The Maine Coon cat, also known as the American Longhair cat, is a feline with a distinctive, robust appearance that captivates everyone’s attention. Originating from the state of Maine, USA, they have become a unique symbol of the region. What sets them apart is their striking coat, resembling a lion’s mane, combined with exceptional hunting skills, giving them an elegant and regal demeanor. The Maine Coon cat has garnered admiration from cat enthusiasts worldwide, and their introduction to Vietnam has caused quite a sensation. So, what is their personality, care requirements, and pricing like? Let’s explore these aspects together in this article
Until now, no scientific report has definitively determined the exact time when Maine Coon cats first appeared. We only know that around the late 19th century, these cats were already one of the highly popular breeds in pet competitions.
Many hypotheses suggest that these large cats are the result of long-haired cat breeds crossing with local cats, brought by Viking sailors or modern-era English sailors (including Captain Charles Coon in legend) around the 11th century. Through centuries of breeding and crossing with native cats, the adorable and round Maine Coon cats we know today emerged.
Information about the origin of this cat breed is largely based on folk tales. One such folklore recounts that the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, before her execution, quickly planned an escape with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. The queen brought aboard Clough’s ship some of her most important belongings, including six beloved cats of the Ankara breed. While she could not escape death, her cats safely reached the shores of Wiscasset, Maine. Here, they began crossbreeding with local short-haired cats, giving rise to the Maine Coon cat breed.
Although these two stories share some minor similarities regarding the origin of Maine Coon cats, the hypothesis involving Captain Charles Coon and the sailors is likely more widely accepted. This is because the long-haired American cats generally resemble the Norwegian Forest Cats (a breed of cat found in Northern Europe).
Maine Coon cats are highly favored by many North Americans due to their exceptional hunting skills. They are often used on large farms to control rodents and other small pests. These cats have also become symbols of certain states in the United States, demonstrating their significant allure and influence on humans.
The early 20th century marked the peak of popularity for the fluffy Maine Coon cats. During this time, they flourished in terms of numbers and were prominently featured in cat shows and competitions. However, with the rise of exotic cats, Persian cats, and other beautiful imported breeds, the lion-maned cats gradually faded into obscurity. There was even a period when people declared this cat breed extinct. However, by the early 1960s, the Maine Coon started to regain its position. In particular, in 1975, when they were recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) as a provisional breed, Maine Coons began to gain widespread popularity, attracting attention and affection from many people. They went on to win numerous awards in cat competitions.
