Maine State Cat
Maine Coon Cat
(Felis catus)
Adopted in 1985
The Maine coon cat, (Felis catus,) was recognized as the official state cat of Maine by the State Legislature of 1985. Well established more than a century ago, Maine coon cats are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. Though tabby coloring is most well-known, Maine coons come in many colors.
Maine State Cat: Maine Coon Cat
The Maine Coon, also known as American Longhair, is a breed of cat with a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically native to the state of Maine,where it is the official state cat.
Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters.
Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of no other breed, and must be felt to be appreciated. It is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches to protect against wet and snow, and shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in the underbrush. The coat falls smoothly. The long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around himself when he curls up to sleep can protect him from cold winters. His ears are more heavily furred (both inside and on the tips) than many breeds for protection from the cold, and have a large range of movement. Big, round, tufted feet serve as 'snow shoes.' Their large eyes and ears are also survival traits, serving to increase sight and hearing. The relatively long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and lapping water from streams and puddles.
Maine Coon Cats are tall, muscular, big-boned cats; males commonly reach 13 to 18 pounds, with females normally weighing about 9 to 12 pounds. Maine Coons don't achieve their full size until they are three to five years old. Their voices set them apart from other cats; they have a distinctive, chirping trill.
Maine Law
The law designating the Maine coon cat as the official Maine state cat is found in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1, Chapter 9, Subchapter1, Section 217.
Title 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
Chapter 9: SEAL, MOTTO, EMBLEMS AND FLAGS
Subchapter 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 217. State cat
The state cat shall be the Maine coon cat.
1985, c. 737, § A, 4, eff. April 18, 1986.
Taxonomic Hierarchy: Maine Coon Cat
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Feliformia
Family: Felidae
Subfamily: Felinae
Genus: Felis
Species: F. catus
