"Maine cat"

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The name "Maine cat" was an early version of today's 'Maine Coon cat'. It was used by Frances Simpson in 1902 in her book, "Cats and All about Them". It is perhaps the earliest fully fledged book on the domestic cat and the breeds. She also edited "The Book of the Cat" which I believe was published in 1903. In this book she commissioned and collated the writing of breeders, naturalists and veterinarians. The quote below comes from the former I believe.
"From my earliest recollection I have had from one to several long-haired cats of that variety often called Maine cats. As to how and when they came, I would say, like Topsy, they just “growed,” for their advent reaches far back beyond the memory of the oldest inhabitant."
Personally, I would have to say that the earlier version of the name is much better than the later version particularly now in a woke world where any mention of the word "coon" is uncomfortable. For the life of me, I can't see why the name was changed.
Image source: © Simpson, Frances (1903). “The Book of the Cat” Chapter 28: Maine Cats
Image source: © Simpson, Frances (1903). “The Book of the Cat” Chapter 28: Maine Cats

Note in the photograph above of a Maine Coon cat of around 1903, the completely difference appearance to modern day MCs. Has there been an improvement? It is a personal choice. I prefer the originals as they are more natural. And they did not suffer from the inherited diseases which are so prevalent in modern Maine Coons.

"Maine cat" is a perfectly respectable and acceptable name for a cat breed. Why introduce what is now regarded as an unpleasant word, "coon", when it was unnecessary? Of course, it was not unpleasant over 100 years ago but the addition of the word did not advance the name and improve it.

Perhaps it was introduced because people actually thought that the Maine Coon cat was a domestic cat/raccoon hybrid. This seems extraordinary today as it is genetically impossible but it might have been believed by the citizens of the state of Maine in the 19th century when people were less educated about genetics.

Frances Simpson also wrote the following in her book "Cats and All about Them". Note the reference to 'Maine cats'.

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