Maine Coon cats are my favorite of the domestic felines. A native American breed that first developed in the New England area, Maine Coon cats are big, affectionate, intelligent creatures, nicknamed the "Gentle Giants" of the cat world. They make wonderful companions for humans because they are laid back and people-oriented. They get along well with children and other animals. Adult Maine Coons retain the playful nature of kittens. They are long haired cats, but with fairly maintenance free coats which usually do not require major grooming.
Please feel free to browse my site and learn about Maine Coons and SpiritHill!
I have been extremely happy with my Maine Coon purchased from SpiritHill Maine Coon cattery. My cat, Izzy, fits the description of Gentle Giant, sits on my lap, follows me from room to room, and likes to sleep on, or next to my husband and me. When the children were younger, she let them put her in boxes, bags, and doll furniture. She would love watching them or just being in the same room. She would occasionally run off with a toy, only to bring it back later. Izzy was a well-socialized kitten when we got her, has the traditional classic Maine Coon look, which I prefer, and is very healthy. Patty is knowledgeable, competent, and pleasant to work with. She loves her cats and relates to the families she places kittens with. She cares that her kittens are placed in a home that is a good fit or match for both potential buyers and kitten. It is without reservation that I would recommend SpiritHill Maine Coons.
Lizzy
Patty is an incredibly devoted Maine Coon breeder who goes above and beyond to make sure that you get a healthy, well adjusted kitten to love. She is flexible for visits as the kittens grow and is happy to answer your questions. I appreciated the new kitten information, it was very helpful guidance to fully prepare me for my new baby. I took home a kitten from Summer Shandy's litter in September 2018 and she immediately took to me and my home. I have named my kitten Nyxie and she is a beautiful tabby variation who loves to play and snuggle for hours. She has brought me so much happiness and is everything I could have hoped for and more, all thanks to the care Patty provides to her cats and their kittens.
Madeleine
I met Patty at a cat show. I told her I did not want a kitten but an older kitty. She told me about Poe, who was going to be spayed soon. Poe came to live with us a few months later; Patty brought her to our home so she could see where Poe’s new home would be, and to spend time getting to know us as well, and know that Poe would be in good hands and loved. Patty is a very caring breeder, treats her kitties as family and wants to make sure that she places her kitties in good loving homes. Poe is very interactive, and we love having her as part of our family.
Marilyn
I have three cats from SpiritHill Maine Coon Cats. All three cats are healthy and personable and very social with a loving and gentle nature that is a typical Maine Coon personality. These are the qualities that you will want when looking for a Maine Coon cat to add to your family. Patty is a wonderful, friendly and warm person who truly loves and dotes on the health and care of her cats. She does testing and health checkups on all her cats as well as her kittens before they go to their new homes. Patty is also easy to communicate with and very helpful with questions and concerns about adopting a Maine Coon cat.
Evette
We adopted Orion Son of Sampson from Patty and he is the joy of our house! Such a sweet, beautiful and affectionate boy. After years of wanting a pedigree Maine Coon we came across Patty and Orion at a local cat show. It was love at first sight. Patty is very nurturing and knowledgeable of the breed. The attention Patty gives to her cats is evident in Orion as he was two years old and "retiring" when he came to live with us. He is much adored. We highly recommend finding your next Maine Coon companion from SpiritHill Maine Coon Cattery.
John and Sandra
About SpiritHill Maine Coon Cattery
SpiritHill is my small cattery in El Paso County, near Fountain Colorado. SpiritHill is a home-based cattery that breeds and raises Maine Coon kittens and cats with good health and wonderful temperaments as major goals.
The Maine Coon is considered to be an American "native-bred" feline. Maine Coons are the first true long-haired American breed, native to the state of Maine, and is a very old and much-loved breed. My breeding practices try to maintain and promote the Maine Coon as Mother Nature intended. It is important to me to preserve the traditional look of the Maine Coon, and work to keep that style.
