The Maine Coon breed
The Maine Coon Cat – a few words about the breed
The origins of the Maine Coon Cat are still not entirely known and shrouded in mystery. One of many folk tales says that the Maine Coon originated by interbreeding the North American raccoon with a domestic cat.
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1899 - Maine Coon post card |
This, however, is very unlikely, and the Maine Coon most probably evolved as a result of the natural selection of domestic cats. The raccoon in the story most likely comes from the fact that the Maine Coon’s beautiful, long and bushy tail somewhat resembles a raccoon’s tail. The first mention of the breed dates back to 1891. The Maine Coon is native to North America, and more specifically to the state of Maine, which is incorporated into the name of the breed. The climate in the cat’s native land had shaped the breed considerably. Maine Coons are one of the largest cats in the world. They are sturdy and well adapted for living in low temperatures and harsh weather conditions. The Maine Coon Cat became the symbol and national breed of Canada. A Maine Coon was first shown during a New York show in 1860. The breed came to Europe not until the 70s of the 20th century and to Poland – in 1994, which is relatively late in both cases.
Description
The Maine Coon is a semi-longhair cat with sturdy, muscular body and a broad chest. The coat is made up of two layers – the undercoat and the outer coat. This double structure has water-resistant properties and is very important for maintaining body temperature. The coat is longer on the stomach, hind legs and the breeches, and forms a distinctive ruff around the neck. Equally characteristic are the extremely long lynx-like tufts of fur on the tips of its ears. The tufts add to the truly charming appearance of the cat’s face. Nature did not forget to equip the Maine Coon with appropriate paws. Due to harsh climate of the north-eastern part of North America, with its heavy snow and ice, fur grows also on the bottom of the cat’s paws. It makes a great protection from the cold and small injuries. Last but not least is the distinctive mark of the Maine Coon – the outstanding, bushy tail.
Personality
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The size, built and appearance of Maine Coons might suggest that they are rather aloof animals, but the long controlled selection process had made them not only beautiful, but also exceptionally gentle. Their popularity has grown also because Maine Coons make wonderful companions and compared with other breeds, they are more friendly and sociable. They are real chatterboxes, who will come to you wanting something, look into your eyes and tell you their stories with their endearing chirps, waiting to be understood and stroked. Tolerance, understanding and mutual respect make a good start for forming extraordinary friendships, and your cat showing gratitude is the most wonderful reward a cat fancier can get.