The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed and one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. Its origins are steeped in mystery, with various folk tales and myths surrounding its lineage. While it is widely accepted that the breed originated in the northeastern United States, specifically Maine, in the mid-19th century, the exact details of its ancestral origins remain uncertain.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Place of Origin | Maine, USA |
Breed Status | One of the oldest natural breeds in North America |
Lineage | Unknown, surrounded by mystery, folk tales, and myths |
Common Myths | Hybrid with another animal species, such as the raccoon or bobcat; descendants of Viking ship's cats or Marie Antoinette's cats |
Phylogenetic Studies | Belong to the Western European monophyletic cat branch, closely related to the random-bred cat population in the Northeastern US |
Descendant of | Cats brought to New England by Puritan settlers in the 1600s-1700s |
Genetic Similarity | Genetically closest to cats found in the United Kingdom |
First Mention in Literary Work | 1861, in Frances Simpson's "The Book of the Cat" |
First Cat Show | 1860s, at the local Skowhegan Fair |
First North American Cat Show Participation | 8 May 1895, at Madison Square Garden in New York City |
Popularity Decline | Early 20th century, with the introduction of other long-haired breeds |
Revival Attempts | Formation of the Central Maine Cat Club (CMCC) in the early 1950s; formation of the Maine Coon Cat Club in 1973 |
Current Popularity | Third most popular pedigree cat breed in the world (as of 2020) |
What You'll Learn
Maine Coon Cats Are Part-Raccoon
The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed and one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. The breed originated in the US state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.
The true ancestral origin of the Maine Coon is unknown, but it is widely accepted that the breed originated in the North Eastern parts of America in the mid-19th century. The mystery surrounding their lineage has given rise to several folk tales and myths. One such myth is that the Maine Coon is a hybrid with another animal species, such as the raccoon or bobcat. However, this theory has been dismissed as genetically and scientifically impossible, as cats and raccoons are completely different species and cannot breed with each other.
The Maine Coon's distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills made them a popular breed in cat shows in the late 19th century. They are known for their size, dense coat of fur, and "dog-like" characteristics. Their large size and muscular build make them well-suited for survival in harsh winter climates. The Maine Coon's long, bushy tail, dense water-resistant fur, and large, round, tufted feet are adaptations that help them navigate snowy terrain and protect them from the cold.
The decline in the Maine Coon's popularity in the early 20th century due to the introduction of other long-haired breeds led to efforts by dedicated breeders and enthusiasts to revive the breed. Today, the Maine Coon is once again a popular breed, known for its gentle personality and good looks, in addition to its impressive physical attributes.
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Viking Ship Cat Myth
The Maine Coon cat is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, originating in the state of Maine, where it is the official state cat. However, its lineage is steeped in mystery, folk tales, and myths. One such myth is the Viking Ship Cat Myth, which states that Maine Coons are descendants of Viking ship cats, now known as Norwegian Forest Cats.
The Viking Ship Cat Myth is not just a fanciful story but is rooted in the historical presence of cats on Viking ships. Cats were valued members of Viking crews, serving a practical purpose as efficient hunters that kept vermin and pests in check, thus ensuring the survival of the crew and safeguarding their valuable cargo. The presence of cats on Viking ships is also supported by archaeological evidence. In 2016, researchers sequenced the DNA of 209 felines found at various archaeological sites, and discovered that the DNA from an Egyptian cat matched that of a cat found at a Viking site in Germany. This suggests that Vikings, like other mariners, took cats on their voyages to control rats and mice.
Cats also held symbolic and spiritual significance for the Vikings. In Norse mythology, cats were associated with the goddess Freyja, who was often depicted with her two magical cats pulling her flying chariot. Cats were considered sacred to Freyja, and it was believed that they brought blessings and protection to those who treated them well. Cats were seen as protectors of homes and ships, ensuring safe journeys and safeguarding against evil forces. Vikings adorned their ships and buildings with carvings and artwork depicting cats to invoke their protective powers. The presence of a cat symbolised strength, agility, and adaptability—qualities highly valued by the seafaring Norse people.
The Norwegian Forest Cat, known for its sturdy build, thick fur, and rugged appearance, is believed to be a descendant of the cats that sailed alongside the Vikings. These cats' hunting instincts and ability to withstand harsh climates further reinforce their connection to the Viking ship cats of old.
While the true ancestral origin of the Maine Coon Cat may never be known with certainty, the Viking Ship Cat Myth offers a fascinating glimpse into the possible history of this beloved breed, intertwining practical, symbolic, and spiritual elements that reflect the enduring bond between humans and animals.
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Marie Antoinette Myth
The Maine Coon cat is one of the most famous cat breeds in the United States. They are known for their distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. The breed is also one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, having originated in the state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.
The exact origins of the Maine Coon cat are surrounded by mystery, folk tales, and myths. One such myth involves Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France who was executed in 1793. The story goes that, prior to her death, Antoinette attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. She loaded Clough's ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favourite Turkish Angora or possibly Siberian cats. Unfortunately, Antoinette never made it onboard and remained in France, where she was later executed. Clough's ship set sail without her but with her pets still onboard. The cats reached the shore of Wiscasset, Maine, where they bred with other short-haired breeds and developed into the modern breed of the Maine Coon.
