The Deliberate eradication of a Living Piece of American History

By Anonymous

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 approximately 40% 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 anomaly 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 rumors 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 responsible for the severe decline of this natural national treasure and seem to have no interest in correcting it.

Wackymoon Coon Great Fire P

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.

Very recently 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 lead to the formal formation of an organization called MCPolys (Maine Coon Polydactyls). 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.

MCPolys is asking for any help and media coverage to promote awareness to the plight of this wonderful cat.

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