The Maine Coon Cat is America's own breed of cat. It is generally regarded as a native of New England, and is the official State Cat of Maine. Many myths surround the origin of this unique cat.
One of the earliest stories surrounding its origins was that the cat was the result of matings between domestic cats and raccoons. These stories may have started from the observation that the tabby version of the Maine Coon has a bushy, ringed tail similar to a raccoon. [Although biologically impossible], this story may have given the breed the name it carries to this day.
Another story is that the cat is the descendant of long haired cats brought to the new world by Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution. Six Turkish Angoras were sent ahead with the Queen's belongings when she was planning her escape from France. The cats were taken from France to Wiscassett, Maine by a captain Samuel Clough or Cloud. Marie was caught on her way to the French coast and was beheaded. The cats escaped to the New World, where they were allowed to run free, and interbred with local short haired cats.
Perhaps the most likely (although less romantic) origin is the interbreeding of local short haired cats with long haired cats brought to New England by sailors, either 18th century "Yankee" whalers (possibly a captain Coon) or 11th century Vikings. The Viking connection is supported by the strong resemblance to the Norwegian Forest Cat, which is also said to be a descendant of the fierce warrior cats carried to sea by the Viking on their voyages.
Regardless of their origin, the breed thrived. 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 breed was first recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and white cat named "Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines."
The Maine Coon Cat was recognized as a specific breed in Maine early in the 19th century, where the first cat shows in the United States were held. When the first "allbreed" cat show was held in Madison Square Garden in 1895, a brown tabby Maine Coon female named "Cosie" defeated all other breeds to be the "Best Cat in Show."
The popularity of the Maine Coon cats dwindled in the early part of the twentieth century, with the introduction of the more exotic Persian cats from England. Some even believed that the breed had become extinct. In the 1950's a group of devoted fans strove to reintroduce the Maine Coon breed to the Cat Fancy and to the world. Their efforts were a resounding success, and the Maine Coon is now the second most popular purebred cat in the United Stated.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How big do Maine Coons get? | The Maine Coon is the largest breed recognized in CFA. Medium to large in size, the males tend to be somewhat larger than the females. Males range in weight from 15 to 18 pounds; females tend to be 9 to 12 pounds. Altered cats may weigh a pound or two more. However, their long legs and body, broad chest, and shaggy coat, give Maine Coons the appearance of being even larger than they are. Their large appearance may be the source of so many myths about 30 pound Maine Coon cats. |
| How long do Maine Coons keep growing? | As the largest breed, Maine Coons are also among the slowest to fully mature. They may continue to grow and develop until they are three to four years old, sometimes even a bit older. |
| What colors do the come in? | Maine Coons come in almost every color and pattern known. Originally only the brown tabby cats were called "Coons" all other colors were called shags. Today there is almost no restriction on the patterns and colors accepted (with the exception of the pointed Himalayan pattern and a few related colors). Although people often think of Maine Coons as either brown tabby or brown tabby with white, they also come in blue, white, black, silver, red, and cream; with or without white. Tabby patterns can be either classic, mackerel or spotted in either silver, red, brown, blue, blue-silver, patched, cream, or cameo. The tabby patterns can also come with or without white. Maine Coons can even come in tortoiseshell, calico or even smokes. There is no correlation between coat color and eye color. |
| What kind of personality does the Maine Coon have? | Known as the Gentle Giants, they have a generally amiable and outgoing disposition. Maine Coons love people, without being overly dependent. They are more inclined to sit with you, rather than on your lap (unless the mood strikes them to do otherwise). Good with children or other pets (even dogs), Maine Coons' slow maturity makes them seem like big kittens well into adulthood. The boys especially can be big clowns, although the girls sometimes have more dignity. Natural hunters, Maine Coon cats love to play "fetch" or catch toys in their huge paws. Some will even walk on a leash like a dog. Their tiny chirruping voices (especially when hunting) seem almost comical in relationship to their large size. |
| Do Maine Coons need much grooming? | Maine Coons have a durable coat that repels water and dirt. They do not require the daily grooms of some of the other longhair breeds. Maine Coons usually do not need much grooming and a weekly combing or brushing is plenty to keep the coat in top condition. During the spring or early summer (shedding season) you may need to comb more often, other times of the year less attention may be required. |
| Do Maine Coons all have extra toes? | Some of the early Maine Coons were polydactyls, which means they had extra toes. Some people believed that the extra toes enhanced the look of the already large paws on the breed. However, with official reintroduction of the breed in the 1950's, modern purebred Maine Coons are rarely polydactyls. This is because the Cat Fanciers Association disqualifies polydactyls from competition in the purebred classes. Today, only a few breeders continue to work with them. Since the polydactyl gene is dominant, you can't get a polydactyl kitten unless at least one of the parents is also a polydactyl. |
| How can I tell if my cat is a Maine Coon? | By its registration papers. The Maine Coon is a native American breed, and its ancestors evolved in response to conditions in New England. Many mixed-breed cats came from the same gene pool, and have a similar appearance. Cats from all over the world in similar climates, such as the Siberian Cat or the Norwegian Forrest Cat, have traits in common with the Maine Coon. The only way to tell for sure if your cat is a real Maine Coon is to look at the pedigree. |
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