Maine Coon – legends have always surrounded the origins of the Maine Coon cat. Maine Coon cats were established as a bree more than a century ago (first found in 1861). They were popular in early cat shows (Boston and New York) but unfortunately, their popularity as show cats waned in the early 1900's.
Very first Cat Show in Europe was in London (1871) - Maine Coon breeders and owners displayed their cats at these show.
Maine Coons continued to be treasured household cats and during the 1950's cat fancer again began to breed them (show and record their pedigrees). Six breeders formed The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (1968).
Today the Maine Coon is know as the Gentile Giant, and for its large size and one thing is for certain the Maine Coon cat is North America’s only native long-haired breed (well adapted to surviving cold winters).