BEIGATTI

Legends surrounding the Maine Coon  cat abound.  Some think the cat got its name because it is a cross between a cat and a raccoon.  A cute story, a genetic impossibility.  Others believe that Marie Antoinette had all of her prized possessions (including her cats) loaded onto a cargo ship bound for North America.  Her possessions made it, but not the queen.

More likely, the Maine Coon is simply a breed native to North America, specifically New England.  It has, throughout the centuries, adapted itself to cold weather:  tufts of fur keep the ears warm, a long bushy tail wraps around the body on cold winter nights to keep the body warm, and tufts of fur between the toes facilitate walking on snow.

Maine Coons are very large (adult females are typically 10-14 lbs., males are typically 15-18 lbs.), gentle cats.  They like to be with their humans, supervising all activities.  They are goofy, playful, outgoing, and sociable. 

 Maine Coons are a sturdy breed, but like all cats, they can come down with health problems. 

Genetic problems generally only affect a tiny minority of the breed as a whole, but since they can be eradicated by careful screening, most reputable breeders try to track such problems, both in their breeding stock and the kittens they produce. By working with a responsible breeder who will speak openly about health issues, you are encouraging sound breeding practices.

In the Maine Coon, the most common inherited health problem is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can produce anything from a minor heart murmur to severe heart trouble. At Beigatti, we screen all of our breeding cats, both with DNA testing and echocardiograms starting at age one.