Maine Coon Cats
The photographs above by Helmi Flick encapsulate a lot about this cat breed. They are such superb photographs for that reason. Of course, the cats are superb too. With the American Shorthair the Maine Coon is perhaps the domestic cat with the longest history in North America and is native to the state of Maine1 becoming the official state cat in 19858. Maine Coon Cats are, as Marilis Hornidge (the author of "That Yankee Cat: The Maine Coon  " )
states, "the complete package". Their appearance is impressive;
enhanced by their substantially
larger
than average size (13-20 lbs on
average, although some reach
25 lbs) and the luxuriously long fur
coat. And this is all backed
up by
intelligence, a well balanced character and a pleasant temperament.
They are sometimes referred to as gentle giants of the cat world15 getting along well with children and dogs. They are not overly dependent however16 but do their own thing (including rarely, I expect, swimming!17). Males are goofy; females are sensible17,
so the saying goes. Are we talking about cats!? And they don't
necessarily like being held (this I think is common to many cat breeds,
however). They are, though, very loyal16. Their quiet voice is a contrast to their large size. And we musn't forget that famous happy, chirpy, trill17. How and why did that evolve?It's no wonder that this cat is very popular and apparently gaining in popularity. Might it be fair to say that the Maine Coon is more popular than other breeds with men on the basis that they are more likely to be buddies rather than babies17? Interesting one that. Based on a long running survey on this site gathering 2322 votes (at Feb 2010) it is the most popular (Rank No.1) of all cat breeds substantially ahead of all other breeds. The Maine Coon breed has always been in the top 3 of the most popular breeds on the basis of this website's popularity poll (vote here). This may be skewed slightly by a majority of American voters but there is no doubt that Maine Coon Cats are one of the world's most popular cat breeds2. The CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) consider it the second most popular cat breed7. It is surprising in retrospect to learn that this cat's popularity was so low at one time in the mid-1900s that it was almost considered extinct and that the Cat Fanciers Association refused provisional breed status on no less than three occasions3. They came to Britain in the mid 1980s. A relationship with a Maine Coon is very rewarding. Helmi Flick the great American cat photographer lives with two, Quin and Zak. Just so you know, I have met and lived (for 20 days or so) with these cats. And they are gorgeous. I have a particular connection with Zak. We think alike. He loves to play and appreciates it a lot. Perhaps the Maine Coons size helps him/her to become an alpha cat is a multi-cat family. Maine Coon Cats come in a myriad of colors and patterns only equaled by the Persian for variety. This is a natural breed (e.g. the breed has evolved on its own without man kinds interference until cat breeding became involved), which further adds to the attraction.
Originating in the breed's sturdy hunting ancestors, the Maine Coon is built for hunting with large eyes and ears and a large muscular body.   Unless a cat breed is a man made hybrid the origins of any breed is likely to be uncertain sometimes, which is to be expected. This is supported by the great man himself, Charles Darwin, who believed that a breed of any animal can "hardly be said to have a distinct origin". In the case of Maine Coon Cats, there are countless legends and myths and some have more credibility than others. Maine Coon Cats are a native (i.e. not imported from outside of the USA or born in a place or country referred to) long haired cat of North America and have been shown in competition is America since the 1860s. However, as the domestic cat is a domesticated Mediterranean basin wild cat, the forebears of the Maine Coon were at one time imported into the North American continent from Europe. The breed possibly originates from the Norwegian Forest Cat brought over on ships to America by the Vikings. However, it is more likely that the Maine Coon actually evolved from matings between domestic shorthairs introduced by early settlers and Angora types later taken across the Atlantic by seafarers. Because of the appearance of the cat's coat it became a myth that the breed developed from matings between cats and raccoons. When you add that to the fact that this cat came from Maine in America, you get Maine Coon.
