The GCCF Standard of Points for The Maine Coon

The Standard of Points (SOP) is a written document that describes all aspects of a cat that a judge should examine. The standard for each breed is different and unique, no two breeds are exactly the same. 

There are points allocated for each section - these help to emphasise the important features - 35 points for head and 15 points for coat colour/patters, indicates that head shape is more important that the cat's colour or pattern. 

The SOP also has a list of faults, if the cat has any of these then the judge should not award certificates or 1st place in kittens, and a few faults will lead to disqualification from the class. You can view the Standard of Points for the Maine Coon using the button below. 

There is also a list of veterinary defect faults which cover all breeds, including the Maine Coon.
You can find this list here

The GCCF using a system for all breeds to identify the breed, colour and pattern. This is known as the GEMS Code and is based on the Easy Mind System is used by organisations around the world. When you get a registered pedigree cat you will see a range of letters and numbers which describe the cat's breed, colour and pattern. 
For example, 
MCO: MCO = Maine Coon, n = black, so it is a black Maine Coon. 
MCO as 03 22: MCO = Maine Coon, a = blue, s = silver or smoke, 03 = bicolour (with white) 22 = classic tabby, so this cat is a Blue Silver Classic Tabby & White Maine Coon. 
You can find out more about the GEMS system and what each code means here

The GCCF Standard of Points for The Maine Coon

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