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Pet of the week is the Main coon cat – The largest and floofiest of them all!
By John Morgan | Dated February 20, 2018
The Maine Coon is the largest breed of domestic cat, with males reaching up to 11kg, females usually reaching about 6kg. The true origin of the breed is unknown, so the reason for the large size is not clear. The first published reference to a Maine Coon was in 1861, about a black and white cat named Captain Jenks of the House Marines, in Maine New England USA. It is believed that they were originally a cross between a domestic short hair and Turkish Angora or Norwegian Forest Cat who were bought over from foreign countries.
The breed is recognisable by it large size, long silky coat, tufts of long hair on their ears. Some even have a 5th digit on their feet! They are the gentle giants of the domestic cat world and while they are not known as lap cats, they are very loyal and relaxed.
Written by John Morgan
John first started with Gordon Vet Hospital back in 2004 as a weekend Nurse while studying Veterinary Science. When he graduated he worked in Goulburn for a few years before spending 2 years doing locum work through Canada. John returned to Australia in 2013 and came back to Gordon Vet Hospital. John completed his postgraduate studies in Small Animal Practice in 2013 and in 2015 gained Membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery.
