A standard is a list of minimum requirements which a purebred representative of the breed must comply with, applying for prizes at an exhibition or competition, as well as for participation in breeding. The standard is reviewed and amended as the breed develops. recognized by more than a dozen organizations, but despite the similarities in the overall appearance of these cats, there are differences in description.

Medium sizes

Average breed parameters(information provided by Royal Canin).

1. Total length (in cm) 95.7 ± 5.19
2. Incl. tail length (in cm) 35.7 ± 2.06
3. Height at withers (in cm) 32.5 ± 0.0
4. Paw circumference (metacarpus) (in cm) 7.4 ± 0.48
5. Chest circumference (in cm) 32.1 ± 2.71
6. Waist circumference 31.2 ± 3.70 (in centimeters).
7. 7.4 kg.

WCF system (Europe)

At open exhibitions, judges describe the animal, evaluate its character and appearance in accordance with internal rules also adopted among other European organizations. Owners of all breeds will be present during the inspection of the exhibitor. An exhibitor can receive a maximum of 1 rating per day.

Standard according to WCF:

1. Body. Rectangular in format, large or very large, well-developed muscles, wide chest.
2. Limbs. Medium length, strong and muscular. There are tufts of fur on the paw pads, between the toes.
3. Tail. Long, reaches to the shoulder. Wide at the base, tapering towards the end. Covered with long hair.
4. Scull. Square, large, with a clearly defined transition from the muzzle to the forehead. The chin, nose and upper jaw are level.
5. Eyes. Large, oval, set wide and slightly oblique. The color matches the coat color.
6. Ears. Large, wide at the base and tapering towards the tip. The distance between them is no more than the width of the ear at the base. The posture is high and almost vertical. The presence of tassels at the tips is a desirable, but not mandatory, component of the exterior.
7. Coat. Waterproof, fits tightly to the body, covers half the tail, back of the body and limbs. The undercoat, unlike the topcoat, is soft and dense. There is only undercoat on the belly and “pants”. A lush mane is a desirable, but optional criterion.
8. Any options are allowed, except for chocolate, lilac, caramel and cinnamon color in any combination.

The disadvantage that does not allow one to qualify for the CAC title is the coat of the same length throughout the body.

Photos from the exhibition

TICA (America)

The second largest felinological organization in the world, founded in 1079, its main office is in the USA. Exhibition activities comply with American rules and require open judging and the judge not having any information about the animal and its titles.

TICA unites not clubs, but Maine Coon breeders and owners, and the judges of this organization must regularly confirm their qualifications.

TICA standard:

1. Head. Wide, in the shape of a modified wedge, the forehead is rounded, the cheekbones are prominent.
2. Ears. Large, with a wide base, medium pointed, set high relative to the head, the auricle is slightly inclined outward.
3. Eyes. Large, set wide. Their color has nothing to do with the color of their coat.
4. Color. Any color is acceptable, as well as a white outline around the chin, eyes and lips.
5. Coat. Serves as protection from weather conditions; there is a small undercoat, the quality of which should be different from the outer coat.

A Maine Coon can be fined for:

1. Eyes wide open.
2. Small size.
3. Rounded head shape.
4. Short tail.
5. Long limbs.
6. The coat is the same length.
7. Specks, spots.
8. Sparse undercoat.
9. Almond-shaped eyes.
10. Ears located close to each other.
11. Short tail.

Reasons for disqualification:

1. Aggressive behavior, attempts to bite or scratch the judge.
2. Cryptorchidism.
3. Lack of tail, its creases.
4. Strabismus, blindness.
5. or xiphoid process.
6. Size inappropriate for breed.

It is strictly prohibited to use representatives of other breeds in Maine Coon breeding.

FIFe (Europe)

The FIFe system, founded in the first half of the 20th century, is today the main one for many clubs. Representatives of different breeds can take part in exhibitions, and the regulations were developed exclusively for internal users.
The current Maine Coon breed standard has several differences from other systems:

1. Large size.
2. The space between the ears increases as the cat ages.
3. Clear eye color is desirable, but not required.
4. Males have a strong neck with well-developed muscles.
5. The color allows any amount of white fur.
6. The type of cat is more important than the color of the coat.