The color of the fur may alter its texture. The fur is shorter on head (yes commonsense) and shoulders and longer on the sides and stomach area. A glorious ruff is common. Although Maine Coon cats are not the only long haired cat to have ruffs (think Norwegian Forest cat as one example). The fur acts like a duvet with a tough top coat to shed water and protect against the elements and a soft downy undercoat to keep him warm. The coat is an outstanding feature of this breed. Another noticeable feature is the tufts of hair in between the toes on their large feet. This is one of the cat's adaptations to the harsh winters when the cat was a barn cat. The waterproof, shaggy and longer fur on the undersides and hind quarters is designed to protect from the snow and ice11. Other winter/snow protection features are:
Generally, planned breeding has only been in force for the past 40 years16 (from 2009). There are 64 color combinations. There are 5 color classes: solid, tabby, tabby with white, parti-color plus the other Maine Coon colors. The allowed patterns are: classic tabby (blotched), mackerel tabby (stripes) and patched tabby are the only recognized patterns. However, where the colors or patterns are due to hybridization (crossing with another breed), such as chocolate (Havana Brown), lavender, pointed (Siamese) pattern or ticked pattern (Abyssinian) the cat is not accepted by the CFA11. The most comon coat is the brown tabby  12. The silver tabby is apparently preferred by the British through the GCCF17.The color of the coat takes several months to settle into the finished "product". The Maine Coon Cat Club say this can lead to difficulties in registering the kitten. They say that coat color is less important than coat type and texture. We shouldn't forget the tail. Such a magnificent tail; a bushy plume. In Maine Coons that have a white coat, there is a relationship between coat color and eye colour (due to the fact that the gene that causes white fur affects eye colour too) and the eyes should be and will be blue or there will be odd eyes . In all other cats the eyes can be any colour and there is no relationship with coat colour13. Green, gold or copper eyes are the colours to be seen17.The eyes have a rather wild and inquisitive look, which can convey a gentleness or authority. Perhaps the size of Maine Coon cats gives them the chance to act as alpha cats in a group. The head is a wide "modified wedge". This means wedge shaped but modified by the fact that a cat's head cannot look exactly like a wedge. The ears are large and most noticeably, lynx tipped. The hairs on the end of the ears are a particular feature of this cat breed. The breed standard stipulates that the ears should be set high on the head and no greater than an ear's width apart. For a large cat their voices are quite delicate. They trill alot. And seem to meow almost reluctantly.
These links discuss in some detail the appearance of this cat. His/her appearance has remained virtually unchanged since being discovered. Maine Coon cats are good hunters and they were originally the American wild cat, living mainly on farms where they were appreciated by farmers for their ability to catch vermin. I discuss the character of this cat breed in some more detail on this page. Update: Since building this page I have carried out further research on Maine Coon cats and their personality (this is ongoing) and you can read more and see 2 fine pictures on MC cat personality
(new window).The Largest Domestic cat breed page of this website analysis all the breeds to find the largest. The conclusions are made for each major association. No surprises where this great cat comes in the rankings. Some stats on the Maine Coon:
 Maine
Coon
Kittens ©
copyright Helmi Flick
Here's some more links to pages and postings made later on: MC Breed Standard (TICA) The breed standard is referred to in a super large format Helmi Flick photo together with supporting text. Big Maine Coon Cat [link] What else? Got to have a page celebrating this characteristic. The picture is of a cat called Shooter. I use his pictures elsewhere as it is so impressive and illustrative of this breed. MC cat colors There is an almost limitless number of variations of coat color for this cat breed. This link takes you to a short discussion on this subject plus many more links. Orange Maine Coon Orange is an interesting color for a cat. The gene producing it is sex related. See orange Maine Coons cats and a short description of the genetics by clicking on the above link. Big Maine Coons They say size counts! Well, yes but there is a lot of exaggeration.... This link takes you to another discussion about big Maine Coons and some straightforward non-manipulated pictures of bigger than average Maine Coon cats. Also see the link above (is this duplication?) American Snughead | American
Forest Cat Longhair
|
American
Longhair
|
Yankee Cat....These
are all alternative names for the Maine Coon cat. Click on the
links to see a bit more - more pics, more words, more worship........individual cats
See a post on Black Smoke Maine Coon Cats [link] Last month I visited Ken and Helmi Flick in Texas. They live with four cats, two of which are Maine Coon cats. They are Quin and Zak.
