Boots (i.e.) aka The "Poosis"
(An introduction to a rescue cat)
(An introduction to a rescue cat)
As a kitten Bootsie was found hiding inside a wall bedraggled and very thin. She is the *smartest* cat I have ever owned or encountered in my life time. I do not 'think' that she is purebred but for the life of me I cannot figure out what breed she might be mixed with.
http://www.catster.
Bootsie
Maine Coon/Breed Unknown Photo Comments
Age: 8 Years Sex: Female Weight: 10 lbs.
Photo Comments
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Catster stats for Bootsie
Corralled: 1 time Friends: 26 Views: 282 Stars:
Nicknames:
"The POOSIS", Boots, Fur-face, The 'Bootah' and "What are you lookin at 'Gruesome'?" which I playfully say when she is glaring at me about my forgetting to do something for her!
Kitty Complexion:
Activeness
sleepy
very active
Intelligence
silly
genius
Curiosity
not curious
very curious
Friendliness
timid
affectionate
Vocal
not vocal
very vocal
Sun Sign:
Quick Bio:
-mixed breed
-cat rescue
Coloration:
Chestnut-Tortie
Likes:
Sitting on her Daddy's chair arm when he is watching telly!
Pet-Peeves:
When other family folks "little dogs" come to visit! - she will just glare at them and occasionally give them a much needed 'hiss'! :)
Favorite Toy:
She really likes ponytail 'hair ties' for some strange reason and just about any pen or bauble that belongs to Yours Truly! heehee
Favorite Nap Spot:
By the window in the Den
Favorite Food:
No favorite food really - she is a finicky eater
Skills:
She is so smart she can actually turn off a wall DIMMER SWITCH by rotating her paws- something I have never seen a cat do before! She also demonstrated she knows *how* to open door knobs even if her soft paws cannot gain enough purchase to turn them!
Dwells:
indoors
Arrival Story:
She was actually 'lent' to me by her Mommy during a period of my life when I really needed a four legged feline friend(I still do) and four years later she is still here with me making as much mischief as possible and reminding everyone she now OWNS the place!
Bio:
She is a rescue kitty by her Mommy and was actually found living in the middle of a WALL!
Lives Remaining:
8 of 9
Forums Motto:
All of your things are belong to ME!
I've Been On Catster Since:
March 21st 2008
More than 1 year!
Catster Id:
757117
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Lot's of Maine Coon "FACTOIDS" below! woohoo
The Maine Coon: Cat Breed FAQ
History
One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine (in fact, the Maine Coon is the official Maine State Cat). A number of attractive legends surround its origin. A wide-spread (though biologically impossible) belief is that it originated from matings between semi-wild, 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.' (Originally, only brown tabbies were called 'Maine Coon Cats;' cats of other colors were referred to as 'Maine Shags.') Another popular theory is that the Maine sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution. Most breeders today believe that the breed originated in matings between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs (perhaps Angora types introduced by New England seamen, or longhairs brought to America by the Vikings).First recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and white cat named 'Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines,' Maine Coons were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A brown tabby female named 'Cosie' won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show.
Unfortunately, their popularity as show cats declined with the arrival in 1900 of the more flamboyant Persians. Although the Maine Coon remained a favorite cat in New England, the breed did not begin to regain its former widespread popularity until the 1950's when more and more cat fanciers began to take notice of them, show them, and record their pedigrees. In 1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association ( MCBFA) to preserve and protect the breed. Today, MCBFA membership numbers over 1000 fanciers and 200 breeders. By 1980, all registries had recognized the Maine Coon, and it was well on its way to regaining its former glory.
Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters. Nature is not soft-hearted. It selects the biggest, the brightest, the best fighters, and the best hunters to breed successive generations. Planned breedings of Maine Coons are relatively recent. Since planned breeding began, Maine Coon breeders have sought to preserve the Maine Coon's "natural," rugged qualities. The ideal Maine Coon is a strong, healthy cat.
Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the same climate, and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the Vikings.
Characteristics
Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of no other breed, and must be felt to be appreciated. It is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches to protect against wet and snow, and shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in the underbrush. The coat falls smoothly, and is almost maintenance-Although the Yankee myth of 30-pound cats is just that, a myth (unless the cat is grossly overweight!)
Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they are three to five years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs. Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. (Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items.) They rarely meow, and when they do, that soft, tiny voice doesn't fit their size!
Temperament
While Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats, they are not overly-dependent. They do not constantly pester you for attention, but prefer to "hang out" with their owners, investigating whatever activity you're involved in and "helping" when they can. They are not, as a general rule, known as "lap cats" but as with any personality trait there are a few Maine Coons that prefer laps. Most Maine Coons will stay close by, probably occupying the chair next to yours instead. Maines will follow you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you to emerge. A Maine Coon will be your companion, your buddy, your pal, but hardly ever your baby.Maine Coons are relaxed and easy-going in just about everything they do. The males tend to be the clowns while the females retain more dignity, but both remain playful throughout their lives. They generally get along well with kids and dogs, as well as other cats. They are not as vertically-oriented as some other breeds, prefering to chase objects on the ground and grasping them in their large paws -- no doubt instincts developed as professional mousers. Many Maine Coons will play "fetch" with their owners.
Description
The important features of the Maine Coon are the head and body shape, and the texture and 'shag' of the coat. 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, moderately pointed, and well tufted inside. They are set well up on the head, approximately an ear's width apart. Lynx-like tufting on the top of the ears is desirable. The neck should be medium-long, the torso long, and the chest broad. The tail should be at least as long as the torso. One of their most distinctive features is their eyes, which are large, round, expressive, and set a a slightly oblique angle. Overall, the Maine Coon should present the appearance of a well-balanced, rectangular cat.Throughout their history there has been no restriction on the patterns and colors acceptable, with the exception of the pointed Siamese pattern. As a result, a wide range of colors and patterns are bred. Eye colors for all coat colors range through green, gold, and green-gold. Blue eyes and odd eyes, (one blue and one gold eye) are permissible in white cats. There is no requirement in the Maine Coon Standard of Perfection for particular combinations of coat color and eye color.
Maine Coon owners enjoy the breed's characteristic clown-like personality, affectionate nature, amusing habits and tricks, willingness to 'help' with any activity, and easily groomed coat. They make excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy having dogs and other animals around. Their hardiness and ease of kittening make them a satisfying first breed for the novice breeder. For owners wishing to show, the Maine Coon has reclaimed its original glory in the show ring.
Care and Training
Most breeders recommend a high-quality dry food. Most cats can free feed without becoming overweight. Middle-aged cats (5-10) are most likely to have weight problems which can usually be controlled by switching to a low-calorie food. Many Maine Coons love water. Keep a good supply of clean, fresh water available at all times.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!).
Special Medical Problems
Individuals within any breed are fairly closely related, and have many characteristics in common. This includes genetic strengths and weaknesses. Certain genetic health disorders may be more or less of a problem in a particular breed than in other breeds. 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 generally only affect a tiny minority of the breed as a whole, but since they can be eradicated by careful screening, most reputable breeders try to track such problems, both in their breeding stock and the kittens they produce. By working with a responsible breeder who will speak openly about health issues , 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. Proper care of your Maine Coon, including discussion of these health issues, requires developing a good working relationship with your veterinarian .
Frequently Asked Questions
"How big do they get?"A full-grown female typically weighs between 9-12 pounds and males tend to be in the 13 to 18 pound range.
"Do they need much grooming?"
Maine Coons do not need much grooming and a weekly combing is all that is usually required to keep the coat in top condition.
"But I thought Maine Coons had extra toes...?"
Some "original" Maine Coons were polydactyls (had extra toes). However, modern purebred Maine Coons are rarely polydactyls. This is because all cat associations automatically disqualify polydactyls from competition in the purebred classes. Because of this, most polydactyls were culled from the Maine Coon breed decades ago, and only a few breeders continue to work with them. Since the polydactyl gene is dominant, you can't get a polydactyl kitten unless at least one of the parents is also a polydactyl.
"I think my cat is part Maine Coon. How do I tell?"
The Maine Coon is America's native longhair cat; it evolved naturally in response to the New England climate. Your cat's ancestors might be similar to the cats that founded the Maine Coon breed. However, it's impossible to tell from just looking at your cat if it is related to the Maine Coon or to any other breed. Because the Maine Coon is a natural breed and hasn't been bred to extremes, there are cats all over the world that resemble the Maine Coon. The only way to tell for sure if your cat is a Maine Coon is to look at the pedigree.
"Is that a Maine Coon? I thought all Maine Coons were brown."
Maine Coons come in a wide variety of color combinations. The only colors you won't find are the Siamese-type colors.
Recognition
- American Cat Association (ACA)
- American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)
- Canadian Cat Association (CCA)
- Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
- Cat Fanciers' Federation (CFF)
- Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)
- Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)
- The International Cat Association (TICA)
Breed Association
The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA), founded in 1968, is the international breed association.If you would like to join the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association and receive the quarterly magazine, The Scratch Sheet, please send dues, as outlined below, to the MCBFA Fancier Secretary:
Liz Flynn
208 Kings Chapel Road
Augusta GA 30907-3730
U.S.: $20.00/one year; $35.00/two years; $50.00/three years.
Canada: $15.00 + $6.00 postage/annually.
All Other Countries: $15.00 + $16.00 postage/annually.
If you are actively breeding Maine Coons, you may join the Breeder Division for $25.00 (includes subscription to The Scratch Sheet and a copy of MCBFA's book on caring for and breeding your Maine Coon cats). For information, please contact the Provisional Breeder Member Secretary, Joan Gaudet, at 504-689-4535, or at lafittecat@aol.
Finding a Maine Coon Breeder
There are many Maine Coon breeders throughout the world. One way to find a local Maine Coon breeder is to visit a local cat show. Some breeders have waiting lists for their kittens, but most will happily refer you to another breeder if they are not able to help you. There are also breeder listings in the breeder advertisement sections of Cats and Cat Fancy magazines, and the annual publication Cats USA.Lists of Maine Coon breeders are also available online. Breeders of all breeds of cats may be found through the Fanciers breeder listing page
Breeders who are members of the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association agree to a specific code of breeder ethics. MCBFA maintains an online list of breeder members.