The disadvantages of the breed specified in FIFe coincide with those described in the standards of other systems.

Video

Video report from the international cat exhibition using the FiFe system.

CFA

According to the general description, Maine Coons are strong cats with great endurance and are adapted to life in difficult climatic conditions. These are well-balanced and harmoniously built animals, without signs of excess. The main feature of the breed is its smooth and shiny coat. When assessing a particular specimen, type, not size, is of paramount importance.

Description of the standard:

1. Head. It has medium length and width, a square-shaped muzzle. A wider head does not cause fines or disqualification of the animal, if we are talking about stud cats.
2. Ears. Large, with pointed tips and tassels on them. Set wide and high, the distance between them approximately coincides with the width of the ear at the base.
3. Eyes. Large, slightly convex, set wide and slightly oblique. They can be green, gold, golden-green or copper. Blue eyes are allowed only in representatives of the breed with a white coat or bicolors.
4. Body. Medium or large, rectangular, well-developed muscles. The neck is of medium length, the chest is wide.
5. Limbs. Strong, medium length, proportional to the body. The pads are round and there are tufts of fur between the toes. The front paws have 5 toes, the hind paws have 4.
6. Tail. Long, tapering towards the end, covered with long hair.
7. Coat. Fluffy, long, silky. Shorter on the shoulders than on the belly and hind legs.
8. Coat color. White, black, blue, red, cream colors, various variations of tabby and tipping colors are allowed.

Reasons for disqualification:

1. Light frame.
2. Wedge-shaped or narrow muzzle.
3. Malocclusion.
4. Strabismus.
5. Noticeable use of cats of other bloods when breeding an animal.

chocolate, lilac, cinnamon or Siamese patterns are not acceptable.

Comparative table of the rating scale in points

Category	CFA	TICA	FIFe	WCF
Head	30	40	40	30
Head shape	15	8
Eyes	5	5
Ears	10	10
Eye shape and fit			5
Ear shape and placement			10
Body	30	35	35	35
Frame	15	10
Limbs	5	3
Neck	5
Tail	5	5
Backbone		7
Musculature		10
Coat, color, pattern, eye color	35	25	20	30
Wool	20	25	20
Balance	5
Condition			5	5

Conclusion

When assessing cats, sometimes the expert’s subjectivity may be observed in some minor points, however, the final score is always justified by the requirements of the current standard. In addition, the systems evaluate animals differently and their opinions regarding acceptable or disqualifying exterior features are not always the same. The only thing on which all standardization systems are absolutely in agreement is the description of the origin and temperament of Maine Coons.

The Maine Coon is a native breed of cat that originated from cats living on the farms of Northeast America in Maine. Initially, only black tabby cats were called Maine Coons. Due to their coat color, powerful build and huge tail, these cats looked like raccoons (hence the name of the breed - literally “Maine raccoon”. “Maine” is the name of the state of Maine, “coon” is the second part of the word “racoon”, that is “ raccoon").

Maine Coon cats are distinguished by their friendly nature and especially large size. Among domestic cats, this breed is one of the largest in the world: males can weigh from 7.5 to 15 kilograms, females from 4.5 to 8.5 kilograms, and animals of some breed lines reach 12 kilograms or more. Although Maine Coons have long hair, cats of this breed do not require frequent brushing, like Persians. The body length of an adult representative of the breed, as a rule, exceeds one meter (the maximum length reaches 1.23 meters). As breeders note, a healthy Maine Coon eats several times more than an ordinary domestic cat, preferring fresh food to dry food.

The harsh winters of New England favored the survival of fairly large cats with long hair. The “first” Maine Coon is considered to be a cat named Captain-Jenks-of-the-Sea-Cavalry. It was shown at exhibitions in Boston and New York in 1861 and marked the beginning of the breed's early popularity, but at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Maine Coons were overtaken by the fluffier Persians. The Maine Coon as a breed managed to survive only because farmers paid tribute to its size and excellent hunting qualities. On the Isle of Man, in 1993, a coin was issued dedicated to the Maine Coon breed. The 1 crown (25 pence) coins were made from cupro-nickel, silver and gold.

Maine Coon breed standard in the WCF system.

