Group Classification: Longhair
Country of Origin: U.S.
Date of Origin: 1860
Weight (M): 15-22 lbs.
Weight (F): 9-14 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 14+ years

History
One of the longest established breeds, the Maine Coon's origins are shrouded in myth and lost to history. There are stories that identify these large cats as the direct descendants of a boatload of felines Marie Antoinette sent to the New World to escape the French Revolution. Others think they are descended from native U.S. bobcats and domestic cats brought by explorers. Still others believe they came from matings of cats brought to New England settlements by Europeans and Vikings. One tale says that English Captain Charles Coon brought longhaired cats to sea for pest control on board his ship. When in port, those longhairs would mate with local cats, eventually producing large cats with distinctive coats that came to be called "Coons" after the Captain himself.

General Description
Today, Maine Coon cats are the second most popular breed in the U.S. and across the world. They are powerful and able to withstand any climate, hot or cold, thanks to terrific insulation