European Maine Coons
Social Media recently set fire to the Maine Coon Community as different styles can be seen globally and clearly the European type has a deep rooted fan base. Breeders now hear questions daily about why some bloodlines can be so extreme in appearance.
Globally the Maine Coon has been developed by individual governing registry of which the members (breeders) vote on the standard the breed should look like. This means that around the world many different registries have different breed standards for the Maine Coon.
The breed can be generally divided into two “types” known to the public as American or European. European Maine Coons typically feature a bolder facial features compared to American Maine Coons, including a more pronounced muzzle, bushier ear tufts, and a generally "feral" appearance. Both styles generally maintain the same body shape and long thick coat. Euro style are often considered to have a more striking and commanding presence than their American counterparts, with breeders often prioritizing exaggerated features.
Registry Timeline
1869 - Maine coons were first presented at a cats show in the United States. The breed was formed in northeastern states of the USA, especially the state of Maine from which it gets it name.
1906 - The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) was founded which recognized Maine Coons
1950s - Breed was claimed to be going extinct due to lack of entries.
1980s - Maine Coon cats were first exported to the United Kingdom
1982 - Maine Coon breed was first recognised by Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)
1993 - Maine Coon was first recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)
American Type
American Maine Coon breeders typically follow standards set by the organization Cat Fancier Association (CFA), while The International Cat Association (TICA) is the second major largest registry used in America. The CFA “American Standard” (CFA and TICA) specifies no extreme features, the maine coon should be balanced in all traits. "proportioned and balanced with no exaggerations”.
Click Here - CFA Maine Coon Standard
Key Points About American Type
Size: Same
Temperament: Same
Eyes: European Maine Coons have oblique-shaped eyes.
Muzzle: Less prominent muzzle that does not overwhelm other facial features.
Ears: Taller ears with ear tufts that are longer and thicker.
Body: Long and typically more substance.
Coat: Typically a thick, double-layered coat that is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and back legs
European Type
European Maine Coon breeders typically follow standards set by organizations like the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe).
Key Points About European Type
Size: Same
Temperament: Same
Eyes: European Maine Coons have almond-shaped eyes.
Muzzle: More prominent muzzle, larger whisker pads.
Ears: Taller ears with ear tufts that are longer and thicker.
Body: long and lean but not as much muscle as the american.
Coat: Can exhibit slightly different coat textures depending on the lineage. Some lines have been noted to have too much hair or too little hair (short length).
Marketing the “ Imported European Maine Coons ”
A large majority of breeders obtained breeding stock internationally (not within the USA) so they refer to all their kittens are “European Maine Coons”. The kittens are not from Europe but decent from internationally obtained bloodlines, what they mean is the kittens are European Type.
“Some breeders go overseas because American breeders simply won’t sell to inexperienced breeders. You can in fact get a wild look in both American and European bloodlines. If you are considering breeding you can sign up for the TICA breeder mentorship program that will find you a experienced mentor. ”
Health Concerns
Important Considerations
Breeding practices: The emphasis on exaggerated features in some bloodlines can potentially lead to health concerns, so responsible breeders are crucial.
Avoid Extreme Muzzles
This goes for both American and European bloodlines. Be careful wanting an “extreme looking muzzle”, you need to make sure the bite is correct. A extremely strong muzzle could be an underbite, a side profile photo should be requested to confirm the cat does not have an underbite. This is why breeders post side views of a cat head to show a correct bite.
DNA Health Testing
This goes for both American and European bloodlines. Make sure to check the status of health testing for both parents, not just grandparents. Preferably want the parents to be non-carriers that is negative, N/N. Using a carrier cat is frowned upon in the USA.
Conclusion
Price of a Maine Coon Kitten
We suggest you look for a quality kitten that from health tested stock, from a verifiable breeder who is doing what is necessary to ensure their kittens get the best start in life and the best home type. Neither is more valuable than the other however they do have differences and for some that justifies more value. A healthy kitten with a fantasic personality and supportive breeder is what has the most value!
Please read “ The Real Price Of Cheap Kittens ”