The Maine Coon Cat is a naturally occurring breed whose origins have become a part of American legend. Some still believe that the Maine Coon Cat is the result of a mating between raccoons and cats local to New England. There are those who think that the Maine Coon is a descendant of the cats that had been sent to the United States from France by Marie Antoinette. Various cat fanciers also subscribe to the theory that a sea named Coon introduced both Persian and Angora cats to New England and these cats bred freely with existing shorthairs.
The raccoon legend notwithstanding, the true origins of the Maine Coon Cat are likely a combination of many theories. It is certain that early settlers brought the ancestors of the Maine Coon to America. These cats bred freely, creating a breed that is strong, intelligent, and prolific. It is unlikely that these cats were more popular in Maine than anywhere else. Instead, it is reasonable to assume that the breed was first promoted in Maine, hence the addition of ‘Maine’ to ‘Coon Cat.’
The Development of the Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cats began appearing in official shows as early as the 1860s. They were very popular and frequent winners. In fact, in the 1985 Madison Square Garden Show, a brown tabby Maine Coon Cat owned by E.N. Baker was accorded the honor of best cat. However, as cat shows became more sophisticated and imported cats gained popularity, the Maine Coon started to fade from shows, and eventually disappeared altogether.
Despite this, the Maine Coon Cat continued to be a popular outcross for Persians in North America. In the early days of cat fancy in the United States, registries accepted cats of unknown parentage as long as they conformed to the standard of the breed. Since Persians were, at that time, very similar in type to the Maine Coon, any solid color Coon Cat was quite acceptable in Persian breeding programs. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) allows longhairs to be simply Persian or Angora ‘type’ and not necessarily of a particular breed.
During the years when the Maine Coon Cat was in disfavor, proponents of the breed attempted to regain recognition for the breed. These attempts were thwarted not only by the snobbery of other breeders, but by the inability of the Coon Cat fanciers to develop a consistent Breed Standard. There were also those who insisted that Maine Coon Cats did not possess desirable conformation and that the many colors of the breed could not be controlled through selective breeding. In the minds of many, this meant that a true Standard could not be developed.
Throughout the decades, the idea that the Maine Coon Cat was simply a longhaired version of the American Shorthair was hotly debated. Eventually, it was determined that Maine Coon Cats had to be their own breed. They were larger and longer than the American Shorthair, but had different a different texture and coat quality than the Persian or Angora. In short, there were enough unique qualities to the Maine Coon Cat to recognize it as a distinct and beautiful breed.
Some Breed Standards for the Maine Coon Cat
The Standards for the Maine Coon Cat, as with many other breeds, are quite strict. It is easy to have a cat that is penalized or even disqualified, so those interested in choosing a show or breeding kitten should do so with care.
General: The Maine Coon Cat was once a working cat, and so is solid, rugged, and able to endure a harsh climate. They have a smooth and shaggy coat, an amiable disposition, and are incredibly adaptable.
Head: Medium in length and width, the head of the Maine Coon Cat generally has a squareness to the muzzle. Cheekbones should be high, the chin should be firm, and the nose should be medium long but slightly concave when viewed in profile.
Ears: The ears of the Coon Cat are large and wide at the base, but taper to appear pointed. The tufted tips of the ears make them seem larger than they are.
Eyes: Eyes should be large and expressive. Acceptable eye colors include shades of green or gold, though white cats may have blue eyes or even be odd-eyed. CFA accepts copper-colored eyes, though most associations do not accept copper as an acceptable color.
Body: A Maine Coon Cat should be muscular and broad chested. They are heavy and long, but should be proportioned to appear well balanced. As these cats tend to mature slowly, allowances must be made for younger cats, who may appear ungainly until reaching adulthood.
Tail: The tail must be long and wide at the base, but tapering. The fur should be long and flow off the tail, creating a beautiful plume.
Coat: To conform to the Breed Standard, Maine Coons must have a heavy and shaggy coat, shorter on the shoulders but longer on the stomach and britches. A frontal ruff is desirable but not necessary. The coat itself should be silky in texture and fall smoothly. Some allowances should be made for seasonal variations.
Penalties: Any cat with a coat that is short or overall even will be assessed a penalty.
Disqualifications: There are several reasons a Maine Coon Cat might be disqualified. These include: delicate bone structure, undershot chin, crossed eyes, kinked tail, buttons, lockets, or spots.
