Personality:
- Gentle, dignified, and sociable.
- Eager to be involved in household activities.
- Exceptionally good with dogs.
- Slow maturing, often not reaching full development until five-years of age.
History:
This official Maine state cat is most likely the descendant of cats brought to North America by European colonists. Shown at the very first American cat show in 1895, winning Best in Show. Almost disappeared with the introduction of the Persian and Turkish Angora. Re-established by devoted breeders in the 1970′s and by 1980 was accepted by all cat associations for championship status.
Body Type:
- Large, broad-chested cat with a long rectangular body and substantial bone structure.
- Head is suitable for capturing prey, with high cheekbones and a slightly concave nose.
- Ears are large and well tufted.
- Eyes are large and slant upward.
Coat:
- Silky coat is heavy, long, and shaggy with britches, ruff, and a flowing tail.
- Shown in five color classes: solid (white, black, blue, red and cream), tabby (classic, mackerel, and patched), tabby with white, parti-color (tortoiseshell and calico), and shaded/smokes.
Health and Wellness:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Patella luxation.
What you should know:
- Minimal dander makes Maine Coons easier to tolerate by some people with allergies.
- These cats need regular grooming to look their best.
