Maine Coon is considered to be indigenous to the state of Maine. The majority of Coon Cat breeders assert that the breed emerged from the interbreeding of existing shorthaired domestic cats and longhaired breeds from abroad, possibly including Angora types introduced by New England sailors or longhaired cats brought to America by the Vikings.

The earlier ancestors of today’s domestic cats spread from southwest Asia and into Europe as early as 4400 B.C. The cats likely started hanging around farming communities in the Fertile Crescent about 8,000 years ago, where they settled into a mutually beneficial relationship as human rodent patrol. The first mention of the Maine Coon is made in Francis Simpson's, "The Book of the Cat" in 1902. In fact, a whole section is dedicated to this very old breed, written by F.R. Pierce. Here he asserts;

The transition from adorned or glorified “Barn Cat” to pedigreed CFA finalist was neither an easy one nor did it happen quickly.

Origins

For many years, these myths and theories have speculated that the long-haired Maine Coon cat must be related to other long-haired breeds, largely because of the noticeable similarities in their physical appearance and characteristics.

European Seafarers
- Some say that Maine Coons are descendants of long-haired cats brought to Maine by European seafarers in the 1850s however Maine Coons descend from cats brought to New England by Puritan settlers in the 1600s and 1700s according to phylogenetic studies. Genetically, they are most closely related to cats in the United Kingdom among European breeds.
Convergent Evolution
- Their resemblance to the Turkish Angora Cat, Norwegian Forest Cat and Siberian Forest Cat is due to convergent evolution, not genetic similarity. Convergent evolution happens when unrelated organisms develop similar features or behaviors, often as solutions to the same challenges. This process can lead to similar body shapes, color patterns, or abilities.
Western European Cat Branch
- Phylogenetic studies indicate that the Maine Coon is part of the Western European monophyletic cat lineage, closely related to the random-bred cat population in the Northeastern US, particularly the New York area. This Western European lineage also includes the Norwegian and Siberian Forest cats, although they belong to a different sub-branch.
Phylogenetic Map
- Pictured below is a phylogenetic map of cat breeds from Lipinski 2008;

Phylogenetic map of cat breeds from Lipinski 2008.

Racoon Hybrid Myth

Maine Coons are not hybrids of raccoons. Raccoons are not closely related to cats. They are part of the Procyonidae family, while cats are part of the Felidae family.

Racoon Facts
- Raccoons and cats are both mammals, but they are different species.
- Raccoons are more closely related to bears than cats.
- Raccoons and cats have different genetic makeup, making it biologically impossible for them to mate.
- Raccoons are omnivores, while cats are obligate carnivores.
Additional information

Raccoons are known for their black masks and ringed tails.
Raccoons are intelligent and have dexterous front paws.
The earliest known raccoon ancestor, Procyonoides, lived in Europe around 40 million years ago.
Over time, Procyonoides migrated to North America and evolved into the raccoons we know today.

Maine Coons are not hybrids of raccoons.

Cat Shows

Early Popularity
- The Maine Coon was all the rage in the early 20th century but lost popularity after the introduction of other long-haired breeds to the U.S.
Breed Extinction
- The popularity of the Maine Coon breed declined significantly with the introduction of other long-haired cat breeds, such as the Persian, which originates from the Middle East. The last recorded victory by a Maine Coon in a national cat show happened in 1911 at a show in Portland, Oregon. After this event, the breed was rarely seen in competitions or public exhibitions.
- The decline in the breeds numbers and visibility was so severe that the breed was even declared extinct in the 1950s, although this declaration was considered exaggerated and premature.
- In response to this decline, the Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) was established in the early 1950s by Ethylin Whittemore, Alta Smith, and Ruby Dyer. Their goal was to revive and increase the popularity of the Maine Coon breed. For 11 years, the CMCC organized cat shows and hosted exhibitions featuring photographs of the breed.
- The club is also noted for creating the first written breed standards for the Maine Coon, helping to formalize and preserve the breed's unique characteristics.
Cosey, The Earliest Maine Coon Show Cat
- Cosey the Maine Coon was awarded a silver medal marked “National Cat Show, 1895,” with a cat face in the middle, a silver cat collar engraved “National Cat Show, 1895, won by Cosey,” and a picture of “Cosey” wearing a collar ribbon marked “National Cat Show.”
- 'Cosey' is recognition for being the earliest and most successful competitive examples of the Maine Coon breed in it’s earliest of development.
- “After years of local competitions and adoration, the Maine Coon Cat was chosen as Best Cat at the first major cat show ever held in the United States. “Cosey,” a brown tabby female Maine Coon Cat, was awarded this distinction at the Madison Square Garden show held in NYC in May of 1895. The silver collar and medal awarded to Cosey is on display at the CFA headquarters in Alliance, Ohio. “

Cosey was awarded a silver medal marked “National Cat Show, 1895,” This silver collar, an important piece of cat fancy history, was purchased by the CFA Foundation for its Jean Baker Rose Memorial Library housed at the CFA Central Office. This purchase was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the National Capital Cat Show.