References
MCBFA also publishes two excellent books relating to the Maine Coon: Caring For, Breeding, and Showing Your Maine Coon Cat ($8.00) and Genetics For The Maine Coon Cat Breeder ($5.00). These prices include shipping and handling. Orders for these books should be mailed to the editor, Trish Simpson, 10149 Oakwood Chase Court, Oakton VA 22124. (Please make check or money order in U.S. funds payable to MCBFA.)The best book about Maine Coons is probably That Yankee Cat, The Maine Coon by Marilis Hornidge, now into a third edition. It is available from Tilbury House Publishers (tilbury@tilburyhous
The other Maine Coon book is This Is The Maine Coon Cat by Sharyn P. Bass. Contact T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 211 West Sylvania Ave., Neptune City, NJ 07753. ISBN 0-87666-867-
Authors and Credits
The sections on History, Characteristics, Description, Breed Associations, and the first paragraph of References is courtesy of the MCBFA from their flyer "The Maine Coon - America's Native Longhair", by Mike & Trish Simpson (Cheeptrills Cattery).Other Authors and editors:
- Laura Cunningham, coonyham@best.
com , Coonyham Cattery
This FAQ is Copyright © 1994-2003 by Laura Cunningham, Jean Marie Diaz, JoAnn Genovese, Valerie Johnston, Dave Libershal, Orca Starbuck, Betsy Tinney, and Eric Williams. Please contact the authors if you wish to reprint this document in whole or in part. You may link to this document as long as you properly credit its origin.
Maine Coon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, searchMaine Coon
![[]](cid:7.1.0.9.2.20090819063012.0658bbf0@ij.net.52)
Alternative names
Coon Cat![[]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maine_Coon_cat_by_Tomitheos.JPG)
Alternative names
Maine Cat
Maine Shag
Origin
United Statesstandard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
The Maine Coon is a breed of domestic cat well known for its distinctive physical appearance. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically native to the state of Maine , [1] where it is the official State Cat.
Although the Maine Coon's exact origins and date of introduction to the United States are unknown, many theories have been proposed. The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 1800s, but its existence became threatened when long-haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century. The Maine Coon has since made a comeback and is now the second most popular cat breed in North America, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). [2]
The Maine Coon is generally noted for its large bone structure, its rectangular body shape, and a long, flowing coat. The breed can be seen in a variety of colors and are known for their intelligence [3] and gentle personalities. [2] Health problems, such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia, are seen in the breed, but testing is available to detect the genes responsible for causing these abnormalities.
Contents
[hide] [ edit] History
[ edit] Origin
The ancestral origins of the Maine Coon are unknown. [4] There are only theories and folktales. One such folktale involves Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, who was executed in 1793. Before her death, Antoinette attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. She loaded Clough's ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite long-haired cats. Although Antoinette did not make it to the United States, her pets safely reached the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they mated with short-haired breeds and evolved into the modern breed of the Maine Coon. [5]![[]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maine_Coon_2.JPG)
The face of a Maine Coon
Another folktale involves Captain Charles Coon, an English seafarer who kept long-haired cats aboard his ships. Whenever Coon's ship would anchor in the New England ports, the felines would exit the ship and mate with the local feral cat population. When long-haired kittens began appearing in the litters of the local cat population, they were referred to as one of "Coon's cats". [6]
A theory which is biologically-
The generally-accepted theory among breeders is that the Maine Coon is descended from the pairings of local short-haired domestic cats and long-haired breeds brought overseas by English seafarers (possibly by Captain Charles Coon) or 11th-century Vikings . [8] [10] The connection to the Vikings is seen in the strong resemblance of the Maine Coon to the Norwegian Forest Cat, another breed that is said to be a descendant of cats that traveled with the Vikings. [11] [12]
[ edit] Cat shows and popularity
![[]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cosey.jpg)
Cosey, the winner of the first cat show in the United States
The first mention of Maine Coons in a literary work was in 1861, when a black-and-white Maine Coon by the name of Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines was written about by co-owner F.R. Pierce. Pierce, who wrote a chapter about the breed in Frances Simpson's The Book of the Cat (1903), owned several other Maine Coons. [13] During the late 1860s, farmers located in Maine told stories about their cats and held the "Maine State Champion Coon Cat" contest at the local Skowhegan Fair. [6]
In 1895, a dozen Maine Coons were entered into a show in Boston . [14] On May 8, 1895, the first North American cat show was hosted at Madison Square Garden in New York City. A female Maine Coon brown tabby, named Cosey, was entered into the show. Owned by Mrs. Fred Brown, Cosey won the silver collar and medal and was named Best in Show. [15] The silver collar won by Cosey was purchased by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) Foundation with the help of a donation from the National Capital Cat Show. The collar is housed at the CFA Central Office in the Jean Baker Rose Memorial Library. [6]
In the early 1900s, the Maine Coon's popularity began to decline with the introduction of other long-haired breeds, such as the Persian, which originated in the Middle East. The last recorded win by a Maine Coon in a national cat show for over 40 years was in 1911 at a show in Portland, Oregon. The breed was rarely seen after that. The decline was so severe that the breed was declared extinct in the 1950s, although this declaration was considered to be exaggerated and reported prematurely at the time. The Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) was created in the early 1950s by Alta Smith and Ruby Dyer in attempts to increase the popularity of the Maine Coon. For 11 years, the CMCC held cat shows and hosted exhibitions of photographs of the breed and is noted for creating the first written breed standards for the Maine Coon. [6]
The Maine Coon was denied provisional breed statusone of the three steps required for a breed not yet recognized by the CFA to be able to compete in championship competitions [16]by the CFA three times, which led to the formation of the Maine Coon Cat Club in 1973. The breed was finally accepted by the CFA under provisional status on May 1, 1975 and was approved for championship status on May 1, 1976. The next couple of decades saw a rise in popularity of the Maine Coon, with championship victories and an increase in national rankings. In 1985, the state of Maine announced that the breed would be named the official State Cat. [17] According to the amount of kittens registered with the CFA, the Maine Coon is the second most popular cat breed in the world. [6]
[ edit] Breed description
![[]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ashesrey95reduced.jpg)
Illustrating the size difference between a mixed breed female (left) and a male Maine Coon (right)
Maine Coons are one of the largest breeds of domestic cat. Males can weigh anywhere between 13 and 18 lb (5.9 and 8.2 kg) with females weighing between 8 and 12 lb (3.6 and 5.4 kg). [18] The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm) and they can reach a length of up to 40 in (100 cm), including the tail, which can reach lengths of up to 14 in (36 cm) [19] and is long, tapering, and heavily furred. The body is solid and muscular, which is necessary for supporting their own weight, and the chest is broad. Maine Coons possess a rectangular body shape and are slow to physically mature; their full potential size is normally not reached until they are around three- or four-years-old. [20]
![[]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maine_Coon_Cat_Atticus.jpg)
This female Maine Coon is about a year old, and only about 3/4 her final size.
In 2006, the Guinness World Records named a male purebred Maine Coon the "Longest Cat". Verismo Leonetti Reserve Red (better known as Leo) measures 48 in (120 cm) in length, from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, and weighs 35 lb (16 kg). [21]
The Maine Coon is a longhaired, or medium-haired, cat. The coat is soft and silky, although texture may vary with coat color. The length is shorter on the head, and shoulders and longer on the stomach and flanks with some cats having a lion-like ruff around their neck. Minimal grooming is required for the breed, compared to other long-haired breeds, as their coat is mostly self-maintaining due to a light-density undercoat. The coat is subject to seasonal variation, [22] with the fur being thicker in the winter and thinner during the summer.
Maine Coons can be seen in all colors. Colors indicating hybridization, such as chocolate, lavender, the Siamese pointed patterns or the " ticked" patterns, are unaccepted by breed standards. [6] The most common color seen in the breed is brown tabby. [23] All eye colors are accepted under breed standards, with the exception of the occurrence of blue-colored or odd-eyes (i.e., two eyes of different colors) in cats possessing coat colors other than white. [22]
![[]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Zico_-_Maine_Coon_with_tufts_of_fur_behind_his_ears.jpg)
Maine Coon with a summer coat
Maine Coons have several physical adaptations for survival in harsh winter climates. Their dense water-resistant fur is longer and shaggier on their underside and rear for extra protection when they are on top of wet surfaces or snow. [24] Their long and bushy raccoon-like tail is resistant to sinking in snow, and can be curled around their face and shoulders for warmth and protection from wind and blowing snow. [25] [26] Large paws, and especially the extra-large paws of polydactyl Maine Coons, [27] facilitate walking on snow and are often compared to snowshoes. [24] Long tufts of fur growing between their toes help keep the toes warm and further aid walking on snow by giving the paws additional structure without significant extra weight. [26] Heavily furred ears with extra long tufts of fur growing from inside help keep their ears warm. [24]
Many of the original Maine Coon cats that inhabited the New England area possessed a trait known as polydactylism (having one or more extra toes on the feet). [24] This trait is thought to have occurred in approximately 40% of the Maine Coon population in Maine at one time, but little evidence has been given to substantiate this claim. [28] Polydactylism is rarely, if ever, seen in Maine Coons in the show ring since it is unacceptable by competition standards. [29] The gene for polydactylism is a simple autosomal dominant gene, [30] which has shown to pose no threat to the cat's health. [31] The trait was almost eradicated from the breed due to the fact that it was an automatic disqualifier in show rings. [32] Private organizations and breeders were created in order to keep polydactylism in Maine Coons from disappearing.
Maine Coons are known as the "gentle giants" [2] and possess above-average intelligence, making them relatively easy to train. [3] They are known for being loyal to their family and cautiousbut not meanaround strangers, but are independent and not clingy. [25] The Maine Coon is generally not known for being a "lap cat" but their gentle disposition makes the breed relaxed around dogs, other cats, and children. They are playful throughout their lives, with males tending to be more clownish and females generally possessing more dignity. [24] Many Maine Coons have a fascination with water [25] and some theorize that this personality trait comes from their ancestors, who were aboard ships for much of their lives. [4]
[ edit] Health
![[]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stunning_White_Maine_Coon.JPG)
An all-white Maine Coon
Maine Coons are generally a healthy and hardy breed and have evolved to survive the New England climate. The most severe threat is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common heart disease seen in cats, that is genetically inherited in some breeds. In Maine Coons, it is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Middle-aged to older cats, and males are predisposed to the disease. [33] HCM is a progressive disease and can result in heart failure, paralysis of the hind legs due to clot embolization originating in the heart, and sudden death. [34] A specific mutation that causes HCM is seen in Maine Coons for which testing services are offered. [35] Of all the Maine Coons tested for the MyBPC mutation at the Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine located at Washington State University, approximately one-third tested positive. [36]
![[]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MaineCoonGirl.jpg)
A female tabby Maine Coon
Another potential health problem is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), another genetically inherited disease which causes the loss of the neurons in the spinal cord that activate the skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs. Symptoms are normally seen within 3–4 months of age and result in muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, and a shortened life span. A test is offered to detect the genes responsible for SMA. [37]
Hip dysplasia, an abnormality of the hip joint which can cause crippling lameness and arthritis, can be seen in Maine Coons. In a research survey finalized by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) in 2007, comprising at least 100 evaluations for each breed studied between January 1974 and December 2008, Maine Coons ranked number 27 at 23.5% for 994 evaluations. The Maine Coon is the only cat breed listed in the survey. [38]
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a slowly progressive disease that is possible among Maine Coons and was thought to plague only the Persian and Persian-related breeds. Symptoms typically occur around seven years of age and the effects are incurable. PKD generally leads to renal failure and is genetically inherited, so careful screening and testing are the only ways to prevent the disease from occurring. [37]
[ edit] References
- ^ "Breed Information". Maine Coon Breeders & Fanciers Association. http://www.mcbfa.
org/breedinfo. . Retrieved 2008-10-26.html - ^ a b c "Maine Coon Synopsis". American Cat Fanciers Association. http://www.acfacat.
com/maine_ . Retrieved 2008-10-26.coon_synopsis. htm - ^ a b Robins, Sandy. "Training Day". Popular Cats Series (BowTie Magazines) 2: 118–125.
