The Pixie Bob breeders could easily prove this since their very foundation cat was a poly and the breed is relatively new, particularly in comparison to the Maine Coon. Unfortunately although we know that the Maine Coon has existed as far back as the nineteenth century, breeders did not appear to keep records and the breed was fundamentally a naturally occurring breed. It was not until the 1950’s that there was any real attempt to firmly establish the breed. Therefore, unlike the PB we do not have extensive documentation.
On my constant quest to prove the polydactyl heritage of the Maine Coon, I stumbled across part of an article in the MCBFA Scratch Sheet, which I believe is Winter 1970. Unfortunately, part of that article is missing, but the important historical references I have been looking for are there.
" ... we finally acquired a marvellous oil painting of a family of these cats. In desperation I finally said to the dealer that I just must HAVE the painting to go with my Maine Cat research and the cats themselves. The dealer replied that if he had known I was aware of what this painting represented, he would have sold it to me immediately, as he had no intention of ever parting with the canvas to anyone other than a lover of Maine Cats, and he really never expected to find such a buyer! The large and perfect canvas shows a white female with two kittens; one a white, the other a brown tabby poly. The painting with all it's history with it and is dated 1876!"
The author of the above is Delanne L DuBois, All Saints Cattery, Houston, Texas
If that painting dates back to 1876, then this provides evidence that some of the original Maine Coons were polydactyl. I also have a personal letter here from Rodney A Ljosted President MCBFA to the Editor of Newsday September 28, 1973, which states that
" The Maine Coon cat made its official debut in 1895 when a red tabby Maine Coon was Best Cat at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the first cat show in the United States was held."
Since the painting is 1876 and the first show where a MC is shown is 1895, and assuming the details pertaining to the painting of the MC poly are correct then this letter proves that the polydactyl trait predates the show history of the Maine Coon. If we could locate this painting and perhaps obtain a photocopy of it, this would dispel yet another myth thrown our way. (one by one we’ll knock them down). If anyone knows of Delanne L DuBois or this painting please try your best to get a copy of that painting:)
The other historical reference I chanced upon was again in an old Scratch Sheet, this appears to substantiate the fact that MC polys were once allowed in the show ring.
“MISSING: A male calico Maine Coon Cat belonging to Judith Ancell … has been missing since last Thanksgiving. He was born June 19 th 1970, is polydactyl on all four feet… This cat took home eighteen ribbons, rosettes and trophies from the Detroit Show. If you should see or hear about this cat please contact ….”
It would be good to know whether this poly was shown as a Maine Coon or as a household pet. Did the US have a household pet category back in 1971? Does anyone know Judith Ancell and can contact her?
I have put together some of the historical references I have found. So some homework, lets see if we can locate that painting and let’s see if that missing MC was shown as an MC or as a household pet J Any documented evidence will aid the recognition process and one by one helps us to dispel the myths. Together, we can and do shatter the myths surrounding our beloved breed.
By Lucinda King
<< return to polydactyl articles
Home | Polydactyl Info | Articles | Gallery | Join | Contact Us
MCPI.org - Maine Coon Polydactyl Resources.
All design and logos on this site may not be copied without prior permission, and are the copyright of the site owners Dataworks Solutions. unless otherwise stated. © Copyright 2004 Dataworks Solutions. All rights reserved
Articles are solely intended as a guide and under no circumstances should be used to replace the advice or treatment recommended by your veterinarian. All photographs are copyright of their respective owners. We are not responsible for and do not advocate content found by links to other web sites.
