds of native shorthaired cats and longhair cats brought from overseas. Regardless of how it was accomplished, the result was a cat well adapted to the harsh climate of the North Eastern seaboard of the United States. Its coat, heavy and water-resistant, is longer on the ruff, stomach and hindquarters to protect against snow and wet conditions, and shorter on the back and neck to keep from tangling in underbrush. The tail is long and bushy, a can be used to wrap around the cat as it sleeps, providing extra warmth against the cold. Both the ears and eyes are large in the breed, and the ears are more heavily furred, both inside (known as 'furnishing') and on the tips (called 'lynx tips') than in other breeds, and have a wide range of movement. The feet are large, round, with tufts that allow them to serve as 'snow shoes'.	Coonpanion Xena Feline Princess 'Xena'
Maine Coons, as a breed, are medium to large cats; males commonly reach 13 to 20 pounds and females ar normally 9 to 16 pounds. While larger examples of the breed are not uncommon, the myth of 30 pound *healthy* Maine Coons are just that, myths. (Or examples of feline obesity!) Maine Coons tend to develop slowly, and don't achieve full size for up to five years.
Coonpanion Mongo Rex 'Mongo'	The breed is best known for it's brown classic tabbies, but actually expresses itself in a variety of patterns and colors. There are both Classic and Mackeral tabbies (Mackeral tabbies have the classic 'M' on the forehead, but a regular, 'striped' pattern on the body that resembles fishboning, and are known as 'McTabbies'), Tortoiseshell (3 colors without tabby markings are known as 'Torties', if they have tabby markings they are known as 'Torbies') and Solids. They also come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, cream and silver - although this is by no means all the colors. Many Maine Coons are considered to be 'with white', and may have a white bib, feet and/or belly.
Maine Coons are also known for their gentle, easygoing personalities, and their distinctive meow (or lack thereof). While not loud talkers, they can be quite conversational, and tend to love playing with water. They are also known to 'fetch'! :)

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