Maine Coon Cats - General Information

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Maine Coon Cats - History

Courtesy of
Fantasy Valley Maine Coon Album

The origin of Maine Coon Cats is not clear. There exist several theories and legends. According to one of them, the history of Maine Coon Cats goes back to a cabin boy, Tom Coon, who collected cats ashore and brought them aboard for vermin control. They were beautiful longhaired cats, which accompanied him everywhere and popped up in various places along the coast of Maine. The natural intermingling of this variety of cats is believed to be the genetic basis for today's Maine Coon Cats.

Another theory says that Maine Coon Cats' genetics descend from the Norwegian Forest Cats that accompanied the Vikings, or Angora Cats, brought by the New England seamen. There even exist the belief that these cats bred with raccoons, because they look like raccoons and make the similar sounds.

A more logical theory is that the Maine Coon Cat developed from the domestic shorthaired cats of first American settlers and longhaired cats from trading ships. They began populating the Eastern seaboard, and only the fittest survived the harsh New England winters. The most intelligent and communicative of them found their way into the settlers' homes and became beloved pets and good workers. This breed is the official Maine State Cat. Maine Coon Cats became the first show cats of America in 1878.

Maine Coon Cats - General Information Links

AACE Breed Standard - Maine Coon - Breed standard description for the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts.

ACFA Breed Standard - Maine Coon - Breed standard description for the American Cat Fanciers Association.

Breed Article - The Maine Coon Cat - An article from the CFA Almanac about the history of the breed, with special attention to show history.

Cat Fanciers: Maine Coon: Cat Breed FAQ - The history, characteristics, temperament and full breed description.

CFA Maine Coon Cat Breed Council - This organization was formed to provide information for both breeders and pet owners. It lists top winners and historic placements. Includes resources on health, breed history, and the official breed standard of CFA.

Maine Coon Cats - Pictures

Courtesy of
Fantasy Valley Maine Coon Album

CFSA-Maine Coon - Breed standard for the Cat Federation of Southern Africa (CFSA).

FBRL Breed Page: Maine Coon - Information, links, and breeder contact information.

I Love Cats Maine Coon Breed Description - General description and recommended reading material specific to the breed.

Maine Coon Alliance - Links to history and characteristics, specific health care issues, rescue and adoption, and chosing a cat. Also includes general feline information.

Maine Coon Polydactyl - Article on polydactyl cats.

Maine Coons - Contains information on what to consider when adopting, breeder and organization links, health information and cat care.

The Winn Feline Foundation - Report on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine Coon cats.

Maine Coon Cats - Clubs Links

Britacoon Cattery Club - Maine Coon Cat breeders in Norfolk, Virginia. It covers showing in CFA and the importance of socializing kittens, done by keeping the cattery small.

Maine Coon 2000 - Interest group open to all those interested in the breed. Includes list of participants, articles, and general information. Content is available in English and Danish.

Maine Coon Cats - Pictures

Courtesy of
Maine Coon Cattery of Love Angels

Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers (MCBFA) - Founded in 1968 to preserve, protect and promote the breed. Outlines breed standards, code of ethics for breeders and buyers, articles of interest, FAQs, lists of available kittens and cats, and international listing of breeders.

Maine Coon Cat Club of Great Britain - An international club, includes officer list, breed history, guide to choosing a kitten, UK breeder and kitten list, club champions, and membership information.

Maine Coon Rescue - Nationwide rescue network and shelter organization

Maine Coon Rescue League - Volunteer organization in New England to provide and placement for homeless cats. Includes information for those who wish to provide a foster home or to adopt a rescued cat. Site links to list of cats seeking placement.

The Maine Coon Guild - UK organization with International contacts which aims to sponsor and promote the welfare of the breed. Site includes details of Guild registered breeders, show information, kitten availability and breed specification

United Maine Coon Cat Association - CFF's breed club. Contains charter, club history, officers, list of club champions, and application for membership.