The Maine Coon cat has existed in the U.S. since the 1800s and is considered the oldest native cat breed in the U.S. Rugged and solidly built, the Maine Coon cat is known for its massive size, shaggy coat, and large tufted ears reminiscent of a bobcat. While the Maine Coon might appear intimidating to some, this breed is a gentle giant with a sweet, laid-back personality. Maine Coon cat is friendly, kind, and steady in temperament, which makes them wonderful companions. These cats are also quite trainable and sociable, and many have been certified as therapy cats, visiting with people in hospitals and senior care facilities. Maine Coons are affectionate and want to be close to you, but they are not overly clingy and generally aren’t lap cats. They can be entertaining to watch as they engage in silly antics, and they tend to get into everything. The Maine Coon is slow to mature, with most not reaching their full growth until about 4 years of age.