All animal breeds have a defined, written standard that lists the physical traits, personality aspects, and other characteristics of the breed. A Standard ensures that animals produced by breeders conform to the specifics of the standardized breed. You can find Breed Standards on the Links page. Reputable breeders follow the Standard and changes are only made after working with a particular Breed Council and member voting. However, with the increased popularity of the Maine Coon, many people have chosen to become breeders without understanding the origins, history, heritage, or Standard of this breed. The wonderful Maine Coon breed is being diluted with cats that do not uphold the traditional breed guidelines. While there is some room for subjective interpretations of Standards, we are seeing more extreme or exotic looking Maine Coons. The almond-shaped eyes, large muzzles and chins, and huge, tall ears with furry lynx tips, and longer, slimmer bodies deviate from the balanced, rugged, and open sweet look the Maine Coon is known for. Many are calling this corruption"Eurocoons" because much of this look originated in Eastern bloc and other European countries. Plus, the new marketing ploy is to advertise"prestigious European lines" or "world-class European imports" for this native American cat, that often carry a hefty price tag. While there are great breeders and catteries in Europe and other parts of the world, conscientious breeders respect the Standard and try to breed cats that acknowledge the criteria. It is my goal to continue the "original" Maine Cat form which drew me to the Maine Coon in the first place.
I have taken a Feline Genetics course, and in most cases, work to keep inbreeding low and diversity high. While it is not possible to provide complete health guarantees, I am dedicated to screening for feline genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. My cats are tested for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and FeLV (feline leukemia) and the cattery is negative for these diseases. I do not use cats for breeding that have gingivitis or any type of gum disease.
I believe that good nutrition is the basis of good health. Therefore, SpiritHill cats are fed a natural, appropriate diet designed for true carnivores. This includes a diet rich in meat protein, so SpiritHill cats get the majority of their nutrition from the meat, bones, and organs of prey. Felines are hunters and Mother Nature has created an accomplished predator in the cat. They have muscular bodies, sharp pointed teeth, powerful jaws, and sharp claws. Intelligence is helped by great eyesight, smell, and hearing, along with quick reflexes. Even a short, acidic, digestive tract helps the cat eat its meat prey. And, Maine Coons are large, slow maturing cats so a proper diet is especially important for healthy growth and development. You can find more studies about the benefits of natural meat diets for cats (and dogs) on the Links Page. No matter what you believe to be the reason for choosing a particular pet food, I hope the most important priority is what will give your cat a life full of health and vigor.
All SpiritHill cats are raised in my home, uncaged and underfoot. I am known for having "spoiled" cats which is the way I think it should be. I take great care and pride in my participation with mother-cat in the raising and socializing of the Maine Coon kittens born in my home. I want all kittens to grow up to be happy, confident family members and companions when they move to their forever home. I usually place kittens between 14 - 16 weeks of age. I know it may be hard to wait for your precious fur baby, but I have found that kittens placed at about four months old adjust the best since their immune systems and personalities are more developed.
SpiritHill Maine Coon Cattery is registered with CFA (The Cat Fancier's Association) and TICA (The International Cat Association), and I actively show in both organizations. Perhaps you will find me with a SpiritHill Maine Coon at a show. Please stop and say hello!
The Maine Coon Cat
There are many tales that try to chronicle the history of the Maine Coon, but no one can be absolutely sure of their precise origin. The first Maine Cats, as they were called early on, evolved along the Maine coastal towns and villages some 3 centuries ago. Early Maine Cats were a normal part of the rural life. A flourishing maritime trade existed during the colonization of New England (and before) and cats were important passengers on the ships and schooners. The paring of these seafaring felines with the land cats of the early Maine settlers, along with the climate and terrain of the region, is what most likely produced the unique cats that today we call Maine Coons. Available literature has the Maine Cat as a recognized "type" of feline as early as the mid-1800's. The cats were developed into a standardized and registered breed in Maine during the 1950's and 1960's and by 1980 all of the cat registering organizations had accepted the Maine Coon. During the early part of the 1900's, outside of the New England area, the Maine Coon's popularity waned with some of the newer, European imports, such as the Persian, gaining favor. However, the popularity of the Maine Coon began to increase again during the 1950's and since that time, their acclaim spread across the United States and into other parts of the world.
