In a world filled with many feline wonders, the majestic Maine Coon cat stands out as a breed of undeniable charm and allure. With their large size, tufted ears, and bushy tails, these gentle giants have a way of capturing the hearts of cat lovers everywhere. But what does it take to become a CFA Standard Maine Coon Cat Breeder?
Continue reading to learn more about the fascinating world of these extraordinary breeders who dedicate themselves to the perfection and preservation of one of the biggest domestic cats.
What is Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)?
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1906, dedicated to promoting, recognizing, and preserving pedigreed cats and their welfare. The CFA establishes breed standards, sanctions cat shows, and maintains a comprehensive registry of pedigreed cats worldwide. It is one of the world’s largest registries of pedigreed cats, headquartered in Alliance, Ohio, USA.
The first cat shows licensed by CFA were held in 1906, one in Buffalo and one in Detroit. The first Annual Meeting was held in 1907 at Madison Square Garden. In 1909, CFA published the first Stud Book and Register in the Cat Journal magazine. Also, in 1909, Volume I of the Stud Book was published in book form. On September 18, 1919, articles of incorporation were drawn up under the laws of the State of New York. CFA then entered a new and successful era, and the Association has grown steadily over the years.
CFA has grown in all areas from a humble beginning, and approximately 400 shows will be held this season worldwide. CFA shows are judged by individuals who meet high qualification criteria and have completed a rigorous training program that well qualifies them to evaluate the show cat using CFA Breed standards.
CFA-Recognized Cat Breeds
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) currently recognizes 45 pedigreed breeds and non-pedigreed Companion Cats (CCW). 42 of these breeds are eligible to compete in Championship, Premiership, Kitten and Veteran Classes, while the Khao Manee, Lykoi, and Toybob can be shown in non-competitive classes (Miscellaneous or Provisional), with the potential to advance to championship status.
The CFA-recognized breeds are given below:
|
CFA Breeds |
CFA Breeds |
CFA Breeds |
|
Abyssinian |
American Curl |
|
| American Bobtail |
American Shorthair |
|
|
American Wirehair |
Balinese |
Burmese |
|
Birman |
Burmilla |
|
| Chartreux |
Colorpoint Shorthair |
Devon Rex |
| Cornish Rex |
Egyptian Mau |
European Burmese |
|
Exotic |
Havana Brown |
Japanese Bobtail |
| Korat | LaPerm |
Maine Coon |
| Manx |
Ocicat |
|
|
Oriental |
Ragamuffin |
|
|
Russian Blue |
Scottish Fold | |
| Selkirk Rex | ||
|
Singapura |
Somali |
Sphynx |
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Thai |
Tonkinese |
|
|
Turkish Van |
A Labor of Love
The journey to becoming a CFA standard Maine Coon cat breeder is paved with passion and dedication. It all starts with a profound love for the Maine Coon breed, an unwavering commitment to their well-being, and a desire to share these stunning creatures with the world. Breeding Maine Coons is not simply a hobby for these individuals but a genuine vocation that requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of the breed’s unique characteristics. It also requires a commitment to provide Maine Coons good care.
The CFA Standard: A Beacon of Quality
To maintain the integrity of the Maine Coon breed, the CFA has established a stringent set of guidelines that breeders must adhere to. These standards are designed to ensure that only the highest quality Maine Coons are bred and that their unique traits are preserved for future generations to admire. A CFA standard Maine Coon cat breeder is expected to prioritize the health, temperament, and physical appearance of their cats, as well as the ethical treatment of their breeding stock.
CFA Maine Coon Breed Standard: A Symphony of Traits
The charisma of the Maine Coons lies in their harmonious blend of characteristics. CFA Standard Maine Coon Cat Breeder works diligently to enhance and preserve these traits in their cats. Some of the key features that a CFA Standard Maine Coon cat breeder strives for include:
General: originally a working cat, the Maine Coon is solid, rugged, and can endure a harsh climate. A distinctive characteristic is its smooth, shaggy coat. A well-proportioned and balanced appearance with no part of the cat being exaggerated. Quality should never be sacrificed for size. With an essentially amiable disposition, it has adapted to varied environments.
Head Shape: medium in width and slightly longer in length than width with a squareness to the muzzle. Cheekbones are high. Allowance should be made for broadening in older studs.
Muzzle/Chin: is visibly square, medium in length and blunt-ended when viewed in profile. It may give the appearance of being a rectangle but should not appear to be tapering or pointed.
