![]() Even if his name is an extremely convenient match for the Maine Coon cat origin story, there is no proof that it’s not just another folk tale. Back in the 1800’s, there was a ship Captain by the name of Charles Coon. Of the ship cat theories, a particular story seems to stand out from the rest. People always say that Maine Coons are great mousers, giving even more weight to this theory. It is believed that these sailor cats would then become the much loved Maine Coon. The most mentioned in relation to this theory are the long-haired Angora breeds. These cats might have been one of a few long-haired breeds of European cats. Some captains also retired in the area, bringing along their loved feline families. Many sea-faring families settled in the coastal towns of Maine, bringing along their precious cats. Not only that, Maine was also very popular with ship-building companies. Two hundred years ago, the state of Maine was a common harbor for ships to anchor and get repairs, and for sailors to take a break on land. Some seafaring families kept close watch over their cat families, usually maintaining the color strain for generations. Some captains were so close to their long-haired cats that the kittens were very well taken care of and looked after. Ship captains would usually keep cats onboard to keep control of the mice and rats that could wreak havoc on the cargo and the inner workings of the ship. The strongest theory about the Maine Coon cats’ origin is that they are descendants of European ship cats. This improbable theory has been around for hundreds of years but has no proof whatsoever. Before it was called the Maine Coon, it was simply called “Maine cat.” The addition of the second word, Coon, could be from the abbreviation for raccoon, coon, or as we will see further on, from Captain Charles Coon. The cat + raccoon theory also has a bit of influence in the name of the Maine Coon. Similarities in fur color and thickness, the love of water, the lynx-like ears, it all makes one wonder. People from Maine will tell you that the theory of the Maine Coon being half raccoon or half bobcat is an old wives tale. Bobcats are a lynx species, meaning they cannot breed with normal cats.Įven if the hybrid theory is genetically and scientifically impossible, when it comes to looks and personality, things can get confusing. Cats and bobcats are both from the Felidae family but are not the same species. The second theory of a cat breeding with a bobcat might sound more probable but actually isn’t. Of the first theory (cat+raccoon) there is little possibility since cats and raccoons are completely different species and cannot breed with each other. The other is that a domesticated cat cross-bred with a bobcat. The first is that a domesticated cat cross-bred with a raccoon. There are two general strains to this origin theory. One of the most common theories about the Maine Coon cats’ origin is that it is a hybrid. Nonetheless, an undeniable fact about the Maine Coon cat is that it’s the state animal of Maine and that’s pretty impressive in it itself. Which story you tell about your cat, is up to you. Here are some of the well-known theories as to the origins of the Maine Coon cat. Still, none of the theories have been proven and their mysterious origins have become part of the Maine Coon’s uncanny feline charm. Others more like science fiction due to genetic improbability. ![]() There are a few theories, some more fairy tale than fact. Unfortunately though, not much is known about how they got there in the first place. This is mainly due to a small number of other cats in the area and a first-hand experience of Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest. The cold and the distances between human settlements in Maine helped the Maine Coon cat breed stay unmixed for hundreds of years. ![]() ![]() Some might even say that they are the Maine Coon myths.Īs one of the “original native cat-breeds” of the United States, the Maine Coon cat is known for having adapted to the harsh winters and natural wild environment of the state of Maine. Apart from their good looks and gentle personality, their history is also quite mysterious! Their origins are more folk tale and theory than real proven facts. They are the hardiest, furriest and largest cats of all the domesticated cat breeds kept in homes around the Western world. The Maine Coon cat is one of the most famous cat breeds in New England and most of the United States. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |