About the Breed
Perhaps the most popular breed to have been “born” in America, and the largest of all pedigreed cats, the Maine Coon Cat is quite appropriately known as the gentle giant of the cat fancy. With a documented history going back to the 1850s, these shaggy, “super-sized” cats are one of the best-known cat breeds, and are bred and shown all over the world. Friendly, sweet-tempered and easy to train, this sturdy, rugged breed is well-suited to the frosty winters of the northeast U.S. These cats have heavy, flowing coats for built-in protection from the cold and broad, well-tufted paws, sometimes displaying multiple extra toes, designed to navigate snow banks.
Breed History
Before it was realized to be genetically impossible, the bushy ringed tails of brown tabby Maine Coon Cats prompted a theory that cats had mated with raccoons, hence the “Coon” part of the breed’s name. Its roots clearly lie in New England, where short-haired ship cats landed with the early settlers. Numerous myths and legends have evolved to explain the origin of the longer Maine Coon Cat coat, including a tale of Turkish Angoras owned by Marie Antoinette released into the Maine woods, the story of a cat-loving sea captain named “Coon” whose ship held a tribe of longhaired cats, and many more. Maine Coon Cats have been part of the cat show scene since the first U.S. cat show in 1895, when a brown tabby named Cosey was chosen Best Cat (his silver collar and medal are displayed at the Feline Historical Museum at CFA headquarters in Alliance, Ohio).
Photo by Chanan
Traits
Maine Coon Cats are sociable, loyal, and like many breeds that were formerly working cats, quite intelligent. Just as their ancestors figured out where mice were hiding, today’s Maines can deduce exactly where you have hidden a preferred toy and unearth it to continue a game. They enjoy interacting with every family member and tend to go from one lap to another, rather than choosing a favorite. Fond of water, many will watch a dripping faucet in fascination, wash food or toys, or even try to join you in the shower.
Fairly independent, Maine Coon Cats need a moderate amount of human interaction and will insist upon it when you are available. Those who work at home may need to shut a door to maintain concentration. They get along very well with children and other animals. Maines are larger than many small dogs. Their daily conversation may include chirps, trills, and purrs as well as an occasional meow, but they are not considered a talkative breed.
Physical Attributes
An adult Maine Coon Cat will have a thick, luxuriant coat that is shorter at the shoulders, longer on the sides, stomach and back legs, and culminating in a dramatically long plumed tail. The head is rectangular in shape, the muzzle square and strong, and a gently concave profile connects the two. Ears are dramatically large, typically with prominent tufts and lynx tips, and the cat’s intelligence shines forth in its large, expressive eyes. This is a slow-maturing breed that can take up to five years to reach full growth. While it is not unusual for a mature male’s weight to reach or exceed 20+ pounds, females are usually smaller ranging from 12-20 lbs.
Grooming
To control shedding, prevent hairballs, and protect against matting, breeders recommend combing your Maine Coon two or three times a week. These grooming sessions need not take longer than five or ten minutes, and will keep the shaggy coat looking its best. Most Maine Coon Cats do not require regular bathing, but there’s no doubt that an occasional bath will add to the breed’s natural beauty.
RedPaw Cats
Tahlequah, OK
918-724-0376