The length and width of the muzzle should be proportionate to the rest of the head and present a pleasant, balanced appearance. The chin should be strong, firm and in line with the upper lip and nose.
When viewed in profile, the chin depth should be observable and give the impression of a square, 90-degree angle. A chin lacking in depth, i.e., one that tapers from the jawline to the lip is not considered strong, firm or desirable.
Profile: should be proportionate to the overall length of the head and should exhibit a slight concavity when viewed in profile.
The profile should be relatively smooth and free of pronounced bumps and/or humps. A profile that is straight from the brow line to the tip of the nose is unacceptable, nor should the profile show signs of having a “break” or “stop.”
Ears: Shape: large, well-tufted, wide at the base, tapering to appear pointed. Set: approximately one ear’s width apart at the base; not flared.
Eyes: large, expressive, wide set with an opened oval shape. Slightly oblique setting with a slant toward the outer base of the ear.
Neck: medium long.
Body Shape: muscular, broad-chested. Size medium to large. Females generally are smaller than males. The body should be long with all parts in proportion to create a well-balanced rectangular appearance, with no part of the anatomy being exaggerated to foster weakness. Allowance should be made for slow maturation.
Legs And Feet: legs are substantial, wide set, of medium length, and in proportion to the body. Forelegs are straight. The back legs are straight when viewed from behind. Paws large, round, well-tufted. Five toes in front, four in back.
Tail: long, wide at the base, and tapering. Fur, long and flowing.
Coat: heavy and shaggy; shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches. The texture silky, with the coat falling smoothly. Frontal ruff desirable.
Penalize: a coat that is short or, overall, even.
Disqualify: delicate bone structure. Undershot chin, i.e., the front teeth (incisors) of the lower jaw overlapping or projecting beyond the front teeth of the upper jaw when the mouth is closed. Crossed eyes. Kinked tail. An incorrect number of toes. White buttons, white lockets, or white spots. Cats showing evidence of hybridization resulting in the colors chocolate, lavender, or the Himalayan pattern.
Maine Coon Cat Colors
Eye Color: eye color can be shades of green gold or copper. White and all Maine Coon cats with white may have blue or odd eyes.
Solid Color Class
White Maine Coon: pure glistening white. Nose leather and paw pads: pink.
Black Maine Coon: dense coal black, sound from roots to tip of fur. Free from any tinge of rust on tips or smoke undercoat. Nose leather: black. Paw pads: black or brown.
Blue or Grey Maine Coon: one-level tone from the nose to the tip of the tail. Sound to the roots. Nose leather and paw pads: blue.
Red Maine Coon: deep, rich, clear, brilliant red; without shading, markings, or ticking. The lips and chin are the same color as the coat. Nose leather and paw pads: brick red.
Cream Maine Coon: one level shade of buff cream, without markings. Sound to the roots. Nose leather and paw pads: pink.
Tabby Patterns
Classic Tabby Pattern: markings dense, clearly defined, and broad. Legs evenly barred with bracelets coming up to meet the body markings. Tail evenly ringed. Several unbroken necklaces on the neck and upper chest, the more, the better. Frown marks on the forehead form an intricate letter “M.”
An unbroken line runs back from the outer corner of the eye. Swirls on cheeks. Vertical lines over the back of the head extend to shoulder markings in the shape of a butterfly with both upper and lower wings distinctly outlined and marked with dots inside the outline.
Back markings consist of a vertical line down the spine from butterfly to tail with a vertical stripe paralleling it on each side, the three stripes well separated by stripes of the ground color. Large solid blotch on each side to be encircled by one or more unbroken rings. Side markings should be the same on both sides. Double vertical rows of buttons on the chest and stomach.
Mackerel Tabby Pattern: markings dense, clearly defined, and all narrow pencillings. Legs evenly barred with narrow bracelets coming up to meet the body markings. Tail barred. Necklaces on the neck and chest are distinct, like so many chains. Head barred with an “M” on the forehead. Unbroken lines running back from the eyes. Lines running down the head to meet the shoulders. Spine lines run together to form a narrow saddle. Narrow pencillings run around the body.
Ticked Tabby Pattern: shows pronounced ticking on the body and, when viewed from above, will show darkening at the dorsal crest but will otherwise be free from a pattern or any noticeable spots, stripes or blotches. Body hairs will be ticked with various shades of marking color and ground color. The cat will show full tabby markings on the face and legs, and the lighter underside may also show tabby markings.
