Maine Coon standards in WCF, TICA and FIFe systems

Maine Coon cats have earned universal recognition thanks to their luxurious fluffy fur, unusual colors and charming ear tufts. And, of course, this is the largest cat of the domesticated breeds. This strong and graceful animal has a gentle character, playfulness and high intelligence.

At the moment, he is one of the most desirable pets in the whole world. The animal quickly becomes attached to all family members and even other animals. The name of the breed consists of two words: the state where they appeared (maine) and the animal (racoon - raccoon), which the fluffies are so similar to.

History of the origin of the breed

The history of the Maine Coon breed began in North America and is full of many legends. According to one of them, the breed got its start from the intercourse of an ordinary cat with a raccoon. As a result, the Maine raccoon cat with a characteristic color appeared. The first legend seems rather implausible, but another name for the Maine Coon is also very common - raccoon cat.

According to another theory, big cats had lynx as their ancestors, which is why they got wild colors and tufts on their ears. In fact, the origin of the breed was a natural evolutionary process of natural selection in the wild. No one specially bred the breed.

Maine has fairly harsh climate conditions and life in general, and ordinary cats adapted to the environment by increasing in size, becoming stronger and growing thicker hair. Thus, nature itself created the Maine giant.

In Russia, the breed, which appeared in the harsh conditions of the north, became known only at the end of the 20th century.

CFA

According to the general description, Maine Coons are strong cats with great endurance and are adapted to life in difficult climatic conditions. These are well-balanced and harmoniously built animals, without signs of excess. The main feature of the breed is its smooth and shiny coat. When assessing a particular specimen, type, not size, is of paramount importance.

Description of the standard:

1. Head. It has medium length and width, a square-shaped muzzle. A wider head does not cause fines or disqualification of the animal, if we are talking about stud cats.
2. Ears. Large, with pointed tips and tassels on them. Set wide and high, the distance between them approximately coincides with the width of the ear at the base.
3. Eyes. Large, slightly convex, set wide and slightly oblique. They can be green, gold, golden-green or copper. Blue eyes are allowed only in representatives of the breed with a white coat or bicolors.
4. Body. Medium or large, rectangular, well-developed muscles. The neck is of medium length, the chest is wide.
5. Limbs. Strong, medium length, proportional to the body. The pads are round and there are tufts of fur between the toes. The front paws have 5 toes, the hind paws have 4.
6. Tail. Long, tapering towards the end, covered with long hair.
7. Coat. Fluffy, long, silky. Shorter on the shoulders than on the belly and hind legs.
8. Coat color. White, black, blue, red, cream colors, various variations of tabby and tipping colors are allowed.

Reasons for disqualification:

1. Light frame.
2. Wedge-shaped or narrow muzzle.
3. Malocclusion.
4. Strabismus.
5. Noticeable use of cats of other bloods when breeding an animal.

Chocolate, lilac, cinnamon or Siamese coats are not acceptable.

Description of the Maine Coon breed

The American Maine Coon is an undoubted pride for its nation. The description of the breed is mainly that it is the largest of the domesticated cats. The cats look like tame lynxes due to their size and cute tassels on their ears.

Other kittens are born with short hair, but Maine Coons appear immediately with their luxurious thick coat. A smooth-haired cat with a cute face and an incredibly long fluffy tail, these are the main characteristics of the breed.

The variety of colors that US breeders awarded these majestic cats adds to their popularity. The characteristics of the breed are not limited to outstanding external data. The Maine Coon cat breed is endowed with a surprisingly easy-going character, intelligence and grace. They are hardy and can withstand various types of tests prepared by nature.

Maine Coon breed standard

• The animal appears to be strong and sturdy, with a rectangular body.
• The head is medium in size with a square outline and strong jaws. High cheekbones, strong chin.
• The large cat breed has a beautiful square muzzle with tufted ears that are wide at the base and set high. The profile is smooth, without a hump.
• The ears, tapering at the base towards the tip, are distinguished by their outstanding size, making the cat look like a lynx.
• The giant may have yellow, copper, or green eyes. It is possible to meet blue-eyed cats with a silver marbled color. The extraordinary intelligence of cats can literally be read in their eyes. They look directly, confidently, openly.
• The paws are large, round, with large pads and tufts of hair between the toes.
• The neck is of medium size.
• The Maine Coon's tail, with long and fluffy hair, tapers to a tip and is the cat's real pride. The length of the tail is equal to the entire body of the animal.
• The fur of cats is silky, thick and shaggy. In the collar area, on the hind legs and belly, the hair is noticeably longer.

