The History of the Maine Coon Cat: Myths & Facts

The Maine Coon is America’s only truly native cat breed, celebrated for its size, friendliness, and distinct appearance. Yet, its exact origins are shrouded in myths, romance, and peculiar tales, which continue to charm cat enthusiasts worldwide. This article unravels the most popular legends and reveals the likely truth about how this "gentle giant" came to be.

Myths and Legends Concerning Maine Coon Origins

One of the most enduring myths is that Maine Coons are offspring of a mating between a raccoon and a domestic cat. Fortunately, this is biologically impossible, but the story persists in folklore due to the breed’s bushy tail and unique markings.

Another tale suggests Maine Coons may have descended from a cross between a bobcat and a house cat. While rare, documented cases of bobcat-housecat hybrids exist, with kittens sporting thick fur, tufted ears, and large paws resembling Maine Coons. Despite this, mainstream cat fanciers and geneticists consider this unlikely.

A romantic myth holds that during the French Revolution, a sea captain named Samuel Clough was commissioned to rescue Queen Marie Antoinette and her precious long-haired cats by bringing them to America. Some say these cats mixed with local farm cats, producing Maine Coons. However, historical evidence is lacking, and Marie Antoinette was not known to own long-haired cats.

Another story involves Captain Coon, an English sea captain fond of cats who allegedly had Persian and Angora cats on his ship. As these cats bred with local American cats, the longhaired kittens were nicknamed "one of Coon’s cats," eventually shortened to Maine Coon. While plausible, this remains unconfirmed folklore.

More plausible is the theory that Maine Coons descended from the Norwegian Skogkatt, a sturdy, longhaired breed brought by Vikings who settled in North America. These cats share many traits with Maine Coons, including adaptation to harsh climates. Similarities have also been noted with longhaired Russian cats and Scandinavian varieties.

The Likely Truth of the Matter

The true origin of the Maine Coon is probably a blend of these tales minus the fanciful details. During early American colonisation, ships arriving in the North East brought diverse cats from Europe. These mingled and bred with existing domestic cats. Over time, natural selection and selective breeding emphasised traits favourable for survival in cold climates - thick, water-resistant coats, robust bodies, and keen hunting instincts. Breeders later refined these traits into the beloved Maine Coon breed we know today.

Maine Coon Cats at American Cat Shows

The Maine Coon's popularity began in earnest as early as the 1860s, shown at local agricultural fairs and community events. Unfortunately, no formal breed standards existed then, making judging inconsistent. The breed's fame waned with the arrival of exotic breeds such as the Persian cat, leading to their virtual disappearance from shows by the 1950s.

Despite official claims of extinction from the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in the 1950s, dedicated breeders like Mrs Ethelyn Whittemore of Maine preserved and developed the breed carefully. A Maine Coon Cat Club was founded in 1953, and by 1956, the first breed standards were established. Recognition by the CFA in the 1970s helped spark a resurgence, and today Maine Coons are one of the most popular pedigree cats in America.

The Maine Coon in Britain

Maine Coons arrived in the UK relatively late due to strict quarantine laws that discouraged importation during the early 20th century. The first five Maine Coons were imported in 1984 amid breeder concerns about quarantine conditions.

British enthusiasts founded the Maine Coon Cat Club in 1985, and after years of growing interest, the breed achieved full Championship status in 1993. Currently, Maine Coons rank as the fourth most popular pedigree cat in the UK, admired for their affectionate character and striking size.

Responsible Ownership and Finding Maine Coon Kittens

If you fall in love with this breed and consider welcoming a Maine Coon kitten into your home, ensure you obtain one ethically from a reputable breeder. Because Maine Coons are a large and robust breed, they require ample space, affectionate attention, and a commitment to their health and well-being.

Responsible breeders perform health testing to avoid hereditary conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hip dysplasia. They raise kittens in loving environments and help new owners with advice on care.

Why the Maine Coon's History Matters

While some may think the exact origin of the Maine Coon is unimportant, understanding their history deepens appreciation for this remarkable breed. Its hardy nature, adaptation to challenging climates, and endearing personality are reflected in both the myths and facts of its past.

Whether you're captivated by their mysterious origins or simply charmed by their friendly nature, Maine Coons remain a truly special breed. As many owners say, "One Maine Coon is never enough."