The Maine Coon’s adaptation to a harsh climate is evident in every aspect of its nature. Its heavy, glossy, water-resistant coat is unlike any other breed and needs to be felt in order to be appreciated. It is shorter on the back and neck to prevent tangling in the underbrush and longer on the ruff, stomach, and britches to protect against moisture and snow. The coat falls smoothly. The cat can be shielded from the harsh winters by wrapping his long, bushy tail around himself when he curls up to sleep. He has a wider range of motion and ears that are more fully furred inside and on the tips than many breeds in order to protect them from the cold. Big, round, tufted feet serve as snow shoes. Additionally, their large eyes and ears, which improve sight and hearing, are survival traits. The square, comparatively long muzzle makes it easier to grab prey and lap water from puddles and streams.
It is believed that Maine Coon is a native of the state. The majority of Coon Cat breeders think that the breed started with matings between domestic shorthairs and longhairs from abroad (possibly longhairs brought to America by the Vikings or Angora types introduced by New England seamen).
Over a century ago, Maine Coons gained popularity as a resilient and attractive domestic cat breed that could withstand the harsh New England winters.
Tall, muscular, big-boned cats, Maine Coon Cats typically weigh between 13 and 18 pounds for males and 9 to 12 pounds for females. Maine Coons take three to five years to reach their maximum size. They can be distinguished from other cats by their unique, chirping trill in their voices.
Health edit
According to pet insurance data from a Swedish study conducted between 2003 and 2006, the Maine Coon’s median lifespan is 5 years. Of them, %2074%% lived to be at least 2010 years old and %2054%% lived to be in 2012. 5 years or more. [35] An English analysis of patient data revealed an 11-year life expectancy. [36].
Cat shows and popularity edit Cosey, winner of the first cat show in the United States, 1895 Three adult cats
The Book of the Cat by Frances Simpson, published in 1861, contains the earliest written reference to Maine Coon cats (1903) F. R. Pierce wrote a chapter about the breed and had multiple Maine Coons. [11] Farmers in Maine held the “Maine State Champion Coon Cat” competition at the Skowhegan Fair in the late 1860s and told tales about their cats. [12].
Twelve Maine Coons were entered in a Boston show in 1895. The inaugural North American cat show took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 8, 1895. Cosey, a brown tabby female from Maine Coon, was entered in the show. Owned by Mrs. Fred Brown, Cosey was named Best in Show and received a silver collar and medal. [13] The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) Foundation bought the silver collar thanks to a donation from the National Capital Cat Show. The collar is kept in the Jean Baker Rose Memorial Library at the CFA Central Office. [12].
When other long-haired breeds, like the Persian, which originated in the Middle East, were introduced in the early 20th century, the popularity of the Maine Coons started to decline. 1911 saw the last known Maine Coon victory in a national cat show, which took place in Portland, Oregon. That was more than 40 years ago. The breed was rarely seen after that. The breed’s decline was so great that it was declared extinct in the 1950s, though at the time this announcement was deemed inflated and published too soon. [by whom?] In an effort to boost the popularity of the Maine Coon, Ethylin Whittemore, Alta Smith, and Ruby Dyer founded the Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) in the early 1950s. The CMCC is credited with developing the first set of written breed standards for the Maine Coon and hosted cat shows and photo exhibits of the breed for 11 years. [12] Six tabby kittens.
The CFA denied the Maine Coon provisional breed status three times, which resulted in the establishment of the Maine Coon Cat Club in 1973. Provisional breed status is one of the three requirements for a breed not yet recognized by the CFA to be able to compete in championship competitions[14]. On May 1, 1975, the CFA approved the breed under provisional status, and on May 1, 1976, championship status was granted. The Maine Coon gained popularity over the following few decades as a result of championship wins and an increase in national rankings. Maine declared in 1985 that this breed would become the official state cat. [15] According to the CFA, the Maine Coon was the third most registered breed of cats in 2012. [16].
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