Even if you know nothing about different cat breeds, you likely know what a Maine Coon looks like from its humongous body and distinct facials features. The Black Smoke Maine Coon is a variety with dark, ashy fur coats. These cats are gentle giants. They have playful and affectionate personalities that cat lovers dream of. Even though we don’t have an exact log of their history, there are a few different theories about where this breed comes from.
The Earliest Records of Black Smoke Maine Coons in History
Even though Maine Coons are one of the most well-known cat breeds, we don’t have an exact origin for them. There are three theories that have stuck over the years. The first theory suggests that the Maine Coon cat breed is only a legend, but it was said that they were a cross between a raccoon and a longhaired cat, which took place in Maine. This pairing is impossible, but you can see how such a legend would come about when you look at their large, furry bodies with ringed tails.
The second theory is that Marie Antoinette was the first to breed Maine Coons. She fled to Maine with Turkish Angora cats while fleeing France during the Revolution. On land, these cats bred with local cats and became the Maine Coons we know today.
The last theory about the history of Maine Coons says that this breed arrived in the Northeastern United States on a ship captained by Charles Coon. There are also similar stories of these cats on Viking ships, which could make sense considering the similarity to the Norwegian Forest Cat breed.
How Black Smoke Maine Coons Gained Popularity
Even though we don’t know exactly how Maine Coons came to arrive on American soil, they have been around for a long time. The first mention of this cat breed is in a book from the 1860s by author F.R. Pierce. They were historically bred in the Northeastern corner of the United States for their robust build and thick fur that makes them perfect for northern climates. They are great mousers and incredibly beautiful. The Maine Coon was entered into cat shows as more people began to recognize them around 1895, and a Maine Coon was the first major cat show winner in America. They have such distinct traits that they have become one of the most recognizable cat breeds in the world.
Formal Recognition of Black Smoke Maine Coons
The Black Smoke Maine Coon took a few decades to turn from a glorified barn cat to a pedigreed breed. The first club to recognize this breed was the Maine Coon Cat Club in 1973. It took another three years for the esteemed Cat Fanciers Association to take notice, and they recognized them in 1976.
Today, Maine Coon cats have the highest entries in CFA cats shows. It isn’t unlikely for this breed to be named Best Cat or Best of Show. They are intelligent, majestic, and trainable. Their beauty is only a benefit to their agreeable temperament.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Black Smoke Maine Coons
1. Maine Coons are massive animals.
People have literally mistaken Maine Coons for bobcats. To put it simply, these cats are massive. Females weigh anywhere from 9 to 16 pounds, and males weigh 13 to 18 pounds. The average cat weighs only 8 pounds. Even though they are incredibly large, they are not the biggest cat breed. Norwegian Forest Cats and Ragdolls are two breeds that are even larger.
2. There is a huge array of coat colors.
The Black Smoke Maine Coon is only one color of fur that you could have. They traditionally have brown coats and bushy tails, but there are a total of six colors. There are black smoke, blue smoke, red smoke, cream smoke, tortie smoke, and blue tortie smoke colors today.
3. Their coats are evolved for winter.
Maine Coons originate from cold, northern regions of the United States and they have evolved in order to survive the harsh winters in these areas. They have large, tufted paws that work like snowshoes and thick bushy tails to wrap around their bodies when it is cold outside. The best feature, however, is the dense, water-repellent coat. It is longer on their stomach and flanks, and these shaggy sections keep the cat’s lower body warm as it walks across snow and ice.
4. They won America’s first popular cat show.
The first well-known cat show was held at Madison Square Garden in 1295. Cosie, a brown tabby Maine Coon, won the Best Cat award, and the medal is now on display at the Cat Fanciers Association located in Alliance, Ohio. This made them one of the most coveted cat breeds in the country until Persian cats came into the picture.
- See also: Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?
5. Maine Coons won the record for the world’s longest and oldest cats.
The longest cat measured over four feet long until he died in 2013 from cancer. The world’s oldest cat still holds that record and is 26 years old.
Does a Black Smoke Maine Coon Make a Good Pet?
Maine Coons are an excellent breed to bring home and turn into a family pet. They adapt well to all situations and are an extremely friendly breed. Their remarkable intelligence makes them easy to train, so much so that they have even been considered the dogs of the cat world. They are a smart choice for first-time pet owners, families, or homes with other existing pets like cats and dogs. They tend to get along with anyone and enjoy being around their owners.
Conclusion
The Black Smoke Maine Coon is a beautiful color variation of a breed with an amazing temperament. We don’t have specifics on their history, but we do know that they come from the northeastern United States and are so popular that almost anyone can identify them.
Even though there are five other colors to choose from, the Black Smoke Maine Coon is one that is going to make a statement. Their ashy fur, large bodies, and distinguished faces are going to have all of your friends and family wondering where they can get a new pet Maine Coon as well.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