- ^ a b Helgren, J. Anne. " Maine Coon". Iams. Telemark Productions. http://www.iams.
com/iams/ . Retrieved 2008-10-26.en_US/jsp/ IAMS_Page. jsp?pageID= CBD&breedPage=maincoon. html - ^ "History, Legends and Myths of the Maine Coon". Maine Coon Rescue. http://www.mainecoo
nrescue.net/ . Retrieved 2008-10-26.history.html - ^ a b c d e f " Breed Article: Maine Coon". Cat Fanciers' Association. http://www.cfainc.
org/breeds/ . Retrieved 2008-10-26.profiles/ articles/ maine.html - ^ Daly, Carol Himsel; Davis, Karen Leigh (2006). Maine Coon Cats. New York: Barron's Educational Series. pp. 5. ISBN 0764134027.
- ^ a b Simpson, Mike and Trish. "The Maine Coon: America's Native Longhair". Maine Coon Breeders & Fanciers Association. http://www.mcbfa.
org/article1. . Retrieved 2008-10-27.html - ^ Link, Russell (2007). "Living with Wildlife: Bobcats". Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. http://wdfw.
wa.gov/wlm/ . Retrieved 2008-10-27.living/bobcats. htm - ^ "State Cat Maine Coon Cat". Department of the Secretary of State of Maine. http://www.maine.
gov/sos/kids/ . Retrieved 2009-01-30.about/symbols/ cat.htm - ^ " Backgrounder: The Maine Coon Cat" (pdf). Attraction Cat Fanciers. 2008-09-28. http://www.maineatt
raction.info/ . Retrieved 2008-10-27.uploads/PressMC. pdf - ^ Adamson, Eve. "State and Maine". Popular Cats Series (BowTie Magazines) 2: 6.
- ^ Simpson, Frances (1903) (pdf). Chapter 28: Maine Cats.. Cassell & Company, Limited. pp. 325–331. http://www.russianb
lue.us/Book_ . Retrieved 2008-10-27. The Book of the Catof_the_Cat/ TBOC_Ch28_ Maine_Cats. pdf - ^ " Kitten History: Maine Coon". CatChannel.com. BowTie, Inc. http://www.catchann
el.com/kittens/ . Retrieved 2008-10-28.breed_history/ maine_coon_ kitten_history. aspx - ^ "The CFA Foundation". Cat Fanciers' Association. http://cfa.org/
org/cfa-foundati . Retrieved 2007-10-27.on.html - ^ " Cat Breed Directory: New or Experimental Breeds". Animal Planet. Discovery Communications. http://animal.
discovery. . Retrieved 2009-01-15.com/guides/ cats/selector/ newbreeds. html - ^ " Title 1, § 217: State Cat". Maine State Legislature. http://www.maineleg
islature. . Retrieved 2008-12-07. The state cat shall be the Maine Coon Cat.org/legis/ statutes/ 1/title1sec217. html - ^ Mattern, Joanne; Pedley, Carol A. (2000). The Maine Coon Cat. Minnesota: Capstone Press. pp. 4. ISBN 0736805656.
- ^ " Maine Coon: A Gentle Giant" (pdf). Royal Canin. http://www.royalcan
in.us/brochures/ . Retrieved 2008-10-31.maine_coon_ 31_brochure. pdf - ^ "Maine Coon Cat" (pdf). Cat Fanciers Federation. http://www.cffinc.
org/pdf/MAINECOO . Retrieved 2008-11-02.N.pdf - ^ " Verismo Leonetti Reserve Red". Verismo Cat. http://www.verismoc
at.com/htmscript . Retrieved 2008-11-02.s/leo-guinness. htm - ^ a b "The ACFA Maine Coon Standard". American Cat Fanciers Association. http://www.acfacat.
com/maine_ . Retrieved 2008-11-02.coon_standard. htm - ^ " Choosing a Maine Coon". PetPlace.com. Intelligent Content Corp. http://www.petplace
.com/cats/ . Retrieved 2008-11-02.choosing- a-maine-coon/ page1.aspx - ^ a b c d e " The Maine Coon: Cat Breed FAQ". Cat Fanciers. 2003. http://www.fanciers
.com/breed- . Retrieved 2008-11-02.faqs/maine- coon-faq. html - ^ a b c Morgan, Diane. " Living Large". Popular Cats Series (BowTie Magazines) 2: 14–21. http://www.catchann
el.com/Magazines . Retrieved 2008-11-07./popular- cats/popular- cats-maine- coon.aspx - ^ a b " The Origin of the Maine Coon". PawPeds.com. The Scratch Sheet. 1976. http://www.pawpeds.
com/MCO/mchs/ . Retrieved 2008-12-15.articles/ DonShaw1_ pt.html - ^ " The Origin of the Maine Coon - Part III". PawPeds.com. The Scratch Sheet. 1976. http://www.pawpeds.
com/MCO/mchs/ . Retrieved 2009-01-08.articles/ DonShaw3_ pt.html - ^ "Information & Articles relating to the Maine Coon Polydactyl Cat". Maine Coon Polydactyl International. http://www.mcpi.
org/n_polyarticl . Retrieved 2008-11-02.es.html - ^ King, Lucinda. "So What Happened to the Maine Coon Polydactyl?". Maine Coon Polydactyl International. http://www.mcpi.
org/n_whathappen . Retrieved 2008-11-02.ed.html - ^ Grindell, Susan. "Summary ". Maine Coon Polydactyl International. http://www.mcpi.
org/polydactyl_ . Retrieved 2008-11-02.summary.htm - ^ Grindell, Susan. "The effects of Polydactyly". Maine Coon Polydactyl International. http://www.mcpi.
org/polydactyl_ . Retrieved 2008-11-02.effects.html - ^ Grindell, Susan. "Incidence in the Original Breed Population and Today". Maine Coon Polydactyl International. http://www.mcpi.
org/polydactyl_ . Retrieved 2008-11-02.incidence. htm - ^ Gould, Alex; Thomas, Alison (2004). Breed Predispositions to Diseases in Dogs and Cats. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publishing. ISBN 1405107480.
- ^ Gompf, Rebecca; Kittleson, Mark; Little, Susan. " Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy". Cat Fanciers' Association. http://www.cfa.
org/articles/ . Retrieved 2008-11-24.health/hypertrop hic-cardiomyopat hy.html - ^ " Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetic Mutation Testing Service for Cats". Washington State University. http://www.vetmed.
wsu.edu/deptsVCG . Retrieved 2008-11-20.L/felineTests. aspx - ^ "Frequently Asked Questions about the test for the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Mutation". Washington State University. http://www.vetmed.
wsu.edu/deptsvcg . Retrieved 2008-11-21.l/FAQ.aspx - ^ a b "MCBFA Health Information & References". Maine Coon Breeders & Fanciers Association. http://www.mcbfa.
org/healthfiles. . Retrieved 2008-11-20.html - ^ "Hip Dysplasia Statistics". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.
org/hipstatbreed . Retrieved 2008-11-21..html
i have 2 normal cats and they are about the same size as my 3 and a half months old mainecoon kitten. one of the, wont even go down stairs when the kitten is. haha they are scared of a cute little kitten thats just funny
[ edit] Further reading
- Bass, Sharyn P. (1983). This Is the Maine Coon Cat. Neptune City, New Jersey: T.F.H. Publications. ISBN 0-87666-867-
8 . - Hayman, Tracey K. (2001). Maine Coon Cat. Dorking, England: Interpret Publishing. ISBN 1-84286-011-
9 - Hornidge, Marilis (2002). That Yankee Cat: The Maine Coon. Gardiner, Maine: Tilbury House. ISBN 0-88448-243-
X .
[ edit] External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Maine Coon
Look up Maine Coon in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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History
Maine Coons, like American Shorthairs, are considered native to America because they?ve been on this continent since the colonial days, and perhaps longer. How they got here in the first place and where their progenitors came from, however, is anyone?s guess, since none of the local colonists happened by with their camcorders to record the event.
Many imaginative stories exist about the origin of the breed (some more believable than others), but hard proof is as elusive as a cat at bathtime. One story alleges that the breed is a raccoon/domestic cat hybrid, thus the name Maine Coon. Even though both raccoons and Maine Coons have lush, long tails and the tendency to dunk their food into their drinking water, such a union is biologically impossible.
Another anecdote, unlikely but at least possible, holds that the Maine Coon was produced by bobcat/domestic cat trysts, which would explain the ear and toe tufts and the impressive size of the breed.
A more imaginative story claims that Maine Coons are descendants of longhaired cats belonging to Marie Antoinette. The Queen?s cats and other belongings were smuggled to America by a captain named Clough, who was preparing to rescue the Queen from her rendezvous with the guillotine. Unfortunately, the Queen lost her head and the cats ended up staying with Clough in Maine.
Last, but not least, is the tale of a sea captain named Coon who in the 1700s brought longhaired cats with him on his excursions to America?s northeastern coast.
This last story has at least a ring of truth. Seafarers who used cats to control rodent populations on their sailing ships probably brought some longhaired buccaneers with them to the New World. Some of the cats went ashore when they reached the northeastern coast and established themselves on the farms and in the barns of the early settlers. Given Maine?s severe climate, those initial years must have been tough on cat and human alike. Only the breed?s strongest and most adaptable survived. Through natural selection, the Maine Coon developed into a large, rugged cat with a dense, water-resistant coat and a hardy constitution.