Appearance and character

The Maine Coon breed standards are recognized and described by all felinological associations under the following codes:

• WCF (World Cat Federation): “II – MCO”
• FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline): "2 - MCO"
• TICA (The International Cat Association): "MC"

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The appearance of Maine Coon cats is recognizable and stands out clearly among numerous cat breeds. A kitten of several months already has a huge size, by cat standards. Their main treasure is a luxurious, shoulder-length tail, wide at the base and tapering towards the tip. However, the characteristics of the Maine Coon breed are not limited to the tail. Powerful build, wide chest, rectangular outline of the body, fluffy collar and thick, almost waterproof coat, shorter on the head, shoulders and sides, but lengthening closer to the belly and “pants”. By these signs, Maine cats are unmistakably identified. But the most typical breed standards are manifested in such characteristics as paw length, profile, color and ears.

Paws: endurance and protection

The paws of Maycoon cats are not too long, but very strong and proportional. The pads are quite large, rounded and protected by tufts of hair growing between the toes. Nature made sure that Maine Coons did not freeze in the snow and did not slip on ice.

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Head: bright personality

Head and ear placement

Coons have outstanding “facial” features - the nose and chin are large, protruding strongly, and should form a distinct angle in profile. The eyes can be yellow or green, but a clear color is almost always required.

Also, they have very noticeable ears: large, with a wide base, almost vertical and often decorated with elegant tassels (this is not a mandatory feature; some Maine cats do not wear tassels).

From the ears, as well as from the paws, it is easy to see in what natural conditions the breed was formed; in a Maine Coon cat, the ears are pubescent not only from the outside, but also from the inside, and the skin on them is very dense.

Color: color variety

In any description of the Maine Coon breed you will find a mention that Maines have many color options. Only chocolate, lilac and point breeds are rejected. The standards allow piebald, harlequin, tabby colors, but Maine Coons look most beautiful in solid (or so-called “solid”) colors - gray, red, cream and others.

Personality: calm, Nordic

The characteristics of the breed extend not only to appearance, but also to character. Maine Coons are calm, self-possessed, despite their menacing appearance, and are absolutely not aggressive. They avoid strangers, but respond well to affection and are able to quickly find a common language with anyone if they are treated well. Their loyalty to humans, responsiveness, good memory and ability to learn commands surprise many; some coon owners even joke about their relationship with dogs.

Maine cat

Also, a description of the breed would be incomplete without mentioning that Maine Coons get along well with other pets. However, the latter does not apply to rodents. This is where the predatory nature of the Maine Coon will make itself felt. Do not forget that, for all their good nature, these cats are hunters.

Another important point: Coons clearly distinguish between what is theirs and what is not theirs. Maykun needs to allocate his own, at least small, living space, where he could sometimes be alone - and then you don’t have to worry about the safety of the furniture and wallpaper. An equipped scratching post is a must! A house with a platform is also desirable; Maine Coons love to be on a hill.

Breed Features

Features of the breed include later puberty (by 4 years), compared to ordinary cats. This is because Maine Coons are the largest domestic cats in the world. The height of the largest representative of the breed was 123 cm.

The main pros and cons of the breed can only be determined by getting to know the animal closely. But if this huge pet has already won your heart, small flaws will seem like endearing features.

These felines have a polydactyl genetic defect, which means they can have a variable number of toes (up to 7). Breeders and show organizers believe that such polydactyl cats cannot be considered examples of the breed, but many owners like this uniqueness in their pet.

The most famous Maine Coon polydact has 27 toes, a world record.

Another feature is the extraordinary ability of fluffies to adapt to their environment, people and other animals. These animals are capable of dividing territory into theirs and others, so make sure that strangers do not encroach on his favorite house and bedding.

TICA (America)

The second largest felinological organization in the world, founded in 1079, its main office is in the USA. Exhibition activities comply with American rules and require open judging and the judge not having any information about the animal and its titles.

TICA unites not clubs, but Maine Coon breeders and owners, and the judges of this organization must regularly confirm their qualifications.

TICA standard:

1. Head. Wide, in the shape of a modified wedge, the forehead is rounded, the cheekbones are prominent.
2. Ears. Large, with a wide base, medium pointed, set high relative to the head, the auricle is slightly inclined outward.
3. Eyes . Large, set wide. Their color has nothing to do with the color of their coat.
4. Color. Any color is acceptable, as well as a white outline around the chin, eyes and lips.
5. Coat. Serves as protection from weather conditions; there is a small undercoat, the quality of which should be different from the outer coat.

A Maine Coon can be fined for:

1. Eyes wide open.
2. Small size.
3. Rounded head shape.
4. Short tail.
5. Long limbs.
6. The coat is the same length.
7. Specks, spots.
8. Sparse undercoat.
9. Almond-shaped eyes.
10. Ears located close to each other.
11. Short tail.

Reasons for disqualification:

1. Aggressive behavior, attempts to bite or scratch the judge.
2. Cryptorchidism.
3. Lack of tail, its creases.
4. Strabismus, blindness.
5. Extra fingers or xiphoid process.
6. Size inappropriate for breed.

It is strictly prohibited to use representatives of other breeds in Maine Coon breeding.

How much does a Maine Coon cost?

The cost of Maine Coon kittens purchased as a pet ranges from 15 to 70 thousand rubles. Such animals have minor defects. The cost of a kitten is determined by pedigree, color, gender, and compliance with the standard.

