Maine Coon: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

As you might have guessed, the Maine Coon cat is a native of the state of Maine. Endemic to the United States of America, this breed probably originated in the 1850s, when long-haired cats were brought to America and mated with local short-haired cats. The result was a hearty, healthy, large cat with incredible hunting prowess; a heavy, shaggy coat; and a long, flowing tail.

The breed was exhibited at cat shows throughout the late 19th century. Farmers who prized these cats for their outstanding ability to keep barns and outbuildings free from rodents held their own competition, called the Maine State Champion Coon Cat contest at the Skowhegan Fair.

Maine Coon cats fell out of fashion during the early 20th century, when more exotic long-haired cat breeds such as Persians came to the United States. The breed declined until the 1950s, with some people believing the Maine Coon might have even become extinct.

Maine Coon cat aficionados Alta Smith and Ruby Dyer founded the Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) in 1953 to preserve the breed for future generations. In an effort to increase awareness about the breed, the CMCC posted cat shows and exhibitions that featured photographs of Maine Coon cats. The CMCC created the first written breed standards for Maine Coon cats, helping this unique breed regain popularity.

Ethelyn Whittemore of Augusta, Maine, whose family had continued casually breeding Maine Coons during the breed's time of unpopularity in the U.S., founded a Maine Coon cattery and kept written breeding records of her cats. Her cats were often winners at CMCC shows.

The Maine Coon Cat Club formed in 1973, with a goal of helping the breed achieve recognition by the Cat Fanciers' Association. In May 1975, the CFA granted Maine Coon cats provisional status; the Maine Coon was approved for championship status in 1976. Today, Maine Coon cats are recognized by all major cat registries.