Body and Size: The largest breed among domestic cats (some individuals reach 15 kilograms in weight). The maximum recorded body length is 1.23 meters. Large to very large, muscular, elongated and broad-boned body of a rectangular format. The muscular neck is of medium length. The limbs are of medium length, strong, muscular, the paws are large with tufts of hair between the toes. The tail is long, at least to the shoulder, tapering to a pointed tip, covered with flowing hair.

Head: Large, massive, straight, sharp outlines. High cheekbones, medium length nose.

Ears: Very large, wide at the base, pointed, set high, almost vertical. The distance between the ears is no more than the width of one ear. Brushes protrude beyond the edges of the ears; tassels on the ears make Maine Coons look like a lynx.

Eyes: Eyes are large, round, slightly slanted, and can be amber, golden, green or yellow.

Wool: The hair on the head and shoulders is short, except for the collar, and clearly lengthens along the back, sides and belly. The thick undercoat, soft and fine, is covered with coarser, dense hair. The thick, free-flowing, water-repellent topcoat extends to the back, sides and top of the tail.

Colors: Chocolate, brown and corresponding weakened colors (lilac and fawn) are not accepted in any combination, nor are acromelanic colors accepted. All other colors are recognized.

Character: Friendly, peaceful and flexible. Maine Coons are very careful - if there is an obstacle in the animal’s path, it will not throw it off, but go around it. If there is a scratching post, the furniture will be fine. The Maine Coon does not like narrow spaces, so it does not climb anywhere. Despite its large size and slightly menacing appearance, this breed has a particularly affectionate character. They easily adapt to the owner and the habitat in general. By nature, the Maine Coon is a good-natured and active pet. Very loyal to “their” family, but careful with strangers.

Flaws: The coat is of the same length throughout the body - a significant fault, which, even with excellent structure, prohibits the CAC title.

Rating scale: Body 35 points, head 30 points, coat color and texture 25 points, eye color 5 points, general appearance 5 points.

Maine Coon breed standard in the TICA system.

Head.

Form: Broad, modified wedge, medium in size with a strongly rounded forehead and high prominent cheekbones. A clear stop should be felt under the cheekbones.

Eyes: Large, slightly oval, appearing almost round when wide open. Wide set. Located slightly obliquely in relation to the outer edge of the ear. Color is any shade of green and/or gold, blue or odd-eyed for white animals. There is no relationship between coat color and eye color.

Ears: Large, tall, wide at the base. In relation to the head, the posture is high and tilted slightly outward. The distance between the ears should not be greater. Than the width of the base of the ear. The lower base is located slightly further back than the upper. Moderately pointed. Lynx tassels continue vertically upward from the back of the ear. The pubescence of the ear continues horizontally beyond the outer border of the ear.

Chin: Straight, in line with the nose and upper lip.

Box: Square.

Profile: Gentle concave slope. Some convexity at the end is allowed.

Neck: Medium length, with strong muscles.

Body.

Body: Large, long, rectangular, but not thin.

Paws: Of medium proportions in relation to the body with strong bones and muscles.

Feet: Large, round, with tufts of hair between the toes.

Tail: Wide at the base and tapering towards the tip, beautifully furred, with flowing hair, no less in length than the length of the body to the base of the tail.

Backbone: Powerful.

Musculature: Sturdy, strong.

Wool/Color/Pattern.

Length: Uneven, shorter on the shoulders, gradually lengthening towards the stomach and “pants”. In front there is a long collar-mane around the neck, the belly and pants are very shaggy. A full collar is not necessary, but it is advisable that it starts from the base of the ears.

Texture: All-weather wool. The coat fits tightly to the body, flowing smoothly along the body. There is a light undercoat, but not cotton or wool-like.

Color: Traditional categories, all divisions, all colors. White lining around the eyes, lips and chin is acceptable, with the exception of solid colors.

Important Note:

Female cats are proportionally smaller than female cats and can weigh 2-3 kg less. Allowance must be made for this significant difference in size. Adult cats may have larger and wider heads than female cats.

Penalized:

Sharply expressed whiskers. Protruding chin. A dip or severe bulge at the end of the nose. Insufficient amount of undercoat. Single specks, medallions or spots. Straight profile. Wide-set or loose ears. Long skinny legs. Slanted almond-shaped eyes. Flat edge of the upper eyelid when the eye is wide open. Not “shaggy” belly enough. Short tail. Round head. The coat is the same length all over the body. Short stocky body. Light frame. Small size of the animal overall.

