Maine Coon

Schöne maine coon katze sitzt vor einem weißen hintergrund

Ingwer maine coon katze porträt sitzen vor einem schwarzen hintergrund

Nahaufnahme einer waschbärkatze mit intensivem ausdruck

Eine junge schildpattfarbene maine coon mit schwarz gespitzten ohren

Eine junge schildpattfarbene maine coon mit einem orangefarbenen fleck auf dem nasenrücken

Eine junge, flauschige waschbärin mit gespitzten ohren

Ein junger, flauschiger waschbär mit einem langen, buschigen schwanz

Geschichte

The Maine Coon cat originated in North America in the state of Maine which is where the name comes from. The Maine Coon is also the official state cat for Maine and many old wives tales exist about the Maine Coon’s beginnings. One such ludicrous story is that feral domestic cats mated with racoons which is biologically impossible. This story along with the Maine Coon’s bushy raccoon-like tail and tabby coat led to the name of Maine Coon being settled on.

The most logical story is that the breed originated from matings between shorthaired domestic cats and imported longhaired cats - either across the Atlantic or from other US states.

The Maine Coon has appeared in literature as far back as 1861 with a black and white cat named 'Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines'. Maine Coons have been historically popular at cat shows in America. At an 1895 cat show at Madison Square Garden a female, brown tabby Maine Coon won best in show.

Verhalten

Maine Coons are independent and spirited cats. They are quite happy in their own company and tend not to pester their owners for attention. Instead they prefer to enjoy their owners company from a distance and will happily curl up on the sofa next to you whilst you watch tv.