The Amazing Maine Coon Cat
July 31, 2008
The Maine Coon Cat which must be one of the biggest of the domestic breed of cats is readily recogised by its lovely bushy tail and its striped and long fur. The Maine Coon Cat belongs to North America and not surprisingly is a native of the state of Maine, and it is the State Cat.
The Maine Coon has been around for more than a century, and it is believed that their physical design enables them to withstand the harsh winters of New England. Everything from their overall size, to the shape of their paws, to the thickness of their fur makes them suitable animals for harsh winter weather. Furthermore, their fur has a water resistant quality to it.
There are numerous legends associated with this special breed of domestic cat. Some are possible, while others simply are not. Some believe that Maine Coon Cats came into existence when domestic cats and raccoons mated. However, this is not possible - and therefore, not considered to be true by experts. One legend that is more likely, however, is that Maine Coon Cats came into existence when short haired native cats mated with cats that the Vikings brought over. This legend is more possible, because the Maine Coon appears to be closely related to the Norwegian Forest Cat.
The Maine Coon Cats of today would not have been considered as a part of the breed at one time. Only brown tabbies were referred to as Maine Coon Cats, and any ‘Maine Coon’ of a different color was referred to as a Maine Shag Cat. Cat experts largely agree that the Maine Coon is a product of mating between short haired domestic cats with long hair cats from overseas, at a time when people began migrating from Europe.
Maine Coon Cats also have unique personalities. They are often likened to dogs in fact. Unlike most cat breeds, the Maine Coon is highly sociable with humans and other pets. These cats will actually run to you when you call them, and are likely to be sitting at the door waiting for you when you arrive home. They do like a lot of love and attention.
You may or may not be aware that cat shows have been taking place around the country since 1861, and it was in the 1900’s, with the introduction of the Persian cat, that the Maine Coons popularity began to wane. But they bounced back again in the 1950’s and their own Association was formed in 1968, the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association, with the express purpose of protecting the breed. However it was another 12 years before all the cat registries recognized the breed.
Nowadays there are many, many people who are fortunate enough to own, exhibit and love a Maine Coon Cat. The Association which was founded many years ago by a mere six breeders has now grown to well over 200 breeders, and there are over 2000 other members who are not breeders as well.
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