Two defining features of the Maine Coon: lynx tip ears and strong muzzle

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CFA breed standard for ears: EARS: Shape: large, well-tufted, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed. Set: approximately one ear’s width apart at the base; not flared.
"Well-tufted" means lynx tips. The word "lynx" is a reference to the lynx wild cat species which has tufts of hair coming out of the tip of their ears. The breed standard demands it. The CFA standard for the muzzle is equally clear:
MUZZLE/CHIN: is visibly square, medium in length and blunt ended when viewed in profile. It may give the appearance of being a rectangle but should not appear to be tapering or pointed.
Note the "visibly square" description and "blunt ended". It is should not be pointed as is the case for the Norwegian Forest cat which is often confused in appearance with the Maine Coon. Here is a great cat who meets the CFA standard:
Photo: Reddit.com.

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