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by Angela Pollock

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The Maine Coon Cat is considered the oldest natural breed in North America. When the first professional cat show was held in North America in 1895, the Maine Coon won Best Cat honors. The name Maine Coon Cat is a result of rumors and innuendo that this breed is the result of feral domestic cats and raccoons mating, which is genetically not possible. The closest explanation of their being that could be true is the Maine Coon is the result of shorthaired cats brought to America mating with Angoras or Persians brought to America in the 1800's.

The Maine Coon Cat is among one of the heaviest breeds of domestic cats, some having weighed up to thirty pounds. Average females usually only reach twelve pounds and the average weight for a male is eighteen pounds. It has a large head, rounded eyes and tufted ears. The eye color can be green, gold or copper with only the white Maine Coons having blue eyes.

The body is well muscled, it has large paws and a large bushy tail. The tail is the pride and joy of the Maine Coon Cat. It is as long as the body and it uses the tail to wrap around itself for warmth. A unique characteristic of this breed is their voice. They usually have a soft, small "meow" which is amazing coming from such a majestic, large cat. Some of the original Maine Coon Cats were known to be polydactyl (having extra toes) but because the cat associations disqualify this feature from competition, few breeders continue breeding Maine Coons that have extra toes.

After the importing of Persians and Siamese, the Maine Coon Cat became less desirable by owners and breeders. During the late 1950's, the breed was even declared extinct. In 1954, the Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) was formed and by 1968, individuals who made it their purpose to protect the breed wanted a universal Maine Coon Cat club. After many attempts and denials to get status for the Maine Coon Cat, the Cat Fanciers' Association granted championship status to the breed in May of 1976. The CFA recognizes the breed in a variety of colors and many different tabby combinations.

Throughout its long history, the Maine Coon Cat has always been known for its friendly nature towards humans. It can become attached to one particular person and adapts well to indoor housing with adequate exercise. They are highly recognized not only for their beauty but their extreme intelligence. Because of their easygoing nature, Maine Coon Cats are popular with cat fanciers and those who have children and dogs.

The history of the Maine Coon Cat is full of interesting facts and speculation but this breed has been able to make a full rebound among breeders and in the cat show arena and also worth mentioning is the Maine Coon Cat is the official cat of the state of Maine.

Sources:
CAT BREEDS by Jill Caravan, copyright 1991.
http://www.cfa.org/breeds /profiles/articles/maine.html
h ttp://www.mainecoonbc.org/bree d-council.html
http://fanciers. com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq. html

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