Rating scale:

HEAD 37 points: Shape 12. Eyes 5. Ears 10. Box and chin 5. Profile 3. Neck 2.
BODY 38 points: Body 10. Paws 10. Tail 10. Bones 5. Muscles 3.
COAT/COLOR/PATTERN 25 points: Length 10. Texture 10. Color 5.

Maine Coon breed standard in the FIFe system.

Body: The physique of cats and cats of this breed is large, the head has a square line and large ears. The neck of cats and Maine Coon cats is muscular and strong. The body of cats and cats has a rectangular shape, muscular, strong and long with a wide chest, massive bones, and a long flowing tail. The feeling of strength and power is created by their density and good muscle tone.

Head: The head shape of Maine Coon cats is medium in size with square lines, a profile with a slightly concave transition and a gently rounded forehead. The cheekbones are prominent and high. The muzzle has a square line, with a nose and face of medium length. There should be a correct and clear transition between the muzzle and cheekbones. On the vertical line of the upper lip and nose is a strong chin.

Eyes: On the muzzle there are wide-set, large, slightly oval eyes; when they are wide open, they appear round. The eyes are located slightly at an angle. Maine Coon eyes can be any color. There is no relationship between coat and eye color. It is advisable if the eye color is clear.

Ears: Wide at the base, large, slightly pointed with yellowish tassels. The tassels of hair that are located in the ears protrude beyond the outer border of the Maine Coon's ears. The ears are located high on their head with a slight inclination outward. The distance that should be between the ears corresponds to the width of one ear. With age, the distance between the ears increases slightly.

Limbs and paws: The legs of cats and cats of this breed are of medium length, very strong, together with the body they form a rectangle. The paws are round, large, and have tufts of hair between the toes.

Tail: The tail is equal to the length of their body - from the shoulder blades to the base of its tail. At the base of the tail it is wide, which tapers towards its tip. The hair on the tail is flowing and long.

Wool: The structure of the Maine Coon's coat is “all-weather”, thick. On the head, shoulders and legs the hair is short, which gradually lengthens towards the lower back and sides, with a fluffy belly and baggy, long and shaggy pants on the hind legs. There may also be a collar. The Maine Coon's coat has a silky texture. Their undercoat is thin and soft, which is covered with smooth and coarse hair.

Color: Maine Coons can come in all color variations, with white including all pattern variations. Patterns such as lilac, chocolate, fawn, point and cinnamon are excluded. The amount of white color can be any - this is a white medallion, a white star, a white collar, white on the belly, white on the paws, etc.

All cats and male cats, even being representatives of the same breed, always differ from each other in appearance and breed characteristics.

But still, each breed has its own specific standards. There are many different systems and associations, for example: FIFE, WCF, CFA, TICA, FARUS, AFK. Our nursery gives preference to the WCF system, and actively takes part in exhibitions; you can familiarize yourself with our exhibition results in the appropriate section.

And so, let's talk about the Maine Coon breed standards according to the WCF system. All characteristics apply to both cats and Maine Coons.

The very first thing that draws attention is the size; it’s not for nothing that the Maine Coon is considered the largest breed of domestic cats! The body of Maine Coon cats must have well-developed muscles and be well stretched.

The neck is of medium length, the chest should be wide, muscular, and in combination with a thick and long collar - it looks amazing! Maine Coon cats are stately animals with powerful, high or medium-length legs. I would like to note an unusual feature of Maine Coon cats: if you look at the pads of their paws, you will see thick tufts of hair between the toes!!! The already huge paws seem even bigger!!!

And of course, the TAIL is the pride of the Maine Coon!!! As an adult, he is magnificently covered with thick, flowing fur!!! It is wide at the base, and its length should be no shorter than the length of the body, and when measured, reach the shoulder.

If you look at the head of a Maine Coon cat, you can note that the skull should be massive, square, with straight contours, and high cheekbones, a curved profile, the transition from the nose to the forehead is well defined. A massive chin gives the Maine Coon’s “face” a respectable and extremely serious look! It should be level with the tip of the nose.

