History of the Maine Coon

Maine Coons developed naturally in the state of Maine, USA, from feral cats that escaped the explorers of the North Atlantic coast. Their lineage traces back to a timeframe around the Nordic period before Columbus, including his landing. They evolved from stock similar to that of the Norwegian Forest Cat. However, the Maine Coon is distinguishable from the Norwegian Forest Cat due to its slightly curved profile, higher ear set, squarish muzzle, and silky coat. While the Norwegian Forest Cat is known for being more lively, the Maine Coon originated in the northeastern parts of America around the mid-19th century and was one of the first breeds to be recognized by the cat fancy club in the late 19th century.

In 1911, a Blue Maine Coon cat took best in class and best of breed in Portland, Oregon. Following this, Persian cats became more popular for a time, but dedicated breeders from the Central Maine Cat Club in the 1950s spearheaded a comeback. In 1956, Dr. Rachel Salisbury authored the first written standard for the breed, assisting in its proper description and evaluation.

Myths and Misconceptions

Several myths surround the origin of the Maine Coon. One such myth suggests that the breed resulted from breeding between the American bobcat or Canadian lynx with domestic cats, which is false. Another myth proposed that Maine Coons originated from matings between raccoons and domestic cats, inspired by their raccoon-like tabby coloring. This myth led to the initial naming of the breed as the "coon cat" before it was officially dubbed the Maine Coon. A more colorful tale involves the descendants of Queen Marie Antoinette's cats, which were allegedly smuggled to America but is far from the truth. The more likely origin story is that longhaired cats were used on ships to control rodents and were brought to the New World, where they adapted to the local environment.

Characteristics and Care

Maine Coons are known for their size, with males typically weighing 12-22 lbs and females 9-15 lbs. They have a long body, heavy bones, and a lean muscular physique, giving them a larger appearance. Their coat, heavy and water-resistant, requires weekly brushing. Maine Coons are slow to mature, reaching full size in three to five years. Their affectionate nature and intelligence make them beloved pets.

Health and Breeding

Responsible breeding practices are crucial for the health of the breed. Breeders like Masterweaver Maine Coons focus on outcrossing to maintain genetic diversity, testing for common conditions like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), and hip dysplasia. The breed has seen various standards developed over the years, with the first standard written by Dr. Rachel Salisbury in 1956. These standards help maintain the breed's health and distinctive characteristics.

Conclusion

Maine Coons, known for their gentle nature and "dog-like" personality, are a popular breed worldwide. They require space to exercise and thrive on social interaction. As one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon's history is rich with lore, but it's their amiable disposition and majestic appearance that have endeared them to cat lovers for generations.