Maine Coon Breed Standards

What Are Breed Standards?

Breed standards are detailed descriptions established by cat registries that define the ideal physical and behavioral characteristics of a breed. For Maine Coons, the two primary registries are the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). These standards guide breeders in maintaining breed type and help judges evaluate cats in shows. Understanding these standards helps you appreciate what makes a Maine Coon truly representative of the breed.

Overall Appearance and Build

Maine Coons should present as large, substantial, muscular cats with a rectangular body shape. Males typically weigh 15-25 pounds, while females range from 8-12 pounds. The body should be long with all parts in proportion, creating a well-balanced, rectangular appearance. They possess a broad chest and a solid, muscular build that reflects their working cat heritage.

The overall impression should be one of power and stamina without any sacrifice of grace. Maine Coons should appear capable of surviving harsh climates, with their substantial bone structure and weather-resistant coat contributing to their hardy appearance.

Head and Facial Features

The head should be medium in width and slightly longer than wide, with a squared-off muzzle. This creates the distinctive "box-like" head shape characteristic of Maine Coons. High, wide-set cheekbones flow into the prominent, squared muzzle. The profile shows a gentle concave slope without breaks or bumps.

Eyes are large, wide-set, and slightly oblique, giving Maine Coons their characteristic sweet expression. Eye color can be green, gold, or copper, with blue or odd-eyes acceptable in whites. Ears are large, well-tufted, wide at the base, and set high and wide on the head. Lynx tips (tufts at the ear tips) are highly desirable and contribute to the breed's wild appearance.

The Distinctive Chin

Maine Coons should have a firm, strong chin that aligns vertically with the nose and upper lip. This square muzzle with a strong chin is a key breed characteristic that distinguishes Maine Coons from other long-haired breeds.

Coat Characteristics

The coat is heavy and shaggy, falling smoothly. It's shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches (rear legs). A frontal ruff is desirable, becoming more prominent with age. The texture is silky, with a water-resistant quality that helped their ancestors survive Maine's harsh winters.

• Coat should be uneven in length
• Dense undercoat covered by substantial glossy outer coat
• More profuse ruffs and furnishings in mature cats
• Seasonal variation in coat fullness is normal

Tail Standards

The tail is long, wide at the base, and tapering. It should be at least as long as the body from shoulder blade to base of tail. The tail should be well-furnished with long, flowing hair, creating a plume-like appearance. A properly furnished tail resembles a waving plume and is a source of pride in the breed.

Legs and Paws

Legs are substantial, wide-set, and of medium length, contributing to the rectangular body appearance. Front legs are straight, while back legs are straight when viewed from behind. Paws are large, round, and well-tufted. These snowshoe-like paws helped ancestral Maine Coons navigate snowy terrain. Five toes in front and four in back is standard, with substantial tufting between the toes.

Acceptable Colors and Patterns

Maine Coons are accepted in a wide variety of colors and patterns, with a few exceptions. The breed standard accepts virtually all colors except those that indicate hybridization (chocolate, lavender, and the pointed Himalayan pattern). Common colors include:

• Solid colors (black, white, cream, red)
• Tabby patterns (classic, mackerel, ticked)
• Tortoiseshell and calico
• Smoke and shaded varieties
• Bi-colors and particolors

Show Disqualifications

Certain characteristics will disqualify a Maine Coon from show competition, though these cats still make wonderful pets. Disqualifications include:

• Kinked or abnormal tail
• Incorrect number of toes (polydactylism is disqualifying in most associations)
• Crossed eyes
• Chocolate, lavender, or Himalayan pattern
• Signs of hybridization

Temperament Standards

While appearance dominates breed standards, temperament is also important. Maine Coons should exhibit good temper and cooperate during judging. They should be friendly, social, and good-natured. Aggressive behavior or extreme shyness is undesirable and considered a fault.

Why Standards Matter

Breed standards preserve the Maine Coon's unique characteristics and working cat heritage. Responsible breeders use these standards as breeding goals while prioritizing health and temperament. A cat that doesn't meet show standards can still be an excellent pet and possess all the wonderful Maine Coon personality traits. Understanding standards helps you appreciate quality breeding and make informed decisions when selecting a kitten.