THE MAINE COON - THE "GENTLE GIANT"


What makes these big shaggy-coated cats so special? It's probably a combination of size, friendly disposition, and keen intelligence that makes them such popular companions. Whether a prized show cat or a devoted pet, the Maine Coon has a rugged look and a romantic history that dates back to the early days of US colonization.

There are many theories about the origin of the breed: Some believed they were products of mating between semi-wild cats and raccoons, or they were brought here by the Vikings. But the most romantic legend links them to Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France.

In the 1790's during the French Revolution, Captain Samuel Clough of Wiscasset, Maine was to bring the royal family to safety in the US on his ship, the Sally. Although the Queen never made the trip, the captain had brought her furniture, and many other belongings, including six of the Queen's longhaired cats to the New World. According to legend, the Captain dispersed the belongings to the Clough family, and the cats became the royal ancestors to today's Maine Coon.

This is a lovely and romantic tale, but it is more probable that the cats, which were kept on trading ships to control the rodent population, came ashore when the ships docked on the northeastern coast. The cat's existence in the harsh climate resulted in a large, big boned, sturdy and intelligent breed well-suited to the environment. The shaggy coat served well to repel water and snow and insulated against the cold. The silky coat rarely became tangled in the underbrush.

The Maine Coon found its way into the settlers' homes, becoming beloved pets and good mousers. At the first all-breed cat show in New York's Madison Square Garden in 1895, a brown female tabby named Cosie won best in show. When the Persian and Turkish Angora breeds arrived from Europe in the late 1800's, the Maine Coon was pushed into the background but eventually made a successful comeback and was recognized by all registry organizations in 1976. In 1985 the Maine Coon was named the official Maine State Cat.

The breed is a rugged, solid cat with a broad chest and long well-proportioned rectangular body. Although males can weigh as much as 20 pounds, most weigh 13 to 18 pounds. Females, though just as solid, weigh in at only 8 to 12 pounds.

All colors are seen in the Maine Coon except: color pointed, solid lilac and solid chocolate. In the tabby variety you will usually see white around the mouth and chin.

The Maine Coon is intelligent with a loving nature, and is very gentle with children, making it an ideal domestic pet. It also makes a chirping noise, is known to be a great hunter, and will not balk at going into water. They make loving companions and are very protective of their humans. Anyone who has known or lived with one of these magnificent cats will agree that the Maine Coon is a very special cat indeed!