<P> No records of the Maine Coon's exact origins and date of introduction to the United States exist, so several competing hypotheses have been suggested . The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long - haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century . The Maine Coon has since made a comeback and is now one of the more popular cat breeds in the world . </P> <P> The Maine Coon is a large and sociable cat, hence its nickname, "the gentle giant ." It is characterized by a prominent ruff along its chest, robust bone structure, rectangular body shape, an uneven two layered coat with longer guard hairs with a silky satin under layer undercoat, and a long, bushy tail . The breed's colors vary widely, with only lilac and chocolate disallowed for pedigree . Reputed for its intelligence and playful, gentle personality, the Maine Coon is often cited as having "dog - like" characteristics . Professionals notice certain health problems in the breed including feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia, but reputable breeders use modern screening methods to minimize the frequency of these problems . </P> <P> The ancestral origins of the Maine Coon are unknown--there are only speculation and folk tales . One such folk tale involves Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, who was executed in 1793 . The story goes that before her death, Antoinette attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough . She loaded Clough's ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite Turkish Angora cats . Although she did not make it to the United States, her pets safely reached the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they bred with other short - haired breeds and developed into the modern breed of the Maine Coon . </P> <P> Another folk tale involves Captain Charles Coon, an English seafarer who kept long - haired cats aboard his ships . Whenever Coon's ship would anchor in New England ports, the felines would exit the ship and mate with the local feral cat population . When long - haired kittens began appearing in the litters of the local cat population, they were referred to as one of "Coon's cats". </P>

Where does the maine coon cat come from
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