Brown Tabby Color Class
Brown Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): ground color brilliant coppery brown. Markings dense black. Back of the leg black from paw to heel. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather and paw pads: black or brown desirable.
Brown Patched Tabby Color Class
Brown Patched Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): ground color brilliant coppery brown. Markings dense black with patches of red. Nose leather and paw pads: brown, black or brick red desirable.
Silver Tabby Color Class
Silver Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): pale, clear silver ground color. Markings are dense black. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather: brick red desirable. Paw pads: black desirable.
Silver Patched Tabby Color Class
Silver Patched Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): pale, clear silver ground color. Markings are dense black with patches of red and/or cream. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather: brick red desirable. Paw pads: black and/or pink desirable.
Red Tabby Color Class
Red Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): ground color red. Markings are deep, rich red. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather and paw pads: brick red desirable.
All Other Tabby Colors Class
Blue-Silver Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): pale, clear silver ground color. Markings a deep blue affording a good contrast with the ground color. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather: old rose desirable. Paw pads: Rose desirable.
Blue-Silver Patched Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): pale, clear silver ground color. Markings a deep blue with patches of cream. Undercoat white. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather: old rose desirable. Paw pads: Rose and/or pink are desirable.
Blue Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): ground color pale bluish Ivory. Markings a very deep blue affording a good contrast with the ground color. Warm fawn overtones or patina over the whole. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather: old rose desirable. Paw pads: Rose desirable.
Blue Patched Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): ground color pale bluish Ivory. Markings a very deep blue with patches of cream. Warm fawn overtones or patina over the whole. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather: old rose desirable. Paw pads: Rose and/or pink are desirable.
Cream Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): ground color very pale cream. Markings of buff or cream sufficiently darker than the ground color to afford good contrast but remain within the dilute range. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather and paw pads: pink desirable.
Cream Silver Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): ground color off-white. Markings cream. Undercoat white. The lips and chin are the same shade as the rings around the eyes. Nose leather and paw pads: pink desirable.
Cameo Tabby (classic, mackerel, ticked): ground color off-white. The markings are red. White trim around lip and chin allowed. Nose leather and paw pads: rose desirable. Brown Tabby & White Color Class (including Vans)
Brown Tabby & White (classic, mackerel, ticked): color as defined for brown tabby with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws. Brown Patched Tabby & White Color Class (including Vans)
Brown Patched Tabby & White (classic, mackerel, ticked): ground color coppery brown. Markings are dense black but with a distribution of white markings as described in brown tabby with white. Color as described for patched tabby (torbie) with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Silver Tabby & White Color Class (including Vans)
Silver Tabby & White (classic, mackerel, ticked): color is defined for the silver tabby with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four feet.
Silver Patched Tabby & White Color Class (including Vans)
Silver Patched Tabby & White (classic, mackerel, ticked): color as described for silver patched tabby (torbie) with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four feet.
Red Tabby & White Color Class (including Vans)
Red Tabby & White (classic, mackerel, ticked): color as defined for the red tabby with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four feet.
All Other Tabby & White Colors
Color Class (including Vans)
Tabby & white (classic, mackerel, ticked): color as defined for tabby with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws. The colors accepted are blue, blue-silver, cream, cream-silver, and cameo.
Patched Tabby & White (classic, mackerel, ticked): color as described for patched tabby (torbie) with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws. Colors accepted are blue patched or blue-silver patched.
Bi-Color Color Class (including Vans)
Black & white: a combination of black and white, with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Blue & white: a combination of blue and white, with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Red & white: a combination of red and white, with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Cream & white: a combination of cream and white, with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Parti-Color Color Class
Tortoiseshell: black with patches of red or softly intermingled areas of red on both the body and the extremities. The presence of several shades of red is acceptable.
Blue-Cream: blue with patches of cream or softly intermingled areas of cream on both the body and the extremities.
Parti-Color & White Color Class
Calico (including vans): white with unbrindled patches of black and red. White is predominant on underparts.
Dilute Calico (including vans): white with unbrindled patches of blue and cream. White is predominant on underparts.
Tortoiseshell & white: color defined for tortoiseshell with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Blue-Cream & white: color as defined for blue-cream with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shaded & Smoke Color Class
Chinchilla Silver: undercoat pure white. Coat on the back. Flanks, head, and tail sufficiently tipped with black to give the characteristic sparkling silver appearance. Legs may be slightly shaded with tipping. Chin, ear tufts, stomach, and chest, pure white. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with black. Nose leather: brick red. Paw pads: black.
