American Cat Fanciers Association        

Maine Coon Breeders' Directory

 

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  Maine Coon Breed Standard

  Maine Coon Breed History

 

HISTORY:
The Maine Coon is American's native longhaired cat. It has a history steeped in myth and legend. A wide-spread (though biologically impossible) belief is that this breed originated from matings between semi-wild domestic cats and raccoons. This myth bolstered by the bushy tail and most common coloring (brown tabby), led to the name Maine Coon.According to another legend, the breed can be traced to 6 pet cats belonging to Marie Antoinette that were smuggled out of France during the French Revolution. The most probable ancestors of the Maine Coon are cats that accompanied European colonists when they came to North America.

 

Whatever the true nature of their beginnings, New Englanders were proud of their "All American" cat.

 

They had been entering their Maine Cats in local cat shows during the 1860's. The first cat show in North America at Madison Square Gardens in 1895, was won by a Maine Coon. The Maine Coon retreated from popularity in the late 1800's with the arrival of "fancier" breeds. This noble creature was declared extinct in the 1950's. Its extinction was exaggerated and recorded too early. A small group of dedicated breeders helped the Maine Coon regain its position of stature in the cat fancy. By 1976, all cat registries in North America recognized the breed. The "All American" cat is now back in its rightful place. The Maine Coon is now the number 2 most popularly registered breed in North America. Conformation: Everything about the Maine Coon points to and is the result of its adaptation to the harsh climate of New England. The Maine Coon is a massive, broad chested cat with a long rectangular body on a substantial bone structure suited to survival. Males average 13 to 18 pounds, with some topping the scales over 20. While females rarely attain the same size as the males, they are substantial at 7 to 11 pounds. One of the factors for the Maine's survival was its coat. The glossy coat is shaggy, water resistant, and almost maintenance free--a good brushing about once a week is all that's required to keep it in top condition. Please refer to the Maine Coon standard for a complete description of the head, body,and coat.

COLOR:

While brown tabby and brown tabby particolor is the most commonly seen in the show ring, they are just two of the colors. The Maine Coon comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, with the exception of the pointed Siamese pattern or those of chocolate or lilac. Have a look at the Maine Coon standard to see the many choices available.

 

PERSONALITY:

The Maine Coon is known in the cat fancy as the "gentle giant". This gentle breed gets along well with children, other cats and dogs. This sociable cat prefers to be with their humans and to help in every activity. The breed has been described as owning a dog in cat clothes. Welcome a Maine Coon into your family, and you will join the thousands who sing the praises of this large, handsome, gentle, and affectionate breed.

                                       

Christine & Ron Barker
Cattery: Lakeside Maine

(573) 419-9211

Lake Wappapello, MO 

LeighAnn Blackmore
Cattery: Gator Maine

 (352) 455-4466

Eustis, FL 
Katrina Brown
Cattery: Fluffy Giants		 (517) 662-0200 Palmyra, MI

Chris, Cathy & Patrick Buck

Cattery: Buctales

(815) 389-1330

South Beloit, IL 

Lorelei Cauffman
Cattery: Psycatics

(515) 225-4837

West Des Moines, IA

D'Arcy Conley
Cattery: Peoria Purrs

(309) 363-3931

Peoria, IL
Rocky J. Dewyer
Cattery: Salems Saint		 (810) 363-4123
 Marysville, MI 

Kat Doring
Cattery: Kats Kits

(651) 463-4780  

Farmington, MN

Judi Dyer
Cattery: CR Maines

(573) 247-5902

 

Salem, MO

David Dykhuizen
Cattery: One Cat		 (319) 350-8151
(319) 540-3736		 Mount Vernon, IA
Linda Fleshman
Cattery: Tufts'n Ruff		 (816) 279-2829 St. Joseph, MO 
Cammy Franklin
Cattery: Wild Pride		 (319) 929-2012  Cedar Rapids, IA
Melanie & Carl Galka
Cattery: CDreams
 (608) 837-5260
 Lodi, WI
Laurie Georgeson
Cattery: Wiscoonsin		 (605) 351-1959 Hudson, WI
Marian & Daniel Goepfert
Cattery: MoJo Maines 		(417) 627-0029 Joplin, MO
Karon Hansberger
Cattery: Reigningcats		 (724) 484-3228 Florida
Buffy Haist
Cattery: August Maine Coons		 (225) 503-4444 Gardner, KS
Amy & Brian Hanson
Cattery : Ma'at		 (785) 317-0557 Eastern Kansas
Margie Hopman
Cattery: Kattarose		 (352) 314-9298 Fruitland Park, FL
Emily Jarrett
Cattery: Zeus Pride		 (608) 799-7904  Lacrosse, WI 
Danielle Labinski
Cattery: Ears and Paws		 (262) 325-3149 Kenosha, WI
Judy Liggett
Cattery: Chancery		 (608) 335-4565 Cambridge, WI
Michele Dawn Manieri            
Cattery: CoonPals		 (813) 857-3335   Ridge Manor, FL
Lori Marjerrison
Cattery: PraireBabies		 (807) 629-8572 Thunder Bay, ON CA
Desirae Meyer
Cattery: Meyer Maines		 (507) 440-5084 Austin, MN
Wendy Meyer
Cattery: Theatricats		 (507) 440-7841 Austin, MN
Julie Milazzo
Cattery: Arkancoons		 (501) 658-7462 Alexander, AR
Jackie Mitchell
Cattery: NataRose		 (417) 767-4803 Lockwood, MO
Lori Munding
Cattery: Colorofcat		 (260) 459-1182 Fort Wayne, IN
Serena Purdy
Cattery: GKAT		 (417)536-6092 Ozark, MO
Lena Roberts
Cattery: Nebraskcoons		 (402) 369-2972 Wayne, NE
Kristi Rogers
Cattery: Little Lions		 (417)259-0599 Willow Springs, MO
Ann Rossow
Cattery: Rosscoon		 (952) 212-7898 Northfield, MN
Judith Schulz
Cattery: Masterweaver		 (807) 473-9288 Thunder Bay, ON CA
Rebecca Slinker
Cattery: Loveyslane		 (765)918-0256 Romney, IN
Dianne Valenti
Cattery: Purry Acres		 (610)762-1914 Bethlehem, PA
Alena Zhytkevich
Cattery: PACoons		 (646) 226-4141 Quakertown, PA

 

 

 

 
 Maine Coon Cat Breed Chair
Chris Buck