2025-10-06

Exciting times!

We now have exciting news coming up! Our own female Kelsie SE*Bissgaard Pegasus is pregnant with GIC SE*EllasKustkatt Drizzle and we are expecting babies in early November! more informaton under the tab news!

THE MAINE COON BREED

History and Origin

The Maine Coon cat originated in the North American state of Maine. The first to appear in cat literature is a black and white cat named "Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines" and this happened as early as 1861. The fate of the breed has since changed over the years. It was on the verge of disappearing completely as a purebred cat in the early 20th century, when new "more interesting" breeds were introduced, but it survived, however, in most cases as a barn cat.

It lived in obscurity and anonymity until 1953, when a group of dedicated Maine residents formed "The Main Coon Cat Club". The club's purpose was to preserve the breed and shows were held exclusively for Maine Coon cats. In 1968, "The Main Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association MCBFA" was formed and in 1976 the breed was awarded certification rights by the CFA "Cat Fanciers Association". The Maine Coon was here to stay. The first Maine Coon to come to Sweden was imported from England in 1986 and it was soon followed by several others.

Size and appearance

A Maine Coon's body is large, muscular and broad-chested and the cat should be long - but with a rectangular overall impression. The long bushy tail is wide at the base and tapers. The large, round and furry paws act as "snowshoes".

The Maine Coon has a head that gives a square impression with high cheekbones. The nose is medium long with a square muzzle and in profile the nose has a slight bend. The eyes are large, placed far apart and set slightly obliquely. The large ears are set high on the head and are wide at the base.

Like most larger cat breeds, the Maine Coon develops relatively slowly and it can take several years before it reaches full physical size.

Coat

The coat is silky and semi-long, dense and thick, shorter on the shoulders and head, but longer on the back and hind legs. The undercoat is soft and fine, covered by the shiny topcoat. Ideally, a Maine Coon should have a "collar" - starting from the shoulders. The ears are also often well-furred - both inside and outside - with tufts at the tip.

Health

There is a voluntary health program within SVERAK to prevent HCM in Maine Coons.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, HCM is the most common heart disease in cats - not specific to Maine Coons. The aim of the health program, which is based on ultrasound examination and DNA testing, is to prevent cats with HCM from being used in breeding.

There is no specific health program for controlling HD (hip dysplasia) within SVERAK, although many Maine Coon breeders prefer to test their cats for the disease.

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