Maine Coon Cat, large breed of cat, North America's only native longhaired
breed. The Maine coon probably developed by natural selection in response
to New England's harsh climate. It is a muscular cat with a long body,
heavy bones, and large round paws. A full-grown Maine coon male weighs
from 5 to 8 kg (12 to 18 lb); females are smaller. Maine coons do not reach
their full size until they are four or five years old. The Maine coon has
a long, shaggy coat; large ears; a long, square muzzle; and a long, full
plume of a tail. Maine coons come in a wide range of colors. The most common
Maine coon color is the brown tabby (brown with black stripes).