Giant Maine Coon Cat's Enormous Body Is Capturing the Internet's Heart
Cat and dog people are very particular kinds of people. If someone is bold enough to brand themselves as either a “dog person” or a “cat person,” there’s a 100% chance they’ll also have their specific likes and dislikes of breeds, colorations and temperaments within those categories.
While there seem to be more noticeable differences and variations in the dog category, cats span quite a range, too.
Many domestic cats have short hair, but there are long-haired ones. And for the especially bold, there are cats with no hair.
And then there are cats like Lotus, who blow all other cats out of the water. No cats can even begin to compete with Lotus on any front, really, which is apparently why his owner has started an Instagram for the breathtaking feline.
First of all — and most immediately recognizable — Lotus is massive. This is no house cat, this is a Lynx. Or a bobcat with a tail. Or a dog in cat’s clothing.
Most cats weigh in at around 9 pounds or so tops, if they are at a healthy weight. According to Cat Time, Maine Coons (which is what Lotus is) can reach over 20 pounds.
They take years to reach their full-grown size, too, and males are generally bigger than females.
After size, there’s that luxurious, silky coat, and a ruff that makes Lotus look like a miniature lion.
As the name suggests, Maine Coons were developed in Maine, and called “Coons” because their markings often resembled those of a raccoon.
They were hunters, keeping rodent populations down during all kinds of weather, which is why they have such fluffy coats. The Cat Fanciers’ Association does say, though, that their coats are not as difficult to maintain as some other long-haired breeds’.
The CFA also says that these cats make great companions, but they’re not exactly “cat-like.”
“Maine Coon Cats are intelligent, trainable, described as ‘dog like,'” the page dedicated to the breed states. “They will offer you hours of enjoyment with their antics but can at times be intrusive. Without question they want to be part of everything and your privacy may require a closed door between you and your cat.”
So if you find yourself admiring these furry giants and don’t want to choose between dogs and cats, perhaps a Maine Coon would make the perfect addition to your family.
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