An American giant and a gentle wild cat

According to legend, the Maine Coon is the result of the mating of a wild cat and a raccoon, a genetic impossibility imagined because the coat and tail of the breed resemble those of the raccoon.
The Maine Coon originated in the United States, in Maine. It is thought to have arisen from crosses between Angoras brought from the Middle East by sailors, English cats brought by the first colonists, Russian and Nordic cats, and shorthaired American farm cats. The harsh climate of this region of the United States produced this large, hardy cat which may be considered the first American feline breed. Captain Jenks, a black and white cat, was the first Maine Coon successfully shown at cat shows in Boston and New York in 1861. The breed also caused a stir in 1895 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Persians and Siamese stole the stage from the Maine Coon for half a century. Interest in the breed was renewed around 1950 and has been growing rapidly since 1980.

A standard was published in 1960. The C.F.A. and the F.I.Fe. recognized the breed in 1976 and 1980, respectively.
Although the Maine Coon is one of the world’s most significant breeds, it is fairly uncommon in Europe and rare in France, where it was introduced in 1981.

The Maine Coon Feline Association breed club was created in 1987.

The breed has changed greatly in recent years. It is larger, taller, and wilder.

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Characteristics

Well-balanced and calm, this “gentle giant” with quiet strength is sociable and non-aggressive, albeit dominant. He is affectionate and much attached to his owner.

Playful, athletic, and good hunters, Maine Coons need space. A large yard is better than an apartment. These hardy cats can tolerate the harshest winters. Females enter puberty late. Kittens grow slowly and do not reach adulthood until three or four years old. They are easy to groom, as a good weekly brushing is sufficient.