Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is an American long-haired cat breed of natural origin. They are extremely delicate, gentle cats, which have passed natural selection, leaving them only the best traits that allow them to survive in harsh climates, in the woods and mountains.

HEAD…………….. 40 points

Shape………… 8
Eyes………… 5
Ears………… 10
Muzzle and chin 10
Profile………… 7

BODY…………….. 35 points

Torso……….. 10
Limbs and paws….. 3
Tail………….. 5
Balance……….. 7
Musculature…… 10

SIX/COLOR/DRAWING… 25 points

Length………. 10
Texture……….. 5
Color…………. 5
Figure……….. 5

CATEGORY: traditional.

GROUPS: all.

COLORS: all (except chocolate, cinnamon and derivatives thereof).

APPROPRIATE OUTCROSS: none.

FEATURES: Balance and proportions are more important than size and other parameters.

HEAD:

Shape: Wide modified wedge, size in proportion to body. Length slightly more than width. Transition from high flat cheekbones to snout noticeable.

Eyes: Large, widely set, slightly oval, when fully opened they look round. A line drawn from the inner to the outer corner of the eye toward the base of the ear.

Color: Any shade of green and/or gold. Not related to coat color. Blue, blue or different eyes are allowed for whites, bicolors and parti-colors.

Ears: Large, broad at the base, set high enough on the head so that the distance between the ears is not greater than the width of the base of the ear. The ears are set so that the outer edge is just above eye level and slightly farther than the inner edge of the ear. When viewed in full-face, the ears are slightly apart, angling outward at “1 o’clock” and “11 o’clock”. The height of the ears exceeds the width, but should be in harmony with the length of the skull. Moderately pointed ears appear taller due to the lynx tassels. Bristles of hair growing inside the ears protrude to the outside of the ear lobes.

Chin: Broad and deep enough to complete the square snout. The profile is set on a vertical line from the nasal lobe and upper lip.

Faces : Square.

Profile: Gently curved toward forehead. The soft concave curve of the bridge of the nose is smoothly transferred to the smooth nose. A slight hump in the nose (bump) may be in kittens.

BODY:

Torso: Large, long, stout, rectangular in shape, equal in width at shoulders and hips. Broad rib cage. Straight back. Females can be proportionately smaller than males.

Balance: Body full, strong.

Musculature: Developed, strong.

Limbs: Of medium length, form a rectangle with body.

Paws: Large, round and well pubescent, with tufts of hair between the toes.

TAIL: Equal to or longer than body length. Broad at base and tapering toward tip. The down is rich, with lush, dense, flowing fur.

WOOL/DYES/PATTERNS:

Length: Irregular in length and texture; shorter at shoulders, gradually lengthening toward lower body and sides. Long, full, tufted fur pronounced on tummy and pant legs. The fur on the tail, long, creates a full, flowing effect. The collar and jabot become more puffy with age.

Structure: all-weather wool. A small undercoat and pronounced fluff form the pubescence along the body, the coat flows down smoothly. No wadded, downy undercoat.

Color: Colors with white should have pronounced white markings on all four paws.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Maine Coon is an American long-haired, natural-born breed of cat. They are extremely delicate, gentle cats, which passed through natural selection, leaving them only the best traits that allow them to survive in harsh climates, in the woods and mountains. The Maine Coon is a large breed of cat with large ears, broad chest, well pubescent, with a long, muscular rectangular body, ending with a furry, long tail. The limbs are strong, with tufts of hair between the toes.

Tolerances: The standard describes an adult cat. Therefore, some variation in weight and size for cats is allowed. Type is more important than size. This breed is a long time developing breed, which needs to be taken into account. Kittens’ ears can be very large and wider and higher planted than those of adults.