Regardless of where the breed came from, the Maine Coon was one of the first breeds to be recognized by the late nineteenth-century cat fancy, and became an early favorite. Mr. F. R. Pierce, who owned Maine Coons as early as 1861, noted in The Book of the Cat that a tabby Maine Coon named Leo was awarded Best Cat in the New York City cat show of 1895 and was a consistent winner in Boston in 1897, 1898, and 1899.
However, in the early 1900s, as new and more exotic breeds were imported into the country, the cat fanciers of the era abandoned Maine Coons for Persians, Angoras, and other imports. By 1950 the breed had all but vanished.
Fortunately, a small group of breeders kept this undercat from going under. Breeders held Maine Coon-only cat shows and in 1968 breeders founded the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association. The associations that had snubbed the Maine Coon accepted them for Championship competition again and today the Maine Coon has regained its former popularity.
Personality
No breed has a monopoly on love and affection, but there?s got to be some good reason that the Maine Coon has clawed its way up from near extinction to the prized place of America?s second most popular breed (according to the CFA?s registration totals). Maine Coon fanciers say that the popularity is due to the breed?s large size, intelligence, luxuriant coat, hardy disposition, and devotion to their human family.
While Maine Coons are devoted, playful, and loving to their chosen humans, they can be reserved around people with whom they?re not familiar. Given time, however, even the most cautious adapt. As befits a former seafarer, Maine Coons are fascinated by water, perhaps because their thick coats are water-repellent and won?t become annoyingly soaked as easily as a thinner coat would.
Conformation
One of the largest domestic breeds, male Maine Coons weigh in at 12 to 18 pounds, while the females fall into a ?petite? 10 to 14 pound range. Slow to mature, the Maine Coon takes three to four years to fully develop. Although brown tabby is the most common color and pattern, Maine Coons come in a wide variety of colors.
The heavy all-weather coat, shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches, makes the cat appear larger than it really is. The texture is smooth and silky rather than cottony, so the coat doesn?t mat as easily as the coats of some longhaired breeds. Breeders usually recommend a twice-weekly combing with a good steel comb.
The Maine Coon is solid, rugged, and can endure a harsh climate. Particularly distinctive is its smooth, shaggy coat.
Medium to large; muscular; broad-chested; body should be long to create a well-balanced rectangular appearance.
Medium width and length; square muzzle and high cheekbones; chin firm; nose medium long, slightly concave in profile.
Large; well tufted; wide at base, tapering to appear pointed; set high and well apart.
Large; wide set; slightly oblique setting with slant toward outer base of ear. Color should be shades of green, gold, or copper, but blue and odd-colored eyes are acceptable in white cats. No relationship between coat and eye colors.
Long; wide at base, and tapering; fur long and flowing.
Heavy and shaggy; silky with coat falling smoothly; shorter on shoulders and longer on stomach and britches; frontal ruff desirable.
All colors and patterns except for the pointed colors and pattern that would indicate hybridization.
Delicate bone structure; undershot chin; crossed eyes; kinked tail; buttons; lockets; or spots.
None.
Maine Coon Cat
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Maine Coon Cat, large breed of cat, North America's only native longhaired breed. The Maine coon probably developed by natural selection in response to New England's harsh climate. It is a muscular cat with a long body, heavy bones, and large round paws. A full-grown Maine coon male weighs from 5 to 8 kg (12 to 18 lb); females are smaller. Maine coons do not reach their full size until they are four or five years old. The Maine coon has a long, shaggy coat; large ears; a long, square muzzle; and a long, full plume of a tail. Maine coons come in a wide range of colors. The most common Maine coon color is the brown tabby (brown with black stripes).
The Maine coon's gentle, easygoing disposition and affectionate nature make it an ideal companion. It has a soft voice, ranging from a soft trill to a nearly-silent squeak. Many Maine coons use their paws to eat food and drink water; this raccoonlike habit, combined with the fact that a large brown tabby Maine coon somewhat resembles a raccoon, led to its name.
Maine Coon
Breed of domestic longhaired cat native to North America. It is the oldest American breed and one of the largest. Its fur is shaggy and uneven in length and of a coppery brown colour with black markings. It has a thick, bushy tail similar to the raccoon from which it gets its name.The breed was registered in 1861, but was only officially recognized in the USA in 1976.
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One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine (in fact, the Maine Coon is the official Maine State Cat). A number of attractive legends surround its origin. A wide-spread (though biologically impossible) belief is that it originated from matings between semi-wild, 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.' (Originally, only brown tabbies were called 'Maine Coon Cats;' cats of other colors were referred to as 'Maine Shags.') Another popular theory is that the Maine sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution. Most breeders today believe that the breed originated in matings between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs (perhaps Angora types introduced by New England seamen, or longhairs brought to America by the Vikings).
First recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and white cat named 'Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines,' Maine Coons were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A brown tabby female named 'Cosie' won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show.
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The Coon Cat
A number of legends surround its origin. A wide-spread, though biologically impossible belief is that it originated from matings between semi-wild, domestic cats and raccoons. This myth, bolstered by the bushy tail and the most common colouring (a raccoon-like brown tabby) led to the adoption of the name Maine Coon. Originally, only brown tabbies were called Maine Coon Cats; cats of other colours were referred to as Maine Shags.
Another popular theory is that the Maine sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine., when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution. Most breeders today believe that the breed originated in matings between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs (perhaps Angora types introduced by New England seamen, or longhairs brought to America by the Vikings). Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the same climate, and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the Vikings.
First recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and white cat named "Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines". Maine Coons were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A brown tabby female named "Cosie" won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show.
Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they are three to five years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured cats. Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items. They rarely miaow, and when they do, that soft, tiny voice doesn't fit their size.
While Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats, they are not overly-dependent. They do not constantly pester you for attention, but prefer to "hang out" with their owners, investigating whatever activity you're involved in and "helping" when they can. They are not, as a general rule, known as "lap cats" but as with any personality trait there are a few Maine Coons that prefer laps. Most Maine Coons will stay close by, probably occupying the chair next to yours instead. Maines will follow you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you to emerge. A Maine Coon will be your companion, your buddy, your pal, but hardly ever your baby.
Maine Coons are relaxed and easy-going in just about everything they do. The males tend to be the clowns while the females retain more dignity, but both remain playful throughout their lives. The Maine Coon Cat is well known for its loving nature, kindly disposition and great intelligence. Maines are especially good with children, dogs and other cats and have always been a popular and sought after companion.
They are not as vertically-oriented as some other breeds, prefering to chase objects on the ground and grasping them in their large paws - no doubt instincts developed as professional mousers.
Although brown tabby remains the most popular pattern today, Miane Coons can wear coats of any colour except for solid chocolate, lavender or pointed patterns.
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By Shane1b
She is so smart she can actually turn off a wall DIMMER SWITCH by rotating her paws- something I have never seen a cat do before! She also demonstrated she knows *how* to open door knobs even if her soft paws cannot gain enough purchase to turn them! She is the smartest cat I have ever seen in my 47 years of living!
Favorite Toy:
She really likes ponytail 'hair ties' for some strange reason and just about any pen or bauble that belongs to Yours Truly! heehee
http://www.catster.
I love her little heart with all of my bigger heart! :)
Shane
http://lionsgoblet.
http://www.mainecoo
Home
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About MCR
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Cat information
Available Cats
Adopt
Volunteer
Place
Forms
Fundraising
About MCR
Cat information
Available Cats
Adopt
Volunteer
Place
Forms
Fundraising
Welcome to Maine Coon Rescue!
Maine Coon Rescue is a nationwide 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to rescuing Maine Coon and Maine Coon Mix cats. We are a network of volunteers who share one love-our beloved Maine Coons. We assist in assuring that these cats are placed in carefully screened forever-homes where they will spend the rest of their lives being spoiled as they deserve.The entire funding of our rescue efforts comes from the generosity of cat lovers, through donations, adoption fees and various fundraising activities. This money is used with great care so that every dollar helps as many needy Maine Coon and Maine Coon Mix cats and kittens as possible.
MCR gratefully acknowledges and thanks those of you who are an integral part of our rescue efforts on behalf of these cats by way of your financial support. MCR counts on you so that we can continue to shelter, care for, and place Maine Coon and Maine Coon Mix cats in permanent homes.
Maine Coon Rescue invites you to join our Yahoo group at: http://groups.
Donations may be made to:
Maine Coon Rescue
304 First Avenue West
Franklin, KY 42134
http://www.petfinde304 First Avenue West
Franklin, KY 42134
Click Here For A List of Cats Available in the Florida Area
Visit our AZ Pet List * Visit our CA Pet List * Visit our CO Pet List * Visit our GA Pet List * Visit our MI Pet List
* Visit our MO Pet List * Visit our NY Pet List * Visit our OR Pet List * Visit our TX Pet List
MCR adoption fees are:
• $150 - Kittens spayed & neutered ($100 if too young to spay/neuter with Prepaid S/N Agreement)
• $125 - Adults (1 - 9 years)
• $100 - Seniors (10 years and older)
• $100 - Special Needs Cats
• $200 – Purebred Maine Coon Adult (7 - 10 years)
• $250 – Purebred Maine Coon Young Adult (1 - 6 years)
• $100 – Purebred Maine Coon Senior (10 years and older)
• $300 – Purebred Maine Coon Kitten
Please contact us if you have any questions. We can arrange transport within a reasonable distance for a fee.
Maine Coon Rescue (MCR)
304 First Avenue West
Franklin, KY 42134
Email: rescue@mainecoonrescue.net
Director of Petfinder - Kat Milhollan - kalikat4mcr@yahoo.com
FL Petfinder Site Manager - Kristin C. - blueridgerescue@gmail.com
Click here for
Our COONpanion for the Month of August... Callie!
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304 First Avenue West
Franklin, KY 42134
Email: rescue@mainecoonres
Director of Petfinder - Kat Milhollan - kalikat4mcr@
FL Petfinder Site Manager - Kristin C. - blueridgerescue@
Click here for
Our COONpanion for the Month of August... Callie!
Maine Coon Rescue is a nationwide 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to rescuing Maine Coon and Maine Coon Mix cats. We are a network of volunteers who share one love-our beloved Maine Coons. We assist in assuring that these cats are placed in carefully screened forever-homes where they will spend the rest of their lives being spoiled as they deserve.
The entire funding of our rescue efforts comes from the generosity of cat lovers, through donations, adoption fees and various fundraising activities. This money is used with great care so that every dollar helps as many needy Maine Coon and Maine Coon Mix cats and kittens as possible.
Maine Coon Rescue invites you to join our Yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/mainecoonrescue .
Maine Coon Rescue relies on your continued support to locate, rescue, provide veterinary care, transport, foster, and facilitate adoptions for our beloved Maine Coon and Maine Coon Mixes.
