The Maine Coon Cat

Origins

One of the oldest natural breeds, the Maine Coon is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine in the United States of America. It developed as a working cat in the cold rugged conditions of the New England forests.

Legends abound regarding the appearance of the Maine Coon cat. The commonly accepted explanation is that the breed originated in matings between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs brought to America by Sailors or the Vikings.

Another popular myth is that it originated from matings between domestic cats and raccoons. This myth, bolstered by the bushy tail and the most common coloring (a raccoon-like brown tabby) led to the adoption of the name 'Maine Coon.'Such a mating is biologically impossible.

Yet another myth is that Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine, six pet cats when she was planning to escape during the French Revolution.

Characteristics

The Maine Coon's features are all indicative of the climate in which they evolved. It has a heavy, glossy coat,which is water-resistant. It has longer fur around the neck which is referred to as the ruff, and also at the stomach and britches to protect against wet and snow. Maine coons have a long, bushy, Raccoon like tail. Their ears more heavily furred, inside the ear they have ear furnishings and on the tips tufts refferred to as Lynx tips. The feet are large and have tufts from between their toes. They have large eyes and ears useful for hunting as they increase vision and hearing. They have a long, square muzzle which assists in grasping prey and drinking water from streams.

Maine coons are heavily boned, tall and muscular. Males normally weigh between 6 and 8 kilograms occassionaly reaching 10 kgs, whereas females usually weigh between 4 and 6 kilograms. Their long coat adds to their size and the overall impression is of a large cat. They are a slow maturing bred and only acheive their full size when they are between three and five years old. Their voices are often a surprise, as they are different to other cats, they have a chirruping voice which is very distinctive and they are often vocal when they want food, company or just to say hello. They do not often meow but when they do it is with a very small quiet voice which is in sharp contrast to their size.

The overall impression should be of strength, length and rectangular form. The head and body shape as well as the coat are important features of a Maine Coon. The head is slightly longer than it is wide, presenting a gently concave profile with high cheekbones and ears that are large, wide at the base, pointed, and well tufted inside. They are set well up on the head, approximately an ear's width apart. It is desirable to have the Lynx-like tufting on the top of the ears. The chest should be broad, the neck should be of medium-length and the torso long. The tail should be long and bushy. Their eyes which are also a distinctive feature, are large, round, expressive, and set at a slightly slanted angle.

Maine Coons are accepted for showing with no restriction on colour or pattern, with the exception of colour point as seen in Siamese cats. The original colour of Brown tabby or brown tabby with white is popular followed by silver. The more exotic colours like, blue, cream, red and black smokes are gaining popularity. Eye colours range from green through to gold there is no restriction on coat/eye colour combinations, in white cats odd eye colour (one blue, one gold) is permissible.

Temperament

Maine Coons are relaxed and easy-going. Owners enjoy the breed's characteristic clown-like personality, affectionate nature, amusing habits and tricks, they are willing to 'help' with any activity. They fit in well in large, active families and mix well with children, dogs and other cats.

They retain their playful kittenish nature throughout their lives; they are big, gentle and good-natured. The males tend to be relaxed and clownish while the females retain more dignity.

They are not as fond of heights as other breeds and prefer to chase and pounce on objects on the ground with their large paws, a preference developed surely from being professional mousers. Many Maine Coons will play "fetch" or "Hide 'n Seek"with their owners.

Maine Coons are independent but sociable and like to be around you. Most Maine Coons will stay close by, probably occupying the chair next to yours and they will follow you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you. They are not generally known as "lap cats" but as with any personality trait there are a few Maine Coons that like laps. A Maine Coon will be your companion and your friend, but hardly ever your baby.

Care, Training and Grooming

It is recommended to feed your Maine Coon a high-quality dry food. Cats can generally free feed without becoming overweight. Middle-aged cats (5-10) sometimes have weight problems and this can be controlled by switching to a low-calorie food.

Most Maine Coons can be trained to accept a leash. Maine Coons are creatures of habit and they train easily if they associate the activity with something they want (they train humans easily too!).

The Maine Coon coat falls smoothly, and is easily maintained a weekly brushing is all that is usually required to keep it in top condition. If you make this a regular routine it can become an enjoyable time for both cat and owner. In spring they generally lose their winter coat and a few extra grooming sessions might become necessary. If you want to show a Maine Coon it is necessary to bath the cat before shows, it is best to get advice on the best shampoo, techniques on handling your cat and drying methods from your breeder.

Medical Issues

Pedigree cats within any breed are fairly closely related, and have many characteristics in common. This includes genetic strengths and weaknesses. For example, a breed may have a slightly higher incidence of gum disease than the cat population as a whole, but have a lower incidence of heart disease or liver disease.

Genetic problems only affect a tiny minority of the breed, but since they can be eradicated by careful screening, most reputable breeders try to monitor such problems, in their breeding stock. It is important to purchase from a responsible breeder who will speak openly about health issues, thereby you are encouraging sound breeding practices.

In the Maine Coon, the most common inherited health problems are hip dysplasia, which can produce lameness in a severely affected cat, and cardiomyopathy, which can produce anything from a minor heart murmur to severe heart trouble. Any breeder you talk to should be willing to discuss whether they've had any problems with these diseases in their breeding stock, or in kittens they've produced; how much screening they're doing, and why.