The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural cat breeds in North America, originating from the state of Maine from which it takes its name. Its exact origins remain mysterious and have given rise to numerous legends. One of them claims that the breed resulted from a cross between domestic cats and raccoons, which would explain their bushy tail and name. Another romantic legend tells that these cats descended from six Angora cats belonging to Queen Marie-Antoinette, sent to America before her attempted escape. In reality, Maine Coons are probably the result of natural crossbreeding between short-haired cats brought by the first settlers and long-haired cats introduced by European sailors.
In the 19th century, the Maine Coon was very popular on New England farms, appreciated for its rodent-hunting talents and resistance to harsh winters. Its thick fur, large paws adapted to snow, and tufted ears protected it perfectly from Maine's harsh climate. These robust cats quickly won the hearts of farmers and became indispensable companions. The Maine Coon was even shown at the first American cat shows, achieving great success. In 1895, a female Maine Coon named Cosey won Best in Show at the major cat show at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Despite this initial success, the breed experienced a decline in the early 20th century with the arrival of exotic breeds like Persians and Siamese that captivated the attention of breeders and the public. The Maine Coon almost disappeared from cat shows and was only present on rural farms in Maine where it continued to fulfill its role as a hunter. It wasn't until the 1950s that enthusiasts undertook to save the breed by creating the Central Maine Cat Club in 1953. Thanks to their tireless efforts to preserve and promote these magnificent felines, the Maine Coon gradually regained its popularity.
Today, the Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, recognized for its large size, gentle and sociable character, and majestic appearance. It has been officially recognized by most international feline associations and became the official cat of the state of Maine in 1985. Maine Coons can weigh up to 10 kilograms for males and are often nicknamed the "gentle giants" of the feline world. Their endearing personality, intelligence, and ability to adapt to family life make them highly sought-after companions, thus perpetuating the legacy of these robust cats that managed to conquer America and then the entire world.