The Maine Coon is the oldest American breed. It roamed free in the American state, Maine which is why it is compared to the racoon (i.e. it's appearance and hunting habits). Due to this roaming or 'sleeping rough', Maines are often found curled up in odd positions and odd places! They are very loving pets.

Maine Coon Cats are large rugged cats with a heavy bone structure. Male Maines can weight as much as 18 pounds. Their thick, silky hair varies in length, which is what gives them a tousled appearance. Maines have a distinctive square muzzle and huge tufted ears and paws.

Maines come in a large variety of colors and patterns, all of which are accepted by registries. However, tabbies are usually favored at the shows. Bicolors are more common than solids and more exotic patterns. Maines usually have green or yellow-gold eyes. A word of caution, Maines shed very heavily in the spring and summer. During these times, you need to brush them daily. Maines mature slowly; some look straggly and thin until they're about four years old.

Breeders

Mrs Ann Mary Bishop 7 Windermere Park Windemere Cumbria LA23 2NB Tel:01539 443350 . Hurklecat Maine Coons-Brown Classic

Mrs Brenda Tracy 17 Binghams Road Crossways Dorchester Dorset DT2 8BW Tel: 01305 852605 Purrrerene Maine Coons-Various Colours

Mike and Trina Biggs 209 Moulsecomb Way Brighton East Sussex BN2 4PE Tel:01273 697069 . Mullycoonz Maine Coons

Mr John Wincott Mansebank Villa Mansfield Leslie Fife KY6 3JX Tel:01592 622009 (before 10pm) Lomondkatz Bengals and Maine Coons

Mrs Mavis Marshall The Willows St. Nicholas Road Blackpool Lancashire FY4 5JB Tel:01253 692897 Avismar Main Coons Blues,Silvers,Browns& Reds

Mrs Doris Lendon Coniston House Boarding Kennal & Cattery Watling Street Cannock Staffordshire Tel:01543 574504 Majanco Maine Coons

Mrs F E Hartland Laburnum Cottage Old Road Mrriden Solihull West Midlands CV7 7JP Tel:01676 522321 / 01676 522021 Maine Coons & Bengals