The Maine Coon cat's exact origin is shrouded in mystery. It is America's
only native longhaired breed and has a background in folklore which is unique and
sets it apart from any other cat in America.

Although exactly where and how the Maine Coon originated is unclear, it is documented
that the Maine Coon was America's first show cat. Maine Coons were shown as early as
the 1860's in New England county fairs and won honors at Madison Square Garden in
1895.
In 1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association
dedicated to preserve and protect this remarkable cat.

Truly a cat of many colors, the Maine Coon is recognized in almost every color and
combination with the exception of Himalayan markings. The best known may be the
brown tabby, but there are a great many accepted colors loved, prized and shown by
people who know Maine Coons.

The breed is known for its friendly, outgoing personality and its impressive size, with
males averaging 15 to 20 pounds and females averaging 10 to 15 pounds. Reports of
Maine Coons weighing as much as 35 pounds are most often exaggerated. Their beautiful
large eyes are wide set, slightly slanting upward towards their large, well-tufted ears. The
standard permits eyes in the colors of green, gold or copper except in white cats where
blue or odd eyes are permitted.Maine Coons are muscular cats that stand tall on sturdy,
wide-set legs, and large rounded paws, famous for their tufting. The long tail is able to
wrap around the toes and it is said that the Maine Coon is a tail with a cat attached.

The breed, with its self-grooming coat which is virtually non-matting, can groom its own
coat but still enjoys the attention of being combed now and then.

Maine Coons are "cool" cats with very even temperaments which blend in well with
multi-pet households and are very devoted and loyal.