I live in West Palm Beach, Florida. I found a kitten almost 4 months ago. She is the spit and image of many of the photos of Maine Coons I see on the internet. I have had several people tell me that they are sure she is a Maine Coon. She is a silver tabby, with ginger-colored areas, green eyes, very fluffy tail, and many of the features listed on this website. She was a fluffy kitten, but is not real long-haired now. It looks like her belly may be longer haired than the rest of her. How can I find out if she is a Maine Coon? Would a breeder be able to te

-- Anonymous, January 09, 2000

Answers

Sure sounds like you have found a Maine Coon....or at least a cat whose ancestors have come across a Maine Coon somewhere along the line! Technically, however, you cannot say you have a Maine Coon cat unless you have the pedigree papers, as a "real" Maine Coon is a purebred cat. You might want to go to one of the many CFA or TICA cat shows which happen around the US and Canada and look at some of the purebred MCs there. Don't be surprised if the breeders and exhibitors smile a lot when you say, "I think I have a MC cat.....we hear that comment a lot! However, you will be interested in seeing the "real thing". Take along some pictures of your cat too. Also, if she is very pretty, how about entering her in the household pet section of a show and see how beautiful the judges think she is? For more info on where to find cat shows in your area, I could probably give you some info if you e-mail me back.

-- Anonymous, January 11, 2000