At the present we only have three Maine Coons and that's Kylie, her daughter Patches, and Leia who is Patches daughter. They are such sweet natured girls, but also good time girl's, always on the go and into mischief. Kylie has a habit of in the mornings once the alarm clock has gone off she thinks its her turn to wake us. She starts be patting my face with her paw, progressing to licking my forehead and nose. If this does not get my attention then comes the tail across my face, if all else fails then she gently nips me or pulls my hair. I had at first thought this could be due to living with Tonks, but know this is a common behaviour with Maine Coons, they like to help you wake up!!!! Were as Patches likes to join us in the bath. Maine Coons do love water, but usually on there terms only. Leia is a bit more laid back taking this from her fabulous Dad.
The Maine Coon is an American breed and there are various story's to it's origin. One of which it is related to the Racoon. However they are totally different species and so a genetic impossibility. Another is that Mary Antoinette sent her Angora's to the boat ahead of her on her escape from France. However her cat's made the escape that she did not. Then they were set free in the America's and mated with the domestic cat's there. Naturally evolving into the beauties you see today. No one really knows the answer behind there origins, but it can be said that they are truly Regal & Magnificent creatures that we are blessed to have in our lives.
The Maine Coon is the largest domestic breed of cat, with Females averaging weights of 9 to 14lb's and Males up to a massive 34lb's, but this is an extreme. They come in a wide range of colours and coat types, some being more common than others in England. The Basic colours are White, Black, Blue, Red & Cream. Then you have Solid colour, Bi colour, Tabby, Tortie, Tortie Tabby (also known as Torbie) with or without White. Then add in the Smokes, Silvers and Shaded and it all adds up to about 65 colour variations.
Being a semi long coated breed they do need some grooming, doing this on a regular basis about 5-10 min's every couple of days, gives you both quality time together and keeps the chance of matting to a minimum and therapeutic for you both.