House of maine coons

Introduction

The Maine Coon cat, known for its incredible size, tufted ears, and bushy tail, holds a special place not only in the hearts of cat lovers but also in the rich history of American pets. Originating from the rough, pine-covered state of Maine, this breed has grabbed the curiosity of those who want to uncover the full story of their ancestry. When researching the origins of the Maine Coon, a fascinating story unfolds that dates back to the early 19th century in New England.

History of the Maine Coon

It's not clear where the Maine Coon came from because there was no official breeding scheme that created the breed. Some people in the late 1800s thought the cats were the result of rats mating with house cats, which is not possible. However, their tail does look like a raccoon's, which is why "Coon" is part of their breed name.

People also often say that Marie Antoinette sent the ancestors of the breed to Maine so they could wait for her to escape to America. Long-haired cats are even said to have been brought over by the Vikings, and the Maine Coon looks a lot like the Norwegian Forest Cat.

Natural mating between the short-haired domestic cats that arrived in America from Europe and the long-headed cats brought by merchants on ships is responsible for the answer. The Northeastern United States' climate favored the longer double coats for warmth, and the necessity of walking over snow made the large snowshoe-like paws extremely useful.

'Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines,' pictured, was the first Maine Coon to be registered in 1861. The breed was a popular choice for show cats in the late 1800s, with a brown tabby female Maine Coon named ‘Cosey’, formerly known as 'Coosy', winning Best in Show and the Silver Collar at the first North American Cat Show in 1895 at Madison Square Garden, New York.

The Persian breed lost popularity in the early 20th century as more exotic breeds emerged. The breed was thought to be extinct in the 1950s due to the lack of cat show registrations since 1911.

Despite this, the Central Maine Cat Club was created by dedicated cat breeders and fans of this breed to maintain the breed. The Maine Coon Cat Club was established in 1973; later in 1976, it was recognized as a championship breed by the Cat Fancierz' Association (CFA). According to the CFA, the Maine Coon is now the third most popular cat breed and is frequently seen in show rings.

Is it safe to keep Maine Coons as pets?

Previously, stated that Maine Coons are the gentle giants of the cat world and can be ideal household pets. They are very laid-back and they can handle even the smallest children. Often, they are loyal to their humans and prefer to be in the company of their family, but they don't require constant attention. Many pet owners find that their kitties can be both independent and social without being too strict.

Although introductions are slow, Maine Coons generally get along well with other pets (including dogs). They are typically kitten-like and enjoy playing, exploring, and snuggling with their owners.

Activities for Maine Coons

To exercise, it is advisable to use a wand toy with lures that mimic ground prey, such as mice, rats, snakes, lizards, or bugs.

The Maine Coons are taught agility/obstacle courses, play fetch with clicker-trainers, and perform tricks.

Get your Maine Coon to go for walks with a harness and leash! The breed is fond of exploring different environments while being outdoors.

Maine Coons are quite fond of water. Allow them to play with a tap or small toys like ice cubes in bottled water. Maine Coons even dunk their food in the water.

Food puzzles can give this breed a mental challenge.  Give them food puzzles that can be handled with their bigger paws; Maine Coons are playful and respond to these challenges similarly to how a dog might.

Although Maine Coons prefer being tucked in on the couch with their friends, they will also have their own space. Install a window bed to observe birds and squirrels from above.

Conclusion

The Maine Coon cat’s remarkable charm and adaptability are reflected in this pet's American heritage. Despite its mythical, evolutionary, and popular status, the Maine Coon remains a common and beloved house pet.

Maine Coons are a fascinating breed, and their story of origin will fascinate any who might recognize them as such. Share your thoughts on Maine Coons by commenting below or using our Facebook and Twitter feeds. We should all celebrate America's first long-hair cat!