Mainecoon Type and Characteristics

Breed History 

One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine (in fact, the Maine Coon is the official State Cat of Maine). A number of legends surround its origin. The most common, but biologically impossible, is that it originated from matings between semi-wild, domestic cats and raccoons. This myth, bolstered by the bushy tail and the most common coloring (a raccoon-like brown tabby) led to the adoption of the name 'Maine Coon. Another popular theory is that the Maine sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution.

Most breeders today believe Maine Coons originated in matings between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs (perhaps Angora types introduced by New England seamen, or longhairs brought to America by the Vikings).​

Appearance 

The Maine Coon cat is a large longhaired cat, distinguished by bone structure, rectangular shape and flowing coat. Their coats are smooth and glossy, they have neck mane and long bushy tails. They have a relatively long, squared muzzle with a firm chin. Their ears are high set, with pointed tips. They have big, rounded, tufted feet. They have large round expressive eyes.

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Personality

The Maine Coon is a beautiful and loving cat that you will treasure having in your life. Social by nature, they make excellent companions for large, active families of all ages that also enjoy having dogs and other animals, including other cats. Despite their size, Maine coons are among the gentlest of cats and tend to follow their people room-to-room as constant companions, if not always lap cats. While sometimes mischievous, Maine Coon antics are good-natured and easily forgiven by adoring owners.

Size

Maine coons are large cats, most weigh between 4-8kg, however some can weigh 11kg plus.  Males are typically larger than females, and they reach their full size between the age of three and five years. 

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Colour

Maine coons come in a variety of colours and patterns. Eye colour can vary from green to gold. White Maine coons can have blue or odd eyes (one blue and one gold).

Health

Maine Coon cats, along with other breeds, have been known to suffer from genetic health problems. The three main genetic health problems affecting Maine coons are Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Pyruvate Kinase Disease (PKDef). All our kitten parents have been tested for these 3 genetic diseases feel free to ask for certificates.

https://www.tica.org/Breed_Introductions/Maine_Coon_Breed_for_Website.pdf