The Maine Coon is the native American longhaired cat and was recognized as a specific breed in Maine where they were held in high regard for their mousing talents. Through nature’s own breeding program, this breed has developed into a sturdy cat ideally suited to the harsh winters and varied seasons of the region. The Maine Coon is well known for its loving nature, kindly disposition and great intelligence. Maines are especially good with children and dogs and have always been a popular and sought after companion.

The Maine Coon has always been admired for its beauty, and a Maine Coon was chosen Best Cat at the first major cat show ever held in this country. The transition from easygoing farm cat to CFA finalist was not an easy one, nor did it happen quickly. Although they lost favor and were conspicuously absent from shows for quite a long time, we are now seeing large classes of these beauties in most cat shows and it is not unusual for a Maine Coon to be named “Best Cat.”

General information

The Maine Coon is one of the largest among breeds of domestic cats and is often referred to as the “gentle giant” of the cat fancy. It is lynx-like in appearance, yet gentle in temperament. It is North America’s only natural longhair breed, and the state of Maine’s official cat.

Description: The Maine Coon is a mixture of elegance and ruggedness, wildness and gentleness. It is a large, semi-long-haired cat, with a shaggy coat, large ears and a extremely long, full, plume tail; a “working” cat, able to fend for its self in rough, woody terrain and under extreme climate conditions, exhibiting exceptional strength due to heavy boning and sturdy muscles. Maines are very slow to mature, not reaching full growth until three to five years of age. Males weight between twelve and eighteen pounds; females usually smaller. The Maine, however, should not be judged on poundage and size alone. Without the large ears, high cheekbones, strong, square muzzle, the long, strong rectangular body, firm legs and large paws, and the extra-long bushy tail, the “look” is not there. The head shape is a broad modified wedge, with rounded contours, wide nose and a square muzzle. The strikingly large, wide ears are set well apart on top of the head, never on the sides, and should not flare out. Lynx tipping and ear furnishings are desirable. The eyes are large and oval. Legs should be of medium length. The tail should be the same length as the measure from the base of the neck to the base of the spine. The shaggy, uneven coat lies flat, having very little undercoat. Toe tufts may be present, which some believe, aides the cats on walking on snow. Maine Coons may be shown in all colors and patterns except the pointed, sepia and mink colors.

History

Many believe the Norwegian Forest cat to be an ancestor of the Maine Coon; indeed, some of the present-day Norwegian Forest cats in Norway resemble the Maine Coon. Other believe them to be the result of mating, in Maine, between semi-wild domestic cats and raccoons ( a genetic impossibility), hence the name. Another story tells that a cat was brought by ship to Maine by a certain Captain Coon, and that it escaped, lived in the woods and with the semi-wild domestic cats. The breed probably developed through a process of natural selection. Whatever the origin, it may be surmised that breeders discovered these wonderful animals and carefully bred them to preserve the look of the original “wild” Maine Coons.