The Marie Antoinette myth is just one of several theories about the origins of the Maine Coon cat breed. Another theory suggests that Maine Coons are descendants of European ship cats, brought over by sailors or Vikings. The close genetic relationship between Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats lends some credence to this theory. Additionally, the state of Maine was once a popular harbour for ships, making it a likely entry point for foreign cat breeds.
While the true origin of the Maine Coon cat may never be known for certain, these theories and myths continue to capture the imagination of people all over the world.
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Coon's Cats' Cats
Maine Coon cats are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. They originated in the state of Maine, where they are the official state cat. However, their lineage is steeped in mystery, folk tales, and myths.
One of the most common theories about the Maine Coon's origin is that it is a hybrid. There are two variations of this theory: the first is that a domesticated cat crossbred with a raccoon, and the second is that a domesticated cat bred with a bobcat. Both theories are genetically and scientifically impossible, as raccoons and bobcats cannot breed with cats. However, the similarities in fur colour and thickness, as well as a love of water and lynx-like ears, have led to persistent speculation. The second theory also influenced the cat's name, with "Coon" being an abbreviation of "raccoon".
Another theory suggests that Maine Coons are descendants of European ship cats, brought over by sailors and settlers. Two hundred years ago, Maine was a common harbour for ships, and many sea-faring families settled along the coast, bringing their cats with them. These cats may have been long-haired Angora breeds, or Norwegian Forest Cats brought over by Nordic explorers.
A particularly colourful theory involves Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, who attempted to escape to the United States with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. The story goes that although Antoinette herself did not make it, her six Turkish Angora or Siberian cats did, reaching the shore of Wiscasset, Maine, where they bred with other short-haired breeds, eventually developing into the modern Maine Coon.
The true origin of the Maine Coon remains unknown, but their distinctive appearance, size, and hunting skills have made them one of the most famous cat breeds in New England and the United States.
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Natural Selection
The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed and one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. The breed originated in the U.S. state of Maine, where it is the official state cat. The Maine Coon is predominantly known for its size and dense coat of fur, which helps it survive in the harsh climate of Maine.
The true ancestral origin of the Maine Coon Cat cannot be said with certainty, but it is widely accepted that the breed originated in the North Eastern parts of America in the mid-19th century. The breed's lineage is surrounded by mystery, folk tales, and myths. One myth claims the Maine Coon is a hybrid with another animal species, such as the raccoon or bobcat. Another myth states that the cats are descendants of Viking ship cats, known today as Norwegian Forest cats. A third story involves Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, who, before her execution in 1793, attempted to escape to Maine with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. The story goes that, although Antoinette herself did not make it, all of her cats—Turkish Angoras or possibly Siberians—safely reached the shore of Wiscasset, Maine, where they bred with other short-haired breeds and developed into the modern Maine Coon breed.
These myths and theories have long speculated that the long-haired Maine Coon is related to other long-haired breeds due to their similarities in phenotype. Phylogenetic studies have shown that the Maine Coon belongs to the Western European monophyletic cat branch and forms the closest relationship with the random-bred cat population in the Northeastern US (New York region). This Western European branch also contains the Norwegian and Siberian Forest cat, but they fall under a different sub-branch.
Maine Coons are descendants of cats brought to New England by Puritan settlers in the 1600s and 1700s, and of the European cats, they are genetically closest to cats found in the United Kingdom. The similarities between the Maine Coon and the Norwegian and Siberian Forest cats are not due to relatedness but to convergent evolution. These breeds all formed in harsh climates, where natural selection pressures favoured similar qualities. Thick, long coats, toe and ear tufts, big bodies, and large feet are useful traits in the harsh climates where these breeds originate.
The Maine Coon has evolved significantly in the last four decades, and with this evolution came some high points and low points for the breed. Notably, the work of Dr Mark D Kittleson and Dr Kathryn Meurs, and the discovery of the HCM gene mutation in cats, revealed that approximately a third of the top Maine Coon cats carried this "defective" gene.
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Frequently asked questions
Maine Coon cats originate in Wiscasset, Maine, USA. They are the official state cat of Maine and are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America.
There are several theories about the origin of the Maine Coon cat breed, some more plausible than others. One theory suggests that they are part-raccoon, while another claims they are linked to Queen Marie Antoinette's Turkish Angora cats. The most likely theory is that they are descendants of the Norwegian Forest Cat, brought over by Vikings or European sailors in the 1700s.
Maine Coon cats are known for their majestic manes, bushy tails, and large stature. They are also relatively easy to train and are very vocal. They have wide paws that help them walk over snow and a thick, water-resistant coat that keeps them warm in cold climates.
Maine Coon cats are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Males can weigh up to 18 pounds, while females typically weigh between 8 and 15 pounds. They can reach lengths of up to 48 inches, including their tail.