Maine coon is one of the oldest natural breeds of semi long hair cats from the Northern America. It is believed that the breed originated from Maine (and Maine Coons are today still the official cats of the state). A number of legends surround the origin of the breed. One of them, although biologically excluded, is that Maine Coons originated from matings between wild cats and racoons. The furry tail and the colouring (standard black tabby is a common colouring for a Maine Coon) are similar to that of racoons. That is why the name “Coon Cat” was adopted which eventually was changed to “Maine Coon Cat”. Another popular theory on the origin of the breed is that it descends from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine, when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution with the help of a New England Captain named Clough. The house that the Captain was said to have built for her still stands today across the Sheepscott river in Edgecomb, Maine.

The belief of most breeders today is that the Maine Coons originated in matings between shorthaired domestic cats pre-existing in the territory and longhairs from the Old Continent (perhaps Angora types introduced by seamen, or longhairs brought to America by the Vikings).

Maine Coons are well equipped by nature, as they had to survive in harsh natural conditions (including hostile winters). As planned breedings of Maine Coons are relatively recent, these cats still have their strong, natural qualities. Maine Coons are strong, healthy and disease-resistant cats. It is interesting to know that a breed close to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in a similar climate. This could lend credence to the theory that some of these cats were responsible for the development of the Maine Coon as they were brought over by the Vikings.

Many features of Maine Coons are related with their adaptation to a harsh climate. Their glossy, heavy and water-resistant coat is like that of no other breed, and must be touched to be truly appreciated. The coat is longer on the stomach, britches  and ruff to protect against wet and snow, and shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in underbrush. The coat does nor require complicated maintenance - combing once or twice a week is all that is usually required. The long, bushy tail offers additional protection when wrapped around the cat during sleep, which is useful in particularly cold winters. His ears have a large range of movement and are more heavily furred (both inside and outside) for protection from the cold. Big, tufted feet help them negotiate uneven terrain and walk in snow. Their large eyes and ears are also survival traits, as they serve to improve sight and hearing. The relatively long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and lapping water from streams and puddles.

Although the myth of 15-kilogram cats is a huge overstatement, the Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic breeds. They are tall, muscular, and big-boned. Males commonly weigh 7 to 10 kilograms, and females are smaller and normally reach about 4 to 6 kilograms. With their luxurious coat the cats seem heavier than they really are. Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they are three or four years old. They usually remain playful, which is a feature characteristic only of kittens of other breeds, throughout their lives. The males tend to be more playful while the females are usually more solemn, although there are many exceptions to the rule. The cats are big, gentle and good-natured. They like company and prefer to stay close to people, despite being quite independent. Because of their size they will rather not sit in your lap, and choose to lie at your side. They like participating in domestic chores. Even their voices are rather unique; they have a distinctive tone which they use to communicate on many issues, from announcing their material needs to cajoling their people into playing with them. Maine Coons love to play, and many of them like retrieving small items. They rarely meow, and when they do, their high-pitched voice doesn't match their size!

The important features of the Maine Coon that are taken into account when evaluating the cat are the head and body shape, and the quality and quantity of the coat. The head is slightly longer than it is wide, with a gently concave profile and high cheekbones. When observed en face, the muzzle should be square with its upper part and the chin heavily-pointed. Ears should be large, wide at the base, and well tufted inside, preferably with lynx-like tufting on the top. Proper base of the ears is also important. They should be set quite high, pointed upwards and the distance between them should be that of the ear width. The neck should be medium-long, the torso long, the chest broad and the paws long. The tail should reach at least the shoulder blades. One of their most distinctive features is their eyes, which are large, oval, expressive, and set at a slightly oblique angle. Overall, the Maine Coon should present the appearance of a well-balanced, well-built, rectangular cat. The standard for the breed differs slightly depending on the association (FIFe - Federation Internationale Feline d'Europe, TICA - The International Cats Association, CFA - Cat Fanciers Association, ACFA - American Cat Fancier Association, GCCF - Governing Council of the Cat Fancy). We are members of FIFe and it is their standard that we describe as the preferred one on our web page. In the past, there has been no restriction on the acceptable patterns and colours, except for the colouring characteristic for Siamese cats. As a result, a wide range of colours and patterns are bred. Eye colours popular in Maine Coons are various tones of green, gold and hazel. In white cats blue eyes and odd eyes (such as one blue eye and one gold) are also permissible. There is no requirement in the breed standard for particular combinations of eye colour with coat colour. Hearing is checked in white cats, as deafness is a factor eliminating from breeding.

Many people consider Maine Coons to be perfect as domestic pets because of their open and playful personalities, affectionate natures, amusing habits, willingness to "help" with any activity, and easily maintained coats. They make excellent companions for large families and they easily make friends with dogs and other animals. Their external appearance, good nature, size and expression render them the most beloved, trusted and admired companions in everyday life.