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White Maine Coon Cat, Furkats
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"There was a time when breeders didn't bother to show their female Maine Coons because they couldn't compete in size with the big males. However, with girls like this, the times are changing! She has perfect balance, beautiful ear set, great muzzle, nice high cheek bones, and an amazing density to her body, she's wonderful!" This is one of many statements made about GP, RW Furkats Winifred. The article below explains why Wini is such a well build girl. see http://furkats.net/whitemainecooncat.html
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Body By Poly
A version of this article was published in Maine Attraction magazine, December 2003 davesworld@mweb.co.za
It should be noted that Furkats Winifred goes back to both the Tarbox line and the Dirigo line.
Why not use a Polydactyl in Your Breeding Program?
Give your top show cats that added body density by putting a polydactyl Maine Coon in your lines.
Above GP RW Furkats Winifred
Historically Polydactyl Maine Coons have been a significant part of this breed. According to some sources the poly represented 40 percent of the original Maine Coon population. These cats are the sturdy and rugged examples of the breed. They were treasured for their hunting ability and helped to define the breed as a working breed. The polydactyl cat will have extra toes on their front feet and sometimes on their back feet. For each toe there are supporting muscles, tendons and ligaments that cause the legs and chest to be larger than in the smaller footed cat. When the cat is lifted this extra body density is immediately evident in the polydactyl.
The gene for polydactyl is a dominant gene, which dominates about 50% of the time. Dominant genes are stronger than recessive genes. We are fortunate that we are breeding for a solid rugged cat that could survive in harsh climates. This is in contrast to some breeds that select for delicate bone structure or petite animals. We want to enhance body density so that the cat has the appearance of strength and power. The trait of polydactyl seems to be similar to the other traits in that there is a cumulative affect over generation. For example when breeding for the color silver, it takes many generations to develop a good silver color. When breeding for body density it can take many generations to cultivate the trait. When the decadents of polydactyls are used in a breeding program in combination with top show cats it will produce even more competitive off spring.
Article contiunes on White Maine Coon Cat part 2
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