The ears also give an important appearance to a real Coon)) recently we have become not indifferent to huge, well-set ears)))) The ears of a Maine Coon cat should be large in size, high set, with a wide base, which taper to the tip. The distance between the ears of a Maine Coon cat should not be greater than the width of the ear at its base.

And of course, everyone’s favorite tassels on the ears, for some they are thick and long, for others they are not so catchy, delicately decorating the tip of the ear. According to the standard for Maine Coon cats, brushes are desirable, but not required.

Eyes... Everyone has probably already heard about the expression “Wild Look”!!! Only Maine Coon cats have this deep, numbing, frightening and at the same time attractive and bewitching look of a real “indoor lynx”!!!

The eye shape is oval, slightly slanted...

A very important distinctive breed characteristic of the Maine Coon is its coat. It should be of different lengths, shorter on the head and shoulders (except for the mane), noticeably longer towards the stomach, the hind legs are very funny dressed in “pants”. The undercoat is thick, soft and incredibly delicate, covered on the outside by a coarser outer coat. One of the main disadvantages of Maine Coon cats is the same length of hair throughout the body.

All residents of our nursery are happy owners of a rich and thick mane; according to the standard, it is desirable, but mandatory.

The coat color of Maine Coon cats has a huge palette, but there are also unrecognized colors, such as cinnamon, lilac, chocolate, acromelanic colors.

I can say that our Maine Coon cattery has immense respect for silver colors, delicate coats with a boiling white undercoat…. Kittens of other colors are also born in our nursery; we suggest you find out more about the colors of Maine Coon cats in the corresponding article, and you can get acquainted with available Maine Coon kittens on their personal page in the “Kittens” section.

In our nurseries, all Maine Coon cats meet recognized standards, and are certainly outstanding representatives of this noble breed of cats!!!

Maine Coon is the oldest native American breed of longhaired cat. It evolved through natural selection on the farms and forests of New England. Maine Coons are strong, free-ranging cats adapted to the extreme climate of the northeastern United States. They look like healthy, energetic animals with excellent condition. Large cats with large ears, broad chest and rump; with medium to large bone size; long, strong, muscular, rectangular body; thick, fluffy fur and a long, mobile tail. Their prominent and dense muscles form the appearance of a strong and powerful cat. Balance and proportionality of build are a distinctive feature of Maine Coons; not a single one of them disturbs the overall harmony.

Maine Coon head.
A muzzle that is too short is excluded. The distance from the base of the ears to the bridge of the nose (i.e., to the place where the small depression begins on the line of the nose) and the distance from the bridge of the nose to the tip
noses are equal to each other. The length of the ear from its tip to the base is equal to the distance from the base of the ear to the eyebrow line and the distance from the eyebrow line to the tip of the nose. The distance between the ears is equal to the width of the ear at the base. The distance between the eyes is equal to the width of the eye. The head shape is a modified wedge with a well-defined muzzle. Cheekbones are high and prominent. The transition to the forehead is slightly marked.

Maine Coon ears.
Large, wide at the base, moderately pointed. The height is noticeably greater than the width at the base. Let's assume that the ears are wider in adult cats and narrower in young developing animals. The outer edge of the ear should begin at or slightly above the outer corner of the eye (medium to high set). The distance between the inner edges of the ears should ideally be equal to the width of the ear at the base. The lines drawn along the outer edge of each ear should be almost parallel. It is desirable to have decorative ear brushes growing horizontally from the inner edge of the ear, as well as vertical “lynx” brushes at the tips of the ears.

Eyes
Maine Coon Large, slightly rounded (eyes wide open look round),
set askew, expressive; The upper part of the eyelid should not be straightened or appear swollen. Any shade of green and/or gold is acceptable, but preference should be given to a bright, shiny color. In particolor and white cats, eyes can be blue or differently colored (in accordance with the TICA and CFA Standards, the particolor division of Maine Coons includes tortoiseshell and blue-cream cats, combinations of these colors with white, as well as all combinations of solid colors with white - bi -colors). Eye color is not related to coat color.

