Cat Breeds – The Maine Coon Cat

A great American breed of cat, Maine Coon cats, are rich in history. Following are ten things to make you a little more familiar with this interesting cat.

1. Maine Coon cats are actually the stuff of legends! Some tales have it that this breed is a mix of cat and raccoon, hence the bushy tail and brown striped coat. Another tale proposes that Marie Antoinette sent the ancestors of the breed to Maine in preparation for her flight from France, during the French Revolution. (We all know that she “lost her head” and thus never came to America, but there is no record one way or the other concerning her cats.) What is more likely is that they are a mixture of pre-existing short haired cats and long-haired varieties introduced to America by British, Spanish or Portugese sailors, or even the Vikings. (Fairly recently discovered records indicate that Lief Ericson and Erik the Red visited North America centuries before Columbus sailed.)

2. Maine Coon cats are well suited for the harsh climates of New England. They have thick, glossy coats that are water-resistant, which makes them the perfect cat for cold and snow. And, although their fur is long, it requires very little maintenance. A weekly combing is generally enough.

3. Maine Coon cats are great companions for humans. They tend to be good-natured playful characters, who love to be with human companions. They do not demand a lot of attention, they just like to hang out with their human family. They are relaxed and easy-going cats which retain their kittenish, clown-like playfulness most of their lives. They are probably as close to a dog in personality as a cat can get and still retain its “dignity?” (The quotes and question mark are mine. I don't think cats are dignified, some of them just have a natural aloofness, unlike us dogs who love companionship.)

4. Maine Coon cats are not your average cats, when it comes to appearance. Besides their long coats, this breed is also large and muscular, with a broad chest and long tail. Females grow to about nine to 12 pounds and males are 13 to 18 pounds, on average. The tufting on their heads and ears gives them a lynx-like appearance at times. Their eyes are large, round and expressive, and set at a slightly oblique angle.

5. Maine Coon cats are easily trained and some will even accept walking on a leash if you spend the time with them. They train easily as long as they associate the activity with something they enjoy, such as spending time with you.

6. Maine Coon cats come in all the colors of the rainbow. OK that is a bit of an exaggeration, but they can be found in most colors except chocolate, lavender, ticked tabby and the point-restricted Siamese pattern.

7. Maine Coon cats use their front paws extensively. They can curl their paws around objects to pick them up and even like to play in their water bowls with their toys at times. They can easily learn to open cabinet doors and turn on water faucets with their flexible paws.

8. Maine Coon breeders can be found throughout the world. Attending local cat shows is a great way to find one in your area. You can also contact the national breed organization, the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) at http://www.mcbfa.org. Or, look in the ads in the back of Cat or Cat Fancy magazines for breeders.

9. A great way to learn about Maine Coon cats is the book, ““That Yankee Cat, The Maine Coon,”” by Marilis Hornidge. It has great sections containing breed stories, the history of Maine Coon cats, their genetics and breed health care. It also contains many wonderful photographs.

10. The Maine Coon cat’s popularity has had its ups and downs. For instance, in the 1800s, it was a very popular breed and won quite a few honors at cat shows. But, when Persians became more common in North America, the Maine Coon lost many of its supporters. However, since the 1950s, it has steadily regained its popularity. It is an intelligent loving cat which gets along well with both children and dogs, making it an ideal family pet.

You now have 10 interesting facts about Maine Coon cats. Keep them in mind when searching for a new or additional pet.

Until next time,

Teia