Maine Coons can come in almost every color. The most common color is the brown tabby, but Maine Coons can be white, black, red, blue, silver and any mixture allowed by genetics. The color can be with or without white. They can be solid cats or tabbies. Their tabby pattern can be mackerel (a striped tabby) or classic (a bullseye pattern on the side of the cat), and ticked (ticking over the entire body). Maine Coons will not be the pointed colors or pattern, such as a Siamese.
The body and coat characteristics of the Maine Coon is an outcome of their development in the harsh climate of New England, and is a credit to Mother Nature. Their coat is glossy, water-resistant, and layered. Soft, downy-like undercoats, and longer, coarser, guard outer hairs keep the cat warm and dry during snowy, wet, or chilled weather. The coat is longer on the ruff, stomach, and legs (britches) which provides protection from moisture, and shorter on the back and neck as a defense against tangling in brush. During the colder months, the undercoat will thicken, especially underneath the neck and stomach, adding a protective "layer" of insulation. The tail is long and bushy, called a "brush", which allows the cat to curl up around the tail as another protection from the elements. The paws of a Maine Coon are large, rounded and tufted, to facilitate walking on cold, wet, snowy surfaces. Originally, up to 25% of early Maine Cats were polydactyl, or multi-toed. These cats were also called mitten-toed cats and could have extra toes on just the front paws, or all four. The ears, while big, are not as large as many breeds, but are hairy, both giving extra protection from climate and heat loss.
The size and structure of the Maine Coon also showcases Nature's abilities to promote the best. A strong, solid body supports the predatory nature of the Maine Coon. A rugged, outdoor cat, the Maine Coon's body is substantial, muscular, medium to large, rectangular in shape, and very balanced. The ears have a wide range of motion. Eyes are large. Long whiskers help with balance and movement, as does the long tail. A long. square muzzle aids in grabbing prey and lapping water. A Maine Coon is a slow developing cat, not reaching full size until around three years old, and some state up to five years. Males typically weigh 15 - 20 pounds, while females usually weigh between 9 - 12 pounds.
The temperament of the Maine Coon belies its rugged hardiness. The Maine Coon is a relaxed cat, with an easy-going personality one of its major traits. They are often referred to as goofy. Maine Coons get along with children, dogs, other animals, and other cats. In keeping with their heritage of being prized by New Englanders, they are very people-oriented, preferring to be close to their human companions whenever they can. Maine Coons are not known for being "lap cats" - their size may preclude that - but they will greet you at the door, follow you from room to room, and help you with whatever you are doing. If allowed, Maine Coons love to sleep on the bed with their humans. The Maine Coon is an intelligent breed, and can be taught to walk on a leash, play fetch, and perform many other tricks. Maine Coon owners can keep you occupied with stories of the many things their furry child has learned to do on its very own! Maine Coons love to climb and jump, but, again true to their working cat background, love to chase objects on the ground and carry their "prey" around in their mouths. A Maine Coon will stay playful even as an adult.
A Maine Coon is also a quiet cat. One would think that with the handsome ruggedness of the breed, s/he would have a royal roar. But when a Maine Coon is vocal, the voice is more of a chirp or trill. They love to sing though, even when not courting.
Since the 1950's especially, planned breedings with other registered Maine Coons with a known pedigree has begun. Maine Coon breeders have sought to preserve the robust nature and wonderful personality of the cat. Ethical, caring breeders hope to produce healthy cats. Breeders tend to breed for traits they like personally, while trying to keep the overall picture (and written standard) of an ideal Maine Coon in mind. The cats we see and call Maine Coons now are a bit different than the original Maine Cats. They have bigger builds and longer bodies and heads, with taller ears. Coats can be longer (or shorter) and more uniform, with less shag. Coat colors and patterns are closer to a desired standard. Most are not polydactyl, since this trait is not accepted in written breed standards. Temperament is probably even more people-oriented than before. Some of the modern Maine Coon cats have lost the sweet, big-eyed look and instead have a more wild facial expression. I think that the early Maine Cats have developed into what is now called a "traditional or moderate" style in Maine Coons, and the bigger, longer, more wild look of some of today's cats is a more "extreme" style.
See the Links Page for more stories about the Maine Coon.