Maine Coon muzzle.
Strong, square. When viewed from top to bottom, the outlines of the right and left sides
must be parallel. When examining the head, the left and right muzzle and chin should look like three equal and proportional segments of the muzzle.

Maine Coon chin.
Strong, deep, in line with the nose and upper lip. When you look
from the side, a line drawn from the tip of the nose to the bottom of the chin consists of 60% of the upper part
muzzle and 40% from the chin. The length of the muzzle and the distance from the bridge of the nose to the ears are the same.
The nose is in line with the chin. High cheekbones. Nice collar.

Maine Coon body.
The body is long, rectangular, but not weak. Large, balanced, in proportion to the size of the head. The back is straight. The chest and croup are the same width.

TailMaine Coon cats.
Wide at the base, tapering towards the tip; covered with thick, flying hair.
The length of the tail from tip to base should correspond to the distance from the base of the tail to the shoulders.

Maine Coon legs and paws.
The legs are of medium length and form a rectangle with the body. The paws are large, round, with tufts of hair between the toes. The structure of the limbs, especially the hind ones, should be
anatomically correct. The fingers are not twisted. The legs are slender. Not twisted.

Maine Coon bones.
Medium to large.

Maine Coon musculature.
Relief, in good tone, powerful. When viewed from the side and front, the body should have a rectangular shape. The head and muzzle are shaped like a “box on a box” (“two bricks”). The transition to the muzzle is well defined, since the “box” of the muzzle is noticeably smaller than the “box” of the head. The term "modified wedge" when applied to the head shape of Maine Coons does not mean a V-shaped outline, as in Orientals. Muscular, medium length neck. The space between the front and hind legs should be in the shape of a rectangle. This allows you to correctly determine the correct length of the limbs. The length of the tail is equal to the distance from its base to the shoulder blades. The chest should be wide, but not “bulldog-shaped”. When the cat is standing, the distance between the front legs should not be less than the width of the paw. If two fingers can be placed between the shoulder blades, then the width of the chest corresponds to the norm. The croup should be definitely square in outline. The hair over the hocks is thick and fluffy - in the shape of “pants”.

Maine Coon coat and color.
Length: Semi-long, unequal in length, with light undercoat. Quite short at the shoulders, gradually lengthening from the back to the sides. A lush “jabot” is desirable on the chest, and long, fluffy “pants” on the hind legs. The abdomen is well pubescent. The hair on the tail is long, fluffy, and flying. Texture: The coat is silky, flowing along the body. With light undercoat. Color - any color is possible,
except for those variations that are the result of interbreeding (chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, caramel, Himalayan, Abyssinian tabby - tabby without a pattern - and all these combinations with white).

Maine Coon score.
Head - 40 Shape - 10 Ears - 10 Eyes - 5 Chin - 5 Profile - 5 Nose - 5.
Body - 40 Torso - 8 Legs and paws - 8 Tail - 8 Bones - 8 Muscles - 8
Wool - 20 Length - 10 Texture - 5 Color - 5.

Permissible deviations of the Maine Coon.
Cats are smaller than cats (i.e. sexual dimorphism is pronounced).
In adult breeding cats, the head is noticeably wider and larger, and the ears are quite wide apart,
whereas the set of ears in kittens and young animals may be somewhat narrower than desired.
The summer coat is short and not dense.

Disadvantages of the Maine Coon.
The pads are too protruding. Protruding chin.
A sharply defined transition to the nose (noze break) or a noticeably lowered tip of the nose (“Burmese nose”).
Straight profile. Wide set ears protruding beyond the contours of the head. Round head.
Almond-shaped, slanted eyes. Straight upper line of the eye. Short, “cobby” body.
Thin, light bones. Small cats.

http://familystars.ru/oporode.html

This breed group consists of Maine Coon breed(MC) and polydactyl maine coon(MCP).

Rating scale, points:

Proportions and overall balance are important; none of the characteristics should be conspicuous.

HEAD

Form: Wide, in the shape of a modified wedge. Size in proportion to the body, longer than wide. A distinct muzzle under high prominent cheekbones.

Eyes: large, slightly oval shaped, looking large when wide open. The outer corner of the eye points to the point of the outer base of the ear. Widely spaced.