Please visit our website at http://www.mainecoonrescue.net .
Donations may be made to through PayPal or can be mailed to:
Maine Coon Rescue
304 First Avenue West
Franklin, KY 42134
If you see a cat that you are interested in, please use the contact information given in the description or you can submit an Adoption Application
http://www.adoptapeMaine Coon Rescue invites you to join our Yahoo group at: http://groups.
Maine Coon Rescue relies on your continued support to locate, rescue, provide veterinary care, transport, foster, and facilitate adoptions for our beloved Maine Coon and Maine Coon Mixes.
Please visit our website at http://www.mainecoo
Donations may be made to through PayPal or can be mailed to:
Maine Coon Rescue
304 First Avenue West
Franklin, KY 42134
If you see a cat that you are interested in, please use the contact information given in the description or you can submit an Adoption Application
Support Cat Adoption and Rescue. Why go to a cat breeder or pet store to buy a cat when you can adopt?
Maine Coon Rescue - FL
Tampa, Florida
Click here to see our pets Or click here to see all local dogs, click here to see all local cats,
click here to see all local other pets
To find another local animal shelter, humane society, SPCA, dog rescue or cat rescue click here
Maine Coon Rescue - FL
Tampa, FL 33647
rescue@mainecoonres
http://www.mainecoo
Cat adoption saves lives. Adopt a cat and you'll have a friend for life! Contact us, or contact another local humane society, animal shelter or SPCA.
We Serve the Following Cities, Towns, and/or Counties: State of FL
Maine Coon Rescue - FL
About Our Rescue Group
Maine Coon Rescue (MCR),
Mission Statement
We are a nationwide network of volunteers who share one love, Our Beloved Maine Coon Cats, and One Great, Big Vision:
to rescue abused, abandoned, surrendered and homeless Maine Coon (MC) Cats whether registered or not;
to act as liaison between shelters, animal control and disaster agencies nationwide;
to assist in providing appropriate medical care;
to ensure all MC and MC Mix cats placed directly through, or into carefully screened Maine Coon Rescue (MCR) Foster Homes are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots, tested for FeLV/FIV;
to provide carefully screened foster homes, if necessary prior to re-homing;
to assist in assuring that they are placed in carefully screened forever homes;
to share our wisdom and knowledge of this magnificent breed to assist in identifying MC/MC Mix cats that wind up in shelters;
to educate potential adopters about the breed;
to alert breeders that a cat from their cattery may need help;
to network with other rescue groups and pool our resources;
to help transport MC/MC Mix cats to their temporary foster or new forever homes;
to network with other transport groups and pool our resources;
to remain ever at hand, if needed, after a successful rescue has taken place;
to assist in providing resources, education and information regarding spay/neuter, declawing, behavior problems, indoor/outdoor issues;
to do our part to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.
Our Adoption Process
Interested in adopting a Maine Coon Rescue kitty? Please submit our on line Adoption Application http://www.mainecoo
• $150 - kittens spayed & neutered, $100 if too young to spay/neuter
• $125 - adults 1 - 9 years
• $100 - seniors 10 years and older/Senior Purebred Maine Coon (10 years and older)
• $100 - cats with special needs
• $200 – Purebred Maine Coon (adults 7 - 10 years)
• $250 – Purebred Maine Coon (adults 1 - 6 years)
• $300 – Purebred Maine Coon kitten
Adoption fees assist us with shelter fees, testing and vet expenses. It is because of fees that MCR is able to continue with our rescue work.
This usually covers shots, neutering, vet visits and tests,and cost of foster care. Please contact us if you have any questions.
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Verismo Leonetti Reserve Red
2006 Guinness World Record Holder for Longest Cat
Meet Frieda Ireland's pet cat Leo, as he is known, a 100% purebred domestic cat with a CFA pedigree.
The people of Chicago, Illinois can be proud to call the world's biggest cat their own.
He is the Biggest Maine Coon Cat; the Largest Maine Coon Cat.
Guinness World Records for the category "Longest Cat in the World".
Verismo Leonetti Reserve Red is beating the prior Longest Cat Guinness World Record holder, named Snowbie, by a whole 6 inches.
Verismo Leonetti Reserve Red is 48 inches tall from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail and weighs 35 pounds. He holds the record for Longest Cat
Official Guinness Record
on the Guinness Website
Official Guinness Record
on the Guinness Website
Verismo Leonetti Reserve Red is being doted on at the Vet's office, about 6 months prior to Leo's return there, when the NBC-TV story was done.
Doctor Rovner is 6 ft. 2 in. tall for reference.
Leo's length – and not weight – is what makes him a record breaker. Guinness does not encourage people to fatten up their pets.
Freida says "We have to keep our eye on him when we're cooking, because he can stand up and put his paws on the kitchen counter." Leo's dietary favorites are listed by Guinness.
A kitten picture of Verismo Leonetti Reserve Red
at 13 weeks age
now probably one of the biggest cats Verismo has ever produced.
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Maine Coon Cats by Verismo - Maine Coon Cat pictures
http://www.associatat 13 weeks age
now probably one of the biggest cats Verismo has ever produced.
Maine Coon Cats by Verismo - Maine Coon Cat pictures
The Maine Coon: Monster or the Best House Cat Ever?
July 25, 2008 byUnwirklich Vin Zant
Unwirklich Vin Zant
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He smiles through over grown fangs with teasing blue eyes, letting off a yowl that could wake the dead. He opens the door, and with ease climbs the wall to steal my salmon dinner without a sound. He's a monster... No, He's my Maine
Maine Coon's are one of the largest most intelligent breed of domesticated cat, not to mention they're a blast to own.
The Maine
The characteristics however of a Maine Coon are impossible to miss. Maine Coons are large, rectangular, muscular cats, with enormous paws. They come in all variety of colors though a brown, black tabby resembling the coloration of a raccoon is the most common. Their fur is silky, soft and water resistant consisting of three layers. Maine Coons always have the tell tale tail, long and bushy, sometimes longer than the cats
1 2 X
Attacking a pit bull.
Credit: Unwirklich Vin Zant | © Amanda Cunningham
The Maine Coon: Monster or the Best House Cat Ever?
July 25, 2008 byUnwirklich Vin Zant
Unwirklich Vin Zant
- Published Content: 137
- Total Views: 115,292
- Fans: 32
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Maine Coon | Maine Coon Cat | Pet Raccoon | Cat Breed | Feral Cat
In fact this cat is full of expressions, my Maine Coon aptly named "Cheshire", smiles, sticks his tongue out, and attempts to talk, a lot. This is another common characteristic of the Maine Coon. They are very vocal animals, and have a shrill, demanding yet versatile meow. They will "ask"
so to speak when they want something they can't simply get themselves (and they'll try). In fact they probably won't stop asking until you give in. They do not purr well, and sound more like motor boats
The Maine Coons intelligence is however it's most interesting feature. They are well known for extensive use of the paws. Maine Coons will often learn to open doors or cabinets, use the toilet, pick up small objects, and will even sometimes eat with their paws. They are also expert climbers and enjoy heights. Their behavior is often dog
Overall Maine Coons have strong personalities, sometimes so strong they seem almost child like, lumbering about looking like tiny wild cats. They are intelligent, friendly, fun family pets, that could easily replace a guard dog, and do replace your local pest control
Citation:
1. Cat Fancier's breed FAQ http://www.fanciers
2. My pet's: the Maine Coon http://www.mypets.
3. Breed Article: Maine Coon http://www.cfainc.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon Cat is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat, known for its intelligence, playfulness as well as distinctive physical appearance. The breed is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America and originated from New England.Origin
In the 17th and 18th centuries, domestic cats brought over from Europe faced very severe winters in New England where only the strongest and most adaptable cats survived. Through natural selection (as opposed to selective breeding), the Maine Coon developed into a large, rugged cat with a water-resistant, thick coat and a hardy constitution. The origin of the breed (and its name) has several (often fantastic) stories surrounding it. One comes from a legend that a domestic cat released in the wilds of Maine interbred with a raccoon, resulting in offspring with the Maine Coon's characteristics. Though this is biologically impossible, this myth, bolstered by the bushy tail and the most common coloring (a raccoon-like brown tabby) probably led to the adoption of the name 'Maine Coon.' Another popular story is that the breed sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution. However, most breeders today believe that the breed originated in matings between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs (perhaps Angora types introduced by New England seamen, or longhairs brought to America by the Vikings). Maine Coons' long coats resemble their European counterparts, the Norwegian Forest Cats.
Physical characteristics
An average-sized adult female of mixed breed (left) and a brown mackerel tabby-colored adult male (right).Maine Coons are very large (but energetic) cats, sometimes weighing 11.3 kilograms (25 pounds); the average weight is 6 to 9 kilograms (13-20 pounds) for adult males and less (7-11 pounds) for females. Growth to full size often takes longer than for most cats, with Maine Coons usually reaching full size at age three or four.
The most common color/pattern in the breed is brown with tabby markings. Maine Coons are recognized in all colors except for chocolate, lavender, ticked tabby, and the point-restricted ("Siamese") pattern. Eye color also varies widely. All patterns may have green, green-gold, or gold. Blue eyes, or one blue eye with one gold eye, are possible in white coat cats.
The Maine Coon's "ruff".
Maine Coons have medium-long, dense fur, with longer hair, or a ruff, on their chests similar to the mane of a lion (which is why the breed is sometimes humorously called the "Mane Coon"). Their fur consists of two layers - an undercoat and an additional layer of longer guard hairs, which gives the breed their key physical feature. The fur is generally very soft. Maine Coons have long hair on the backs of their legs (called pantaloons or britches) and between their toes which helps to keep warm in the cold. They also have bushy plumed tails and broad, anglular heads, squared-off muzzles and wide-set ears topped with tufts of fur. Most Maine Coons keep their fur in good order without the need for additional human grooming, but due to the length and quantity of hair, most will also benefit from a simple brushing once a week. While the Coon may be polydactyl, having one or more extra toes on their paws, this trait is generally bred out, as it has been rejected by the standard.
Behavioral characteristics
Maine Coons are a breed distinguished by intelligence, dexterity and playfulness. They have a tendency to use their front paws extensively (often curling the paw round to pick objects up) and as a consequence will easily learn to open cabinet doors, turn on water faucets, or pick up small objects. Some Maine Coons will eat with their paws, rather than eating from the bowl itself.
