Maine Coon cat breed information – Your Cat Magazine

history/origin

Even before the first official cat shows were held in the United States in the 1890s, they appeared in special competition at agricultural shows in New England in the 1860s.

A natural breed, it was named the official cat of the state of Maine, where it originated, and was highly regarded as a vermin hunter. they evolved as robust working cats, with their physique and coat appropriate to the climate of the region. At the first major feline show held in the United States, in New York’s Madison Square Garden in May 1895, a brown tabby Maine Coon female named Cosey was voted “Best Cat.” The silver collar and medal awarded to Cosey are now on display at the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) headquarters in Ohio.

with the rise in popularity of the glamorous persian in the early 20th century, the maine coon fell out of favor and in 1959 the cfa declared them extinct. however, reports of the breed’s demise being greatly exaggerated, enthusiasts continued to preserve the breed, especially in rural areas. During the 1940s and 1950s, one person in particular, Mrs. Ethelyn Whittemore, of Augusta, Maine, kept careful handwritten records of her cats and their progeny (her family had always kept the breed) and the Whittemore cats were acquired. by other kennels interested in the promotion and maintenance of the breed. In 1976, her perseverance paid off when the CFA accepted the breed for championship status.

the maine coon didn’t appear in the uk until 1984, when mrs pat brownsell with the prefix patriarch imported five from the usa and germany. In 1985, the Maine Coon Cat Club was founded, a point standard was drawn up, and preliminary recognition was granted by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 1988 and eventually championship status in 1993.

how big are maine coons?

The breed is large, long-haired and beautiful, and the largest domestic breed recognized by the gccf. they are heavy and muscular, females can weigh 12 pounds while males can weigh up to 18-20 pounds. The Guinness World Records title holder for the longest cat is a Maine Coon named Barivel, measuring 120cm (3ft 11.2in) from nose to tip of tail!

appearance

they have a medium-length head with fairly full cheeks and high cheekbones; the muzzle should be square and the chin firm. in profile, they have a shallow concave curve at the bridge of the nose.

the ears are a great feature, as they are large, set high and broad at the base, set high and usually with long tufts at the tips.

Their eyes should be full and round with a set, slightly slanted opening; allowed colors are green, gold or copper, although odd or blue eyes are allowed for white cats.

a strong neck gives way to a long, rectangular body with a broad chest that is amplified by longer belly hair.

the legs have substantial bones, and the feet are large, round, and tufted. the tail should be long, at least the length of the back, broad at the base and tapering towards the tip. The Maine Coon is slow to mature, taking up to four years to fully develop.

hair and color

The coat consists of an undercoat covered by a more substantial glossy topcoat. the coat is shorter on the head, neck, and shoulders, increasing in length on the back, flanks, and tail. they must have full furry breeches and fur on the belly. a front ruff begins at the base of the ears and is heavier in males than females, and the tail fur is long, profuse, and wavy.

The breed is recognized in a variety of solid colors, including black, white, tortoiseshell, tabby (orange) colors in classic patterns, and mackerel, with or without silver. Degraded and smoked colors, bicolors and particolors are also recognized. however, they can be found in a wide range of colors and patterns.

do maine coons move?

Because they have a long, thick, shaggy coat, they will require regular grooming to keep the coat in good condition and prevent knots and matting. they can shed quite a bit in the spring, when great care must be taken to ensure any old, dead coating is removed.

personality

They have a personality commensurate with their size. They have a lot of energy and, due to their large size, they need a lot of space to play and develop their natural hunting instincts. An assortment of toys and a very strong climber that supports their weight and allows them to access high places will be appreciated.

Like all other cats and kittens, they enjoy a nap and will seek out the most comfortable spot. Often referred to as “the Gentle Giant”, their temperament is in stark contrast to their size, as they are gentle and friendly as well as playful. They make wonderful family pets, enjoying being involved in whatever is going on with their humans and forming strong bonds with their family. Maine Coons don’t do very well as a sole pet or if their owners are away all day. their above average intelligence makes them easier to train.

They have a soft, twittering voice, though they can also meow when begging for food. they like company and will bond well with another cat or the family dog. retaining his playful ways throughout his life, he is an affectionate and fun companion.

Meet instagram famous maine coon artemis and apollo to learn more about owning a maine coon and their unique characteristics.

careful

Their large ears should be checked regularly to make sure they are clean. care should be taken with their diet as they may have a tendency to be overweight.

how long do they live?

They are generally a healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 10-15 years. however, the breed is affected by two hereditary health problems:

● hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hcm): a condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, resulting in a reduced volume of blood that the heart can pump with each contraction, which can lead to heart failure . there is a dna test for hcm in maine coon cats, and cats used for breeding may also have an ultrasound of the heart.

● hip dysplasia: There is no simple genetic test for this condition. however, breeding cats may be radiographed to assess hip joint conformation prior to use in a breeding program.

Before buying a Maine Coon kitten, ask the breeder to see evidence of the hcm dna test, as well as heart and hip scans.

how much do they cost?

the price of maine coons is constantly changing, just like the price of all purebred cats, one thing that is constant is that they are not cheap. In the UK you can expect to pay between £750 and £1,000 (we’re closer to $1,000 – $2,000), there are a few things that can affect this price such as gender, color and buying from reputable breeders. remember, this is just the initial cost, there will be additional costs throughout his life, such as cat food, toys, vet fees, neutering, etc.

the maine coon cat club

affiliated with gccf, established in 1985.

club membership is open to all, you don’t need to own a maine coon to join. Many of our members do not breed or show, but simply enjoy living with a Maine Coon and the club caters for everyone, even those who do not own a Maine Coon but like the breed.

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