Maine Coons originated in the Northeastern part of the United States and are generally regarded as native to the state of Maine. The breed, with its essentially amiable disposition, developed through a natural selection process where only the fittest survived. It should always be remembered that Maine Coons developed as "working cats", able to fend for themselves in a harsh climate of rough and woody terrain.

The Maine Coon is a large breed with substantial boning, a broad chest, and a long, hard muscled, rectangular body. The tail is long and flowing. Whether polydactyl or regular, the paws are large and well-tufted. The Maine Coon reaches full maturity at four to five years of age.

Most believe Maine Coons are the result of natural matings between the local shorthair domestics and longhair cats brought to North America by Vikings or aboard New England merchant ships. Over the years, those cats’ descendants evolved to survive the hostile New England winters by developing keen hunting skills valuable for vermin control, strong muscular bodies, shaggy coats, and tufting on ears and feet.

Polydactyl paws were common in the original Maine Coon population although it is unknown whether the trait was introduced from overseas or developed in North America. First recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and white cat named “Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines,” Maine Coons were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A brown tabby female named “Cosie” won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show.

The Maine Coon was accepted for championship status in TICA when the Association was established in 1979. In 2015, Maine Coon Polydactyls (MCP) were accepted for championship. This was done by identifying them on pedigrees and giving them their own class, thus creating the breed group.