Why PurrcifiCoon?
A San Diego Maine Coon Cattery
Jim Kane and Thom Birkenstock with Yoffi
“PurrcifiCoon Maine Coon Cats’ Mission is to raise healthy, affectionate and beautiful Maine Coon Cats to fill loving hearts and homes with joy, humor, love and companionship.”
We are Jim Kane and Thom Birkenstock. Purrcificoon is our cattery located in southern California, in San Diego, on the Pacific Coast (thus Purrcificoon).We’ve been passionate about the Maine Coon Cat breed since having these pets join our families over thirty years ago. Our dreams of spreading the love and companionship of this breed came to life with the support and mentorship of some exceptional breeding partners. We met Judy Friedman of Coons’Kin Cattery and immediately knew she was the answer to our dreams. A fast friendship and an exceptional kitten (Yoffi) thrust us on our journey. In addition to Judy, we have partnered with Cindy Rogers and Wayne Weikhorst, DVM, of Suncoon Maine Coon Cats. We believe we have partnered with the best in the field. The language of their success is spoken by the incredible achievements of their cats and their contributions to the breed.
We aspire to provide selected families, Maine Coon companions that become irreplaceable family members. Our cats are part of our family and their kittens live with us until their adoptive families are found. The life and care of our animals are a passion we enthusiastically share. People who adopt a PurrcifiCoon kitten become part of the family.
Our cats and kittens have the latest health screenings, vaccines and care as though they were going to be our own. And some have become ours. Knowing our kittens are matched with exceptional adoptive families makes their leaving us a bit easier.
Learn what to look for in selecting a Maine Coon Cat
At the 2020 CFA Del Mar Cat show with SGC RW GC Cherry Bomb and Judy Friedman.
Video with QGC Elbcoons Vincent Price of Coons’Kin Maine Coon Cats
Why Maine Coon Cats?
Myths, legend and lore surround the Maine Coon Cat. Some are amusing, some are fantastic flights of fantasy and some are merely plausible. They certainly provide good material for conversation. Many books and articles dealing with these aspects of the Maine Coon Cat are available and have been well received as people never seem to tire of the subject and are always eager to learn more about this National Treasure.
The Maine Coon Cat is the native American long-haired cat and was first recognized as a specific breed in Maine where it was named the official cat of the state. These cats were held in high regard by the locals for their mousing talents and special competitions were even held to reward the best “Coon Cat.”
The Maine Coon Cat evolved through nature’s own breeding program developing characteristics by following a “survival of the fittest” evolution. The characteristics all have a purpose or function. Maine Coon cats developed into sturdy, working cats suited to the harsh winters and varied seasons of the Northeast region. The Maine Coon Cat of today is known for a sturdy, rugged appearance, which includes an uneven, shaggy coat of three distinct lengths and a long, well furnished tail. They carry that tail proudly and use it to surround themselves & their kittens for warmth and protection. A Maine Coon Cat has large, well tufted paws are like snowshoes and give them the ability to walk on top of snow despite size and weight. Ears are large and well tufted for protection, hunting and warmth. Even more than for beauty, Maine Coon Cats are noted for intelligence and kindly disposition. What they can’t obtain themselves, they can always get by charming a nearby human. Though their size can be intimidating, they are known for their friendliness towards just about anything and are especially good with children and other pets. For these reasons, they have been dubbed the “Gentle Giant” of the cat fancy and are commonly sought after as family pets, companions, and therapy cats.
After years of local competitions and adoration, the Maine Coon Cat was chosen as Best Cat at the first major cat show ever held in the United States. “Cosey,” a brown tabby neuter Maine Coon Cat, was awarded this distinction at the Madison Square Garden show held in NYC in May of 1895. The silver collar and medal awarded to Cosey is on display at the Feline Historical Museum at CFA headquarters in Alliance, Ohio.
