Maine Coon Cat History

Maine Coon Cat History


The Maine Coon has a really rich and colorful history that many people don't always take the time to appreciate. They are said to be the oldest "natural" (meaning bred without selective interference) breed in North America and are considered to be native to the state of Maine. Did you know the Maine Coon cat is actually the official Maine State cat? They were also known to be the darlings of the rural world where they dominated in the vermin-hunting arena. Many a farmer was mightily impressed with their hunting skills.

Where did this stupendously attractive and intelligent puss come from in the first place? There are many theories, myths and other forms of speculation that never really get right to the bottom of their origin. The most famous myth being the Maine Coon cat is called that because it mated with a raccoon. Not! It is just not physically possible for that to happen. However you can see by looking at the cat's lovely, luxurious coon like tail and their usual coloring (striped like a raccoon and brown) why the myth got started in the first place. Once upon a time only the brown fellows were called Maine Coon cats. Others were referred to as Maine Shags, mainly due to their rugged coats.

As far as myths go there is another one floating around that has Marie Antoinette sending six cats to Wiscasset, Maine prior to trying to flee France during the Revolution. Interesting story, but not likely true either. Most breeders are firmly convinced that the Maine Coon cat is the result of breeding between shorthaired domestic felines and longhairs that arrived in the country from overseas. How did the longhairs get here? The story goes the longhairs were introduced to America by the Vikings. And, if you look at Norwegian Forest cats, you might just agree with that theory. But it would also make sense if New England seamen introduced the shorthairs to the longhairs.

As delightful as the myths may be, what seems to be the most important point is the Maine Coon cat has a venerable show history. In fact, as far back as 1861 Maine Coons were much admired show competitors in New York and Boston. These darlings of the show world lost favor when their longhaired competitors, the Persians came onto the scene. Knocked off their popularity perch in the 1900's Maine Coons didn't come back into vogue until the 1950's when they hit the show circuit with a vengeance and their pedigrees started being documented.

It wasn't until 1968 that an association was formed to preserve and protect the Maine Coon cat breed. So thanks to a handful of breeders the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association was born with one of its tasks being to promote recognition for this breed. They did a remarkable job and the cat was firmly ensconced in all registries across the United States.

Of interest is a recent development in the Maine Coon cat world, planned breeding. This is interesting because once this task was solely left up to the auspices of Mother Nature. Planned breeding can also mean breeding to rule out or include particular traits. Having said that, rest easy, as the breed is being preserved for its original qualities, and one of those particular qualities is its natural ruggedness.

This is one strong and really healthy feline that has remained untouched in appearance since its beginnings. In fact there are some who would likely mistake them for moggies, but on an up close and personal inspection would realize their mistake. Moggies or mog usually refers to cats of an undistinguished type, sort of like a Heinz 57 dog. It is also an affectionate term of endearment for domesticated cats.

No matter what you choose to call your Maine Coon cat, always refer to it as exceedingly special, for they are. These delightful creatures can steal your heart away with just one glance, and if you only have one Maine Coon, you will soon have more.

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