I saw a newspaper photo from a cat show, a picture of a small boy standing next to a big cat. The cat’s ears were erect, eyes large, muzzle made for hunting, feet like mitts. It wasn’t just the size of the cat that impressed me, though, but his bearing. In the middle of a busy show hall, this cat lay on a table out in the open next to his young friend, very contented. He looked like the kind of cat that I’d like to have around the house, relaxed and friendly.
What breed of cat was he and where I could I see a real one?
He was a Maine Coon cat, North America’s own native long-haired cat. A working cat from the farms and seacoast communities in Maine, the breed has lived with humans since its origin somewhere in the 1800’s, a story in itself. Today these “gentle giants” are known for their social nature and calm disposition, making them great companions for adults, children, dogs, and other cats.
I found my first Maine Coon a couple years later, a girl that I named Amelia Earhart because of her habit of running across the room and making a single flying leap to the back of the couch. I learned that “gentle giant” does not equal “couch potato”. These cats are endowed with strength, speed, and grace.
After Amelia, it was another Maine Coon and then another, exhibiting in licensed shows, and finally breeding. Due to space limitations, the Puss n’ Books breeding program is and will remain small with just a few litters each year. Breedings are chosen carefully with a goal of producing cats who will do well in both the show hall and the home.
What breed of cat was he and where I could I see a real one?
He was a Maine Coon cat, North America’s own native long-haired cat. A working cat from the farms and seacoast communities in Maine, the breed has lived with humans since its origin somewhere in the 1800’s, a story in itself. Today these “gentle giants” are known for their social nature and calm disposition, making them great companions for adults, children, dogs, and other cats.
I found my first Maine Coon a couple years later, a girl that I named Amelia Earhart because of her habit of running across the room and making a single flying leap to the back of the couch. I learned that “gentle giant” does not equal “couch potato”. These cats are endowed with strength, speed, and grace.
After Amelia, it was another Maine Coon and then another, exhibiting in licensed shows, and finally breeding. Due to space limitations, the Puss n’ Books breeding program is and will remain small with just a few litters each year. Breedings are chosen carefully with a goal of producing cats who will do well in both the show hall and the home.
