About the Maine Coon breed

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A pet is a big responsibility and when choosing it, it is necessary to study the characteristics of the breed, feeding, character and other aspects of any animal.

This article will cover all the nuances that you need to know and consider when choosing a Maine Coon cat as a pet.
Maine Coon – the literal translation sounds like "Manx raccoon", however, scientists have proven that there is no genetic connection between them and this is just a myth, and the only similarity with raccoons is a fluffy tail. A more reliable version is that the ancestors of the Maine Coon are the American lynx, which is confirmed by the pronounced tassels on the ears of the Maine Coon.

This breed of domestic cats originated in the northeastern United States in Maine, where they are the official symbol of the state to this day.

In 1861, the Maine Coon breed was first mentioned in the literature. The modern breed standard was approved in 1967, and Maine Coons gained particular popularity in the 1990s.

Breed standards may vary depending on the organization involved in felinology, but the basic features and general appearance of cats of this breed remain unchanged.

And so, let's look at the detailed specifications.

Dimensions and weight. The largest breed of domestic cats is considered to be Maine Coons. In size, Maine coons are second only to savannah hybrids. It should also be noted that among this breed of cats, sexual dimorphism is clearly expressed - that is, anatomical differences between males and females of the same species, not counting the genitals.

The weight of cats ranges from about 4 to 6 kg, if the cat is sterilized, then its weight is up to 8 kg. Males of the Maine Coon breed have a body weight from 6 to 9 kg, the weight of neutered males varies and can be up to 12 kg or more. The height of the withers of such pets is 40 cm, and the body can be more than one meter in length.

Domestic Maine Coon cats are pets that have a fairly large build and a large stocky body, as well as have strong muscles. The head looks harmoniously to the body, the muzzle has a square shape with high cheekbones and a powerful chin. Large oval-shaped eyes located at a great distance from each other, slightly oblique gaze.

The limbs are of medium length, they differ from the limbs of other breeds of domestic cats in the power and strength they possess, as well as wide feet and tufts of hair between the pads of the paws. The tail is long and thick at the base of the tail with dense pubescence. The coat of wool is medium in length, thick and dense undercoat, which performs the function of protection from adverse weather conditions

Due to the long period of time spent living with humans, Maine Coon cats have earned an exceptionally positive reputation. They are not only balanced, gentle and companionable, but also completely independent. Domestic Maine Coon cats do not like to spend time in their owner's arms, however, they do not give up tactile contact with him.
In addition to such elements as size and weight, sexual dimorphism is also observed in character. For example, cats have the most accommodating and friendly nature, while Maine Coon males have a wayward and independent nature, which must also be taken into account when choosing a pet.

Considering the health of Maine Coons, it should be noted that they are long-lived by nature. They are hardy and have a fairly strong immune system, which has been tempered due to the harsh natural conditions of the northeastern United States. The average life expectancy of such a breed is from twelve to fifteen years, however, if the Maine Coon lives in a favorable environment, then the life expectancy can often be longer.

Considering the care, it is impossible not to note the conditions of keeping Maine Coons, because one thing has significant differences from the conditions of care and maintenance of other breeds of domestic cats.

First of all, it is important to note the density of the Maine Coon breed's wool, it requires treatment with specialized combs, the desired frequency of such a procedure is at least 3-4 times a week. Claws are rapidly being renewed, they should be trimmed with narrow-angle forceps and scissors, the frequency of the procedure is every one and a half to two weeks. Special attention also needs to be paid to cleanliness in the area of the ears, as well as the eyes. To maintain cleanliness in these places, it is necessary to purchase sanitary napkins designed specifically for animals. You can not ignore such a procedure as brushing your teeth, if you treat this procedure with disdain, it can lead to diseases of the oral cavity, including tartar. At the same time, it is necessary to use toothbrushes and other hygiene items that are intended exclusively for animals

The Maine Coon is considered to be a breed with good health. In cat kennels where breeding animals undergo genetic tests, it is ensured that animals with a gene mutation do not participate in breeding. Maine Coons have three gene mutations.
Hypertrophic Maine Coon cardiomyopathy (HCMmc), Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKdef), Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In order for kittens to be born with a similar mutation, it must be excluded from the parents. Buy kittens only from trusted nurseries.

In our cattery "BestBandCat" we carefully select breed producers, completely excluding these mutations. Our breeding animals have passed genetic testing, the results are negative.

Maine Coon polydact is the origin of the word poly, which means a lot. The Maine Coon polydact has 6-7 toes on its front and hind paws. The paws are like fans, the fingers are evenly spaced around the entire foot. When walking, he relies on all his fingers.

Polydactyly is a recognized mutation in the Maine Coon polydact breed. Polydacts participate in exhibitions. They take prizes due to their charisma, charm and breed characteristics. Maine Coons polydact are Hemingway's cats!

When feeding, it is necessary to remember the majestic size of this breed, and therefore they need food with a lot of protein, regardless of what kind of food it is, ready-made food or natural food. Lean meat such as rabbit or turkey should be included in the main diet of Maine Coons and such meat should be served raw. Vegetables should also be present in the diet, because they are a source of useful minerals along with meat and fish products.

It is not easy to make a proper diet on your own, because this requires special knowledge in a certain field. To make a proper diet for your pet, you should contact a veterinary nutritionist, he will competently prepare a menu that will contain all the necessary types of products and their quantity.

However, despite all these basic questions, many future owners are also interested in the question of whether it is worth having Maine coons in the apartment?

Based on the size of the cat breed in question, it cannot be said that a large living space is required for their maintenance, many cats can easily get along in ordinary apartments, but in this case, the owners need to properly organize the space in the apartment, taking into account the size of the pet, it must have accessories appropriate to its size, such as water bowls and food, tray, beds, and other items).

However, it is necessary to take into account not only the size of the pet, but also the genetic memory of the cat about its aboriginal past and the habits associated with this memory. Representatives of this breed of cats like to walk outdoors and outdoors, and therefore, a country house can be an ideal place for Maine Coon life, however, if this is not possible, you should teach your pet to walk on a harness and vaccinate according to the schedule necessary for walking.
Despite some difficulties in keeping such cats, Maine Coons have been leading the ratings of the most popular pets for many years.

The author of the article is Julia
an expert and owner of the Maine Coon cattery "BestBandCat"