The Maine Coon is the oldest American breed of cat native to the long, besides being the largest of all cat breeds. It was officially recognized as a breed in the U.S. state of Maine, where he was renowned for its ability to hunt rats and to tolerate harsh weather. Also known as the "gentle giant"

Origin:

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, domestic cats brought over from Europe faced the harsh winters of New England where, by natural selection, only the strongest and most adaptable cats survived. Thus, the Maine Coon developed into a big cat and rustic, with a thick coat and is resistant to water, and a strong constitution.
The origin of the race and his name has several, sometimes fantastic stories explanatory. One of them says that a domestic cat loose in the forests of Maine crossed with a raccoon, resulting in a litter with the characteristics of the Maine Coon. While this is biologically impossible, this story, fueled by the tail and full color similar to the raccoon may have led to adoption of the name 'Maine Coon'. Another story is the cat have been winning so named after a ship's captain named Coon who have been responsible for the arrival of even the coast of Maine.
Despite such stories, most breeders today believe that the breed was originated in crosses between short-haired cats natives and Europeans at long, probably Angora. They are very large cats, but also very beautiful.

Behavior:

The behavior of the Maine Coon is extremely docile, gentle, companion, giving well with other cats and other pets such as dogs. It is easy to fit a cat, and essentially very friendly. It is in need of care and attention, always need company. His meow is one of the more curious because it is like a cricket.

Physical Characteristics:

Originally a working cat, the Maine Coon is tough, hardy, able to withstand the elements. His hair is soft and his body very well proportioned, rectangular appearance and balanced, free of exaggerated size. It is muscular, of medium to large size. Females are generally smaller than males.
The eyes are large and expressive. The eye colors are green or golden, as well as having a dense coat. The most common pattern of color is brown (ocher in Portugal), with Tabby markings of the kind, but the breed is recognized in all colors except chocolate, lavender, speckled pattern and Siamese. With a big head but small for the size of the body, ears filled up with hair, long body and tail erect, usually also long in body size.
His coat is silky, falling slightly. It is short in the shoulders and longer in the stomach region.