Rexed Maine Coons have no guard hairs17. This is against the rugged nature of the classic Maine Coon coat. Maine Coon cats are associated with one or two health issues but carefully breeding and screening plus coordinated genetic testing helps to control and minimise this. There are one or two health issues worth noting and these are set out on this page (but see just below). Update: Since building this page I have become more aquainted with cat breed health and have built a new and more comprehensive page on MC Cat Health (opens
in a new window so you can stay on this page).creme soda
Click on this link to see two more slide shows of the best Maine Coon cats (and I mean the best) by the best photographers, Helmi Flick and Dani Rozeboom. As the cats photographed by Helmi are typey I have included a brief discussion of the breed standard as well.
Maine Coon Cats rescue This is quite a comprehensive list of links to rescue centers and groups where you might be able to find a rescue Maine Coon. A lot of rescued cats are not purebred despite being re-homed by a specialist cat breed rescue group. They will be Maine Coon cats in appearance but not in pedigree. Great cats nonetheless. I have set out below a list of breeders that are listed on the first 3 pages of a Google search. In addition a good starting point in the USA would be the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA)
.This
link takes you straight to
their list of breeders search page.
I have already featured Majesticoons so please click on the link above to go to their website to contact them. In addition, for
the UK, you could contact The
Maine Coon Cat Club. Click
here for the breeders list page of their website
for information on this breed and thanks too to Majesticoons for the
photograph of "Magnus" (the 4th photograph down).   Maine Coon Kittens - gorgeous - photo ©copyright Helmi Flick This is a thumbnail, click on the picture to see it very large Terzovia Hobby (small) cattery located in the UK, Ryde Isle of Wight (South Coast). (checked 21-05-09) Woodycoon Maine Coons Located in the UK near the border between the counties of Buckinghamshire and Bedforshire. (South England not too far from London). (checked 21-05-09) **Tarascani Maine Coons Located once again in the UK. It is not immediately clear where in the UK they are based. (checked 21-05-09). This cattery is listed in both .com and co.uk Google searches. Koonikki Maine Coons Located once again the UK, just North of Milton Keynes (South East England). (checked 21-05-09). HollisHill
Maine
Coon CatsLocated Hollis, Maine, USA. (checked 21-05-09) Verismo Located in Champaign, IL., USA. CFA National winners and regional winners. Looks a welle established business. (checked 21-05-09) Excalipurrs
is
a cattery in the USA run by Kelly who I met at the Waxahachie
TICA cat show
22-23rd Nov.
2008. I was there with Helmi and
Ken Flick.At Last Cats This is a Maine Coon Cattery located in New Hampshire owned by Marie Harriman. If you want to see two of their cats look no further: Blush and Gevalia - get ready for something special - they are fantastic.  Maine Coon Kittens Photo ©copyright Helmi Flick Invitation
References other than as stated below: 1. Maine Coon Breeders & Fanciers Association2. American Cat Fanciers Association 3. Wikipedia authors 4. Robins, Sandy. "Training Day". Popular Cats Series (BowTie Magazines) 2: 118–125 5. Simpson, Frances (1903) (pdf). Chapter 28: Maine Cats.. Cassell & Company, Limited. pp. 325–331. http://www.russianblue.us/Book_of_the_Cat/ TBOC_Ch28_Maine_Cats.pdf. The Book of the Cat 6. "Kitten History: Maine Coon". CatChannel.com. BowTie, Inc. http://www.catchannel.com/kittens/ breed_history/maine_coon_kitten_history.aspx. 7. Cat Fanciers' Association. http://cfa.org/org/cfa-foundation.html. 8. "Title 1, § 217: State Cat". Maine State Legislature. http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/1/title1sec217.html. 9. Mattern, Joanne; Pedley, Carol A. (2000). The Maine Coon Cat. Minnesota: Capstone Press. pp. 4 10. Maine Coon Breeders & Fanciers Association 11. http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/articles/maine.html 12. http://www.petplace.com/cats/choosing-a-maine-coon/page1.aspx 13. http://www.acfacat.com/maine_coon_standard.htm 14. http://www.mcpi.org/n_whathappened.html 15. http://www.acfacat.com/maine_coon_synopsis.htm 16. Legacy of the Cat by Gloria Stephens and TETSU - pages 96 - 98 17. Encyclopedia of the Cat by Dr. Bruce Fogel - pages 202 - 204 Sources:
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