Maine Coon Cat (Straight Dope Mailbag)

Straight Dope Science Advisory Board ^ | 29-Jun-1999 | SDSTAFF Jill

[SunkenCiv]

One of the oldest breeds of cats in North America is the Maine Coon Cat, and some say 40% of the originals had extra toes. One article said it evolved as a "snowshoe foot" to help these cats walk in the snow. Cute story, but probably [expletive deleted] ...The breed closest to the Maine Coon Cat is the Norwegian Forest Cat which evolved in the same climate and lends credence to one theory that ancestors of the Coon Cat may have even come to the New World onboard Viking ships. I like that theory best.

[Ditter]

We got ours from a breeder over in Louisiana at least 30 years ago, I can't even remember a name or a town.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Take a peek in here:
http://www.maine-coon-cat-nation.com/maine-coon-cat-breeders-usa.html

Hope it helps!
;0)

[dforest]

We had a wonderful Maine Coon named Max. He was so smart.

They are terrific family cats.

He lived until he was 18. Loved that boy!

[Foundahardheadedwoman]

I have a Maine Coon named Abby, had her 15 years. She is a tortoiseshell and is great natured, follows me from room to room, answers when I call and does her best to talk to me. She has great non-verbal skills. My mother kept her for me for a month and put ice cubes in her water and now so do I. She can count because if I put in three cubes she won’t drink just stares at me till I add the fourth. She is the boss.

[SunkenCiv]