The Maine Coon – America’s Cat

California has the grizzly bear. Florida has the panther. Oklahoma has the buffalo. Maine has the Maine Coon cat. These are referring to state animals, and in Maine’s case, it seems a bit underwhelming to most. Why this cat breed? Turns out Maine Coons are among the most fascinating animals out we have the pleasure of living with, so let’s talk about it.

We’ll start with an introduction to Maine Coons, for those unfamiliar with the breed. Then, we look at some of their most unique characteristics, then their relationship to humans. Along the way, I explain why they not only deserve their accolade as the official state cat of Maine, but should also be considered America’s cat.

Maine Coon Basics

Let’s start with the basics. The Maine Coon is a long-haired domestic cat breed native to New England, which includes Maine. They have a distinctive appearance that comes from a combination of their large size and long, shaggy coat. Adult Maine Coons can weigh anywhere from 10 pounds to almost 25+ pounds. Males are between 18 – 25 pounds and females are on the 10-18 pound side. They stand between 10 – 18 inches in height. And here is something incredible – from nose to tail, Maine Coons can be 3 – 4 feet in length!

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In comparison to your regular domestic shorthair cat, the Maine Coon is a giant. The giant description is apt, because they are not just a larger cat with the same proportions. Maine Coons are cat body builders, with a wide strong chest and thick limbs. Big bones, muscular, and athletic are a few applicable adjectives.

Their slightly wild looking coat helps the illusion of size. Their fur is longer in key areas for snow and ice protection. The coat around their neck and chest is extra fluffy, and the belly and flank areas have hanging fur. And that tail! On a cat with so many special characteristics, this still stuns. A Maine Coon’s luxurious tail is extra long, thick, and bushy.

Maine Coons have beautiful eyes that range from copper to amber to green, depending on light. They also have the longest whiskers of any domestic cat, and even have extra fur sprouting from their eyes and paws.

The overall impression is a big, sturdy cat, perfectly natural and ready to face the elements.

Why Do Maine Coons Look Like They Do?

Why do Maine Coons have all these amazing physical characteristics? For that, we need to look at their history and environment.

New England has harsh winters where it’s bitterly code. Snow falls and ice covers the landscape for a long time. Thus, Mother Nature sculpted Maine Coons to perfectly thrive in this weather. The lengthier parts of their coat protect vulnerable areas of the neck, chest, and belly while they wade around the snow. Tufts of fur in between each claw act like snowshoes, and fur sprouting from their ears act as earmuffs! And because of their lineage, Maine Coons are typically not afraid of water like normal cats.

The cold environment is also the reason for extra large size. There is a phenomenon in nature known as Bergmann’s rule, named after German biologist Carl Bergmann who noticed that “species and populations of a larger size were found in colder environments, while species and populations of a smaller size were found in warmer climates.” It comes down to heat retention, and it follows that animal with larger mass is able to stay warm for a longer period of time compared to a smaller animal. These larger animals thrive, pass on their genes, and over time the population gets larger.

Like us all, Maine Coons are the product of their environments. This is why they are such hardy animals – they were basically designed by nature to thrive in such long winters!

The Human Element

Let’s not forget about humans in this relationship. Humans are a big contributor to why Maine Coons look the way they do, too (purebred ones, anyway). Breeders and their catteries put in a ton of work to maintain a certain look and standard. They do this to show their cats at accredited cat shows and win awards, but also for commercial reasons. Breeders know people want big cats, or wild looking cats, and so aim to produce cats like that.

Maine Coons were not always show cats! In the beginning, sailors from Northern Europe or Scandinavia routinely brought long haired cats with them on ships because they could catch mice and other vermin onboard. Some say these cats were Angoras, Siberians, Norwegian Forest Cats, though we don’t know for sure. What we do know is that Vikings or European explorers landed in New England, and their cats made their way onto land.

Once in the new world, they met local the cat breed and intermingled with them. Add time, and you get the Maine Coon as a result. Humans then certainly noticed these tough, hard working cats doing a great job as mousers. Eventually Maine Coons were invited indoors, into barns and homes, to provide these services. The rest is history as they charmed their way into our hearts.

Today, few Maine Coons are hunting mice for a living. Many are now pampered show cats, in exhibition at your local CFA or TICA accreddited cat show. Or they might be working as a therapy cat, in hospitals and nursing home, dispensing fluffy snuggles and comfort to those in need. But the Maine Coon’s show career is not exactly a modern development. The breed was also popular by the late 1800’s, and found in many upper class families. The Maine Coon cat fancy was serious. In 1895 in New York City, a Maine Coon named Cosey won in the “Best Long Haired Cat in Show,” setting a precedent for this breed and their performance in shows.

America’s Cat

The story of the Maine Coon is an American success story. It is a tale of hard work and tenacity, and upward mobility. Maine Coons essentially had immigrant ancestors from the old country, as many of us do. Born in America, they lived in tough neighborhoods and developed grit and character, while working hard at their mousing job. Upper management noticed Maine Coons drive and ability, and so placed them on a fast track to management. Today, this cat breed is the CEO and owner of the company. No longer needing to do the daily tasks of mousing to eat, Maine Coons still enjoy hunting, exercise, and engaging with various toys.

That is why the Maine Coon is America’s cat. It’s a rags to riches story in just a few generations and something we can all aspire to.