I am very impressed by this Maine Coon youngster. This is another cat from the Cattery Marvel Forest in Russia. The ears of this cat are the part of their anatomy which caught my eye. The Russian breeders are guided by the World Cat Federation (WCF) as I recall whereas America breeder are usually affiliated to either the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) or The International Cat Association (TICA). I mention this because their breed standards are slightly different.
The WCF standard for Maine Coon ears is as follows:
“The ears are very large with a broad base and tapering. They are almost upright and high set. The distance between the ears is no more than an ear width. The ear furnishing extends beyond the outer edge of the ears, ear tufts (lynx tufts) are desirable.”
The CFA breed standard is:
“EARS: Shape: large, well-tufted, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed. Set: approximately one ear’s width apart at the base; not flared.”
The WCF breed standard tells us why this young Maine Coon has the ears that he/she has. They meet the standard perfectly. The muzzles of the Russian bred Maine Coons are always very strong and well defined. This cat is no exception. This is because the WCF breed standard strongly encourages this slightly extreme breeding:
“The muzzle is massive and square and clearly defined.”
You can see how cat associations gradually mould the appearance of cats via their breed standards. This is because cats which fit the breed standard the best win prizes at cat shows. Prizes for breeders are important. Winning a prize means their cats are more desirable which in turn means they can charge more for their cats. These super Maine Coons will be very expensive. The price will be in the thousands of American dollars. This cat is a ginger tabby and white. A popular coat colour and pattern.
