The Maine Coon Cat – 

The Maine Coon is considered to be one of the first truly American cats though true origins are quite confused and theories abound. Said by some to have been the cats of Marie Antoinette brought over on the ship of Captain Clough to Wiscasset Maine. Some say it was Captain Coon who on his excursions to this continent brought his house cats with him. Others like to think the Maine Coon is a cross between a raccoon and a house cat (zoologically impossible) or perhaps a cross between a house cat and a Bobcat or Lynx (this would explain the ear tufts).

Characteristics

However obscure the origins, the characteristics of the Maine Coon are quite distinct and very much valued – a bruiser of a cat physically with a long and large, rectangular body and thick silky fur that repels water, a lush tail and toe and ear tufts. The Maine Coon is a tough, rugged, muscular working cat, well adapted to cold weather yet is a beautiful cat too, in conformation, coloring (many variations), because of its luxurious coat and not least because of its disposition. Some of the words used to describe this breed are elegant, gentle, amiable, loving, faithful, self confident, resourceful, quiet, good tempered, active and healthy. In personal contact the Maine Coon seems to have a sense of the regal – like a kindly and tolerant beneficent dictator or a regal lord.

The breed is also affectionate, playful, intelligent, docile, independent with a moderate need for attention and they are good with children and with other pets. They can weigh 19 lbs. or more and live to 16 or more years.

Maine Coons’ Cat Fountains

And what sort of cat fountain does the Maine Coon need? Either a fountain with a stream or a cat fountain with a raised drinking area, or both. A fountain with a small raised area prevents your Maine Coon from dipping his neck fur into the water. Very passive cats not fond of a lot of activity will prefer this style. Thirstycats has many of such designs as the carousel below shows.

More curious, livelier or simply more fun loving Main Coons may prefer a stream with falling water. There are more audible sound as well as motion exhibited in a stream fountain. This design too is intended to keep his neck and face fur dry while enjoying the vital process of drinking. Thirstycat Fountains has an endless variety of these designs too.