COON

The Coon cat is an excellent example of environmental adaptation. The coat of this beautiful cat is glossy and water-resistant. It is long and flowing, relatively heavy and shaggy, shorter on the shoulders to guard against tangling in underbrush and longer on the belly and britches to protect it from the cold damp ground. The cat’s tail is very long and plume like which it uses to wrap around itself as protection from the cold. Big round, tufted feet serve as "snow shoes". The ears are very large and provide approximately a 320 degree rotation. Additionally, the ears are more heavily furred inside and on the tip, not only to keep the ears warm, but also acts as "antenna" to enable its hearing to be more acute. The relatively long square muzzle helps to grasp prey and lap water from streams and ponds. Coons are large long cats standing relatively high on their legs, which allow them to readily jump over fallen tree boughs and small streams. All together, the Coon presents a picture of a large hearty cat able to take care of itself in a deciduous forest in a temperate zone.

The most important feature of the Coon Are the head and body shape. The head is longer than wide, presenting a gently curved profile with high cheekbones and ears that are large, wide at the base, moderately pointed, and well tufted inside. The muzzle is square with a strong deep chin and, on profile, the nose and the base of the chin are in line. The ears set relatively high on the head approximately an ear’s width apart. Lynx-like tufting on the end of the ears as well as tufting inside the ear is desirable. The eyes are large and slightly obliquely set. The neck is medium-long, the body long, and the chest broad. The overall appearance of the Coon is that of an alert, well balanced, rectangular cat. Throughout its history, the Coon has been shown in all colours except chocolate, lavender and the pointed Siamese pattern. The eye colour range through green, gold, and green-gold. White Coons can be blue eyed or odd eyed.

Coon cats develop relatively slowly, and may not achieve their full size until they are around 4 years of age. A flowing coat and tail as well as their medium large bone structure contribute to the appearance of  them being very large cats.

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