The Maine Coon belongs to the eldest natural cat breed of North-America. Presumably they discovered the first Maine Coons in the North-East of America in New England the state of Maine.
A real working cat, muscled and average to large in size. In the rough climate of North-America the Maine Coon succeeded in adapting and surviving.
In 1825, when no cat exhibitions were organised yet, the Maine Coon were shown at annual fairs in New England. Already then people realised that they had come upon a special cat. 

The Maine Coon belongs to the semi-longhaired cats and, compared to other longhaired ones, are easy to keep. They should be brushed and comb once a week, that should be sufficient. Don't forget the armpits ! 

It is an intelligent cat, quiet, tolerant, helpful and with a very sweet nature towards people and other pets. When they mew they have a very soft tone of voice (slightly chirping), wich you hardly expect from such a big cat. They develope very slowly: not until about 4 years old they have grown up.
They become somewhat bigger than regular cats, and weigh approximately between 4 and 8 kilos. Of course tomcats grow heftier than pussycats.

Their fur is water-resistant and doesn't get entangled (or hardly). They have a broad head with a square muzzle, a slight curve in the nose, large ears with hairfluff sticking out and preferably tufts on the earpoints. They are very impressive to look at with their tall legs, loose soft fur and long bushy tail plume. This tail is used to keep their feet and ears warm when they curl up all the way.
They have a natural charisma. Even when Maine Coons are of old age they remain playful and like to act the clown. Pussycats move about in live with a bit more dignity in life than tomcats.
Quite often they stroll behind you, mewing a bit as if they want to ask "what are you going to do now?". 

Maine Coons are very curious by nature and like to be kept informed about everything that's happening in- en outside your house.