11 Surprising Facts About the Magnificent Maine Coon Cats. With their distinctive shaggy coats and gentle giant reputation, Maine Coon cats have captivated the hearts of many feline enthusiasts. But beyond their striking appearance and affectionate nature, lies a wealth of fascinating facts and traits that make this breed truly unique. From their mysterious origins to their remarkable size and intelligence, the Maine Coon is a cat that continues to surprise and delight. In this article, we’ll delve into the intriguing world of Maine Coon cats, exploring 11 surprising facts that will leave you amazed.
1. Maine coon cats are popular in Maine.
True to their name, Main coon cats were first found in Main, United States. Their gentle personality made them ideal family companions but after the introduction of the Persian cat, the Maine Coon was slowly forgotten. As time went by, they became less popular so the Main Coon was made the official state cat of Maine in 1985 to save them.
2. They like to “sing”.
Unlike other cats, Maine Coon cats communicate with a peculiar chirping sound.
3. A Main Coon starred in the Harry Potter movies.
Fans of Harry Potter will be pleased to learn that a Maine Coon played a starring role in the series. The popular movies actually included three cat characters: Professor McGonagall – A human who can turn into a cat. Hermione’s pet, Mrs. Norris – The cat of Hermione’s pet, Mrs. Norris – The cat of Hogwarts’ caretaker, Mr. Filch.
4. A Maine Coon is the world’s longest domestic cat.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world’s longest domestic cat was a Maine Coon by the name of Mymains Stewart Gilligan (aka Stewie).
5. Maine Coons are great climbers.
Some cat breeds are clever though, and the Maine Coon is one of these amazing creatures. Maine Coons are active climbers that are very capable of jumping on counters as well as climbing trees.
6. They’re “gentle giants”.
The magnificent Maine Coon cat breed is one of the most popular and beloved cat breeds in the world. According to a 2015 poll, Maine Coons are ranked as the third most popular cat breed, to own, in the United States. Because of their size and similarity, they are often mistaken with bobcats, but they are called “gentle giants” due to their friendly nature.
7. Maine coons are a playful breed.
However, Maine Coon owners should expect to spend quality time playing with their curious and affectionate cats, who love interacting with people. Also, they can train their highly intelligent pets to perform simple tricks on command with ease. Maine Coons also like to play fetch, making them ideal for the more active pet owners.
8. They are one of the most expensive cats out there.
Due to their huge popularity, Maine Coon cats are one of the most expensive cat breeds to own in the world. The rare and beautiful silver smoke Maine Coon can cost as much as $2,200.
9. They love water.
More so, Maine Coons defy the typical feline aversion to water, actively seeking out and enjoying aquatic experiences. Though, the Maine Coon has a thick, water-resistant coat, which means that their skin is less likely to get wet. Maine Coons are strong swimmers, and they’ll be more cooperative at bath time than the average feline.
10. Nature equipped Maine Coon cats for winter survival, and some even boast extra toes for added adaptability.
In order to help them survive the harsh New England winters, they have certainly developed certain physical traits such as having an extra toe. The extra toes made their paws wider so it was easier to walk on snow. Their luxurious coat also keeps them warm on the snow and ice. Not only that, they also use their signature long tail to wrap around their body for extra warmth.
11. You can take them for walks on a lead.
Most people think that going out for walks is just for dogs. But, Maine Coon owners can train their intelligent cats to walk on a lead, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors. Similar to the highly intelligent Savannah Cat, Maine coons enjoy exploring the outdoors with their owners.
