Notice and introduction: – PLEASE READ THIS – this page is too long for Googe nowadays. It was written many years ago. I have therefore divided it up into several smaller pages and at the end of each page there is a link to the next (pagination). All the original information is there. It is just on several pages. The contents section links no longer works please note except for the quick guide. I have left them alone in case things change in the future and they tell you what is on these pages. I have an entire website dedicated to the Maine Coon now. Please click here to go to it. It is great!
Contents
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Introduction
The photographs above by Helmi Flick encapsulate a lot about this cat breed. They are such superb photographs for that reason. Of course, the cats are superb too. With the American Shorthair the Maine Coon is perhaps the domestic cat with the longest history in North America and is native to the state of Maine1 becoming the official state cat in 1985. It is, therefore, one of the first breeds of cat to be developed in North America. Maine Coon Cats are, as Marilis Hornidge (the author of “That Yankee Cat: The Maine Coon”) states, “the complete package”.
Their appearance is impressive; enhanced by their substantially larger than average size (13-20 lbs on average, although some reach 25 lbs) and the luxuriously long, shaggy, soft, fur coat. Their length has resulted in one, Stewie, being awarded the accolade, the world’s longest cat. And this is all backed up by intelligence, a well balanced character and a pleasant temperament.
They are sometimes referred to as gentle giants of the cat world getting along well with children and dogs. They are not overly dependent however but do their own thing (including rarely, I expect, swimming!). Males are goofy; females are sensible, so the saying goes. Are we talking about cats!? And they don’t necessarily like being held (this I think is common to many cat breeds, however). They are, though, very loyal. Their quiet voice is a contrast to their large size. And we mustn’t forget that famous happy, chirpy, trill. How and why did that evolve? It’s no wonder that this cat is very popular and apparently gaining in popularity. Might it be fair to say that the Maine Coon is more popular than other breeds with men on the basis that they are more likely to be buddies rather than babies? Interesting one that.
At one time (2003) Maine Coons were second in popularity to the Persian amongst the longhaired cat breeds18. The Persian’s standing has waned due to misguided breeding. Times, then, have changed. Based on a long running survey on this site gathering 3540 votes (at Sept 2010) it is the most popular (Rank No.1) of all cat breeds substantially ahead of the others. The Maine Coon breed has always been in the top 3 of the most popular breeds on the basis of this website’s popularity poll.This may be skewed slightly by a majority of American voters but there is no doubt that Maine Coon Cats are one of the world’s most popular cat breeds2. The CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) consider it the second most popular cat breed7. They may reassess in due course (2010).
It is surprising in retrospect to learn that this cat’s popularity was so low at one time in the mid-1900s that it was almost considered extinct and that the Cat Fanciers Association refused provisional breed status on no less than three occasions3. They came to Britain in the mid 1980s. A relationship with a Maine Coon is very rewarding. Helmi Flick the great American cat photographer lives with two, Quin and Zak. Just so you know, I have met and lived ( for 20 days or so) with these cats. And they are gorgeous.
I have a particular connection with Zak. We think alike. He loves to play and appreciates it a lot. Perhaps the Maine Coons size helps him/her to become an alpha cat is a multi-cat family. Maine Coon Cats come in a myriad of colors and patterns only equaled by the Persian for variety. This is a natural breed (e.g. the breed has evolved on its own without man kinds interference until cat breeding became involved), which further adds to the attraction.
We have a Maine Coon cross, rescued from the SSPCA, he is small boned like a domestic cat but has the long hair and tufty ears and paws of the breed. A very slender cat with a wonderful, friendly temperament, and was very chatty and purred a lot as a young cat, but rarely speaks now, and you have to put your ear to his chest to hear him purr now. He is very contented but keeps himself to himself even though we have another two. They are just domestic short hair cats. Rarely sleeps in the same place twice and we do find him in the strangest places. Now at the age of three, he only weighs 4kg! Far less than a pure breed!
If I ever live with a pedigree cat it’ll almost certainly be a Maine Coon. I like them for their naturalness and their background as farm cats.
I have a maine coon and I just love him he is so cool he is like a buddy to me
Good luck Judy.
Im looking for a female kitten but I don’t drive and I live in augusta maine.My number is 6299204 if you prefer to call me
Thank you for the breed info!
I have never seen a Maine Coon cat before: they are apparently not common in my area. But, the vet thought my son’s rescue kitten might be one because he eventually grew so big. Not fat, no, but big and big-boned.
After reading your site I would say that, yes, we likely have one. From the ear tufts to the tiny voice to the coat that is long in some spots but shorter over the face and shoulders to the temperament…. Yep.
My son will be pleased to know. He has been very curious lately about this cat’s breed and where he came from! He looks very different from our other cat!
Thanks!