SGCA Pinecoon's Pawnee Bill
(Kate's Uncle Bill)

    Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water resistant, is like no other breed. It must be felt to really be appreciated -- it is longer in the ruff, stomach and britches while shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling. The coat falls smoothly and is almost maintenance free -- a weekly combing is all that is needed to keep it in top condition. The texture of Maine Coon fur is fine but at the same time thick, like that of a gigantic, long-furred kitten. the coat has a lustrous sheen, a feel somewhat like that of antique satin, and comes in a fashionable array of colors.

    Speaking of the Maine Coon coat colors, the most common color is brown tabby, with or without white. However, all colors, with or without white, are recognized with the exception of the pointed Siamese pattern (i.e., silver tabby, blue-silver tabby, red tabby, blue tabby, cream tabby, all tabby colors with patching, tortoiseshell, calico, dilute calico, blue-cream, bi-colors, chinchilla and shaded silver, shaded cameo, black smoke, blue smoke, red smoke, blue-cream smoke, tortie smoke, etc.) Eye color for all coat colors range through green, gold, and green-gold. Blue eyes and odd colored (i.e., one blue, one gold) eyes are permissible only in white cats.

    The standard Maine Coon head is one of the distinctive points separating it from its long-haired cohorts. The head is slightly longer than it is wide presenting a gently concave profile with high cheekbones. The ears are large, wide at the base, moderately pointed, are set well up on the head approximately an ear's width apart, and are more heavily furred (both inside and on the tips) than most breeds for protection from the cold. Their large eyes and ears are also survival traits, serving to increase sight and hearing. Most cats have noses, but muzzle is the right word for the Maine Coon. It's muzzle is relatively long and square, an adaptation which has developed over the years for grasping prey and lapping water from streams and puddles.

    And then there is the tail. It is their pride and joy. It is bushy and at the same time shaggy. It should be at least as long as the torso. The long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around itself when it curls up to sleep can protect it from cold windy conditions. Big, round, tufted feet also serve as 'snow shoes' for wintery conditions.

    Overall, a well proportioned and balanced appearance is paramount with no part of the cat being exaggerated.

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