Eye color: any green or gold shade, not related to coat color, blue/blue or odd-eyed are acceptable in whites and particolor (tortoiseshell colors with a lot of white, the pigment is present on 1/3 of the cat’s body).

Ears: large, wide at the base, the outer edge of the ear at the base is located slightly behind than the inner one. The point of the outer base of the ear is just above the upper edge of the eye. The outer edges of the ears have a very slight outward turn, at 23 and 13 o'clock. The ears are set high on the head, the width between the inner edges of the base is equal to the width of one ear. Taller than wide at the base, but in balance with the length of the head. Moderately pointed ears appear longer due to the tufts. The brushes extend beyond the outer edge of the ear.

Chin: deep and fairly wide, completing the square appearance of the muzzle. In line with the upper lip.

Muzzle: square.

Profile: gently arched forehead. The slightly concave curve on the bridge of the nose transitions into a straight line of the nose. A small bump (hump) is acceptable in kittens.

BODY

Frame: the body is large, long, large, rectangular, equal in width from shoulders to hips. Wide chest. Equally high. Cats can be noticeably smaller than female cats.

Backbone: impressive.

Musculature: impressive, strong.

Legs: medium length to form a rectangle with the body.

Feet: MC (Maine Coon) are large, round, well furred.

MCP (Maine Coon polydactyl) large, well furred. Extra toes are allowed on the front, back or both feet. Paws can be like mittens or a pie. A symmetrical distribution of fingers is preferred. Maximum 7 toes on one foot.

Tail: as long as the body. Wide at the base, tapering to the tip with flowing hair.

WOOL/COLOR/PATTERN

Length: uneven, shorter on the shoulders, gradually lengthening on the back and sides. Long and shaggy hair on the belly and pants. The hair on the tail is long and flowing. The collar on the neck becomes more pronounced with age.

Texture: all-weather. There is a small undercoat, but the coat flows smoothly. The texture is not fluffy.

Color: Particolors should have white markings on all four legs.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Maine Coon- a native breed of long-haired cats in America. It developed through natural selection and only the strongest could survive in the conditions where the breed originated. You should always remember that Maine Coon is a “working cat” that is able to survive in forests and harsh climatic conditions. Maine Coon- a large breed of cat with large ears, a broad chest, impressive bones, long, with heavy muscles, a rectangular body with a flowing tail, powerful paws with hair between the toes.

Notes:

The standard describes a cat. For cats, allowance must be made for the size difference between male and female cats. Type should not be sacrificed for size. Slow maturing breed. Allow ears to be more densely set in kittens and wider in mature adults. Polydactyly is a trait with variable expressivity, and can appear as anything from a single extra claw to a dewclaw on each foot. Any expression is acceptable and there is no preference for more or fewer fingers. Polydactyl paw-mittens can be expressed in splayed toes.

FLAWS:

Eyes: slanted, almond-shaped, straight upper eyelid when the eye is open.

Ears: very close, directed vertically upward. Narrow at the base. Widely spaced, spread out.

Chin: weak, slanted, narrow, shallow.

Muzzle: overly pronounced whiskers.

Profile: direct. Roman nose. Pronounced bump (bulge).

Frame: narrow.

Tail: short tail.

Feet: fingers that do not touch the table (except for the winning fingers).

Wool: lack of slight undercoat or shaggy belly. Equal length throughout the body.

Color: obvious medallions.

Temperament should not be in doubt. If there is any sign of violation, the cat must be disqualified. The cat may be afraid, try to run away, and complain out loud, but may not pose a threat or attack.

In accordance with the Show Rules, Article 16, the following signs are subject to disqualification:

• The cat that bites (216.9);
• A cat exhibiting signs that may be misleading (216.10);
• Fertile cats with two undescended testicles (216.11);
• Cat with tail or part of it missing (216.12.1);
• Cats with more than five toes on each front paw and four on each hind paw, except in cases of proven injury or according to approved board standards (216.12.2);
• Visible or invisible tail defects (216.12.4);
• Strabismus (216.12.5);
• Total blindness (216.12.6);
• Noticeably smaller size, not appropriate for the breed (216.12.9);
• Flat sternum or unusually small diameter of the ribs of the chest itself (216.12.11.1);

Maine Coon Breed Group Standard, 05/01/2015

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