Also known as the Maine Wave and the Maine Coon Rex, this breed first appeared in Britain in the 1980's because of a Maine Coon recessive gene mutation. There was some speculation among breeders that the mutation was possibly due to an outcross between a Maine Coon and a Rex. Test mating between these two breeds showed fairly conclusive results that the Maine Wave appeared, instead, as the result of a rare genetic mutation in the Maine Coon alone. As the Maine Coon Cat Club (MCCC) has banned further test mating, the true origin of this breed may never be fully realized. As the personality traits and characteristics of the Rexed Maine Coon mirror those of the original Maine Coon, this unusual breed stands today as the offspring of the same.

As the genetic family of the Maine Coon, the Rexed Maine Coon shares a long and proud heritage as the oldest and largest domestic breed of cat in the United States. About one out of every 200 Maine Coon kittens carries the genetic mutation, which causes the Rexed Maine Coon. The only difference between the Rexed Maine Coon and the Maine Coon seems to be the Rexed Maine Coon's coat, which is wavy, soft and medium in length, unlike that of both the Maine Coon (which is long and straight) and the Rex (which is curly and short). Otherwise, the physical characteristics of the Maine Wave are those of the Maine Coon. As a member of the largest American domestic cat breed, the male Rexed Maine Coon can grow from 15 to 18 pounds and over, while the female is smaller, usually weighing in between eight to 10 pounds. While the Maine Coon is more ideally suited to harsh winter climates with its thick coat of long fur, the Rexed Maine Coon would most likely be comfortable almost anywhere with its slightly shorter coat.

Intelligent, playful and very loyal, the Rexed Maine Coon makes a wonderful outdoor pet. As a social breed that gets along well with children, other cats and even dogs, the Rexed Maine Coon can also be an outstanding indoor cat. Its inquisitive nature is soothed by plenty of playtime and activities to acquiesce possible boredom. Also, if you have mice or rats, the Rexed Maine Coon can be a potential savior, as they are expert mousers and their ancestors were originally used as such by sailors on large vessels. With their laid back, warm and loving personalities, the unusual Rexed Maine Coon can be an ideal pet for just about anyone.

The appearance of the Rexed Maine Coon is well-described by its other nickname, the "Maine Wave." The Rexed Maine Coon appears to be simply a Maine Coon with medium length, soft, wavy fur. Colors can range in a fair amount of variety. The most commonly seen color is the brown tabby, but Rexed Maine Coons can come in almost any color with the one exception of the distinct colors and markings seen on the Siamese breed. The color ranges of the Rexed Maine Coon are blue, red, silver, cream and patched tabbies, as well as solid colors like red, blue, white, black and tortoiseshell. A white chest, stomach and feet can accompany and of the above colors. The body of the Rexed Maine Coon is also like the Maine Coon: sturdy and strong, with tufts of fur on the paw pads, which make navigating snow much easier. Sturdy also describes the general life span, as the Rexed Maine Coon can live as long as the Maine Coon, up to 12 years and beyond. The eyes are large, round and usually gold, green or a beautiful mixture of both. The one exception to this rule is the solid white Maine Wave or Maine Coon, which can sometimes have blue eyes or even one eye of blue and the other of amber. The "coon" in Maine Coon refers to the long, bushy, raccoon-like tail of the breed, a characteristic also shared by the Rexed Maine Coon. The Rexed Maine Coon stands out as a unique breed whose day may yet come. Encouraged by some breeders, heartily discouraged by others, the friendly and intelligent Maine Wave will hopefully become the prized and beloved breed that its predecessors have been and that it deserves to be.

Rexed Maine Coons require little grooming, as their fur is slightly shorter than that of their predecessors. As they enjoy being combed, just as much, a weekly grooming session could prove to be a warm and bonding ritual for both pet and master.

Though little is known about the Maine Wave, a genetic offspring of the Maine Coon, the most common inherent health problems are most likely hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy, both of which are treatable unless extreme. A series of questions to the breeder from which you obtain your Rexed Maine Coon regarding any prior problems in these areas with his/her breeding stock could prove to be helpful in this area. Otherwise, regular visits to your veterinarian should be enough to ensure a long and healthy life for your Maine Wave.

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