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One
of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon
is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine (in
fact, the Maine Coon is the official Maine State Cat). A number
of attractive legends surround its origin. A wide-spread (though
biologically impossible) belief is that it originated from
matings between semi-wild, domestic cats and raccoons. This
myth, bolstered by the bushy tail and the most common coloring
(a raccoon-like brown tabby) led to the adoption of the name
'Maine Coon.' (Originally, only brown tabbies were called
'Maine Coon Cats;' cats of other colors were referred to as
'Maine Shags').
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| Most breeders
today believe that the breed originated in matings between pre-existing
shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs (perhaps Angora
types introduced by New England seamen, or longhairs brought
to America by the Vikings). Maine Coons were well established
more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic
cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters.
Nature is not soft-hearted. It selects the biggest, the brightest,
the best fighters, and the best hunters to breed successive
generations. Planned breedings of Maine Coons are relatively
recent. Since planned breeding began, Maine Coon breeders have
sought to preserve the Maine Coon's "natural," rugged
qualities. The ideal Maine Coon is a strong, healthy cat. |
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Everything
about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate.
Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of
no other breed, and must be felt to be appreciated. It is longer on the ruff,
stomach and britches to protect The coat falls smoothly, and is almost
maintenance-free: a weekly combing is all that is usually required to keep it
in top condition. The long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around himself when
he curls up to sleep can protect him from cold winters. His ears are
more heavily furred (both inside and on the tips) than many breeds for protection
from the cold, and have a large range of movement. |
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Big, round, tufted feet serve
as 'snow shoes.' Their large eyes and ears are also survival
traits, serving as they do increase sight and hearing. The relatively
long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and lapping water
from streams and puddles.<br> Although the Yankee myth
of 30-pound cats is just that, a myth (unless the cat is grossly
overweight!), these are indeed tall, muscular, big-boned cats;
males commonly reach 13 to 18 pounds, with females normally
weighing about 9 to 12 pounds. Add to that two or three inches
of winter coat, and people will swear that they're looking at
one big cat.
Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size
until they are three to five years old. Their dispositions remain
kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured
goofs. Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they
have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything
from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them.
(Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small
items.) They rarely meow, and when they do, that soft, tiny
voice doesn't fit their size!<br> While Maine Coons are
highly people-oriented cats, they are not overly-dependent.
They do not constantly pester you for attention, but prefer
to "hang out" with their owners, investigating whatever
activity you're involved in and "helping" when they
can. They are not, as a general rule, known as "lap cats"
but as with any personality trait there are a few Maine Coons
that prefer laps. Most Maine Coons will stay close by, probably
occupying the chair next to yours instead. Maines will follow
you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you
to emerge. A Maine Coon will be your companion, your buddy,
your pal, but hardly ever your baby.
Maine Coons are relaxed and easy-going in just about everything
they do. The males tend to be the clowns while the females retain
more dignity, but both remain playful throughout their lives.
They generally get along well with kids and dogs, as well as
other cats. They are not as vertically-oriented as some other
breeds, prefering to chase objects on the ground and grasping
them in their large paws -- no doubt instincts developed as
professional mousers. Many Maine Coons will play "fetch"
with their owners.<br> The important features of the Maine
Coon are the head and body shape, and the texture and 'shag'
of the coat. The head is slightly longer than it is wide, presenting
a gently concave profile with high cheekbones and ears that
are large, wide at the base, moderately pointed, and well tufted
inside. They are set well up on the head, approximately an ear's
width apart. Lynx-like tufting on the top of the ears is desirable.
The neck should be medium-long, the torso long, and the chest
broad. The tail should be at least as long as the torso. One
of their most distinctive features is their eyes, which are
large, round, expressive, and set a a slightly oblique angle.
Overall, the Maine Coon should present the appearance of a well-balanced,
rectangular cat.
Throughout their history there has been no restriction on the
patterns and colors acceptable, with the exception of the pointed
Siamese pattern. As a result, a wide range of colors and patterns
are bred. Eye colors for all coat colors range through green,
gold, and green-gold. Blue eyes and odd eyes, (one blue and
one gold eye) are permissible in white cats. There is no requirement
in the Maine Coon Standard of Perfection for particular combinations
of coat color and eye color.
Maine Coon owners enjoy the breed's characteristic clown-like
personality, affectionate nature, amusing habits and tricks,
willingness to 'help' with any activity, and easily groomed
coat. They make excellent companions for large, active families
that also enjoy having dogs and other animals around. Their
hardiness and ease of kittening make them a satisfying first
breed for the novice breeder. For owners wishing to show, the
Maine Coon has reclaimed its original glory in the show ring.
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