Maine Coon Cats

Origins of Maine Coon Cats

Where do Maine Coon Cats come from? There are some interesting myths and legends about them. One saying goes that they are the result of a domestic cat and raccoon mating! That one is pure myth as they are two different species. Another one is that a captain named Coon from England kept long haired cats on his ship to keep rodents down, as he docked in ports in Maine his feline companions mated with native cats. The offspring were dark brown, large, and had long bushy tails that may have been mistaken for raccoons. Given his name and their appearance Coon cats became a popular name given to them. A most fascinating legend involves Marie Antoinette! In a plot to smuggle the French Queen out of France, a captain Clough was enlisted to gather her belongings and six of her favorite cats. She was seized and beheaded, but the captain sailed to America upon where her cats bred with the native breeds producing Maine Coons. The most logical origin is that settlers coming to America brought their cats with them and they bred with the domestic cats here. Producing the breed that has the stamina and strength to endure harsh cold weather and excellent intelligence and hunting skills.http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/MaineCoon/MCArticle.aspx

Here is a video with more information!