Myths, legend, and lore surround the Maine Coon cat; some are amusing, some are fantastic flights of fantasy, and some are merely plausible. They certainly provide good material for conversation. Books and articles dealing with these aspects of the Maine Coon cat have been well received, as people never seem to tire of the subject and are always eager to know more about this wonderful breed.
The Maine Coon is a native American longhaired cat and was recognized as a specific breed in Maine, where it was held in high regard for its mousing talents. Through nature’s own breeding program, this breed has developed into a sturdy cat ideally suited to the harsh winters and varied seasons of the region. The Maine Coon is well known for its loving nature, kindly disposition, and great intelligence. Maines are especially good with children and dogs, and have always been a popular and sought-after companion.
The Maine Coon has always been admired for its beauty, and a Maine Coon was chosen as Best Cat at the first major cat show ever held in this country. The transition from easygoing farm cat to CFA finalist was not an easy one, nor did it happen quickly. Although they lost favor and were conspicuously absent from shows for quite a long time, we are now seeing large classes of these beauties in most cat shows, and it is not unusual for a Maine Coon to be named Best Cat.