The Maine Coon is a popular breed in the United States for good reasons. They are friendly, sociable, and beautiful cats. There are many different coat patterns and colors for Maine Coons. One of the most interesting is the tuxedo coat. This coat pattern looks like the cat is wearing a tuxedo! The cat’s main coat color is black with a white neck, chest, and paws.
These beautiful cats have a history shrouded in mystery and some interesting features. Read on to learn more about the Tuxedo Maine Coon!
The Earliest Records of Tuxedo Maine Coons in History
It is not clear where the breed originated, but some think the Maine Coon first developed after the Viking ships touched American shores. The breed shares many features with that of the Norwegian Forest Cat, which contributes to this theory. The Norwegian Forest cats may have bred with native shorthaired cats, resulting in the breed we know today as the Maine Coon.
Whether or not this is true, the Maine Coon has been in the United States for a long time. They have been popular farm cats for a very long time. This breed is the official cat of the state of Maine, which is also where they get their name. The tuxedo coat style doesn’t have a specific origin but is one of the more popular coat styles found in the Maine Coon today.
How Tuxedo Maine Coons Gained Popularity
Their friendly nature and great hunting skills contributed to the growth in popularity of the Maine Coon throughout the 1800s. The first time this breed was mentioned in an official publication was in 1861’s The Book of the Cat. The Maine Coon mentioned in this book was black and white, which indicates it may have been of the tuxedo variety.
The breed’s popularity continued throughout the remainder of the century. A Maine Coon won the Best Cat in the New York or Boston cat shows in 1895, 1897, 1898, and 1899. However, once the 20th century began, the breed began to drop in popularity. This continued, and in the 1950s the numbers of Maine Coons in existence dropped worryingly low.
Luckily, for lovers of these big, friendly cats, the 1960s brought a resurgence in popularity. This has continued and today the breed is one of the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the country.
Formal Recognition of Tuxedo Maine Coons
The Maine Coon was first mentioned in a book in 1861. Around the same time, there were Maine Coon-specific cat shows in Maine. The tuxedo coloring was just one of the coat patterns popular with this breed in these cat shows.
In 1895, the first Maine Coon won the Best in Show award at the National Cat Show in New York City. The first official Maine Coon breeders club, the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association, was formed in 1968. Recognition by the Cat Fanciers Association at championship status did not occur until 1976.
Top 6 Unique Facts About Tuxedo Maine Coons
Maine Coons are an interesting and original cat breed! Here are just a few unique facts about these beauties:
- The Maine Coon is the only long-haired cat breed native to the United States. Although their complete heritage is unknown, the breed originated in Maine, likely the result of long-haired cats from overseas arriving on ships and mating with the native short-haired breeds.
- They have water-resistant fur and love to play in the water. It is believed that the water-resistant nature of their fur makes it easier for them to swim and tolerate the water. In homes, they will play in your sink, bathtub, and in any other water they come across.
- The world’s longest domestic cat on record was a Maine Coon. The cat’s name was Stewie and he was 48.5 inches long! Another huge Maine Coon, named Samson, measured 48 inches long and weighed 28 pounds! Typically, Maine Coons weigh between 12 to 18 pounds, which is still pretty heavy for a cat.
- The Maine Coon is one of just eight breeds where the tuxedo pattern is a recognized breed standard.
- Maine Coons are known not only for their fluffy coats and large frames. This breed is very intelligent, friendly, and sociable. Their sparkling personalities are a big reason for their popularity!
- Since their actual heritage is unknown, rumors abound, including that they descended from raccoons and cats breeding, they were descendants of Marie Antoinette’s cats, and they descended from bobcats. None of these rumors is true, but people have believed all of them at one point in time.
You might also be interested in: Maine Coon Munchkin
Does a Tuxedo Maine Coon Make a Good Pet?
Tuxedo Maine Coons make wonderful pets! They are one of the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the United States. They get along great with kids, other cats, and even dogs. The breed is generally pretty healthy and, aside from grooming, does not require special care. Their long coats do need to be brushed frequently and they need regular nail trims. Even with regular brushing, the Maine Coon does shed a lot.
As long as you can give them the care they need, you’d have a tough time finding a more family-friendly cat. The Maine Coon is playful, friendly, and sociable. They are loyal and like to follow their people around all day. You can play games like fetch with your Maine Coon. They also tend to enjoy the outdoors so if you introduce them to a leash and harness from a young age, you might have a hiking companion on your hands too! Just be careful to always have them on a leash and supervise them when they are outside to keep them safe.
Conclusion
From their mysterious origins to their popularity today, the Tuxedo Maine Coon is an interesting cat. They’ve been common throughout the eastern United States since the early 1800s. Their beautiful coats and even better personalities make them a great pet choice for many families. Now that you’ve learned about the history of the Tuxedo Maine Coon, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of these great cats!
Related Read: 7 Types of Maine Coon Cat Coat Colors: An Overview
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