Due to their above-average intelligence, Maine Coons are known to be one of the easiest cat breeds to train. Maine Coons are generally very quiet and do not meow much. However, they are noted for their ability to trill their meows, which sounds like a combination of a purr and a meow, and they tend to make this sound when happy or startled. Maine Coons are a very independent breed, and they do not often "beg" for attention. They are noted for rarely eating alone, preferring to eat in the company of other cats or humans. Maine Coons are usually not "lap" cats, and many Maine Coons, probably because of their size, are not comfortable with sitting on a person's lap or chest, though this may depend on the personality of the individual cat.
Some Maine Coons enjoy playing with, but not usually in, water. They may dip toys in their water bowls before playing with them, or just tip the water bowl over. They may also skim their paws across the surface of their water bowl. Maine Coons occasionally engage in mischievous behavior when bored, such as deliberately pushing things off tables and the tops of fridges with their paws.
Maine Coons can be very dog-like in their behavior. Playing fetch is a favorite game. As with dogs, they will bring their ball, drop it at the feet of their intended playmate and wait patiently for the ball to be thrown.
Health
Cats within any breed are fairly closely related will have many characteristics in common. This includes genetic strengths and weaknesses. Particular genetic health disorders may be more or less of a problem in a particular breed than in other breeds. 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 generally only affect a tiny minority of the breed as a whole, but since they can be eradicated by careful screening, most reputable breeders try to track such problems, both in their breeding stock and the kittens they produce. By working with a responsible breeder who will speak openly about health issues, 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. Maine Coone cats are generally very healthy animals, but it does pay when buying any cat, to check the hostory of the breeding stock before puchase. Any reputable breeder would be happy to discuss this with you.
Breed Article:
America's First Show Cat - The Maine Coon Cat
By Gail Frew
Many people once believed the Maine Coon originated by interbreeding the American bobcat with the domestic cats brought to North America on the various sailing ships that came to the Northeastern seaboard. Probably the tufted ears and feet of the Maine Coon, which are similar to the bobcat's, gave some credence to this legend. The tuft curls outward from the inside of the ears and tufts of fur are found between the toes. Taking fantasy one step farther is the belief that the domestic cats of New England bred with raccoons. The early Maine Coons may simply have looked like raccoons to the natives, since the brown tabby, with its bushy ringed tail, occurs most commonly in nature. The Maine Coon also converses occasionally with an endearing trill or chirp, somewhat like the cry of a young raccoon. It is genetically impossible for domestic cats to breed with either raccoons or bobcats, as we in the cat fancy know, because they are of different genera and do not hybridize.
Another tale is that the Maine Coon's ancestors came from Norwegian Skogkatts brought over by the Vikings. A letter from Mrs. Jack Bjonness to Mrs. Rod Ljostad describes them as follows: "The head is longer than that of the shorthaired domestic. The coat is about half as long as that of the Persian. They come in all colors, the ears are high with lynx tufts, the whole cat is 'tall' not Cobby like a Persian. But no one could say it is a slender cat. They are "hardy."
More romantic versions of the Maine Coon's development have been handed down over the years. The first involves Captain Samuel Clough and Marie Antoinette. Captain Clough was one of the principals (or so the legend goes) in a plot designed to smuggle the French queen out of France and bring her to Wiscasset, Maine. The scheme was cut short, but not before Clough had loaded his ship, the Sally, with luxurious furnishings, priceless bric-a-brac, some of the queen's personal belongings, and six of her favorite pet cats. While Clough waited, there was a sudden outburst of violence. Marie Antoinette was seized, and eventually beheaded. Captain Clough had to make sail with all haste to escape repercussions for his part in the attempted rescue and with him went the queen's possessions and the six longhaired cats still in his care. It is assumed that the queen's cats bred with the American cats and voilˆ - the origin of the Maine Coon.
A more logical conclusion is that the Maine Coon developed from the domestic shorthaired cats of settlers who came to America with all their worldly goods and the family pet. Later, as the country became more civilized and the trading ships returned from their travels, the sailors returned with longhaired cats. The new longhaired cats in turn bred with the local shorthaired cats and began populating the Eastern seaboard, and thus began the survival of the fittest. Those cats that survived the harsh New England winters produced the next generation of kittens. After nature finished combining the genetic ingredients of form, coat, and substance of the Maine Coon Cat, man looked upon these cats and said, "that is some pretty good cat." It was to be expected that these intelligent cats would find their way into the settlers' homes and become beloved pets as well as good workers (mousers). It was during the 1860s that farmers would tell stories and brag about the powers and intelligence of their Maine Coons. During this decade these same farmers began having their own cat show at the Skowhegan Fair where Maine Coons from all over the territory competed for the title "Maine State Champion Coon Cat."
Mrs. E.R. Pierce, who co-owned a black and white Maine Coon Cat named Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines, documents the early history of domestic cats in the United States and of the Maine Coon Cat in particular. She not only gives names and dates of cat shows along the Eastern seaboard, but also names the cats who won them. In 1878 a show was held in Boston where a dozen Maine Coons were entered and shown. Mrs. Pierce states emphatically that large shows were held in all the populous eastern cities, although not on a yearly basis. Some shows were held as far west as Chicago in the 1870s.
The most famous and largest of the early shows was held at New York's Madison Square Garden in May of 1895. That show was won by a brown tabby female Maine Cat named Cosey owned by Mrs. E. N. Barker. The number of Maine Coon Cats entered in the show is not easily ascertained since they were classified along with Persians and Angoras as "longhairs." All cats were categorized first by hair length and then by sex. The show was a great success both financially and as a public relations showcase for the various breeds. What did the first place and best of show win? Cosey was awarded a silver medal marked "National Cat Show, 1895," with a cat face in the middle, a silver cat collar engraved "National Cat Show, 1895, won by Cosey," and a picture of "Cosey" wearing a collar ribbon marked "National Cat Show."
The New York show did not develop into the prestigious event hoped for, but the Boston show circuit did. One of Mrs. Pierce's brown tabby Maine Coon Cats, King Max, dominated this classic for three years, winning in 1897, 1898, and 1899, until defeated by his son Donald in 1900.
At the beginning of the twentieth century "show fever" hit the fancy, and cat shows began to spread from the Northeast to the Midwest and finally to the West Coast. At about the same time, the Cat Fanciers' Association, founded in 1908, was keeping the only breed record books we have of this period, The CFA Stud Book and Registry. In Book I, 28 Maine Cats, as they were still known, were listed under a special proviso that depended on a sworn statement that the sire and dam were "same breed, long hair and that neither is a shorthaired." It is noteworthy that CFA Registration #5 is a tortoiseshell female Maine Cat named Molly Bond.
Soon after this the Maine Coon Cat decreased in popularity as other longhaired cats with pedigrees came into greater favor. Slowly, the Maine Coon began disappearing from the ranks of the registry and shows. The Maine Coon had its last big recorded victory for over 40 years when a "longhaired blue Maine Cat" took first place in his class and best of show, out of an entry of 170 cats, at the Portland, Oregon show in 1911. After that, Maine Coons slipped into the background and were shown occasionally under the AOV category.
Remaining in the background during the next four decades, the Maine Coon Cat was declared extinct in the late 1950s. The Maine Coon's extinction, like Mark Twain's death, was an exaggeration.
In the early 1950s, Alta Smith and Ruby Dyer formed the Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) as an effort to end the Maine Coon's slide into a regional oddity and to give impetus toward record keeping and showcasing for the breed. For the next 11 years the CMCC sponsored a combined cat show and exhibition of the photographs of cats. The club provided a means to call attention to all cats and the Maine Coon Cat in particular, and in doing so kept the image of the Maine Coon alive. By 1963, the CMCC shows outgrew the barn, the elementary school gym, the high school gym and every other workable large local meeting place. The organization became too large to continue its amateur status and the Central Maine Cat Club ceased to be. Before its demise, its achievements included creating one of the first written standards for the breed, keeping records in the breeding of the Maine Coon, and making people aware that the Maine Coons existed and had credentials. People in other parts of the country were starting to breed and show Maine Coons as well as keeping them as pets. They were still being shown as AOVs, but they were beginning to appear in the show halls from which they had disappeared.
In the 1960s, Maine Coon breeders were few. Some of the people involved back then include Mrs. Robert Whittemore, Lillian Vanderhoff, Nancy Silsbee, Rose Levy, Henrietta O'Neill, Eugene and Lee Eminhizer, and Sonia Stanislow.
In 1968, the idea to create a universal Maine Coon Cat club whose purpose was to preserve and protect the breed came from Nancy Silsbee. The will and guidance to see the project through was supplied by Dr. and Mrs. Rod Ljostad. These early "movers and shakers" were completely dedicated to the concept of the Maine Coon Cat.
Provisional status was again denied at the board meeting held in February 1971. Following advice offered, the Maine Coon Cat Club was formed in 1973 with the following members: Rod and Betty Ljostad, Liz Eastman, Harold Hansen, Robert Wilson, Cynthia Wilson, Franklin Gullo, Lillian Vanderhoff, Maureen Jenkins, and Gerald Kastenbaum.
At the Spring 1974 meeting, Mrs. Jean Rose announced that CFA now had a Maine Coon Cat breed club. The members stated that they had now fulfilled all the requirements for recognition of the Maine Coon Cat as a provisional breed: they had a standard, a breed club and 133 cats registered. Unfortunately, the timing for acceptance was off as per the existing rules; in addition, some board members thought the breed standard still needed clarification.
The Maine Coon Cat was accepted for provisional status beginning May 1, 1975 at the October 1974 board meeting. Championship status occurred May 1, 1976. America's native American longhair was back on the show bench with championship status.
The 1977 show season produced Best of Breed CH Lybe Christa's Katy, owned by Elizabeth H. Brouch, but no Maine Coon grand champion. 1977-78 produced CFA's first Maine Coon grand champion and Best of Breed, GC Purrbred's Silent Stranger, a copper-eyed white male owned by William and Ruth Patt. The next three show seasons saw a few more Maine Coons achieving their grand championship status. Three Tufpaws female grand champions were the national breed winners in 1978-79, 1979-80, and 1980-81: GC Tufpaws Reuelette, GC Tufpaws Schnitzel of Zookatz, and GC Tufpaws Rosana Dana of Zookatz.
The 1981-82 show season produced the first national winning Maine Coon, GC NW Tufpaws Rosette. What an achievement for a female whose breed standard tends to favor the male! Rosie was the 19th Best Cat in 1983-84. The first national winning Maine Coon in premiership was GP, NW Tufpaws Pepe Le Peu of Cheyenne. "Pepe" was the first bi-color to achieve national winning status.
CFA's next national winning Maine Coon was GC, NW Terrificats P.C. Gambit, DM. Gambit was 14th Best Cat in the 1987-88 show season, and later went on to become the first of CFA's seven male DMs.
