History of the Maine Coon
The Maine Coon originates from the northeastern part of the United States, is generally looked at as a native of Maine, and is in fact the official State Cat of Maine. This cat is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America.
There are a variety of legends and myths about the history of the Maine Coon, including one relating the tale of long haired french cats that were brought to Wicasset, Maine by Captain Samuel Clough for Marie Antoinette when she was planning to escape during the French Revolution. Another myth, for it is biologically impossible, is that domestic cats mated with raccoons or bobcats, creating the ear tufts, bushy tails and tabby markings. Today, most breeders believe that the cat originated from matings between short haired domestic cats and long haired types from overseas (perhaps Angora type cats) brought by the New England seamen or from longhaired Norwegian "Skogkatts" or Norwegian Forest cats brought over by the Vikings. Another legend is told that a cabin boy - or sea captain - named Tom Coon who collected cats and sailed with them for vermin control on the ships. When he went ashore, so did the long haired cats, which presumably mated with the local domestic short haired cat population. The long haired kittens which began appearing in local litters began to be dubbed "Coon's cats"!
No matter which tale appeals or seems most believable to you, there is no definitive record of the origination of the breed. However they arrived here, winters in the 17th and 18th centuries were harsh, and only those cats that could withstand the season survived. The severe winters most likely contributed to the Maine Coon developing into a large, sturdy cat with a thick, long haired water-resistant coat complete with tufts of fur between it's toes.
The first recorded mention of the Maine Coon in literature was in 1861 of a black and white cat named "Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines". A brown and white tabby female named "Cosie" won the Best Cat in Show at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show. They were popular for cat fanciers until 1900 or so when the Persians arrived in this country. Popularity declined until the 1950's when the cat fanciers began to take notice of them and started recording their pedigrees. The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association was formed in 1968 by 6 breeders in an effort to preserve and protect the breed. Today the MCBFA has over 1,000 members and 200 breeders.