Shaded silver: undercoat white with a mantle of black tipping shading down from sides, face, and tail from dark on the ridge to white on the chin, chest, stomach, and under the tail. Legs to be the same tone as the face. The general effect is much darker than a chinchilla. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with black. Nose leather: brick red. Paw pads: black.
Chinchilla Blue Silver: undercoat white. Coat on the back, flanks, head, and tail sufficiently tipped with blue to give the characteristic sparkling silver appearance. Legs may be slightly shaded with tipping. Chin, ear tufts, stomach, and chest, pure white. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with blue. Nose leather and paw pads: rose desirable.
Shaded Blue Silver: undercoat white with a mantle of blue tipping shading down from sides, face, and tail from dark on the ridge to white on the chin, chest, stomach, and under the tail. Legs to be the same tone as the face. The general effect is much darker than a blue chinchilla. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with blue. Nose leather and paw pads: rose desirable.
Shell Cameo (red chinchilla): undercoat white, the coat on the back, flanks, head, and tail to be sufficiently tipped with red to give the characteristic sparkling appearance. Face and legs may be very slightly shaded with tipping. Chin, ear tufts, stomach, and chest white. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: rose.
Shaded Cameo (red shaded): undercoat white with a mantle of red tipping shading down the sides, face, and tail. The face and legs may be a deeper shading than the rest of the body. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) to be white. The general effect to be much redder than the shell cameo. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: rose.
Shell Cream (cream chinchilla): undercoat white, the coat on the back, flanks, head and tail to be lightly tipped with cream. Face and legs may be very slightly shaded with tipping. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) to be white. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: rose.
Shaded cream: undercoat white with a mantle of cream shading down the sides, face and tail, face and legs may be a deeper shading than the rest of the body. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) to be white. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: rose.
Shell Tortoiseshell: undercoat white. The coat on the back, flanks and tail are to be lightly tipped with black and shades of red. Face and legs may be lightly shaded with tipping. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) may be white to very lightly tipped with shading. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: rose to black, may also be patched.
Shaded Tortoiseshell: undercoat white. Mantle of black and red shading down the sides, face and tail. The face and legs may be a deeper shading than the rest of the body. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) may be white to lightly tipped. The general effect is to be much darker than the shell tortoiseshell. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: rose to black, may also be patched.
Shell Blue-Cream: undercoat white. The coat on the back, flanks and tail are to be lightly tipped with blue and shades of cream. Face and legs may be lightly shaded with tipping. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) may be white to very lightly tipped with shading. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: rose to blue, may also be patched.
Shaded Blue-Cream: undercoat white. Mantle of blue and cream shading down the sides, face and tail. The face and legs may be a deeper shading than the rest of the body. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) may be white to lightly tipped. The general effect is to be much darker than the shell blue-cream. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: rose to blue, may also be patched.
Black Smoke: white undercoat, deeply tipped with black. The cat in repose appears black. In motion, the white undercoat is clearly apparent. Points and mask black with a narrow band of white at the base of hairs next to the skin, which may be seen only when fur is parted. Light silver frill and ear tufts. Nose leather and paw pads: black.
Blue Smoke: white undercoat, deeply tipped with blue. The cat in repose appears blue. In motion, the white undercoat is clearly apparent. Points and mask blue with a narrow band of white hairs next to the skin, which may be seen only when fur is parted. White frill and ear tufts. Nose leather and paw pads: blue.
Cameo Smoke (red smoke): white undercoat, deeply tipped with red. The cat in repose appears red. In motion, the white undercoat is clearly apparent. Points and mask red with a narrow band of white at the base of hairs next to the skin, which may be seen only when fur is parted. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: rose.
Cream Smoke: undercoat white, deeply tipped with cream. The cat in repose appears cream. In motion, the white undercoat is clearly apparent. Points and mask cream with a narrow band of white at the base of hairs next to the skin, which may be seen only when fur is parted. Nose leather, rims of eyes and paw pads: pink desirable.
Tortie Smoke: white undercoat, deeply tipped with black with patches of red or softly intermingled areas of red on both the body and the extremities. The presence of several shades of red is acceptable. Cat in repose appears tortoiseshell.
In motion, the white undercoat is clearly apparent. Face and ears tortoiseshell pattern with a narrow band of white at the base of the hairs next to the skin that may be seen only when fur is parted. White ruff and ear tufts. A Blaze of red or cream on the face is desirable.
