Today’s cat breed profile looks at a true North American cat, the Maine Coon Cat. This all-American cat is known for its large frame, long fur and striking beauty. It is the official state cat of Maine and is a favorite at cat shows in the US.
The Maine Coon Cat is considered a natural breed in that nature was allowed to take its course in the development of the features of this cat. The cat’s coat is glossy, heavy and water-resistant and is longer underneath to protect against wet snow and shorter on the back and neck to prevent tangling. The cats come in a variety of colors and markings. The cat’s ears are heavily furred and have a wide range of movement. They have big, round tufted feet which serve as “snow shoes.” They have large eyes for hunting and a long, square muzzle. The Maine Coon Cat is also one of the largest breeds of domestic cat, weighing an average of 13 to 18 pounds for males and 9 to 12 pounds for females.
According to the Maine Coon Breeders & Fanciers Association (MCBFA), the history of this breed may be short compared to other cats, but is still quite fascinating. Among the early settlers of Maine, the prevailing myth was that the short-haired cats settlers brought with them mated with Maine raccoons as a way of explaining their thick fur and striped markings. Since this is physically impossible, two other more sensible theories have developed. The general consensus is the shorthaired cat New England settlers brought with them mated with long haired cats, such as Angoras, (see previous IPE post Silky Smooth and Stylish) that sailors brought with them on their ships or perhaps the long-haired Skogkatts (see previous post A New Breed with an Ancient History) the Vikings had on their ships that landed on the Canadian/Maine border.
Another more interesting theory is mentioned by the MCBFA. The Maine Coon Cat could be the offspring of six Persian cats who belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette of France. The rumor is Marie used the help of New England seaman Captain Stephen Clough who brought the cats with him, along with other French royalty belongings, to Maine during the French Revolution. He had a house in Edgecomb, Maine, and there are those who believe Captain Clough was negotiating her release and exile to Maine after King Louis was executed. Could these six cats have bred with the Maine local cats? Since the house he built still stands today and the belongings he brought back from France are now in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the story has some weight. For more information on the house, Marie Antoinette and the cat story, visit the Maine Crime Writers website.
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the Maine Coon Cat was quickly adopted as a favorite at American cat shows and was chosen Best Cat at the first national cat show ever held in the US in 1895 at Madison Square Gardens.
The MCBFA describes the Maine Coon as “hardy, handsome and well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters." This makes the cat one of the biggest and brightest feline breeds and a fierce fighter and hunter. A real, working cat, Maine Coons were valued for their mousing skills on the farms and ranches of New England. This incredibly hardy breed is also known as resistant to disease.
Despite their large size and survival skills, Maine Coon Cats are also known as great companions. A social creature, they enjoy being around children and dogs and are affectionate to their families. Even though they have long fur, they are easily groomed. Perhaps a Maine Coon Cat would be the right fit for your home.
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