The Maine Coon, originally a hardy working cat, is celebrated for its solid build, ruggedness, and ability to withstand harsh climates. A defining feature of this breed is its distinctive, flowing shaggy coat. The overall impression of a Maine Coon cat should be one of balance and proportion, with no single feature appearing exaggerated at the expense of others. It is crucial to remember that quality always takes precedence over size. Known for their essentially amiable disposition, Maine Coons adapt well to a variety of environments, making them beloved companions around the world.
Head
(30 Points)
The head of a Maine Coon should be medium in width, and slightly longer than it is wide, presenting a square shape to the muzzle. Judges should allow for broader heads in older male cats. The cheekbones are high, contributing to the breed’s distinctive facial structure.
Muzzle and Chin
The muzzle and chin area is visibly square, of medium length, and appears blunt when viewed in profile. While it may resemble a rectangle, it should never appear tapered or pointed. The length and width of the muzzle must be in proportion to the rest of the head, creating a balanced and pleasing aesthetic. The chin should be strong, firm, and align vertically with the upper lip and nose. In profile, the chin should have a noticeable depth, giving a square, 90-degree angle impression. A receding chin that slopes from the jawline to the lip is considered weak and undesirable in Maine Coon cats.
Profile
The Maine Coon profile should be proportionate to the overall length of the head and display a gentle concavity when viewed from the side. This profile should be relatively smooth, devoid of prominent bumps or humps. A straight profile from the brow line to the nose tip is not accepted, nor should the profile exhibit a “break” or “stop”.
Ears
(10 Points)
Shape: Maine Coon ears are large, well-tufted, and wide at the base, tapering to a pointed appearance.
Set: The ears are set approximately one ear’s width apart at the base and should not be flared outwards.
Eyes
(5 Points)
Maine Coon eyes are large, expressive, and wide-set, exhibiting an open oval shape. They are set slightly obliquely, slanting towards the outer base of the ear.
Body
(30 Points)
The body of a Maine Coon is muscular and broad-chested. They range from medium to large in size, with females generally being smaller than males. The body should be long, with all parts in harmonious proportion to create a well-balanced, rectangular appearance. No part of the anatomy should be so exaggerated as to compromise the cat’s strength or health. It’s important to allow for the Maine Coon’s slow maturation when judging young cats.
Neck
(5 Points)
The neck of a Maine Coon is medium in length, supporting their substantial head and body.
Legs and Feet
(5 Points)
The legs are substantial, wide-set, of medium length, and proportionate to the body. The forelegs are straight, and the hind legs are also straight when viewed from behind. The paws are large, round, and well-tufted, contributing to their snowshoe-like appearance. Maine Coon cats have five toes on each front paw and four toes on each back paw.
Tail
(5 Points)
The tail of a Maine Coon is long, wide at the base, and tapers towards the tip. The fur on the tail is long and flowing, adding to the breed’s majestic presence.
Coat
(20 Points)
The Maine Coon coat is heavy and shaggy, being shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches (rear legs). A frontal ruff, or chest mane, is desirable, enhancing their lion-like appearance. The coat texture is silky, falling smoothly and contributing to the breed’s overall elegance.
Penalty: A coat that is short or uniformly even in length across the body is considered a fault.
Color
(15 Points)
Body Color and Pattern
(15 Points)
Maine Coon cats exhibit a wide array of colors and patterns.
Eye Color: Maine Coon eye color can range through shades of green, gold, green-gold, or copper. White Maine Coons and all Maine Coons with white markings may have blue or odd eyes (one blue and one other color).
Solid Color Class
- White: Pure, glistening white. Nose leather and paw pads: pink.
- Black: Dense coal black, sound from roots to tip. Nose leather: black. Paw pads: black or brown.
- Blue: One level tone from nose to tail tip, sound to the roots. Nose leather and paw pads: blue.
- Red: Deep, rich, clear, brilliant red, without shading, markings, or ticking. Nose leather and paw pads: brick red.
- Cream: One level shade of buff cream, without markings, sound to the roots. Nose leather and paw pads: pink.
Tabby Patterns
- Classic Tabby Pattern: Broad, dense, clearly defined markings. Legs barred, tail ringed, multiple necklaces on neck and chest. “M” marking on forehead.
- Mackerel Tabby Pattern: Narrow pencillings, dense and clearly defined. Legs and tail barred, necklaces on neck and chest, “M” on forehead.
- Ticked Tabby Pattern: Pronounced ticking on body, tabby markings on face and legs, may have markings on lighter underside.
Brown Tabby Color Class
- Brown Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Brilliant coppery brown ground color with dense black markings.
Brown Patched Tabby Color Class
- Brown Patched Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Brilliant coppery brown ground color with dense black markings and patches of red.
Silver Tabby Color Class
- Silver Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Pale, clear silver ground color with dense black markings.
Silver Patched Tabby Color Class
- Silver Patched Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Pale, clear silver ground color with dense black markings and patches of red and/or cream.
Red Tabby Color Class
- Red Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Red ground color with deep, rich red markings.
All Other Tabby Colors Class
- Blue-Silver Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Pale, clear silver ground with deep blue markings.
- Blue-Silver Patched Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Pale, clear silver ground with deep blue markings and cream patches.
- Blue Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Pale bluish ivory ground with very deep blue markings.
- Blue Patched Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Pale bluish ivory ground with very deep blue markings and cream patches.
- Cream Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Very pale cream ground with buff or darker cream markings.
- Cream Silver Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Off-white ground with cream markings.
- Cameo Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): Off-white ground with red markings.
… (and so on for remaining color classes as detailed in the original text – Brown Tabby & White, Bi-Color, Parti-Color, Shaded & Smoke, etc.) …
Balance
(5 Points)
Overall balance is crucial in judging Maine Coon cats. All features should harmonize, contributing to the breed’s distinctive and robust yet balanced appearance.
Disqualifications
- Delicate bone structure.
- Undershot chin.
- Crossed eyes.
- Kinked tail.
- Incorrect number of toes.
- White buttons, lockets, or spots (in non-white varieties where white markings are not standard).
- Evidence of hybridization resulting in chocolate, lavender, or Himalayan pattern colors.
This standard serves as a comprehensive guide for breeders and judges, aiming to preserve and promote the magnificent traits of the Maine Coon cat breed.
