Kitty Cat Corner - The Maine Coon Cat - May 11

by Heddie Leger

The Maine Coon Cat is the oldest natural breed in North America. The ideal Maine Coon is a strong, healthy cat. It is generally considered a native of the state of Maine. The Maine Coon is the official Maine State Cat. Most breeders believe the breed originated in mating between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs, such as Angora types cats that were introduced by seamen in New England, or longhair cats brought to America by the Vikings.

First Recorded Cat

In 1861, Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines, remains the first recorded cat in cat historical literature. A brown tabby female named ‘Cosie’ won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show. Unfortunately, the popularity of Main Coons as show cats declined with the arrival of the more flamboyant Persians in the 1900s. Although the Maine Coon remained a favorite cat in New England, the breed did not begin to regain its former widespread popularity until the 1950’s when more and more cat fanciers began to take notice of them, show them, and record their pedigrees. In 1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) to preserve and protect the breed.

More than A Century Ago

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. Since planned breeding began, Maine Coon breeders have sought to preserve the Maine Coon’s “natural,” rugged qualities. Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the same climate, and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the Vikings.

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 against wet and snow, and shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in the underbrush. 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. 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.

Highly People Oriented Cats

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, preferring 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..

Wonderful Personality

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.

When it comes to purchasing a cat or kitten it is buyer beware. Do your homework and research breeders in order to find the best Main Coon possible. One option is to attend a cat show in your area. There may not be kittens, but the most important thing is to find a breeder you can trust and work with. To find out about cat shows in your area review the show schedule in a Cat Fancy magazine, or call the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA). The phone number is (732) 528-9797. This is the best way to find breeders in your area.

With so many cats and kittens available in shelters, why choose a pure breed cat? Some reasons include: wanting to know what the adult cat will end up looking like, size, temperament, and health issues. Some people want to support responsible breeders and some people want to offer homes to homeless cats. It is up to the individual and their needs and wants. There are Maine Coon Cat rescues looking for homes.

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