Business & Finance

The Maine Coon Cat is a domestic breed of cat. In fact, it is one of the largest domestic cats in existence, and is characterized with a bushy tail, which is usually striped and long fur. The Maine Coon Cat is native to North America. In fact, it is believed that the Maine Coon is actually native to the state of Maine, and the Maine Coon is the Maine State Cat.

For over a century now we have been able to enjoy the Maine Coon, a cat that seems to be so well suited to the often harsh winters of New England, with their well shaped paws and thick, thick fur. Fur which is so well able to resist water.

Could the Maine Coon have come into existence as a result of the local domestic cats mating with cats brought over by the Vikings? There is after all a definite likeness between the Maine Coon, and the Norwegian Forest Cat. Some people think this is a more likely possibilty rather than the suggestion that local cats mated with raccoons, an idea which has been discounted by the experts.

At one time only the brown tabbie was considered to be a proper Maine Coon, any cat of a different color was called a Maine Shag Cat. The people who have studied the Maine Coon over the years are generally of the opinion that long haired cats from overseas, probably Europe, mated with the domestic short haired cat, and produced what we know today as the Maine Coon.

Maine Coon Cats also have unique personalities. They are often likened to dogs in fact. Unlike most cat breeds, the Maine Coon is highly sociable with humans and other pets. These cats will actually run to you when you call them, and are likely to be sitting at the door waiting for you when you arrive home. They do like a lot of love and attention.

Maine Coons were once a favorite among those who participated in early cat shows – as far back as 1861, but in the 1900′s, Persians came onto the scene, and the Maine Coon lost a bit of popularity. They once again started gaining popularity in the 1950s. The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association were formed in 1968, by six breeders. The purpose of the organization was to preserve and protect the Maine Coon Cat breed. This breed of domestic cat was not recognized by all cat registries, however, until 1980.

The Maine Coon Cat today is owned, loved, and shown by many thousands of people. The Breeders Association mentioned earlier has also grown from the original 6 breeders to now well over 200 breeders and with many more non-breeder members as well.