Maine Coons are the earliest of the breeds developed in the United States.

The name comes from the mistaken belief of some settlers that it
resulted from  a cross between a domestic shorthair cat
and a raccoon - a mating impossible in nature.

It has some similarity with the Norwegian Forest Cat and perhaps
can trace it's origins back to a cat taken to the USA by the
early Viking settlers but it may possible have descended from crosses
between the early domestic arrivals and later introductions
of Angoras, toughened up by harsh winters on the farms around Maine.

The Maine Coon's rugged, muscular appearance is a reminder of its
evolution as a working farm cat.
It's heavy, shaggy, weatherproof coat, the undercoat covered
by a more substantial glossy topcoat, which helps it withstand
the Maine winter, is virtually self-maintaining.

It is classified as a semi-longhair cat with longer fur on their back,
flanks, tail and around the neck. It should have lynx-tips on their ears too.