Maine Coon cats cost much more to perform at exhibitions, 100-125 thousand rubles. They should be purchased from nurseries or from breeders with a solid reputation. The largest cat in the world cannot be cheap; people with appropriate education are engaged in breeding it, making a lot of effort.

How to choose a Maine Coon kitten

Maine Coon cats are in high demand on the market, which means that it is quite possible to purchase an animal from scammers; be careful, do not buy kittens without documents. Reliable breeders will help you choose the right kitten, and your pet will take first place at shows and become the pride of the family.

Newborn kittens must have a pedigree document, belong to one of the breed types and have characteristic features. Maine Coon girls are slightly smaller in weight and size than boys.

How to distinguish a Maine Coon kitten

Maine Coon kittens are larger than others and differ from a regular cat by the presence of a collar, fluffy hair and tufts on the ears. The little Maine Coon looks confidently with his smart, expressive eyes.

Kittens have large paws and can move awkwardly. Later maturation means that such a kitten is given to its owners after it reaches 12 weeks. Do not buy fluffy birds from unknown people or at bird markets. If the owner refuses to show the animal's parents, consider whether you should trust him.

Behavior, temperament

Everyone who was lucky enough to meet Maine Coon cats in their life will forever remember both their fluffy decoration and their imperturbable character. They may not even show that they noticed the appearance of a stranger. Their behavior is sometimes compared to that of dogs . Their intelligence and ability to learn are another reason for dog lovers to expand their preferences to include Maine Coon cats.

Such a cat can become a true friend: understanding and realistically assessing the situation - able to patiently wait for the right moment to attract attention if he sees that the owner is busy with important work, is not annoying, and is independent.

But at the same time, the Maine Coon is demanding, which emphasizes its importance - it wants to get its share of attention, affection, appreciates walks, and in return gives its owners warmth, affection, good mood, a lot of positive and joyful moments. I am ready to establish relationships with other pets, but due to their hunting instincts, rodents are at risk.

But rodent pests will be neutralized - the owners do not have to worry about them. The maturation of this large cat also takes a long time - from three to five years. Therefore, owners must understand that an outwardly adult cat can still have the behavior of a teenager for a long time - it is necessary to actively play with it (which requires a lot of space), at this time it can also be taught and trained in a playful way (these cats are even capable of fetching objects).

This is interesting! Maine Coons treat the smallest members of the family kindly, but they will not approve of persistent pestering.

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Comparative table of the rating scale in points

WCF system

WCF adheres to the rules adopted by European organizations. Exhibitions are held openly, owners of any breed are present during inspection. Experts voice descriptions of cats. An exhibitor can only receive one rating per day.

Body:

1. Large or very large;
2. The chest is wide;
3. Rectangular format;
4. Long and wide;
5. The paws are round, of medium length, strong, muscular;
6. Tail: Wide and tapering towards the end, framed by long flowing hair, reaching to the shoulder;
7. Tufts of hair between fingers;
8. Muscular.

Head:

1. With a large, massive, square-shaped skull (straight outline);
2. High cheekbones;
3. The profile is curved;
4. Nose of medium length;
5. Massive chin in line with the nose and upper jaw;
6. The profile of the muzzle is curved.

Eyes:

1. Large;
2. Wide set;
3. Oval;
4. Standing a little askew;
5. The color is uniform and harmonizes with the coat color.

Ears:

1. Large;
2. Wide, but tapering towards the ends;
3. High and almost vertical posture;
4. Tassels at the ends are desirable;
5. The distance between the ears is no more than the width of one ear;
6. The pubescence of the inner part extends beyond the outer edge.

Useful to read: Mating Maine Coons - how everything should go

Wool:

1. Dense, close to the body;
2. Waterproof;
3. Covers the paws, part of the body, half of the tail;
4. Shorter on head and shoulders;
5. A mane is desirable;
6. Longer on the hind legs (pants), back of the body, surface of the abdomen;
7. The undercoat is thick, soft to the touch, delicate, covered almost everywhere with an outer coat;
8. “Pants” and belly without top coat, only with undercoat.

Any color of the breed is recognized, except:

1. Chocolate;
2. Cynamon;
3. Lilac;
4. Faun;
5. Acromelanic (color-point and similar).

Even variations of prohibited colors are not allowed. For example, a chocolate-colored Maine Coon with white spots or patterns (tabby) will be disqualified. It may also indicate mixed origin.

Among the shortcomings of the breed, only the same length of hair along the body is noted. This means that the top hair should form a so-called cloak. If the fur covers the belly, “pants” and is lengthened on the head and shoulders, then the Maine Coon will not be able to claim the CAC title.

According to the European WCF system, the Coon rating scale includes 4 criteria. The maximum number of points is awarded for the body - 35. Next on the list: head - 30 points, color, coat quality: 25 points. For assessing the general appearance of the breed and eye color, 5 points are awarded for each criterion.