To Compete or Not to Compete
In the world of Maine Coon cats, a delicate balance exists between the popular perception of beauty and the breed’s standard as defined by The International Cat Association (TICA). As a breeder with over 35 years of experience in the training and care of dogs and cats, I’ve navigated this precarious line, observing the polarizing views within the community. I have shown in the past, but it has always been for fun. A win is great, but the experience is greater.
But when is comes to the illusory line between good and bad you have two camps. On one side, there are those who advocate for strict adherence to TICA’s standards, which emphasize the Maine Coon’s rugged build, shaggy coat, and distinctive characteristics1. On the other, those that would buy Maine Coons for pets, often prefer the “wild” aesthetic—a look that captures the imagination and reflects the breed’s storied past.
This dichotomy often leads to a social divide, where failing to align with either extreme can result in exclusion—a phenomenon known in psychology as ingroup bias2. It’s a theory that categorizes individuals based on shared traits or beliefs, often leading to favoritism within the group and ostracism of those outside it. Typically, this behavior leads to hostility, aggression and sometimes outright violence. Which is why it can be very difficult to choose to be somewhere between the two camps. I can’t tell you how many times that decision has led to my dog losing a competition, despite being the superior animal. But showing, like most things in life is very political. You either play the game, or loose. Hence, why I tend to only show for fun.
As a Taoist, I strive for harmony in all aspects of life, seeking equilibrium between the metaphysical and physical realms, and between the demands of aesthetics and the rigidity of standards. My philosophy as a breeder is centered on health and mental well-being. I believe that as long as my kittens and cats are cherished, the correctness of their conformity to a written standard of physical beauty is secondary. Correctness is Not excluded, of course, just third in the ordo cognoscendi, which is Latin for ‘order of knowing’ or ‘order of understanding.’ 3
Of course, I take pride when someone admires my Maine Coons for their beauty, and I harbor aspirations of one day breeding champion cats. However, these ambitions are not my driving force. My primary goal is to ensure that my feline companions are happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. From this foundation, we can build a legacy of love and respect for the breed that transcends the confines of any standard.
So, for now, I am content to be outside the "group". I choose not to conform to either side, but rather build my own path, and walk it with confidence, knowing that my kittens will find amazing homes where they will be loved and adored for many years to come.
Refereces: 1TICA’s Maine Coon Breed Standard : 2Ingroup Bias Definition & Examples : 3Distinguishing the Order of Being and the Order of Knowing
