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ENAbout breed Maine Coon cat
History
Originally it is the American breed how the name of the cats become into existence. This breed was imported to other parts of the world over a number of years and is gaining growing popularity. These cats were seen in the state of Maine for the first time and so, part of the name is derived from the name of the breed. The second name coon ( raccoon) was assigned because of its bushy tail which is markedly reminiscent of a raccoon. A long bushy tail is typical for these cats. One legend tells the story of Maria Antoinette who extremley loved these cats, so she sent these cats to America to be able to escape before French Revolution. Cats then became the ancestor of the contemporary breed. In some american breedings Main Coon was accredited in 1967. Since the eighties, cats are accredited in Europe too.
Character
Cats have a very pleasant and friendly nature. They are kittenish and cute pets, able to have a very stong relationship with people. They love kids. Main Coon are usually very cuddly and their snuggleness is typical for them. Of course every cat is unique by its own nature so you can find among them, cats which prefer nestling next to its owner to cats cradling in the arms.
Cats love to integrate to all activities with owner. A Cat is very playful and its playfulness lasts for life. These cats very easily endure with the other cats, even the dogs.
General description
The Maine Coon is America's native longhaired cat. The breed, with its essentially amiable disposition, developed through a natural selection process where only the fittest survived. It should always be remembered that the Maine Coon developed basically as a "working cat" able to fend for itself in rough, woody terrain and under extreme climatic conditions. The Maine Coon is a large breed with big ears, broad chest, substantial boning, a long, hard muscled, rectangular body and a long flowing tail. Good muscle tone and density give the cat the appearance of power.
Standard of breed
Shape of head
Broad, modified wedge. Size in proportion to body. Slightly longer than wide. Distinct muzzle break can be seen under high prominent cheekbones.
Eyes
Large, slightly oval, appear round when wide open. Outer corner of eye points toward outer base of ear. Wide-set. Colour: Any shade of green and/or gold. No relationship to coat colour. Blue and odd-eyes accepted in whites and particolors.
Ears
Large, wide at base with outer base set just slightly farther back than inner base. Outer base just above the level of the top of the eye. Outside edges have a very slight outward tilt that is not past eleven and one o'clock. Set fairly high on head with inner edge of ear bases no more than one ear's width apart. Taller than the width at base but still in balance with head length. Moderately pointed ears appear taller due to lynx tips. Furnishings extend beyond outer adge of ear.
Chin and muzzle
Wide and deep enough to complete square look of muzzle. Firm, in line with upper lip. Muzzle should be square.
Profile
Gently curving forehead. Gentle concave curve at bridge of nose flowing into a smooth nose line. Slifht nose bump allowed in kittens.
Body
Large, long, substantial, rectangular, equal in breadth from shoulders to hips. Broad chest. Level back. Females may be noticeably smaller than males.
Legs and feet
Legs are medium length to form a rectangle with the body. Feet are large, round and well-tufted.
Tail
At least as long as the body. Wide at base and tapering to tip with full, flowing fur.
Coat
Is uneven, shorter on shoulders, gradually lengthening down the back and sides. Long, full, shaggy belly fur and britches. Tail fur long, full, flowing. Frontal fuff becomes more developed with age. Texture is all weather coat. A slight undercoat gives the coat body but coat still falls smoothly. Not cottony. Particolours must have some white on all four feet.
Source: http://www.maine-coon.cz/,