Monday, November 21, 2011

LACOCOON DANTE: LION OR MISSING LYNX?

I noticed another development in Dante's facial appearance just the other day.  The fur flowing from his cheek area was becoming more pronounced and pointed.  Take a look.



It's like these points of fur were separating from the rest of his mane and now he looked much more lynx than lion!

So, I did some comparison shots.




Maine Coons evolved from European cats that were brought over by early settlers, but there has been a long held myth (apparently genetically impossible) that they mated with wildcats, like the lynx.  However, between the cheek tufts and the ear tufts, it's otherwise tuft to explain.

Now, most folks think Dante looks like a lion, and I would agree there are significant similarities there, too. 




So what do you think?  Is Dante a lion, a lynx or something in-between?  Perhaps even the 'missing lynx' of the feline variety?


Leonine Dante


Lynxified Dante

Maybe Dante's a whole new species.
 A 'lynxion' PURRhaps?
What say you?


14 comments:

Admiral Hestorb said...

Missing Lynx of the Dante variety! I'm almost sorry you gave that as a choice because I thought I was clever for thinking about it and going to write it before I read you already had. :-)))

Unknown said...

Hmm. Me don't knows if yous is a Lynx or a Lion. Yous is beauteous! Me would loves to snuggle into all that furs!
Kisses
Nellie

Gemini and Ichiro said...

I think Dante is whatever he wants to be! Although I'm leaning on lion!

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I think I fell a little bit more in love with your kitty.. such a handsome beast.

Fuzzy Tales said...

We think you're a gorgeous "wild" mancat, Dante, no matter whether lion or lynx. Purrhaps you can be lion one day and lynx the next! :-)

Mr Puddy said...

Dante !!! Yes I see You are The Handsome King : ) and Big boss of da house...Tee..heh..heh

The Island Cats said...

We think Dante is a combination of both!! And very handsome!!

Oui Oui said...

Oh my cod! He is the most beautiful cat I've seen, either way I love him! We are just breathless here and we had to wipe the drool away so we wouldn't short out the keyboard. The girl kitties are limp pools on the floor. Felion Dantimaximus Rex, we bow before you!

Katnip Lounge said...

I think he looks like a well to do Victorian kitty with fancy muttonchops!

Ossie's mom said...

I can't thank you enough for sharing these delightful pictures of Dante. He has to be the fluffiest Maine Coon I have ever seen.

Anonymous said...

We say he's a "Dante-Lion". He he he!

8GR8LOLCATS said...

I would most definitely say- Lynx or Lion. He reminds me of both facially. He has a LOT more thick body fur than either the Lynx or the Lion though. I'm sure he is the KING of the beasts in your neighborhood.

Clooney said...

Oh Dante, you are the finest lynxion ever! Cool post.

Anya said...

What an awesome cat! So dignified - so beautiful. The lynx and lion comparisons are amazing.