1988-89 saw continued success for the Maine Coons on the show bench with eight regional winners in championship, premiership, and kitten classes.
The 1989-90 show season found a Maine Coon back in the national rankings with GC, NW Kanab's Luanne's Mahogany Rush, DM placing 7th in Championship. This is the highest placement in the national rankings achieved by any Maine Coon to date. "Rusty" was a red tabby with white. During the 1990-91 show season GC, NW Terrificat's P.C. Gambit, DM's son, GC, NW Groovycats Alexander The Great was shown to 18th Best Cat in championship. "Alexander" was a brown tabby with white.
A banner year for Maine Coons occurred in the 1991-92 show season, with three achieving the coveted National Winner title: GC, NW Bangor's Eskimo Pie, a black and white bi-color; GC, NW Buctales Dirty Dancer, a brown mackerel tabby with white ; and GC, NW Kanab's Luanne's Vincent, also a black and white bi-color, . "E.P.," "Dancer" and "Vincent" placed 14th, 15th, and 19th in the national rankings. That season also saw 116 Maine Coon grands of which 15 were regional winners. It was the best year for Maine Coons to date.
The 1992-93 show season saw a return to tradition, when brown mackerel tabby GC, NW Coonsboro Calvin Coonidge became the season's 17th Best Cat. There were 134 grands, of which 20 earned a regional win.
The 1993-94 national winning Maine Coon, GC, NW Noogats Renault Blanc was the 8th Best Cat that year. "Rennie's" sparkling white coat and gentle disposition made him a favorite in the show ring. Although a white Maine Coon was a departure from the now widely recognized tabby and tabby with white, one must remember that the first Maine Coon to grand in CFA was a white.
GC, NW Coonsboro Beni Pussalini of Angtini was CFA's 18th Best Cat for 1994-95. "Beni," a lovely brown mackerel tabby with white was the second national winning Maine Coon to be sired by a national winner. His father is GC, NW Coonsboro Calvin Coonidge. This season produced a record 185 grands including 22 regional winners.
While not producing a national winner, the 1995-96 show season did have 167 grands including 20 regional winners. GC, RW Kemosabe's Meshach made a valiant effort at trying to place in the top 25, but just fell short of the mark. "Meshach's" owners can be very proud of their national Best-of-Breed Maine Coon.
As of this writing the 1996-97 show season has yet to end and anything can happen.
Since the last article on the Maine Coon Cat by Martha Young and Tome Rodgers in 1991, our distinguished merits rose from six to 43. The first male to achieve this honor was GC Lovabacon's Tom Terrificat. "Terry" had his DM confirmed on September 7, 1991. On October 12, 1991, four weeks later, GC, RW Kanab's Luanne's Acoma was confirmed, with 15 grand offspring, as the second Maine Coon male DM. Both "Terry" and "Magoo" sired national winners who also achieved the distinguished merit honor. They are GC, NW Kanab's Luanne's Mahogany Rush, DM, confirmed on August 7, 1993, and GC, NW Terrificats P.C. Gambit, DM, confirmed with 15 grands on May 14, 1994.
The first Maine Coon to achieve the distinguished merit status was CH Sundar Tiffany of Tufpaws. "Tiffany" was confirmed as a DM on January 13, 1983. She was also the dam of the two Tufpaws national winners. It was another four years before CH Heidi Ho's Coon Victoria was confirmed as a DM on January 14, 1987. The number of confirmed distinguished merits continues to grow. The 1994-95 show season had the largest number of DMs - nine. The 1996-97 show season has seven DMs so far. As a breed, the Maine Coon has a total of 43 distinguished merit cats, seven males and 36 females.
The Maine Coon Standard
The Maine Coon is slow to mature, often not reaching full development until three to four years of age. The Maine Coon has five color classes: solid, tabby, tabby with white, parti-color, and other Maine Coon colors. Classic tabby, mackerel tabby and patched tabby are the only recognized patterns. Colors or patterns showing hybridization, such as chocolate, lavender, pointed pattern or ticked pattern, are not acceptable.
The Maine Coon is a gentle, loyal breed. They make wonderful family pets and get along well with children and dogs. Depending on the breed of dog, the Maine Coon can be bigger than Fido. They are a vocal breed, with a variety of meows, trills and chirps to make up their vocabularies. They are sociable and like to help their owners with any project, especially when the owner is reading or working on the crossword puzzle.
Since 1976, the Maine Coon Cat has been a rising star in the competitive reaches of the cat fancy. This popular breed of the late 19th century drifted into obscurity and imagined extinction well into the 1950s. Those of us who now work with and breed the Maine Coon owe a tremendous THANK YOU to those who worked and fought for recognition and the championship status we enjoy today. As any exhibitor can tell you, spectators can often be seen watching the Maine Coons being judged, exclaiming at the size, and even saying they have one or two like them at home - today, they probably do. The Maine Coon is the second most popular cat in CFA as seen by the numbers of kittens registered. America's first show cat is back, bigger and better than ever.
SOURCES:
- Bass, Sharyn P. This is the Maine Coon Cat. Neptune City, N.J. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 1983.
- Beane, Charlene. "The Marvelous, Mellow Maine Coon," Cat Fancy, June 1979, pp 20-23.
- "Cats of Yesteryear." CFA Yearbook, 1959
- CFA Yearbooks, 1976-1997.
- Eminhizer, Earl Eugene. "The Maine Coon Cat." CFA Yearbook, 1970, pp. 426-428.
- Eminhizer, Lee D. "The All American Cat." Cats Magazine, June 1967, pp. 10-11.
- Gebhardt, Richard. The Complete Cat Book. Mirabel, 1991.
- Hansen, Harold. "The Maine Coon Cat." CFA Yearbook, 1976, pp. 322-323.
- Holby, Dorothy. "The Legendary Maine Coon." Cat Fancy, Feb. 1988, pp. 36-41.
- Hornidge, Marilis. That Yankee Cat: The Maine Coon. Rev. ed. Gardiner, Me.: Tilbury House, Publications, 1991.
- Jacoberger, Patricia. "The Maine Coon Cat." Cat Fancy, Jan. 1995, pp 32-33.
- Letter Sent to CFA by The Maine Coon Cat Club applying for Breed Club Status, December 1973.
- Maggitti, Phil. "The Maine Coon." Cats Magazine, Jan. 1987, pp 4-5.
- ---. "The Maine Coon." Cats Magazine, July 1990, pp 4-5.
- Malesky, Gale. "Maine Coons: Our Yankee Supercats." Cats Magazine, October 1978, pp. 8-10+.
- Martinke, Jane S. "Our Yankee Cat Goes National." Cats Magazine, July 1969, pp. 10-11.
- Minutes from CFA Board Meetings: Vol. 1, no. 2, May 1970; Vol. 2, no. 1, February 1971; Vol. 5, no.1, Spring 1974; Vol. 6, no. 4, Winter 1975; Vol. 8, no. 1, Spring 1977.
- Pendergast, Bobara. "The First Champion; a True Story."
- Rich, Louise Dickinson. The Coast of Maine. New York, Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1956.
- Stanislow, Sonya. "The Maine Coon Cat." CFA Yearbook, 1985, pp. 520-523.
- Young, Martha and Tome Rodgers. "The Maine Coon Cat: More Than a Long Tail." Cat Fanciers Almanac, Feb. 1991
Maine Coone Cat Breed Profile - Breed Information with Description & Photos
Below: Different breeds of cats with pictures, description and information on each of the listed domestic cat breedsAbyssinian Australian Mist Balinese Bengal Birman Bombay British Shorthair Burmese Burmilla Longhair Burmilla Chinchilla Cornish Rex
Devon Rex Egyptian Mau Exotic Himalayan Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat Ocicat Oriental Persian Ragdoll Russian Blue Scottish Fold
Selkirk Rex Siberian Siamese Singapura Somali Sphynx Toyger Tiffanie Tonkinese Turkish Van
![[]](http://www.catsofaustralia.com/images/cat-breeds.jpg)
Different Cat Breeds
Descriptions,
Personality & Pictures
Click on a breed below
Australian Mist
Balinese
Bengal
Birman
Bombay
British Shorthair
Burmese
Burmilla
Chinchilla
Cornish Rex
Devon Rex
Egyptian Mau
Exotic
Himalayan
Maine Coone
Norwegian Forest Cat
Oriental
Ocicat
Persian
Ragdoll
Russian Blue
Scottish Fold
Selkirk Rex
Siberian
Siamese
Singapura
Somali
Sphynx
Toyger
Tiffanie
T onkinese
Turkish Van
Maine Coone Breeders (Australia Only)
Maine Coon Photos
Breed profile courtesy of Xquizit
Photos courtesy of Bigfoot Cattery and Xquizit
Maine Coon History
One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, regarded as a native of the state of Maine (in fact, the Maine Coon is the official Maine State Cat) A number of attractive legends surround its origin. A wide spread (though biologically impossible) belief is that it originated from matings between semi -wild, domestic cats and raccoons. This myth, bolstered by the bushy tail and the most common colouring (a raccoon like brown tabby) led to the adoption of the name "Maine Coon." (originally only brown tabbies were as "Maine Shags.") Another popular theory is that the Maine sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution. Most breeders today believe that the breed originated in matings between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs (perhaps Angora types introduced by New England seamen, or longhairs brought to America by Vikings).
Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters. Nature is not soft-hearted. It selects the biggest, the brightest, the best fighters, the best hunters to breed successive generations. Planned breeding of Maine Coons are relatively recent. Since early breeding began Maine Coon breeders have sought to preserve the Maine Coon's "natural," rugged qualities. The ideal Maine Coon is a strong healthy cat.
Maine Coons are a very large cat and it is not unusual for a male to weigh more than 9 kilos. The females weigh in at a little less. The Maine Coon has a long shaggy coat which is silky to feel. The Maine Coons coat is is water resistant and they are very easily groomed. Maine Coons have tufted ears and an extra long flowing tail.
Maine Coon Personality
Maine Coons are a loyal gentle cat. They are often known as the Gentle Giant of the cat world. They are a vocal breed with a variety of meows, chirps and trills. They are very sociable and get on well with children and other pets. They love to be part of the family and will join in most family activities.
The Maine Coon is well known for it's loving nature, friendly disposition and great intelligence. They can be easily trained to walk on a leash. They also have a love of water so don't be surprised if they join in the bath time activities in the household.
Maine Coon's come in a wide variety of colours including Brown, Red, Cream, Silver, Blue, Smoke, Black, White and dilutions of all these colours. They also come in different patterns like Tabby, Tortie, Torbie, Mackerel, Patch, Solid. These colours and patterns can be either with or with- out White. Eye colour also varies but green is most common with the occasional gold and odd eye colour sometimes showing up.
Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the same climate and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the Vikings.
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This cat is a big cat lover's cat. Although hugely popular outside of the state, these beautiful long-haired cats did actually originate in Maine. The seaports of the Colonies were breeding ground for rats, and thus attracted heavy bodied and powerful short haired cats, that had come from European countries such as France and England. Back than cats were used for rat control on any ship crossing the Atlantic, and than most of them simply let loose. It was during the formative years that our new country began to see ships from the Baltic and Scandinavian areas, bringing with them, their own breed of cats. Though smaller, these cats had something that let them adapt to the harsh climate of the central seaboard states, they had unbelievable long hair. The current residence had no problem crossbreeding with these cats, and so began the evolution of the uniquely American breed, known as the Maine Coon Cat.
For anyone who owns one, they are primarily known as a big cuddly, sweet, and an intelligent companion. Their evolution can be explained like that of any other pioneer. The thick weeds and bush of the New England countryside no doubt had something to do with its long, deep chested, rectangular body. Being able to fight the local carnivores, explains their incredible mass and strength. If you are just starting to consider them as a pet, the first thing you will notice is the 7-8 diameter furry tail, known as a brush. For those of you that are considering one for the first time you should know this. Although they have the look of a Persian, the Coon has no exotic wild-species bloodlines in them, and are at least 3-4 times the size of one. If there are young children you must also be made aware of the cat's long "saber-tooth" like teeth. Remember, though the modern Maine Coon is sweet and cuddly, its roots are still that of a hunter. With all that said, despite its size and strength the Maine Coon is for the most part friendly, playful, and good with children.
A Gentle Giant
Guinness World Record Holder
As I have stated, the Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cats. In 2006 a purebred named Leo was awarded "Longest Cat," measuring 48 in(129cm) in length, from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Incidentally, he weighed 35 lb. or
(16 kg). Although his age is not stated, he would have been at least three or four, because the Coon doesn't normally reach his full potential size until then. Before you get too excited, that by no means is anywhere near the normal size of a Maine Coon. On the average the male will weigh between 13 and 18 lbs. ( 5.9 and 8.2 kg) with females weighing between 8 and 12 lb. (3.6 and 5.4 kg). The height of the adult will also vary, 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm),
and length, including the tail, which can reach lengths of up to 14 in (36 cm), up to 40 in (100cm).
Can the Maine Coon Be Trained?
Intelligent But Stubborn
For anyone considering a Coon, or if you just recently acquired one, or you have one that is completely running the show, the answer is yes. If not controlled, it will turn your furniture into scratching posts, jump up wherever it chooses, and be so aggressive as to keeping friends and visitors away. Not to mention biting and clawing, to name just a few problems you'll have if not properly trained.
There are all sorts of places you can go for help. If you are looking into professional breeders and trainers, make sure that they specialize in the Maine Coon. There are of course all sorts of Forums on the web that might be able to give you some guidance. In my research I came across someone that took a full-grown Coon and trained it. Boy, wouldn't you like to have her help? Well, she has made her information available, and whether you are new to the breed or a seasoned veteran you will discover something new so that you can appreciate and live a great life with your wonderful cat. Of course I can't go into everything that she will be able to help you with, but if you want to learn more about The Secrets of the Maine Coon, including a year of personal e-mail help, please go to: My RecomMANNdations
In the Pet Lovers section you also find out how to get rid of fleas, once and for all.
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At 57, I consider myself to be a Jack Of All Trades And Master Of A Few Things. I was a struggling actor for 25 years. During that time I learned a little about a lot of things, and would like to pass along some of that knowledge. I am an inventor and article marketer. I live in California with my beautiful wife and a menagerie of pets. At my site you will find reviews and
My RecomMANNdations http://recommanndat
http://www.mcbfa.
By Mike and Trish Simpson
One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine (in fact, the Maine Coon is the official Maine State Cat).Most breeders today believe that the breed originated in matings between preexisting shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs (perhaps Angora types introduced by New England seamen, or longhairs brought to America by the Vikings).
First recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and white cat named "Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines," Maine Coons were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A brown tabby female named "Cosie" won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show.
Unfortunately, their popularity as show cats declined with the arrival in 1900 of the more exotic Persians. Although the Maine Coon remained a favorite cat in New England, the breed did not begin to regain its former widespread popularity until the 1950's when more and more cat fanciers began to take notice of them, show them, and record their pedigrees. In 1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association to preserve and promote the breed. Today, our membership numbers over 1200 fanciers and 200 breeders. By 1980, all registries had recognized the Maine Coon, and it was well on its way to regaining its former glory.
Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters. Nature is not soft-hearted. It selects the biggest, the brightest, the best fighters, and the best hunters to breed successive generations. Since planned breedings of Maine Coons are relatively recent and carefully monitored, these cats still have their strong, natural qualities. Maine Coons are healthy, disease-resistant, rugged cats. Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the same climate, and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the Vikings.
Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of no other breed, and must be felt to be truly appreciated. The coat is longer on the ruff, stomach, and britches to protect against wet and snow, and shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in underbrush. The coat falls smoothly, and requires little maintenance ?a weekly combing is all that is usually required to keep it in top condition. The long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around himself when he curls up to sleep can protect him from cold winters. His ears are more heavily furred (both inside and on the tips) than most breeds for protection from the cold, and have a large range of movement. Big, round, tufted feet help them negotiate uneven terrain and serve as "snow shoes." Their large eyes and ears are also survival traits, serving as they do to increase sight and hearing. The relatively long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and lapping water from streams and puddles.
Although the Yankee myth of 30-pound cats is just that, a myth (unless the cat is grossly overweight!)
Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they are three or four years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs ?the gentle giants of the cat world. Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items. They rarely meow, and when they do, that soft, high-pitched voice doesn't fit their size!
The important features of the Maine Coon are the head and body shape, and the texture and "shag" of the coat. 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, moderately pointed, and well tufted inside. They are set well up on the head, approximately an ear's width apart. Lynx-like tufting on the top of the ears is desirable. The neck should be medium-long, the torso long, and the chest broad. The tail should be at least as long as the torso. One of their most distinctive features is their eyes, which are large, round, expressive, and set at a slightly oblique angle. Overall, the Maine Coon should present the appearance of a well-balanced, strongly-built, rectangular cat.
Throughout their history there has been no restriction on the patterns and colors acceptable, with the exception of the pointed Siamese pattern. As a result, a wide range of colors and patterns are bred. Eye colors for all coat colors range through green, gold, and hazel (green-gold)
Many people consider Maine Coons the perfect domestic pets, with their clown-like personalities, very affectionate natures, amusing habits and tricks, willingness to "help" with any activity, and easily groomed coats. They make excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy having dogs and other animals around. Their hardiness and ease of kittening make them a satisfying breed for the novice breeder. For owners wishing to show, the Maine Coon has reclaimed its original glory in the show ring. Welcome a Maine Coon into your home, and you will join the thousands who sing the praises of this handsome and lovable cat!
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The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, and is native to the state of Maine where they were held in high regard for their marvelous mousing talents. The Maine Coon remains...
Breed of the week: the mirthful Maine Coon
Breed of the week: the mirthful Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, and is native to the state of Maine where they were held in high regard for their marvelous mousing talents. The Maine Coon remains Maine's official State Cat.rivercatsmainecoons
Known as the "gentle giant," the disposition of these intelligent, laid-back cats remains kittenish throughout their lives. Maine Coons have been described as "dogs in cats clothing" and have a reputation for being big, gentle, affectionate and good-natured goofs.
The Maine Coon is the second most popular cat breed in the world, after Persians, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association.
Share photos of your "gentle giants" in our new Maine Coon gallery!
The Maine Coon's characteristic clown-like personality and amusing habits make them excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy having dogs and other animals around. While these cats are highly social, they are not overly-dependent or "clingy." Rather than constantly pestering their human companions for attention, they prefer to "hang out" and investigate whatever activity is going on around them, "helping" out when they can. They are not, as a general rule, "lap cats," often choosing to occupy the chair next to yours instead. A Maine Coon will be your companion, your buddy, your pal, but hardly ever your baby.
This hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat sports many rugged qualities that once helped them survive the hostile New England winters, including dense water-resistant fur, a long and bushy raccoon-like tail that can be curled around their face and shoulders for warmth and protection, large paws with long tufts of fur growing between their toes that are often compared to snowshoes and heavily furred ears (both inside and on the tips).
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Many of the original Maine Coon cats that inhabited the New England area possessed a trait known as polydactylism (having one or more extra toes on the feet). The trait was almost eradicated from the breed as it was an automatic "disqualifier" in show rings, but private organizations were created to keep polydactylism in Maine Coons from disappearing altogether.
Many Maine Coons have a fascination with water, a personality trait some theorize comes from their ancestors, who were aboard ships for much of their lives. Although the Maine Coon's exact origins and date of introduction to the United States are somewhat hazy, several stories have been proposed. One involves Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France, who, in a failed attempt to escape her country, loaded a ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite long-haired cats. Although Antoinette did not make it to the United States (she lost her head in 1793), her pets safely reached the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they mated with short-haired breeds.
Another story involves Captain Charles Coon, an English seafarer who kept long-haired cats aboard his ships. Whenever Coon's ship would anchor in the New England ports, the felines would mate with the local feral cat population. When long-haired kittens began appearing in litters in these various towns they earned the nickname "Coon's cats."
A more biologically-
Maine Coons are one of the largest breeds of domestic cat. In 2006, the Guinness World Records named a male purebred Maine Coon named Leo the "Longest Cat." He measures 48 inches in length, from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, and weighs 35 lb. These big cats are not as vertically-oriented as some other breeds and like to chase objects on the ground and grasp them in their large paws no doubt instincts developed as professional mousers.
Their voices have a distinctive, chirping trill that they use for everything from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items. They rarely meow, and when they do, their soft, tiny voices don't seem to fit their size!
Maine Coons are generally a healthy and hardy breed. The most severe health threat they face is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Another potential health problem is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which causes neural damage to the spinal cord. Symptoms are normally seen within four months of age and result in muscle atrophy, muscle weakness and a shortened life span. A test is offered to detect the genes responsible for SMA. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a slowly progressing and incurable disease that was once thought to plague only the Persian breeds, but has been known to affect Maine Coons as well. Symptoms typically occur around age seven.
For more information, visit PetWave.com'
And if you are considering bringing one of these affectionate furballs into your life, please check out the many "Coon cats" in need of homes listed with the NorCal cat rescue group Maine Coon Adoptions and with Petfinder.com first.
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