Myths, legend and lore surround the
Maine Coon Cat. Some are amusing, some are fantastic flights of
fantasy and some are merely plausible. They certainly provide good
material for conversation. Feline stereotypes just don't apply
to Maine Coons, particularly the one that claims cats don't like
water. The Maine Coon's easygoing nature makes it a fine companion
for children and other pets. Maine Coons are gentle, affectionate,
and playful. They are also good mousers and like to retrieve
objects. They communicate with quiet, chirplike trills.
Other Names
Maine Shag
Native Country
United States
Breed Description
Build: largest domestic
breed, long bodied and muscular
Head: wedge shape with
square muzzle
Face: feathered ears
Ears: large, tapering
to a point
Eyes: large and
slightly slanted
Tail: long - should be
as long as the body
Legs: long and very
strong
Coat: thick and
shaggy, coppery brown with black markings
History
An
American giant and a gentle wild cat According to legend, the
Maine Coon is the result of the mating of a wild cat and a
raccoon, a genetic impossibility imagined because the coat and
tail of the breed resemble those of the raccoon. The Maine Coon
originated in the United States, in Maine. It is thought to have
arisen from crosses between Angoras brought from the Middle East
by sailors, English cats brought by the first colonists, Russian
and Nordic cats, and shorthaired American farm cats. The harsh
climate of this region of the United States produced this large,
hardy cat which may be considered the first American feline breed.
Captain Jenks, a black and white cat, was the first Maine Coon
successfully shown at cat shows in Boston and New York in 1861.
The breed also caused a stir in 1895 at New York’s Madison Square
Garden. Persians and Siamese stole the stage from the Maine Coon
for half a century. Interest in the breed was renewed around 1950
and has been growing rapidly since 1980. A standard was published
in 1960. The C.F.A. and the F.I.Fe. recognized the breed in 1976
and 1980, respectively. Although the Maine Coon is one of the
world’s most significant breeds, it is fairly uncommon in Europe
and rare in France, where it was introduced in 1981.The Maine Coon
Feline Association breed club was created in 1987. The breed has
changed greatly in recent years. It is larger, taller, and more
wild.
Behavior
Well-balanced and calm, this “gentle giant” with quiet strength is
sociable and non-aggressive, albeit dominant. He is affectionate
and very attached to his owner. Playful, athletic. Females enter
puberty late. Kittens grow slowly and do not reach adulthood until
three or four years old. They are easy to groom, as a good weekly
brushing is sufficient. |
