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Black Maine Coon Cat: Info, Pictures, Origin & History
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If you are here, the chances are you have a thing for big fluffy cats. You are probably also unsure whether they make excellent pets and whether the Black Maine Coon cat, in particular, is an ideal furry companion for your household.
Well, you’re in the right place! The Black Maine Coon is an amazing animal and can be a good pet for those with children or other pets.
Breed Overview
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In this article, we will discuss all there is to know about the Maine Coon cats and the black variation of the breed, to be specific. Despite their sheer size, these gorgeous felines have attracted quite the fan base because of their calm and cuddly personalities. Ready? Let’s get started!
Black Maine Coon Cat Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Black Maine Coon Cats in History
Since the Black Main Coon is not a specific breed, let’s go over the history of Maine Coon cats in general. The Maine Coon cat is one of the oldest feline breeds worldwide. It is native to North America, and as the name suggests, it originated in Maine.
Although the exact origin of this feline breed remains unknown, many believe it occurred by breeding the Siberian domestic cat and the Norwegian Forest Cat. The breed was quite popular towards the end of the 19th century thanks to the achievements of a female Maine Coon called Cosey.
In 1895, Cosey became the first winner of the North American Cat Show held in New York.
Long-haired breeds like Persian cats stole the spotlight from Maine Coons, and the breed began to decline around 1911. It regained popularity around the 1970s and is today the third most popular pedigree cat breed worldwide.
How Black Maine Coon Cats Gained Popularity
One of the claims to fame for the Maine Coon was in 1985 when it was recognized as one of the official animals for Maine. This is quite an exceptional honor because only two other states have a cat as their state animal: Maryland and Massachusetts.
While these cats may not have become a famous meme or owned by dozens of celebrities, the Maine Coon’s docile nature and size have certainly made it popular. Maine Coons are gentle giants. Although they look fierce, they are calm, playful, and hardly ever aggressive. Awkward as it may sound, they retain their kitten-like disposition even in adulthood.
Maine Coon cats are humongous! They are among the biggest domestic cat breeds. They can seem bewilderingly big compared to other feline breeds like the American Curl. Cat lovers claim they are dog-like because of their size; some even fondly refer to them as “the gentle giants”.
Formal Recognition of Black Maine Coon Cats
Before this cat became a state symbol, it was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and accepted for CFA championship status in 1976, but only if the cat met the color and size standards. The Black Maine Coon is one of the many colors and patterns the CFA recognizes, including four additional solid colors and several tabby, parti-color, shade, and smoke colors.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Black Maine Coon Cats
1. A Maine Coon holds the record for the longest domestic cat in the world.
The Maine Coon named Stewie measured 48 inches from nose to tail in 2010. Although Stewie passed away in 2013, no cat to date has broken this record.
2. There are four color classifications for the Black Maine Coon cat.
A Black Main Coon has four different coat color criteria: solid, bi-color, shaded and smoke color, and shade/smoke and white color.
3. All Maine Coons, including the Black Maine Coon, are built to be swimmers.
Not all cats hate water! Maine Coons are among the few cat breeds that actually like water. Maybe it is in their genetics, like polydactyly? Their coat is water-resistant to help keep them warm.
Conclusion
Now you have an idea of all there is to know about the Black Maine Coon cat. We have discussed its breed profile, origin, and the different color variations. You also have detailed information about the breed’s health and care needs.
So, is the Black Maine Coon ideal for your household? We hope you are now in a position to make an informed decision.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Sergey Ginak, Shutterstock
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Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. She’s the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. She’s always had a cat in her home and has spent countless days with others, observing behaviors and softening up even the grouchiest of the lot. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat can live happy, healthy, and care-free.
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