Maine Coon
Products Pet Animals Pet Cats Maine Coon
Originally natives of Maine and the northeastern coast of the United States, Maine Coon cats were teh first American longhairs. Their early ancestors, perhaps Angoras, sailed to America as rat catchers on ships. Around the Maine area, they mated with a variety of domestic cats and established themselves as hearty workers and successful show cats by the mid-19th century.
The breed name derives from the cat's native state and the fact that its coat once resembled the color of raccoons. Although brown tabby remains the most popular pattern today. Maine Coons can wear coats of any color except for solid chocolate, lavender or pointed patterns.
Ideal Breed Characteristics
Overall Appearance: Sturdy, balanced cat with a shaggy coat.
Head: Medium-sized, rounded head with a square muzzle; large, slanted, wide-set eyes; large, broad, tapered, erect, wide-set ears.
Body: Medium to large, long, rectangular and muscular with a broad chest.
Coat Texture: Thick, heavy and long with a long "ruff" around the neck.
Tail: Long, thick and tapered.
Disqualifications: Abnormal tail, crossed eyes, fine bone structure.
|
|
|