Human Interest Story

The Deliberate Eradication of a Living Piece of American History?

The Maine Coon Polydactyl is one of the oldest natural breeds of cat originating in North America in the State of Maine, and is recognized as the official Maine State cat. Through myth, misinformation, and cat association show disqualifications this breed of cat is endangered. A small newly formed organization wants to prevent this from happening and have the Maine Coon Polydactyl regain its status and numbers.

It is believed that this breed evolved in the 1600’s and much of the breed population was polydactyl, 6 toed or mitten pawed cats. The Maine Coon was first recorded in cat literature in 1861. Cat fanciers started to take note of this magnificent cat and approached cat associations for acceptance into the breed listings and show halls. The organizations championing the cause for Maine Coon cats determined at this time not to include the polydactyl trait in the Maine Coon standard, as during this era it was very difficult to have a breed recognized and it was assumed this would be proposed and accepted at a later date.

Unfortunately over the course of time, different unrelated conditions concerning the toe architecture were discovered or introduced and some deformities arose due to poor environmental or chemical conditions and produced cats with crippling deformities. This had nothing to do with the naturally occurring trait of the polydactyl toes of the Maine Coon cat but all the conditions were lumped into the same category. The term polydactyl became distasteful and rumours and misinformation perpetuated the unsavory tales.

As with anything in our world, once a reputation has been lost or tarnished it takes an enormous amount of work to return it to its original status. It is harder also to have people listen to true facts, especially when it contradicts what they held to be true in the first place. Cat associations alone are not responsible for the severe decline of this natural national treasure. Myth, miss-information and the lack of genetic knowledge spurned this on.

Fortunately a small group of cat breeders had the vision and stamina to continue to breed these cats and protect the Maine Coon Polydactyl from becoming extinct. Because of the stigma attached some had to do this quietly, while some chose to boldly declare their intentions to keep this breed from becoming extinct. Regardless of the path they chose, thankfully they did choose to champion the cat.

A number of people got together because they had a common interest in protecting and promoting the Maine Coon Polydactyl. Through the availability of modern day technology, breeders and fanciers started to unite worldwide and word is starting to spread about the protection and promotion of the Maine Coon Polydactyl. This led to the formation of an organization called MCPI (Maine Coon Polydactyl International). Through education and public awareness, the purpose of this organization is to preserve, protect and reinstate the Maine Coon Polydactyl back into cat associations worldwide.

We feel that there should be a public awareness surrounding this issue. It would be in the best interest and preservation of the Maine Coon Polydactyl if cat lovers everywhere would ask their cat associations why they continue to let this occur due to their standards and if they have any plans in the future to correct it. MCPI is asking for any help and media coverage to promote awareness to the plight of this wonderful cat.

Deborah Brown

http://www.polytrak.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mcpolysinternational/
http://www.mcpi.org

Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association http://www.mcbfa.org/index.html

The spring 1970 Scratch Sheet of the MCBFA states a Maine Coon Polydactyl

Standard voted in by the membership as follows:

“The Maine Coon Polydactyl Cat should conform to the Standard of the Maine Coon Cat, with the
exception that multiple toes are allowed on either fore or hind paws, or both.”

This Maine Coon Polydactyl Standard remains in effect today, it has never been removed .

“However, modern purebred Maine Coons are rarely polydactyls. This is because all cat
associations automatically disqualify polydactyls from competition in the purebred classes. Because
of this, most polydactyls were culled from the Maine Coon breed decades ago, and only a few
breeders continue to work with them.”

Cat Fanciers http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq.html

Some "original" Maine Coons were polydactyls (had extra toes). However, modern purebred Maine
Coons are rarely polydactyls. This is because all cat associations automatically disqualify polydactyls
from competition in the purebred classes. Because of this, most polydactyls were culled from the
Maine Coon breed decades ago, and only a few breeders continue to work with them. Since the
polydactyl gene is dominant, you can't get a polydactyl kitten unless at least one of the parents is also
a polydactyl.

The Cat Fanciers Association – CFA http://www.cfainc.org/

The International Cat Association – TICA http://www.tica.org/

The Canadian Cat Association/Association Feline Canadienne - CCA/AFC  http://www.cca-afc.com/

Fédération Internationale Féline - FIFe http://www.fifeweb.org/

American Cat Fanciers Association - ACFA http://www.acfacat.com/

Cat Fanciers Federation - CFF http://www.cffinc.org/

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy - GCCF - http://www.gccfcats.org/ 

Australian Cat Federation, Inc.- ACF http://www.acf.asn.au/