Editing Maine Coon (section)

=== Fur coat ===
The Maine Coon is a long- or medium-haired cat. The coat is soft and silky, although texture may vary with coat color. The length is shorter on the head and shoulders and longer on the stomach and flanks, with some cats having a leonine ruff around their neck. Minimal grooming is required for the breed compared to other long-haired breeds, as their double coat is mostly self-maintaining owing to a light-density [[Down hair|undercoat]]. The coat is subject to seasonal variation,<ref name="ACFAStandard">{{cite web|title=The ACFA Maine Coon Standard|publisher=American Cat Fanciers Association|url=https://acfacat.com/Breed%20Standards/Maine%20Coon%20Cat.pdf|access-date=20 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705130903/https://acfacat.com/Breed%20Standards/Maine%20Coon%20Cat.pdf|archive-date=5 July 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> with the fur being thicker in the winter and thinner during the summer.
[[File:Maine coon profile.jpg|thumb|Face profile with typical lynx ear tips]]
Maine Coons have several physical adaptations for survival in harsh winter climates. Their dense water-resistant fur is longer and shaggier on their underside and rear for extra protection when they are walking or sitting on top of wet surfaces of snow or ice.<ref name="Fanciers">{{cite web |title=The Maine Coon: Cat Breed FAQ |year=2003 |work=Cat Fanciers |url=http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq.html |access-date=2 November 2008 |archive-date=3 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081103112237/http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Their long and bushy raccoon-like tail is resistant to sinking in snow, and can be curled around their face and shoulders for warmth and protection from wind and blowing snow. It can even be curled around their backside like an insulated seat cushion when sitting down on a frozen surface.<ref name="DonShaw">{{cite web|title=The origin of the Maine Coon|work=PawPeds.com|publisher=The Scratch Sheet|year=1976|url=https://www.pawpeds.com/cms/index.php/en/breed-specific/breed-articles/the-origin-of-the-maine-coon|access-date=20 November 2024|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629223701/https://www.pawpeds.com/cms/index.php/en/breed-specific/breed-articles/the-origin-of-the-maine-coon|url-status=live}}</ref>

Large paws facilitate walking on snow and are often compared to snowshoes.<ref name="Fanciers" /> Long tufts of fur growing between their toes help keep the toes warm and further aid walking on snow by giving the paws additional structure without significant extra weight.<ref name="DonShaw" /> Heavily furred ears with extra long tufts of fur growing from inside can keep warm more easily.<ref name="Fanciers" />