One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon cat is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine. Most experts today believe that the breed originated in matings between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs. Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters. Nature is not soft-hearted. It selects the biggest, the brightest, the best fighters, and the best hunters to breed successive generations. Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the same climate, and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the Vikings. Maine Coon cats are intelligent and playful and exceptionally well suited to homes with children and/or dogs. Maine Coons are affectionate, gentle family companions.