Meet The Breeds - America's Own Maine Coon Cat

A cat that always gets noticed at shows is the large, shaggy cat with its history in Northern New England, the Maine Coon Cat. The myths and stories about its origin vary widely, from a cat created from domestic American shorthairs breeding to doomed Marie Antoinette's hastily shipped Turkish Angoras, to feral cats cross bred to raccoons. Although the well-known brown tabby pattern certainly gives these distinguished cats a lovely ringed tail - this legend is simply that. However the breed originated, its thick coat, heavy boning and rectangular "hunter's muzzle" made it a vital part of reducing pests such as mice and rats for the busiest shipping ports.

This distinctive, large cat enjoyed great popularity from the beginnings of the cat fancy. In 1895 at the first documented major US cat show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, a Maine Coon named Cosey was Best in Show. He was awarded a silver collar and medal that today is on display at the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) headquarters in Alliance, OH.

Despite a long history of being a fancy favorite, the Maine Coon wasn’t accepted in CFA until 1973. The most recognizable color is the brown tabby, and brown tabby and white, but they also come in a wide variety of other colors, accepting any color other than the Siamese color/pattern. Maine Coons will mature to anywhere from 14 to 19 pounds and sometimes beyond. They are likely the largest domestic cat breed in the world. The coat is a unique blend of silky and shaggy hair; it is three different lengths and lies along the body. The silky texture would allow them to run through a dense forest without getting caught on foliage; the longer, shagged fur on the britches, tail and tufted feet was used to seek warmth in snowy conditions.

You should make some preparations to accommodate the Maine Coon’s size and prey drive. They love to stalk, chase and pounce on prey, particularly if they can start up high on a cat tree to find their target. A cat this large on a full gallop needs some space to run. When they aren’t playing, they are very curious to what their owner is doing and love petting. Though not a lap cat, they do want to sit next to you for attention. Their gentle nature makes them a fantastic breed if you have children of any age.

A well-bred Maine Coon will be a healthy, hardy cat. They should be fed a diet high in protein, so be prepared to find grain free dry and premium wet food. They have very few digestive issues. The breed is known to have certain genetic disorders, including a heart problem called HCM and problems with hips. Look for a breeder who tests for both of these problems and takes steps to eliminate them from their lines. As always, a breeder should be up front and open about all health issues. While no one can guarantee with certainty there won’t be a future issue, they should at a minimum be aware and breed carefully with these issues in mind. A properly fed, healthy Maine Coon needs only minimal brushing; that silky coat built for underbrush will resist matting on its own, and they enjoy any brushing you are willing to do.

Called the “Gentle Giant” of the cat fancy, these cats’ size belies their disposition, as they often sweetly chatter to their owners. Maine Coons are intelligent and easily trainable; they can also be a bit intrusive and require closed doors, for example, if you would like to use the restroom by yourself. They are water lovers, and it will be part of their play, dunking toys and food and anything else they find. They might even try to share your shower! It is no wonder this truly gentle soul has made its way to the top of the ranks of CFA’s most popular breed!