Blue-Cream Smoke: white undercoat, deeply tipped with blue, with clearly defined patches of cream as in the blue-cream pattern. The cat in repose appears blue-cream. In motion, the white undercoat is clearly apparent. Face and ears blue-cream pattern with a narrow band of white at the base of the hairs next to the skin, which may be seen only when the fur is parted. White ruff and ear tufts. A Blaze of cream on the face is desirable.
Shaded/Smoke & White Color Class (including Vans)
Note: any tortie & white colors or blue-cream & white colors will not have the van pattern.
Chinchilla Silver & White: color defined as chinchilla silver with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shaded Silver & White: color as defined for shaded silver with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Chinchilla Blue Silver & White: color as defined for chinchilla blue silver with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shaded Blue Silver & White: color as defined for shaded blue silver with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shell Cameo (red chinchilla) & White: color as defined for shell cameo with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shaded Cameo (red shaded) & White: color as defined for a shaded cameo with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shell Cream (cream chinchilla) & White: color defined as shell cream with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shaded Cream & White: color defined as shaded cream with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shell Tortoiseshell & White: color as defined for shell tortoiseshell with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shaded Tortoiseshell & White: color as defined for shaded tortoiseshell with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shell Calico: white with unbrindled patches of black and shades of red. The coat on the back, flanks and tail are to be lightly tipped with black and shades of red. Face and legs may be lightly shaded with tipping. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) may be white to very lightly tipped with shading. White predominates on the underparts of the cat.
Shaded Calico: white with unbrindled patches of black and shades of red. Mantle of black and red shading down the sides, face and tail. The face and legs may be a deeper shading than the rest of the body. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) may be white to lightly tipped. The general effect is to be much darker than the shell calico. White predominate on the underparts of the cat.
Shell Blue-Cream & White: color as defined for shell blue-cream with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shaded Blue-Cream & White: color as defined for shaded blue-cream with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Shell Dilute Calico: white with unbrindled patches of blue and shades of cream. The coat on the back, flanks and tail are to be lightly tipped with blue and shades of cream. Face and legs may be lightly shaded with tipping. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) may be white to very lightly tipped with shading. White predominate on the underparts of the cat.
Shaded Dilute Calico: white with unbrindled patches of blue and shades of cream. Mantle of blue and cream shading down the sides, face and tail. The face and legs may be a deeper shading than the rest of the body. Chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest (ruff) may be white to lightly tipped. The general effect is to be much darker than the dilute shell calico. White predominate on the underparts of the cat.
Black Smoke & White: color as defined for black smoke with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Blue Smoke & White: color as defined for blue smoke with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Cameo Smoke (red smoke) & White: color as defined for cameo smoke with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Cream Smoke & White: color as defined for cream smoke with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Tortie Smoke & White: color defined for tortie smoke with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Blue-Cream Smoke & White: color as defined for blue cream smoke with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.
Calico Smoke: white with unbrindled patches of black and shades of red. Black and red patches to have a white undercoat. White predominate on the underparts of the cat.
Dilute Calico Smoke: white with unbrindled patches of blue and shades of cream. Blue and cream patches to have a white undercoat. White predominate on the underparts of the cat.
Other Maine Coon Cat Color Class
OMCCC (Other Maine Coon Cat Colors): any other color except for those showing hybridization resulting in the colors chocolate, lavender, the Himalayan pattern, or these combinations with white. Cats listed as AOV are to be registered and shown under AOV color class.)
Comparing TICA, FIFe, and CFA Standard Maine Coon cats
Let us expand our understanding by exploring the subtle yet intriguing differences between The International Cat Association (TICA), Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), and CFA standards for the Maine Coon breed.
