are maine coon cats domesticated

Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters.

Origin edit

Maine Coon cats originated in Maine. But there are myths, legends, and mystery surrounding their ancestry. According to a myth, the Maine Coon cat is a cross between the bobcat and raccoon species. According to the second myth, the cats are descended from the Norwegian Forest cats, who are now known as Viking ship cats. The third tale centers on Marie Antoinette, the French Queen who was put to death in 1793. According to legend, Antoinette tried to flee France prior to her passing with Captain Samuel Clough’s assistance. Her most valuable belongings, including six of her beloved Turkish Angora or possibly Siberian cats, were loaded onto Clough’s ship. All of her animals arrived safely on the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, despite the fact that she did not make it to the United States. There, they mated with other short-haired breeds to create the contemporary Maine Coon breed. [7][8].

Skeletal, joint and muscle edit

Hip dysplasia is a hip joint deformity that can lead to arthritis and debilitating lameness. Males from larger, big-boned breeds like Persians and Maine Coons are typically the ones with hip dysplasia in cats. Cats’ comparatively smaller stature and weight often lead to less noticeable symptoms. [43] X-rays from 1974 to 2011 that were provided to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) show that 24 3% of Maine Coons in the database were dysplastic. When dysplasia was bilateral as opposed to unilateral, it worsened with age. [44].

Fur coat edit

The Maine Coon is a long- or medium-haired cat. The coat is silky and soft, though the color of the coat may affect how it feels. Some cats have a leonine ruff around their neck, and their length is shorter on the head and shoulders and longer on the stomach and flanks. Compared to other long-haired breeds, this one requires less grooming because of its mostly self-maintaining double coat thanks to a light-density undercoat. Seasonal variations affect the coat, with the fur becoming thinner in the summer and thicker in the winter [17]. Face profile with typical lynx ear tips.

Maine coons have evolved various physical adaptations to help them survive the harsh winters. When they walk or sit on top of wet patches of snow or ice, their dense, water-resistant fur on their underside and rear is longer and shaggier for added protection. [18] They can wrap their long, bushy, raccoon-like tail around their face and shoulders for warmth and defense against the wind and blowing snow. It also prevents them from sinking in the snow. When seated on a frozen surface, it can even be coiled around their backside like an insulated seat cushion. [19].

Huge paws are useful for walking on snow and are frequently likened to snowshoes. [18] Their long fur tufts between their toes provide additional support for walking on snow and help keep their toes warm by adding structure to their paws without adding a lot of weight. [19] Earlobes with thick fur and long fur tufts growing from the inside can retain heat more readily. [18].

FAQ

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