Coontessential | History

History Of The Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon cat is one of the oldest natural breeds found in North America, and is generally thought to have originated from the state of Maine. There are many stories of how the Maine Coon came to be the most fanciful of these being that they are a cross between wild Racoons and American short hair cats. A highly unlikely tail and of course biologically impossible but undoubtedly responsible for the name. The most plausible explanation is that they are a cross between the American short hair cat and the hardy longhaired cats brought over from Europe by early settlers. First recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and white cat named "Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines," Maine Coons were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A brown tabby female named "Cosie" won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show.
The Maine Coon was originally a working cat, living mainly on farms where it was held in high esteem by farmers for its ability to catch vermin. The cat has all the points of a typical hunter. It has large eyes and ears, essential for detecting prey, and a big, muscular body for catching it. Being a cold climate animal, it has a long silky shaggy coat, short over the head, becoming longer down the back, stomach, legs and ruff. This is not for beauty, but for sheer survival. There is a soft undercoat, covered by a harsher weatherproof topcoat to keep the animal dry.

Appearance

The Maine Coon is considered to be the largest of all domestic cats. Not fully grown until they are three or four years of age, the females can weigh 10 to 12lbs and the males up to 14—18lbs although it is not unheard of for males to be quite a bit larger. They have long, muscular bodies and long legs giving them an overall rectangular appearance. The tail should be long, at least as long as the body and bushy. Paws are large and well tufted. The head should be slightly longer than it is wide. The muzzle should be square with the nose and chin being perpendicular to one another. The profile should be slightly concave with high cheekbones. The Maine Coon has large, round, expressive eyes set at a slightly oblique angle. Ears are also large, wide set at the base and moderately pointed, ideally they should have lynx tips and tufts. The Maine Coon is a semi-longhaired cat. The coat is shaggy, uneven, with a downy undercoat and a glossy long top coat which is short on the shoulders, increasing gradually in length on the sides and back, shaggy on the belly and ending with a full set of britches. Mature cats will have a large neck ruff with male roughs being larger and more impressive than females. The Maine Coon comes in a wide variety of colours except for pointed colours such as the Siamese.

Character

Many people consider the Maine Coon to be the perfect domestic pet. It is well known for its loving nature, amicable disposition and great intelligence. Their disposition remains kittenish throughout their lives. Although they are gentle good-natured giants, their tiny voices belie their size; they use a distinctive chirp or trill for everything from courting to cajoling. Maine Coons have a clown-like personality, enjoying play well into old age, yet they rarely are climbers or hyperactive. They love their people and are inclined to be where their owner is, following him/her from room to room. They make excellent family companions, enjoying children and dogs. They have extremely affectionate natures, are generally very tolerant and are easily groomed. Welcome a Maine Coon into your home and you will join the thousands who sing the praises of this beautiful and lovable cat!

Care

The Maine Coon coat is generally self maintaining having adapted for living in the rough mountain forest terrain where weather conditions can be very harsh. A weekly combing is all that should be required although extra grooming may be necessary during the moulting period, generally spring time.