Maine Coon Cat

                                                                 Standard as written in the CFA Standards manual

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This will be a brief review of the breed standard and color genetics. It would take to long to go in depth in any of these areas but feel free to ask for clarification if you need more information.

The Maine Coon was originally a working breed who is considered solid, rugged, and built to endure a harsh climate. No part of the cat should be exaggerated. Quality should NEVER be sacrificed for size.

HEAD SHAPE: Medium in width and slightly longer in length than width with a squareness to the muzzle. Cheekbones high.

MUZZLE/CHIN: Visibly square, medium in length and blunt ended when viewed in profile (from the side). Rectangular but not tapering or pointed. Length and width of the muzzle should be proportionate to the rest of the head. Chin should be strong, firm and in line with the upper lip and nose. In profile (from the side) the chin should give the impression of a square. A chin lacking in depth (tapers from the jaw line to the lip) is not considered strong, firm or desirable.

PROFILE: Should be proportionate to the overall length of the head and should exhibit a slight concavity when viewed in profile. Profile (from forehead to nose tip) should be relatively smooth and free of pronounced bumps and/or humps. A profile that is straight from the brown line to the tip of the nose is NOT acceptable.

EARS: Large well tufted (refers to the hair on the inside of the ear, tassels on top are optional), wide at the base, tapering to appear pointed. Ears should be one ears width apart at the base and not flared.

EYES: Large, expressive, wide set with an open OVAL shape and slightly slanted toward the base of the ears.

BODY SHAPE: Muscular, broad-chested. Medium to large in size with females generally smaller than males.  Long body with all parts in proportion to create a well-balanced rectangular appearance with no part of the anatomy being exaggerated. Allowance made for slow maturation.

LEGS: Medium length and wide set to the body. Forelegs are straight. Back legs are straight when viewed from behind. Paws are large, round and well tufted. FIVE TOES ON FRONT AND FOUR TOES IN THE BACK.

TAIL: Long, wide at the base and tapering. Fur long and flowing.

COAT: Heavy and shaggy; shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches. Frontal ruff is desirable. Texture should be silky with coat falling smoothly.

EYE COLOR: Green, gold or copper. White cats and all cats with white (over the eyes) can have blue or odd eyes.

CATS CAN BE PENALIZED IN QUALITY FOR: A coat that is short or overall, even. All colors or patterns with white which do not have the required areas of white (bib, belly, four white paws).

DISQUALIFICATIONS: Delicate bone structure. Undershot chin (underbite or overbite). Crossed eyes. Kinked or abnormal tail. Incorrect number of toes (polydactyl). White buttons, white lockets, or white spots. Cats showing hybridization resulting in the color’s chocolate, lavender, or Himalayan patterns. Blue eyes on a non-white cat.