DANTE: THE MISSING LYNX?

I have posted these pictures before, but I thought they deserve to be revisited.

Much has been made about Dante's resemblance to a lion, but he had similarities with other big cats as well, specifically the lynx.

There is an actual myth that European cats brought over to the new world mated with lynx in the wild, and Maine Coons were the result.  It hasn't been scientifically proven, but there are some 'eary' parallels.

Dante's ears have what they call 'lynx tips' which are purrportedly used to judge the direction of the wind.  Some say they have no purrpose at all, but I think nature is smarter than that.

You will also note that Dante's winter coat includes pronounced facial hair on his cheeks.  I gleaned this description of 'felis lynx' characteristics online:  "Their cheeks have long pale ruffs which form a pointed beard on each side of their face near the throat area."

So, all this begs the question:  Are Maine Coons the missing lynx of the Family Felidae?  Perhaps they are the genetic connection between wild cats and domesticated pussycats in general.

What do you think?