The Maine Coon Cat is a popular breed available in a variety of colors, including white, black, red, cream, or many variations of tabby or particolor patterns. Since they are a naturally occurring breed, they are generally free of genetic defects, though inbreeding has become a problem in some lines. They are sweet, intelligent, and unique, making them the perfect companion for most cat lovers.
Registering purebred cats can be a bit of a hassle for some people. However, anyone who wants to show or breed their purebred cat must register their cat or kitten in order to be eligible. There are several associations and federations that exist for the purpose of registering cats. For the most part, to register a cat with a particular organization, the cat must either have a parent registered in that organization or be registered with another organization.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) is the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats. To register a kitten with this association, you must possess either a blue slip or a yellow slip from the breeder. Make sure you ask your breeder to show evidence of this slip before paying in full for your kitten. If you have a blue slip, you will have to pay the registration fee after completing the required information. If you have a yellow slip, your registration was prepaid by the breeder. Simply complete the slip with any missing information and submit it to the CFA.
The International Cat Association
The only truly international organization for the registration of purebred cats, the International Cat Association (TICA) is also the world’s largest registry of household pets and kittens. Though any cat can be registered with TICA as a household pet, purebred cats still have to show pedigree to be registered as a purebred. If one or both of the parents of your cat were registered with TICA, the breeder should have registered the litter at the time of birth. Ask for evidence of this so that you may register your cat individually, if your breeder does not do this for you.
The Cat Fanciers’ Federation
The Cat Fanciers’ Federation (CFF) is one of the oldest cat registries in the United States. Like most other associations and federations, the breeder from whom you purchase your cat will generally register the litter at the time of birth. You can then register your cat individually, if you possess the required information. This information should be supplied by the breeder. Simply follow the directions on the papers you are given and registering your cat with the CFF becomes a simple process.
The North American Purebred Cat Registry
One of the newer registries in the United States, the North American Purebred Cat Registry (NAPCR) offers low fees and excellent service. Numerous purebred cats are registered with NAPCR every year. However, because it is so new, some of the other associations will not recognize a cat registered with NAPCR. This is slowly changing. One of the benefits of registering your cat with NAPCR is that they accept all breeds of purebred cat. Some other associations are very limited in regards to how many breeds they recognize.
The process of registering your cat is fairly simple, provided you are in possession of the required information. In most cases, you simply fill out the form the breeder gave you. Sometimes you’ll have to obtain some of the forms yourself. In the best cases, your breeder will handle the registration of your cat for you, and you’ll have to do little more than mail in a piece of paper with your signature. In any case, if you have questions about registering your cat with a particular association, you should consult your breeder or the association in question.
Cats are by far the most common pet in the United States. This has been true for many years. They make great companions, are fairly independent, and almost obsessively clean. Purebred cats are quite popular, both as show cats and pets. With so many breeds, it can be difficult to choose. Taking a closer look at the most popular breeds in the United States is one place to start.
Though it is impossible to judge the true number of pet cats in the United States, some generalities can be made through analyzing the cats registered in the many associations and federations around the world. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) is the largest registry of purebred cats in the world, currently listing forty-one pedigreed breeds, one provisional breed, and one miscellaneous breed. Though not all owners register their cats, it is still quite easy to see which breeds are the most popular.
The Persian and Its Characteristics
Topping the list in most years is the elegant Persian. This cat has long hair and a stubby nose that appears to have been pushed in. They are sometimes called the ‘Pug of the cat world.’ This breed is gentle and quiet, and is usually quite lazy. They prefer lounging in the sun all day to having to romp and play with children, so they are more suited to adults, and are especially appropriate for the elderly.
The Exotic and Its Characteristics
Rising in popularity in recent years is the stubby Exotic. It seems that many people have never heard of this breed, and yet as recently as 2009, they were the second most popular breed of cat in the United States. These odd-looking creatures were bred to meet the exact standards of the Persian, with one very notable exception — the length of the coat. This cat could be a shorthaired version of the Persian. This unique breed allows for the enjoyment that can be achieved through living with a Persian, but without the constant grooming.
The Maine Coon Cat and Its Characteristics
The strikingly-beautiful Maine Coon Cat falls in at number three on the list of most popular breeds in the United States. This breed is the largest of the domestic cats and is quite sturdy. Known for a loving disposition and great intelligence, Maine Coon Cats are particularly good with dogs, small children, and the elderly, making them a much sought-after pet.
