The look of a Maine Coon, including some of the science on how Maine Coons inherit their color, from the basics of heredity to the genetics of color

From wild cats to royalty, much folklore exists to explain the origins of today's Maine Coon cats

Recognized for their wonderful personalities AND their good looks, Maine Coons were America's first show cat

Encore presentation of the Gentle Giants as seen on this page but with larger size photos and music by The Beatles!

Classic Maine Coon Expressions in a slideshow set to music, brought to you by CaliMaine

Female Maine Coons generally range in size from 9 to 14 pounds, and males, 15 to 20 pounds.

While large size is a distinguishing characteristic of the breed, so is their endearing personality, making Maine Coons true companions to those who care for them. Look into a kitten's eyes, and you can already see the natural curiosity.

Expressive and playful, Maine Coons will often find a way to participate in what you are doing. Don't be surprised if your Coon follows you around the house, asking to go into and out of rooms when the doors are closed.

Maine Coons enjoy being near you. Don't be surprised if your Maine Coon chooses to walk on your computer keyboard just as you sit down to work or lays down right on top of that magazine you were about to read. Laying next to you is another of their favorite past times.

Try to walk by a Maine Coon without offering a pet, and you may feel a tap on your arm or hear a verbal "hello." At any age, they always seem ready for a good game of feather toy.

Maine Coons are intelligent and resourceful. You might reach down to pick something up and feel the weight of a cat who has just jumped on your back. You might find something unexpected in that waste basket you thought you just emptied. You might find a furry friend on the kitchen counter intelligently asking you to turn on the faucet for a drink of running water.