First recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and
     white cat named "Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines," Maine Coons
     were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A
     brown tabby female named "Cosie" won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison
     Square Garden Show.

     Unfortunately, their popularity as show cats declined with the arrival in
     1900 of the more exotic Persians. Although the Maine Coon remained a
     favorite cat in New England, the breed did not begin to regain its former
     widespread popularity until the 1950's when more and more cat fanciers
     began to take notice of them, show them, and record their pedigrees. In
     1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers
     Association to preserve and promote the breed. Today, our membership
     numbers over 1200 fanciers and 200 breeders. By 1980, all registries had
     recognized the Maine Coon, and it was well on its way to regaining its
     former glory.

     Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy,
     handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile
     New England winters. Nature is not soft-hearted. It selects the biggest,
     the brightest, the best fighters, and the best hunters to breed successive
     generations. Since planned breedings of Maine Coons are relatively
     recent and carefully monitored, these cats still have their strong, natural
     qualities. Maine Coons are healthy, disease-resistant, rugged cats.
     Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian
     Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the
     same climate, and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats
     responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the
     Vikings.

     Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh
     climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of no other
     breed, and must be felt to be truly appreciated. The coat is longer on the
     ruff, stomach, and britches to protect against wet and snow, and shorter
     on the back and neck to guard against tangling in underbrush. The coat
     falls smoothly, and requires little maintenance – a weekly combing is all
     that is usually required to keep it in top condition. The long, bushy tail
     which the cat wraps around himself when he curls up to sleep can
     protect him from cold winters. His ears are more heavily furred (both
     inside and on the tips) than most breeds for protection from the cold, and
     have a large range of movement. Big, round, tufted feet help them
     negotiate uneven terrain and serve as "snow shoes." Their large eyes and
     ears are also survival traits, serving as they do to increase sight and
     hearing. The relatively long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and
     lapping water from streams and puddles.

     Although the Yankee myth of 30-pound cats is just that, a myth (unless
     the cat is grossly overweight!), the Maine Coon is one of the largest
     domestic breeds. They are tall, muscular, and big-boned; males
     commonly reach 13 to 18 pounds, and females normally weigh about 9
     to 12 pounds. Add to that two or three inches of winter coat, and people
     will swear that they're looking at one big cat.

     Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they
     are three or four years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout
     their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs – the gentle giants of
     the cat world. Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they
     have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from
     courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. Maine Coons
     love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items. They rarely
     meow, and when they do, that soft, high-pitched voice doesn't fit their
     size!

     The important features of the Maine Coon are the head and body shape,
     and the texture and "shag" of the coat. The head is slightly longer than it
     is wide, presenting a gently concave profile with high cheekbones and
     ears that are large, wide at the base, moderately pointed, and well tufted
     inside. They are set well up on the head, approximately an ear's width
     apart. Lynx-like tufting on the top of the ears is desirable. The neck
     should be medium-long, the torso long, and the chest broad. The tail
     should be at least as long as the torso. One of their most distinctive
     features is their eyes, which are large, round, expressive, and set at a
     slightly oblique angle. Overall, the Maine Coon should present the
     appearance of a well-balanced, strongly-built, rectangular cat.

     Throughout their history there has been no restriction on the patterns and
     colors acceptable, with the exception of the pointed Siamese pattern. As
     a result, a wide range of colors and patterns are bred. Eye colors for all
     coat colors range through green, gold, and hazel (green-gold). Blue eyes
     and odd eyes (one blue eye and one gold, green, or hazel eye) are also
     permissible in white cats. There is no requirement in the Maine Coon
     Standard of Perfection for particular combinations of coat color and eye
     color. The only color-related restrictions in Maine Coons intended for
     breeding are buttons, lockets, or spots on any solid color (tabbies or
     non-tabbies without white), and deafness in white cats.

     Many people consider Maine Coons the perfect domestic pets, with their
     clown-like personalities, very affectionate natures, amusing habits and
     tricks, willingness to "help" with any activity, and easily groomed coats.
     They make excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy
     having dogs and other animals around. Their hardiness and ease of
     kittening make them a satisfying breed for the novice breeder. For
     owners wishing to show, the Maine Coon has reclaimed its original glory
     in the show ring. Welcome a Maine Coon into your home, and you will
     join the thousands who sing the praises of this handsome and lovable
     cat!