The Siamese and Its Characteristics
This cat has fascinated and enchanted people all around the world since first being exported from Siam (now known as Thailand) in the late 1800s. They are sleek, beautiful, elegant, and striking in color. Their blue eyes can hold anyone enraptured, and their constant vocalizations are the subject of much discussion in the world of cat fancy. The Siamese is almost always in the top five on any list detailing the most popular cats.
The Ragdoll and Its Characteristics
Rounding out the top five on the list of most popular cats in the United States is the magnificent Ragdoll. These large, laid-back cats have stunning blue eyes and striking colors. With silky hair, a budding personality, and an avid interest in humans, these cats maintain their position as one of the most popular breeds, both in Europe and North America. They are naturally gentle and their coats require minimum upkeep.
This list changes a little from year to year. However, in general, the top five merely switch places a little. With the exception of the Exotic, the breeds on the list have been present on the list for many years, and their popularity will likely continue.
Hybrid cats, often referred to as designer cats, are cats whose parents are of two different breeds. Sometimes, crossing two breeds can result in a highly desirable kitten. For example, if you cross a Munchkin cat with a LaPerm you will get what has come to be known as Skookum.
The Skookum is a cat which is medium in size. However, due to its Munchkin parent, it will usually have shortened legs, especially shortened front legs. This is because the Munchkin cat carries the gene for dwarfism, which presents dominant expression. Most kittens will inherit the dwarfism gene, though there will be causes where a cat with a Munchkin parent will have normal legs. In these cases, the kitten is not considered a Skookum.
From the LaPerm parent, the Skookum inherits a curly coat. This coat could be long or short, and since it the LaPerm is a form of Rex, and Rexes are known for not shedding very much, the Skookum tends to be a low-shedding cat. Longhaired cats tend to have a loosely curled coat which stands away from the body. In fact, you should be able to feel the skin as you run your hands through the coat of a longhaired Skookum. Shorthaired cats have the same type of coat, except that it is difficult to feel the skin, simply because the hair is just that much shorter. Grooming these cats is easy, since the coat does not usually mat. These cats love to be brushed, so any necessary grooming is made that much simpler.
The Skookum is agile and athletic, despite having a cobby body and shortened legs. In general, the body has an appearance very much like any other cat, with the exception of the legs. The head is slightly rounded with higher-set cheekbones and a medium muzzle. The nose is medium-long with a slight stop right between the eyes. The ears are medium to large, very large at the base, and quite high set. The eyes are shaped like walnuts and shine with an inner brilliance that makes this cat very attractive as a pet.
These cats can come in many colors. Some are colorpoints, others are solid color. There are tabbies, bicolors, and spotted Skookums. At the moment, the Skookum can come in any color present in the Munchkin or LaPerm lines. However, there is currently an effort to standardize the colors of the Skookum coat.
Skookums tend to be very affectionate and sweet. Despite their somewhat awkward appearance, these cats are confident, self-assured, outgoing, and curious. This can lead them into trouble sometimes as they explore where they should not. Their playfulness rivals that of any other breed, and their shortened legs do not seem to hamper them at all. They can run, jump, and climb as well as any other cat, and will often dash off to hide in their own version of hide-and-seek.
This cat was created in the 1990s by Roy Galusha. It wasn’t long before other breeders from the United States, England, New Zealand, and Australia joined the breeding program. Today, there are many breeders throughout the world who are committed to establishing this unique breed. However, the Skookum cannot be considered ready for global recognition until the Munchkin and LaPerm are not longer necessary to maintain breeding programs.
The Skookum is recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA) as an experimental breed. The Dwarf Cat Association (TDCA) also considers them experimental. This breed has recently obtained recognition by the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry (REFR) and the Catz Incorporated, which is the national registry for cats in New Zealand. Currently, it is only in Australia and New Zealand that the Skookum may be shown as a breed in its own right. It may be that the Skookum will eventually achieve recognition by associations around the world, but as with most hybrid breeds, this takes a great deal of time.
The Skookum makes a wonderful pet and is highly intelligent. However, they are quite rare and incredibly expensive. There is also much variation in appearance between different Skookums. Eventually, if they are recognized as a breed by associations such as TICA, a breed standard will have to be developed.
