The American Maine Coon Cat

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The Maine coon, commonly known as the “gentle giant,” has a soft, thick shaggy coat and a long fluffy tail. The Maine coon cat is the only long-haired breed native to North America, originating in the cold New England area. Many Maine coon cats have a coon-like habit, using their paws to eat and drink. Along with the fact that the large brown tabby Maine coon looks a little like a raccoon, may have led to its proper name. The Maine coon’s gentle, easygoing temperament and loving nature make it a perfect family companion. It is known for its acceptance of other pets and usually does better with a companion pet. It has a quiet soft voice, so noise isn’t usually a problem if you live close to neighbors. Though the Maine coon has a fairly long top coat, it has very little undercoat to mat up, so they are quite easy to maintain.

The Maine coon cat is a fairly large breed with a muscular body, heavy stature, and large rounded paws. They have a long, fluffy tail, large ears, and a squared, but fairly pointed muzzle. Maine coons take several years to mature, with full-grown Main coons males weighing in at about 12-18 lbs, and the females, being considerably smaller, weighing in at about 8-12 lbs. The Maine coon breed comes in many colors, with the most common color being the brown tabby (brown with black stripes). Though the most popular is the traditional brownish colored tabby, Maine coons have many recognized colors. Many have white markings on the chin and chest, but this isn’t allowed in solid colors of show quality. Pet quality may have more white on them, but would be disqualified if shown. Color points, as in the Siamese, are not acceptable in this breed. The Main coons’ eyes are large and widely set, with colors being green, gold, copper, blue, and odd-eyed. White cats usually have blue or odd colored eyes. The ears are quite large, wide-based, fairly pointed, and nicely tufted, with lynx-like tipping being desirable in the breed. The body is long and rectangular in appearance, with a squared look to the rump. The legs should be fairly think, medium in length, with wide, rounded, and well-tufted paws.

It’s Me X-Mas Cookie, called Cookie, Maine Coon, male, red tabby / white, at the age of 75 days (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Maine coon is generally a healthy breed, with no more susceptibility to disease than any other domestic breed, though hip dysplasia and some heart problems have been rarely noted in the breed. An indoor Maine coon can live as long as 15 years with good health care. Vaccinations are necessary if your cat goes outside or is exposed to other cats in a communal environment, even a vet’s office. Maine coons are normally a solid, rugged breed, being the oldest and only native long-haired breed to American soil. Maine coons are good hunters, being accustomed to the out doors. This breed has historically survived the harshest of North American winters on its own.

Good pet quality Maine coons can be bought for around $200 or so, with show quality ranging from around $600 – $2000 depending on the individual characteristics of the kitten. They can be purchased from catteries, pet stores, and home breeders, with show quality papered animals usually coming from an experienced breeder with a good cattery. You may find wonderful pet quality kittens in pet stores and from home breeders, but home breeders are usually more cost efficient. Adult cats and sometimes kittens can often be obtained at animal shelters for a minimal cost, though these are usually spayed and neutered.

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About mamaheartfilled

I am a mother of eight wonderfully challenging children and fourteen grandkids, of whom I am very proud. I am also a bi-vocational ordained evangelical minister, and a Christian Counselor. I received my B.S. degree in 2004, studying primarily in the areas of Psychology, with minors in Religion and English. I received my Masters Degree in 2009 in Psychological Counseling with an emphasis in Christian Counseling. I have endeavored to paraphrase the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. It is my hope that it will be of some use in the great commission of Christ. My ministry is primarily geared toward victims of sexual and domestic violence, including victims of childhood sexual abuse, whether currently or in the past. Since I have personally experienced the healing hand of God in overcoming many of the life issues that Christians may face, I feel qualified and compelled to discuss them in a truthful and open manner, as God’s word tells us that “We shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” God has brought me through such diverse tribulations as sexual, physical, and mental abuse, being a victim of a drunk driving accident, spousal pornography addiction, adultery, divorce, remarriage, a very brief, though unjust, incarceration, and having experienced multiple miscarriages and various other trials. I have been asked to leave two Southern Baptist Churches, due to my being a female, ordained as a minister, and fired from a SBC sponsored Christian School (mostly white) for speaking out against racial prejudice in the Family of God. Through God’s merciful forgiveness of my own sins and inadequacies and God’s grace given to me to forgive those who have been a stumbling block to me, I have overcome many of these adversities. God’s word tells us that “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to the purposes of God." Since I have this hope, I believe that God has blessed me with the ability to confront and relate these issues to the Christian community around the world. I hope to be able to use my personal experiences as a ministry of God’s grace and in the comforting of the people of God with the truth of God's mercy. I claim II Corinthians 1: 3 & 4 as my calling, which states: “Blessed be God, the Origin of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Origin of mercies, and the God of comfort; who comforts us in all our troubles, that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble, by the comfort we ourselves have been given by God.” As I have received the gift of God’s healing, I hope to be able to bring the peace beyond understanding to others with the message of God’s mercy and grace. My love for the Sovereign Lord of my life, Jesus Christ, along with my passion for writing has drawn me to explore these commonly experienced crisis issues from the perspective of my own experience in the hope that I may bring an empathetic and compassionate insight to God’s people. I am now a published author and have several books in publication, including my autobiography, "A Little Redneck Theology." The views expressed in my writings are strictly my own insights, acquired from personal experience and diligent study of the related topics and God’s word concerning them. Though I am an ordained minister, my views should not be considered authoritative. I believe that the Christian community’s ultimate authority is the guidance of the human heart by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

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