I fell in love with these gentle giants many years ago after seeing a Maine Coon Cat in an American magazine. After years of searching for a breeder in Australia I finally acquired my first Maine Coon spay female. Of course, I just couldn’t stop at one. My love became our passion and my husband and I started breeding and showing Maine Coon Cats.

Our aim is to breed traditional American type Maine Coons from both Australian and imported lines, focusing on health and temperament. We can produce most colours and specialise in solids. “Tantus Maine Coons, cats with personality” is our slogan because these cats truly are larger than life in more ways than one. But be warned - Maine Coons are very addictive!

Tantus Maine Coons is a small cattery situated west of Melbourne in Australia. We are registered breeders with GCCFV (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Victoria Inc.).

All our cats are raised in a family environment under foot. They are socialized with adults, children, dogs and just love welcoming our visitors.

Our cats are tested for FIV and FeLV. Our breeding cats are also heart and hip tested at appropriate ages.

Nutrition is also of great importance to us. Maine Coons are a large breed and it is important to look to their nutrition as they grow. All our cats are fed on a high quality diet, which consists premium quality dry food. We also provide fresh meat and premium quality wet food for dinner, and always have a supply of fresh water available (Maine Coons just love to play in their water).

What is a Maine Coon?

Origin:

Many legends have surrounded the Maine Coon breed. It has been said that the cat came about as a cross between domestic cats and the American lynx, or even between a cat and a racoon. The Maine Coon is a very large breed of cat with some males reaching a weight of 10 to 15 Kilograms. The true origins of the Maine Coon are somewhat unclear, but it is believed that the breed developed in a similar way to the Norwegian Forest Cat. Indeed, the two breeds may have originated from the same stock of cats brought to Maine by the Vikings. The Maine Coon is a very old and entirely natural breed with a long and weatherproof coat that developed to enable it to survive in rough and varying climates. It has been know in the US since the very start of the cat fancy.

Description:

The Maine Coon is a large semi-longhair cat. It is somewhat rectangular in appearance – a heavy and solidly build cat, which is musculare and powerful. The coat is full during the colder months, with a very large neck ruff and a heavy, water resistant coat on the body, together with a well-plumed tail. During the warmer months the Maine Coon loses most of its long coat and can almost look shorthaired, with just a slightly fluffy tail. The head is of medium length and square looking. The ears are large and pointed with tufts on the tips, while the eyes are round and set well apart. The legs are in proportion to the body and are thickset. The neck is substantial, with many Maine Coons being far to wide around the neck for any collar intended for pet cats to fit them. The tail is long.
An adult male Maine Coon can weigh as much as 10 to 15kg the females are much smaller.

Temperament:

The Maine Coon can best be described as a dog like cat. Not only are Maine Coons the size of a small dog but also it is a cat that loves to follow its owner around and will happily play-retrieving games. Maine Coons are a friendly and outgoing cat sometimes referred to as the "Gentle Giant" of the cat world.

Colours:

Any colour or pattern is allowed, except for the pointed Himalayan pattern, Chocolate, or Lilac. The most popular colour is the Brown Tabby, as this colour gives the cat a very wild and natural look. Red, Silver, and Cream Tabbies are also popular in the US as are Tortoiseshells.

"Cat’s by Marianne Mays"

Other suggested reading:

That Yankee Cat by Marilis Hornidge (ISBN 0-88448-243-X)

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