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Origin of the Maine Coon Cat:
The exact origins of the Maine Coon Cat are unknown, although there are many theories and folk tales of where they came from. One of these stories involves Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, who was beheaded in 1793. The story goes that before her death, Antoinette attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. She loaded Clough's ship with her most prized possessions which included six of her beloved Turkish Angora cats. Marie never made it to the United States, but her cats safely reached the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they mated with local short-haired cats and evolved into the modern breed of the Maine Coon. Although some even believe that the cat originated from an ordinary cat interbred with a raccoon, which is genetically impossible! Its bushy and striped tail would probably be to blame for this story! Another story about where this cat comes from, is that the Vikings could have brought cats with them from Norway, which is also a more feasible explanation, as the Maine Coon looks like the Norwegian Forest cat of Northern Europe. The most probable tale though is that they originated from the union of Shorthaired house cats, Persian cats and Angora cats, evolving into the modern breed we all know and love today.
Characteristics:
Body: They are the biggest domestic cat breed today. Males weigh from 15 to 25 lb (6.8 to 11 kg) with females weighing from 10 to 15 lb (4.5 to 6.8 kg) The height of adults can be between 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm) and they can reach a length of up to 40 in (100 cm), including the tail, which can reach a length of 14 in (36 cm) The body is robust and muscular, to support their own weight, and the chest is broad. They possess a rectangular body shape and they mature slowly; their full potential size is normally not reached until they are three to five years old, while other breeds of cats take about only one year.
Tail: Very long, tapered, heavily furred. Looks like the tail of a raccoon. It can reach a length of 14 in (36cm)
Coat & Colour: Soft and silky (texture may vary with coat color.) The hair is shorter on the head and shoulders and longer on the stomach and flanks. Undercoat is dense, water resistant fur. Main Coon Colors showing hybridization, such as chocolate, lavender, the Siamese pointed patterns or the "ticked" patterns, are not accepted by breed standards. The most common color seen in the Main Coon breed is brown tabby.
Head & Ears: Medium in width and slightly longer in length than width with a squareness to the muzzle Muzzle/chin is visibly square, medium in length and blunt ended when viewed in profile. It may give the appearance of being a rectangle but should not appear to be tapering or pointed. Chin is strong, firm and in line with the upper lip and nose. Large ears, well-tufted, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed. Lynx tips mostly present in Main Coons.
Eyes: The eyes are big, expressive, wide set. Slightly oblique setting with slant toward outer base of ear. All colours of eyes are accepted.
Legs: Legs substantial, wide set, of medium length, and in proportion to the body. Forelegs straight. Back legs are straight when viewed from behind. Paws large, round in shape, well-tufted. Five front toes; four in back.
Temperament: The Maine Coon is very intelligent and easy trainable. Very loving and good around dogs and small children. Cautious around strangers but not aggressive. Can be very playful and clownish.
Vocals: Maine Coons are also well known for yowling, chattering, chirping, "talking" ("talking back" to their owners), and making other loud sounds.
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