Main Coon Breeders and other related Links
History
As the name suggest the Maine Coon was first noticed in the State of Maine and was first recorded in 1861 with mentioning of "Capten Jenks".Folklore has it , because of the dark, tabby coat and bushy tail, the semi-wild cats mated with racoons - hence the name, Main Coon.
It is one of the oldest natural breed of North America and through the years a number of legends concerning its origin have come up. One of these legends suggests that Marie Antoinette when planning to escape the French Revolution, sent her cats to be cared for in the United States and that these "French" cats would be the ancestors of the breed.
Today many of the breeders believe the Maine Coon to originate from crossings between early Angoras and shorthaired domestic cats.
The Maine Coon is a hardy cat with a shaggy, semi-longhaired coat. It is one of the largest breeds, with a weight around (11 -15lbs - 5-7kg).
These cats were first exhibited 1895 and are today a very popular breed both in the USA and Europe.
Type and characteristics
Body, legs and feet
The body is long, muscular and well developed. Substantial legs in proportion. Males weigh between 12 to 18 lbs. Females 8 to 12 lbs.
Head
Width: medium, broader in older cats.
Cheek bones high.
Long nose with little or no break.
Eyes
Big eyes, slightly oval, wide set, alert. White cats may have blue eyes, all other cats must have, copper, green, golden, any combination acceptable.
Ears
Long and large ears, not to appear low on the head. Wide base, taper point, well tufted.
Tail
Long and full. Held high when moving.
Coat
Short on shoulders, gradually longer toward the tail. Shaggy, heavy coat, thick and fine texture. Side fur gradually longer.
Temperament
Many people consider the Maine Coon to be the perfect domestic pet having a clown-like personality, amusing habits and tricks and an easily groomed cat. Well suited for family life.
(If you feel that you have a better description for this category we would love to hear from you chendel@calwisp.com)
Main Coon Breeders and other related Links
More Breed Descriptions on the Net
CFA Breed Profile: Maine Coon
www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/maine.html
TICA
www.tica.org/
Maine Coon Breed Standard - CFA Breed Standard
www.cfainc.org/breeds/standards/maine.html
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