These kitties are almost invariably the breed known as the Maine Coon, and it’s true, their size relative to normal, domestic house cats are enough to give one pause.

The Maine Coon is one of the most loyal, personable, and lovable cat breeds around.

Maine Coon: Perhaps the closest you can get to having a personal Mufasa, the Maine Coon cat breed is known for its striking mane or ruff around its neck.

The breed was developed from longhair tabby barn cats in the state of Maine, Hutcherson says. The longest cat in the world is a Maine Coon. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for a kitten.

Ironically, since we started breeding Maine Coon cats, our allergies have improved. I think it’s because we’re exposed to cats all the time,” Gessner said. Indeed, they are.

Modern Maine Coon cats are descended from natural genetic variation of cats living in Maine. Their viral popularity now is spurring cat breeders to selectively breed to make them bigger and bigger ...