The Maine Coon cat's history is not known for sure. They are the only long-haired cat that is native to the US. According to one story, this breed originated from long-haired cats who the queen of France, Marie Antoinette, sent to the US during the French Revolution to keep them safe. These cats then supposedly interbred with the other local cats. A more plausible story is that imported long-haired cats mated with some local short-haired cats. Then, due to the cold New England winters, the long-haired cats became the norm due to natural selection.
Maine Coons are very smart and gentle with humans. The enjoy people and are compatible with other pets. Although not lap cats, they do like to play and can be trained to fetch items like a dog. Most prefer to eat while in the company of humans or other cats. They are skilled at using their paws and can learn to open closet doors, turn on faucets and pick things up. They do tend to cause mischief such as pushing objects off of tabletops, playing with the water in their bowl and dipping toys or food in the water. Their voices are trilling with a sound that is between a purr and a meow, and they make the sound when they are contented or startled.