|
Feature |
TICA Standard Maine Coon |
FIFe Standard Maine Coon |
CFA Standard Maine Coon |
|
Head Shape |
Slightly longer than wide |
Slightly longer than wide |
Medium width, slightly longer than wide |
|
Profile |
Gently curved |
Gently curved |
Gently curved |
|
Eyes |
Large, slightly oblique |
Large, slightly oblique |
Large, slightly oblique |
| Ears | Large, wide at base, tufted | Large, wide at base, tufted | Large, wide at base, tufted |
| Neck | Medium length, strong | Medium length, strong |
Medium length, strong |
| Body | Long, rectangular | Long, rectangular | Long, rectangular |
| Legs | Substantial, medium length | Substantial, medium length | Substantial, medium length |
| Feet | Large, round, tufted |
Large, round, tufted |
Large, round, tufted |
| Tail | Long, flowing, plumed |
Long, flowing, plumed |
Long, flowing, plumed |
|
Coat Length and Texture |
Uneven, shaggy, silky |
Uneven, shaggy, silky |
Uneven, shaggy, silky |
| Size | Large |
Large |
Large |
| Weight | Males: 13-18 lbs, Females: 8-12 lbs | Males: 13-18 lbs, Females: 8-12 lbs |
Males: 13-18 lbs, Females: 8-12 lbs |
|
Temperament |
Gentle, friendly, sociable |
Gentle, friendly, sociable |
Gentle, friendly, sociable |
Please note that while these standards have some differences in descriptions, they all aim to preserve the unique characteristics of the Maine Coon cat breed. The differences between TICA, FIFe, and CFA standards are relatively minor, and overall, they share the same goal of maintaining the breed’s health, temperament, and physical appearance for breeding cats.
CFA Maine Coon Kittens for Sale
A CFA Standard Maine Coon Cat Breeder is driven by a commitment to the ethical treatment of its cats and the promotion of responsible breeding practices. They work closely with veterinarians and geneticists to ensure the health and well-being of their breeding stock and kittens. This includes regular health screenings, genetic testing for hereditary diseases, providing healthy Maine Coon food, and offering Maine Coon kittens for sale in a safe, nurturing environment.
CFA Registered Maine Coon Breeders
We must acknowledge the efforts of every CFA standard Maine Coon cat breeder who strive to maintain high standards in breeding and nurturing these gentle giants. The price of buying a Maine Coon kitten from a CFA standard Maine Coon cat breeder may be substantial, but the reward is worth it.. For your ease and reference, here is a list of some of these CFA Maine Coon breeders located in the US:
Backwoods Maine Coons
Nestled in the heart of Alabama, Backwoods Maine Coons is a serene and idyllic haven for the majestic Maine Coon cat. With a genuine passion for these gentle giants, the dedicated team at Backwoods Zoo Crew strives to provide the highest quality of care and love to their feline family.
Upholding the CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) standards, Backwoods Maine Coons is committed to ethical breeding practices and the well-being of their cats, ensuring the continuation of excellence in the captivating realm of Maine Coon breeding.
Email: backwoodszoocrew@gmail.com
Game On Cats
Game On Cats is a devoted Maine Coon cattery that passionately nurtures and breeds these magnificent felines in adherence to the CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) standards. The Game on Cats ensures the continuation of excellence in the captivating realm of Maine Coon and Exotic Shorthairs breeding, embracing the unique characteristics that make these felines exceptional. It is located in the San Tan Valley of Arizona.
Email: Gameoncats@gmail.com
Suncoon
Suncoon is a distinguished Maine Coon cattery that passionately fosters and breeds these beautiful felines following the CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) standards. The cattery is located in the Greater Phoenix Area of Arizona.
With a deep-rooted commitment to the health, happiness, and exceptional traits of their feline family, the team at Suncoon consistently upholds the highest standards of excellence in the mesmerizing world of Maine Coon breeding, celebrating the unique qualities that set these gentle giants apart.
Email: suncoons@gmail.com
Arkancoons
Arkancoons, situated in the picturesque landscape of Arkansas, is a passionate Maine Coon cattery committed to raising and breeding these fabulous felines in harmony with the esteemed CFA and American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) standards.
By focusing on the well-being, happiness, and distinct traits of their beloved feline companions, the team at Arkancoons plays a vital role in the diverse and fascinating world of Maine Coon breeding, contributing to the celebration and preservation of the unique features that make these gentle giants truly special.
Email: arkancoons@gmail.com
M&M Maine Coons
M&M Maine Coons, situated in Arcadia, California, is a Maine Coon cattery dedicated to breeding and raising these amazing felines while adhering to the well-regarded CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) standards.
The M&M Maine Coons emphasizes the importance of maintaining the health, happiness, and unique characteristics of their feline companions and recognizes the distinctive qualities of the breed. As an active participant in the diverse world of Maine Coon breeding, M&M Maine Coons contributes to the ongoing appreciation and preservation of the exceptional features that define these gentle giants.
Email: kittenswithmittens@hotmail.com
Disclaimer
The information provided about the catteries mentioned in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to promote or endorse any specific cattery or breeder. It is the responsibility of the reader to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any decisions regarding acquiring a cat from a breeder. Maine Coon Companion disclaims any liability arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided in this article.