When you step into the Pet Pavillion, you might encounter a very purr-culiar stand for the Royal Cat Show. Amongst the many felines is a kitten named Bobby Blue. At just 12-weeks old, he’s a sight to behold: rugged grey coat, big bushy tail, lynx ears and a lion like snout. He’s surprisingly placid for his public debut. He takes it in stride whilst literally sitting in the palm of one’s hand. Once this tiny furball becomes an adult, he will weigh a whopping 12kg! This gigantic size isn’t a miracle; it’s part of his DNA. Because Bobby Blue is a Maine Coon.
Many cats like Bobby Blue are the star attraction at the Monster Maine Coons stand. They’re one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world. With some bicep training, you can really feel their size. Plus, stretching out their bodies reveals an accordion like physique.
For veteran breeder, Liz Holmes, the Maine Coon is incomparable. She initially bred Ragdolls. But her love for Maine Coons spans 15 years and counting. With her encyclopaedic knowledge, she shows that the Maine Coon’s history is as big as their size. Their existence spans centuries; a product of mating between European cats and American Barn cats. However, various myths muddy their past. Making them a folk legend in their home state of Maine.
Being a breeder is not all fun and games for Holmes. Countless responsibilities aim to minimize medical problems affiliated with the Maine Coon, like the heart condition, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Plus, she conducts thorough screenings with potential owners to assure that the cats are in safe hands.
“We just need to make sure that they are indoors and that they’re not roaming the streets and that we are being very responsible pet owners” Holmes explains.
For Holmes, displaying her cats shows the public that their size is not one to fear. Hence why they’re known as the “Gentle Giants”. Plus, their “big” nature also extends to the big leagues. One of Holmes’ female Maine Coons topped the podium at the Royal Cat Show on 4th April.
For those wanting to check out these colossal felines, Monster Maine Coons will return to the show on 11th April at the Pet Pavillion.
