After going to cat shows for years and admiring the magnificent Maine Coon breed, our family was privileged to own one!  RiverSyde's Lunar Eclipse aka "Luna", is a 10 month old classic brown tabby that we purchased from a local cattery!  We started showing her and meeting others involved in the cat fancy. After much research and advisement from veteran breeders we've decided to be more involved not just in showing but breeding!  

We are excited to continue working on developing the breed for the show ring and pet companions!  Thus, we are small home cattery in the making; choosing to specialize in polydactyls, cats that have extra toes!  Of course we will still offer normal kittens for those who prefer less toes!   Visit our FAQ page to learn more about the trait of polydactylism!

 

Our foundation male, "James Dean" is from Dirigo Cattery in Maine.  His pedigree traces back to the New England states where his ancestors originated.  JD is a "2 Wheel Drive" Poly (2WD) meaning he has extra toes on his front feet!  We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our 2 females later this Summer/Fall of 2015! 

 

The Maine Coon is among the largest domestic breed of cats. It has a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically native to the state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.  Many of of the original Maine Coons that inhabited the New England area possessed a trait know as Polydactylism - having one or more extra toes on the foot. Some sources claim that this trait was a common occurence in 40% of the Maine Coon population in Maine at one time.  Although no records exist regarding the Maine Coons exact orgins and date of introduction to the United States, there are multiple competing theories!  The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence was threatened when long haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the 20th century.  

 

The Maine Coon has since made a come back and is now one of the most poplular cats in the world!  The MC is one of the largest domestic breeds, hence its nick-name "the gentle giant"!   Maine Coons are quite social, very intelligent, and possess playful personalities!  They are often said to be a dog in a cats body!   The breed is characterized for having a robust bone structure, rectangular body shape, silky coat and long bushy tail.  And of course a great "PURRsonality"!!