LasCoon - cattery of Maine Coon

 History of the Maine Coon

Maine Coon - native breed in North America. The name of this magnificent cat is derived from two words: "Man" - from the name of Maine, which is located in the northeast U.S., where these cats were very common, and "kun" - derived from the word "Rekun" (from the English. Racoon - "raccoon"). The second part of the name (which was added already in the 20.) Maine Coon required frequent striped coat color. Linked to this is one of the legends about the origin of the Maine Coon. Some believe that the first Maine Coon were the result of a great love of a wild raccoon in the European cat, from which they have inherited a striped coat, bushy tail and well developed hunting instincts. According to another view, the Maine Coon could arise from mating feral cats and American lynx. But both alternatives are improbable!

Generally, the origin of the Maine Coon is not completely clear. However, at present it is known that the Maine Coon - one of the oldest native breeds of cats in North America. The history of this breed has acquired many legends and myths.

In addition to the legend about the origin of a raccoon and a cat, a very popular myth about the origin of Maine Coon cats French queen Marie Antoinette. According to legend, the queen was 6 favorite cats. During the French Revolution, the queen decided to flee from France to America. Since she took a most precious things, including decided to save their furry pet. Marie Antoinette had handed them to a certain Captain Samuel Clough. The captain and his wife settled in Maine. There he took the queen and cats. Once in America, cats are "friends" with local, becoming the ancestors of the new breed - the Maine Coon.

Some feline believe that coonskin cats are descended from Norwegian forest, which was brought to the Americas back to the 2 nd century Vikings.

There is another legend - the Junge named Tom Kuhn, who served aboard Glenn Lowry. This vehicle stopped near a farm Tarbox in Maine, where the boy sold to farmers long-haired cats. The owner of the farm Lida Choate was engaged in breeding cats, and it was very interested in the powerful ship cats. They became the ancestors of the breed Manx cat raccoon. The first cats were the names of Jani and Jennifer. Of them had received numerous posterity, to the names of the kittens add the word Choate (name of the breeder) and Tarbox (farm name). While there is no evidence that the raccoon cats were brought to Kuhn's boy (some sources captain), but the cat Lida Choate became very famous in Maine. Perhaps it was the first breeder of this breed, but also gave the Maine coon is the name.

It is believed that the development of maine coon began about 250 years ago in the North American state of Maine, which differed sufficiently harsh climate. For him, were characterized by short cool summers and fairly long cold winter. In such harsh natural conditions and have evolved maine coon. Powerful strong body allow them to move freely in the dense growth of grasses and shrubs. They were strong enough to lead a wild life, to resist competition from other carnivores in North America. Long and sharp teeth were terrible weapon in the hunt for rats.

Wool Maine Coons also helped them perfectly adapt to the harsh climate. Soft and lush undercoat, especially well developed on the abdomen, flanks and legs, perfect to protect animals in the harsh winter. At the same time, it was easy enough to an ancestor of the Maine Coon could retain the mobility and activity at the highest level in hot weather. Ear hair perfectly protects the body from getting wet cat during the rainy season. The existence in nature was perfectly suited, and the seasonal cycle of hair Maine Coon. When the winter season reduced the duration of daylight, cats grow thicker undercoat. As a result, the animal could adjust the heat transfer in a harsh winter.

Probably, at some point in time, these cats have to exist side by side with humans. Maine Coon spread along the entire Atlantic coast, occupying the vicinity of settlements. There, they hunted in many barns, houses and outbuildings. Residents of the coast said their excellent ability to Pied Piper, began to teach them. Gradually, the settlers began to celebrate not only the hunting abilities Maine Coons, but they are friendly, not a wild character.

In the mid-19 century, the first public presentation of the Maine Coon. This cat was brought to the village fair in Maine, where the success demonstrated. At these fairs, people tried to demonstrate to all that impressed with its size. That is why the massive Maine Coon quickly found its admirers. The popularity of rock grew, cats were exported with the times and in other countries.

In 1968, six breeders of Maine Coon breeders founded the Association of Maine Coon (MCBFA). This organization also acts in today.

Currently, many Maine Coon in Russia are due to importations from Europe and America. However, despite the small number of raccoon cat in our country, Russia's Maine Coon have received many prestigious titles at the exhibitions in Russia and abroad.