:   Dean James, who writes as is one of my oldest and dearest friends in the mystery world. Dean, a professional librarian who fed his love of mysteries by working part time at Murder By the Book in Houston (one of my very favorite bookstores) championed my books from day one. Since then, Dean has published twenty novels! (Boy, do I feel like a slacker!) and won readers' hearts with his Cat in the Stacks books featuring widower Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, set in the fictional small town of Athena, Mississippi. Charlie's world is so appealing (murders aside) that you want to go and live in Athena, and adopt Diesel--at least if Charlie hadn't gotten to him first... MIRANDA (DEAN) JAMES: Since 2000 I have published twenty novels, thirteen of which are set in Mississippi where I was born and reared. During the writing of those novels I lived in Texas, and the Cruel as the GraveMaine Coon Rescue Information: The Maine Coon is a long-haired cat native to North America.

Maine Coons are intelligent and playful. This breed is exceptionally well suited to homes with children and/or dogs. Maine Coons are affectionate, gentle family companions. Maine Coon Trivia: Maine Coons often win the prize for Best Cat in cat shows. Maine Coons are the indigenous cat breed of North America. All Maine Coons are considered to be descended from cats in Maine. One legend says that Maine Coons are descended from pets belonging to Marie Antoinette, which she sent to America in anticipation of the French Revolution.Signing up for MypetMD is easy, free and puts the most relevant content at your fingertips. 1. Tell us your name.: 2. How do you like to be called?: 3. What's your email address?: 5. You have a:: By joining petMD, you agree to the Privacy Policy. Home » Cat Breeds Maine Coon Cat Breed What is a Maine Coon Cat? The Maine Coon cat is a long-haired breed that is native to Maine, where it has been held in high regard for its mousing talents for centuries.

This is a large cat, weighing anywhere between 12 to 18 pounds, though the females of the breed are smaller. The typical physical characteristics of the breed do not develop until the cat's third or fourth year. The Maine Coon breed's distinguishing feature is its smooth, shaggy, and water-repellent coat, which can come in a variety of colors, though brown is currently the favorite. Its hair is long and silky and is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach. The Maine Coon is often in the top 10 of the most popular cat breeds in the U.S. The reasons for its popularity are not hard to find. Besides possessing a distinctive coat, it has extremely hardy, undaunted by most circumstances, and fiercely loyal to its human owners. In fact, this playful breed will get along well with other pets and children. Although the Maine Coon cat is wary of strangers initially, it will grow accustomed to them if given time. It is docile, obedient, and, curiously, attracted to water.

So don't be surprised if you see your Maine Coon taking a little dip. In addition to grooming the Maine Coon's coat twice a week with a steel comb, you will need to be sure to provide opportunities for regular daily exercise, often in the form of play.Imsa T Shirts Maine Coons have inhabited America for centuries, even during the early colonial period. Sheepadoodle Puppies For Sale CheapHowever, there is very little knowledge of how they first came to the continent. Balterio Laminate Flooring Reviews UkThere are many tales related to trace their origin, though the authenticity of these tales is doubtful. One far-fetched story claims that the Maine Coon's ancestor was a raccoon -- which is biologically impossible. Others say the breed was produced by the crossing of the indigenous Bobcat with a domestic cat.

Yet another fanciful tale traces their ancestry to the long-haired cats belonging to the French queen, Marie Antoinette. According to this lore, an American captain named Clough rescued the queen's cats but was unable to save her life; the cats were then brought to America. Yet another narrative is that these cats were brought to the states in the 1700s by an American captain named Coon, who hailed from the Northeast coast of America. This last tale may contain some grains of truth. Captains of ships often brought cats from foreign lands to counter the problems of mice, which thrived on the ships. On their arrival they may have made their home on the Northeast coast, in Maine. The climate was terrible and only the bravest and toughest cats could survive. The survivors were strong and hardy with a water-resistant coat. The Maine Coon is one of the first breeds to be officially recognized in the early 19th century; since then it has gained rapid popularity. Mr. F. R. Pierce, who owned Maine Coons as early as 1861, mentioned in The Book of the Cat that a Maine Coon named Leo was awarded Best Cat in the New York City cat show of 1895 and was a consistent winner in Boston in 1897, 1898, and 1899.

The breed’s popularity plummeted in the early 1900s when more exotic cats arrived and became instant favorites. By 1950, the breed had dwindled alarmingly and very few members were left. A few breeders, however, displayed an active interest in this cat and threw it a life line. They held Maine Coon-only shows and in 1968 founded the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association. Thanks to the efforts of its staunch supporters, the Maine Coon regained much lost ground and was once again a candidate for Championship competitions. It remains one of the most popular breeds of cat today, with Championship status in all associations.From the March/April 2012 issue Maine Coon Cats | Edgar Allen Beem • September 24, 2013 • While Maine coon cats are not actually a cross between a raccoon and a domestic cat, it is a fascinating animal. Learn more about this furry feline. Enter Your Log In Credentials HOLY SEE (VATICAN CITY) SAINT KITTS AND NEV