BREED EDUCATION

Maine Coons are probably the most recognizable and famous cat breed in the world, a fascinating breed with many interesting characteristics. Here are 12 facts about them that I'd like to share :  

1. Maine Coons are one of the oldest cat breeds in North America, and are believed to have originated in the state of Maine in the 1800s.
2. Maine Coons are known for their distinctive appearance, with long, fluffy fur, tufted ears, and a long, bushy tail. They come in a variety of colours, including tabby, tortoiseshell, and solid colours like black and white.
3. Maine Coons are highly social cats and enjoy being around people and other pets. They are often described as "dog-like" in their behavior, and are known for following their owners around the house and wanting to be part of every aspects of their life.
4. Maine Coons have a reputation for being good hunters, and are often used as barn cats to catch mice and other rodents.
5. Maine Coons are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from city apartments to country homes. However, they do require regular grooming to maintain their thick, fluffy coat.
6. Maine Coons are sometimes called the "clowns" of the cat world, as they are known for their playful and mischievous personalities.
7. Maine Coons are also known for their intelligence, and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and behaviours, including walking on a leash.
8. Maine Coons are vocal cats however, they do not sound the same as the typical meow we are used to hear from cats, instead they are chattering, chirping, howling and trilling. this is due to their wild, non domesticated natures.
9. Maine Coons can be polydactyl, which means that they can born with extra toes, around 40% of the Maine Coon population has extra toes, it is coming from a genetic mutation that is transmitted from a polydactyl cat to its offspring. This is not a health condition and doesn't endanger them. Actually, these extra toes help these giants cats to have a better balance and agility.
10. Maine Coons have beautiful and extra long tails, this breed is the only one who has such a long tail, their tails can reach 45cm long. 
11. Maine Coons can jump very high! They are known for their excellent leaping skills despite being giant, they can jump as high as 2 meters in the air thanks to their muscular body and strong legs. 
12. They have the longest whiskers of all cat breeds, it help them determine whether they can fit through an opening.  

Overall, Maine Coons are a unique and fascinating breed of cat, and are loved by many for their affectionate, playful, and loyal personalities.