Breed Traits For Harsh Climates

Maine Coons and similar cat breeds evolved in environments characterized by harsh weather conditions, where natural selection played a significant role in promoting certain advantageous traits. Their thick, long coats provide essential insulation against the cold, while their toe and ear tufts help protect sensitive areas from harsh winds and snow. Additionally, their large bodies contribute to their ability to retain heat, and their snowshoe-like feet enable them to navigate snowy terrains more efficiently. These features are beneficial in the challenging climates from which these breeds originate.

Fur Coat
- The Maine Coon cat is renowned for its luxurious and dense fur coat, which serves as a defining feature of the breed. This thick, water-repellent coat not only adds to the majestic appearance of the Maine Coon but also provides excellent insulation, making it well-suited for colder climates.
Size
- The size of a Maine Coon cat is notably large compared to other domestic cat breeds. These cats are often recognized for their substantial body, which can range from medium to very large, with males typically being larger than females. Adult Maine Coons can weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds or more, and their length can extend up to 40 inches from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. This impressive size contributes to their majestic and robust appearance, making them one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world.
Polydactylism
- Maine Coon cats with Polydactylism, a condition where these cats have extra toes, making their paws larger and more unique, are often admired for their distinct appearance and historical significance.
- Hemingway's cats are a group of polydactyl cats that lived with Ernest Hemingway at his home in Key West, Florida. The cats are known for having extra toes, or polydactyly, a physical anomaly that they inherited from a dominant gene.

Health

Larger cats can face a heightened risk of developing various health issues that may overshadow their physical appeal. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, and arthritis are more prevalent in larger felines, which can lead to a diminished quality of life as they age. While the visual allure of a big cat may be enticing, it is crucial for prospective owners to consider the potential health complications that can arise in their later years.

Moreover, the focus on size can sometimes overshadow other important traits that contribute to a cat's overall well-being and suitability as a pet. Factors such as temperament, socialization, and adaptability to different living environments are equally, if not more, important when selecting a feline companion. Ultimately, while the Maine Coon's impressive size may be a point of fascination, it is vital for both breeders and potential owners to prioritize the health and well-being of the cat above all else. By doing so, they can ensure a happier, healthier life for their feline friends, regardless of their size.

Large Size
- Numerous breeders tend to emphasize the size of their cats, often showcasing the impressive stature of breeds like the Maine Coon as a key selling point. While the Maine Coon's large size is certainly an intriguing characteristic that captures the attention of potential cat owners, it is essential to recognize that this feature should not be regarded as the most significant aspect of the breed.
Heart
- Inheritance Patterns
  - Autosomal recessive: One possible inheritance pattern for heart disease in pedigree animals.
  - Autosomal dominant: Another possible inheritance pattern for heart disease in pedigree animals.
  - Polygenic: Another possible inheritance pattern for heart disease in pedigree animals.
Breeding Strategies
- Maine Coon Breeders can use information about inheritance patterns to reduce the frequency of heart disease in their breeding programs.

Foundation Cats & Catteries

Maine Coon Foundation Cats - Top 5

Andy Katt of Heidi Ho – about 20%
Bridget Katt of Heidi Ho – about 20%
Dauphin de France of Tati-Tan – about 15%
Tatiana of Tati-Tan – about 8%
Whittemore Smokie Joe (or Smokie Joe of Whittemore) – about 7%

Founding Maine Coon Catteries - Top 15

Abnaki - Liz Bicknell
Havenwood - Patricia McIntire
Heidi Ho - Connie Condit
Highmeadow and Kent - Diane Ziessow
Illya - George Andre
Jo Stad - Rod & Betty Ljostad
Le Beau Minu/Mountview - Carol & Tom Pedley
Mor-Ace - Anthony Morace
Norwynde - Lillias Vanderhoff
Quan Yin - Cynthia Wilson
Sundar - Phyllis Voth
Tanstaafl - Beth Hicks
Tati-Tan - Sonya Stanislow
War-Tell - Florence Wartell
Whittemore - Ethelyn Whittemore

Credit: Pawpeds Maine Coon History

Did you know?

Maine Coons were popular with New England farmers in the 1800s for their mousing skills.
Special shows for Maine Coons were held as early as the 1860s.
The CFA awarded Maine Coons championship status in the 1950s.
Maine Coons are the official state cat of Maine.

Maine Coon History

Origins

European Seafarers

Convergent Evolution

Western European Cat Branch