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The Maine Coon is a working cat, muscular, solid, medium to large in size with a look of the wild. this cat is a result of natural evolution, capable of surviving a harsh climate with little or no human assistance. Thus, this cat may be reserved initially toward strange people and new situations, yet the Maine Coon does have an amiable disposition. Males may be larger, females are usually smaller. Females should not be penalized because of this size difference. Allowance should be made for slow maturation, as a Maine Coon does not achieve ultimate type until three to four years of age. Type must not be sacrificed for size, or size for type.
HEAD: Medium in width and slightly longer than wide with allowance for broadening and jowls in males. Muzzle is square when viewed from any angle.
EARS: Large, tall, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed, with lynx-like tipping and inner tufts extending beyond the outer edge of the ears. They are set high on the head, the distance between them being equal to the width of an ear at its base.
EYES: Large, round, wide-set, with a slightly oblique setting. Eye colour may be shades of green, gold or copper. Clarity of colour is desired. There is no relationship between eye colour and coat colour, except in white cats, which may be blue-eyed, copper-eyed or odd-eyed.
NOSE: Slightly concave with no break.
CHEEKS: Cheek bones are high.
CHIN: Firm and in line with nose and upper lip.
BODY: Medium to large in size, muscular and broad chested. The body should be long with all parts proportioned to create a rectangular appearance. Neck medium to long; may be thick and muscular in older males. The body should feel solid, with firm muscle and no flabbiness. When viewed from the rear, there is a definite squareness to the rump.
LEGS: Sturdily boned, wide-set, medium in length, in proportion to the body.
PAWS: Large, round and well tufted underneath and between the pads.
TAIL: Long, at least the length of the body, wide at the base and tapering to the tip.
COAT: Uneven in length and markedly subject to seasonal variation. Fur on head, neck and shoulders is short, becoming gradually longer along the back towards the tail and down the sides toward the belly. Britches and belly fur is full and shaggy. The coat flows smoothly down the body, continuing in the same manner on the tail. There is a frontal ruff, generally heavier on males than females. White trim around the chin and lip line allowed except in solid colour cats.
TAIL: Heavily furred, long and flowing, but it is not bushy as is a fox's brush.
CONDITION: There is no point score for condition as such. Flabbiness, obesity, emaciation, dull coat, evidence of illness, or any other indication that the cat is not in good physical condition or has not had proper grooming are faults, and should be penalized under the appropriate heading constituting the point score .
| Head (including shape, profile, ears & eyes) | 35 |
| Body (including shape, legs, feet & tail) | 35 |
| Coat, length, texture and overall condition l) | 20 |
| Colour | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
FAULTS: REFER TO GENERAL LIST FOR ALL BREEDS PLUS:
PENALIZE: Untufted paws, Persian-like break in nose, Persian-like undercoat, short tail, short rounded muzzle.
WITHHOLD: Delicate bone structure, overall even coat, undershot chin, short cobby body and legs, kinked tail, crossed eyes, polydactylism, buttons, lockets or spots.
MAINE COON COLOUR STANDARDS
COLOUR & PATTERN:
Any colour or combination of colour except Chocolate, Lilac and the Himalayan pattern.
EYE COLOUR: There is no relationship between eye colour and coat colour. Eye colour should be shades of green, gold, orange or copper, preferably clear and deep. White cats may also be either blue, orange or odd-eyed.
NOSE LEATHER: Plain or mottled to correspond with coat colour.
PADS: Plain or mottled to correspond with coat colour.
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