Maine Coons are descendants of cats brought to New England by Puritan settlers in the 1600-1700s, and out of the European cats they are genetically closest to cats found in the United Kingdom. It is not relatedness that makes them look similar to the Norwegian and Siberian Forest cats, but convergent evolution.
The origin of the Maine Coon can be traced back to six pet cats that Marie Antoinette allegedly sent to Wiscasset, Maine, as she was preparing to flee France during the French Revolution, aided by New England seaman Captain Clough. Notably, the house purportedly constructed by Capt. Clough for her remains standing across the Sheepscott River from Wiscasset in Edgecomb, Maine.
Currently, most breeders contend that the breed emerged from the interbreeding of existing shorthaired domestic cats and longhaired breeds from overseas, possibly including Angora types introduced by New England sailors or longhaired cats brought to America by the Vikings.
The first mention of Maine Coons in cat literature dates back to 1861, featuring a black and white cat known as "Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines." These cats were notable participants in the early cat shows held in Boston and New York. At the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show, a brown tabby female named "Cosie" was awarded Best Cat.
Regrettably, the popularity of Maine Coons as show cats diminished with the introduction of the more exotic Persians in 1900. While the Maine Coon continued to be a beloved breed in New England, it did not start to recover its previous widespread acclaim until the 1950s, when an increasing number of cat enthusiasts began to acknowledge, showcase, and document their pedigrees. In 1968, a group of six breeders established the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association with the aim of preserving and promoting the breed. Currently, our membership comprises over 1200 enthusiasts and 200 breeders. By 1980, all registries had acknowledged the Maine Coon, and it was well on its path to reclaiming its former prestige.
Maine Coons have been recognized for over a century as a robust and attractive breed of domestic cat, adept at enduring the harsh winters of New England. Nature is unforgiving; it favors the largest, the most intelligent, the fiercest fighters, and the most skilled hunters for reproduction in subsequent generations. Given that the intentional breeding of Maine Coons is a relatively recent practice and is conducted with great care, these felines continue to exhibit their inherent, strong traits. Maine Coons are known for their health, resistance to disease, and ruggedness. Notably, the breed that is most similar to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat, which, despite being geographically separated, developed in a similar climate, supporting the hypothesis that some of the felines that contributed to the Maine Coon's development were transported by the Vikings.
Visit the largest Maine Coon pedigree database: PawPed
This genetic disorder affects motor neurons, leading to weakness, instability, and potentially paralysis.
A thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure and other complications.
Cysts develop in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure.
The hip joints don't develop properly, leading to pain, lameness, and potentially arthritis.
Maine Coons can be prone to weight gain, leading to health problems like diabetes and joint issues.
Inflammation of the gums and mouth can cause pain, tooth loss, and difficulty eating.
The kneecap dislocates, causing lameness and pain.
Gum disease and tooth loss are common due to tartar buildup.
DNA testing can help identify Maine Coons are at higher risk for genetic conditions.
Early detection of health issues is crucial for prompt treatment. Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for maintaining your pet's health and well-being. These checkups allow veterinarians to detect potential health issues early, administer necessary vaccinations and preventatives, and provide personalized care recommendations.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or mitigate obesity-related health problems.A balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being for cats. A balanced diet should include high-quality protein, moderate fat, and limited carbohydrates, tailored to the cat's age and activity level. Regular play sessions with interactive toys, climbing structures, and puzzle feeders can encourage natural hunting behaviors and keep cats physically and mentally stimulated.
Regular brushing and veterinary dental care can help prevent periodontal disease. Daily (or at least twice weekly) brushing is the key to keeping your cat's teeth and gums healthy. Adult cats can be pretty resistant to having their teeth cleaned, so it's a good idea to get them used to this process and to having your fingers in their mouth from when they're kittens.
Looking for Maine Coon Kittens For Sale? Check out the CFA & TICA offical breeder listings to avoid scams.
You may have thought that it’s impossible to train a cat (except to use the litter box), but that’s not true. Some cats are more trainable than others, though, and the Russian Blue is one of those. Their intelligence and docile nature make them good candidates for training, and they enjoy learning trick behaviors.
Once a Kitten, Always a Kitten
The Maine Coon is an unusually playful breed. In their desire and energy for play, they remain kittens well into adulthood. They love to play with toys, so you’ll want to have plenty around. They also are known for enjoying a game of fetch with their owners. (But more than one owner warns that if you’re not careful, they will train you to be the fetcher!) With their high intelligence, they also need mental stimulation and enjoy interactive toys and puzzle toys.
CFA Point Scoring
They are NOT Hypoallergenic. This is not true.
Maine Coons do produce Fel d 1 (a protein in saliva and skin that is a known allergen) in cats.
Maine coon kittens for sale from a REPUTABLE breeder who is registered and health test properly is VERY hard. Click here to see if any breeders are expecting.
Please before you buy a kitten read this book!
It has must read information!!!
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