Maine Coon: breed description, maintenance and care

The cat has been living side by side with a man in the same dwelling for more than one hundred years. These wild animals were domesticated, which subsequently led to the appearance of a large number of breeds. Among the diverse representatives of the cat family, it is worth highlighting the Maine Coon, which deserves an honorable place among the largest individuals living at home.

There are several common versions that relate to the appearance of a similar breed of cats. It is generally accepted that large cats appeared in America in the state of Maine, which formed the basis of their name. There are also versions that the distant ancestors of large cats are raccoons crossed with domestic cats. The main features of Maine Coons, such as expressive and magnificent tail, coat color, suggest such thoughts of researchers.

In some sources, one can find assumptions about the origin of giant cats from ancestors, which are considered lynxes. These thoughts are prompted by characteristic tassels on the ears. However, despite the fact that animals of this breed are distinguished by external similarities with other representatives of the wildlife, there is no scientific confirmation that Maine Coon is the result of crossing such individuals with each other.

The official version regarding the origin of cats that breeders adhere to is the natural evolution of animals.As for the external characteristics, Maine Coon cats acquired them as a result of the natural process of adaptation to living conditions in harsh climates.

In the process of domestication, animals initially settled with humans mainly on farms, where they hunted rodents, thereby protecting the harvest, for which they were appreciated by the owners. Subsequently, giant cats were noticed at agricultural fairs, which served as an impetus for their resettlement throughout America. Further, the breed became in demand around the world. Today, the demand for Maine Coons among breeders is simply huge, and animals are bred as exhibition cats, as well as pets, their role as guards in farms has gradually receded into the background.

Maine Coons are the largest cats that have been domesticated by humans. In addition to the characteristic tassels on the ears, a mandatory feature of the appearance of cats is a wool collar that captures the neck and chest. Due to this “frill”, the flow of the thoracic region into the neck is practically not visualized in animals.

The ears are quite wide, erect, vertically, in the same plane are the brushes, their size does not have clear limitations, so for the most part it will depend on the age of the animal. As a rule, closer to 3 months the kitten will already have the final size of the ears.

These animals are also no less beautiful from behind. This attractiveness is caused not only by the presence of a chic and long tail, but also by "panties", formed due to the large amount of wool on the hind limbs.

Maine Coon looks very strict, and sometimes even formidable, due to the impression of such eyebrows, massive overhanging eyes. However, such an appearance is the exact opposite of their character.

Despite the fact that cats and kittens will stand out for their size, they reach adulthood for quite some time. Usually, cat weight varies in the range of 6-9 kilograms, but there are representatives of the breed with a weight that exceeds the mark of 10 kilograms. As for cats, their weight will be in the range of 5-7 kilograms.

Adult animals at the withers grow up to 20-50 centimeters, while the length of the cat along with the tail can exceed the mark of 130-140 centimeters. The back line of cats is straight, the chest is wide with a fairly developed muscle skeleton.

The head of the cats has a massive chin with well-defined pads, they are placed in the same plane with the tip of the nose. The cheekbones are visualized clearly even in the light of the animal’s long coat.

The eyes of the Maine Coons are large, their slight slanting can be noted. Pupils can be colored in a green-yellow palette. Any shade in this range is considered normal. There are individuals with blue or colorful pupils, most often cats.

There are also uniform standards regarding the color of individuals of this breed - cats can be red, white, black and gray, as well as marble, blue, tortie. The coat of animals is very thick, but silky to the touch, and cats and cats also have an undercoat. It is noteworthy that its length will gradually increase towards the tail.

As a rule, large cats from the cat family live quite a long time - their average life expectancy will be 15-20 years.

Maine Coons perfectly catch mice, but this is not their only hunting skill, since the breed is notable for its outstanding hunting habits.These animals are distinguished by their high intelligence, so the owner of a big cat can be calm for the rest of his pets, such as hamsters, fish or parrots, Maine Coon will never touch them.

In addition, animals are not prone to stealing food from a table or a host plate, toBugs will never persistently climb, and beg for a treat for themselves, because they have a rather arrogant disposition.

A large cat meows very rarely, its communication with the breeder and other animals can be called cooing, purring or rumbling. Pets very quickly grasp the intonations and emotions that their owners communicate with, so they are able to maintain a “dialogue”.

Among the features regarding animal behavior, it is worth highlighting their habit of rowing water. This also applies to your own bowl and the nearest space near it. Watching this breed at home, you can see how the animal nimbly clings its food with the claws of the forelimbs, sending it into the mouth. Such actions have certain similarities with how a person eats food using cutlery.

Maine Coon has a special relationship with water. Unlike the rest of the feline family, these animals love to swim and are not at all afraid to get into a bath, sink or water tank. In addition, cats can look at the flowing water from a tap or shower for a very long time, and in some cases they are happy to take water procedures with their owner.

The animal will not insist on the game or attention if it sees that its owner is busy with something, and the cats show great patience and endurance towards the younger members of the family, without showing any aggression.

Big cat breeders note that these animals behave very calmly in public places, so they can be safely taken with you if necessary. For such purposes, a special carrying is usually used.

Based on the habits of these animals, the best home for them will be private households in which the cat can walk in the fresh air or hunt. For owners of cats living in the apartment, it will be mandatory to walk their pet in the yard in harness.

Big cats are often called cat-dogs, because individuals are very trainable, they can perform simple commands. Compared to the rest of the family, Maine Coons sleep very little - on average, they sleep 6-10 hours per day. As a rule, cats retain their curious, playful and active temper until they are very old, so even an adult cat, like a small one, will prefer an active passive rest.

Today, two main types of animals of this breed are distinguished:

• American type (native);
• European.

The second type was formed much later, after the active distribution of animals around the world, when individuals fell into slightly changed living conditions, climate peculiarities, etc. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to classify cats as a specific type, but for each of them there are certain external characteristics.

The American Maine Coon will have a longer elbow and a lower forehead, while a European will have a high forehead. It is the second type that has slightly slanting eyes, while the native will have round eyes. In addition, the European-style coat will be slightly shorter.

Animals are also classified by breeders based on their color. This breed has only two genetic colors - black and red.

Patterns and patterns on animal hair are formed due to the distribution of pigment on the skin, which is reflected and translated into hair follicles. The genetic characteristics of the offspring regarding color may vary.

There is a certain classification of Maine Coon color, which is prescribed in the pedigree of the animal.

Stripes, spots and patterns are called tabby, there may be several:

• brindle - characterized by the alternation of parallel light and dark stripes;
• spotted - stripes turn into bright spots on the sides;
• classical - pattern with wavy stripes;
• ticked - the figure is focused on the muzzle, on the body there are stripes of different colors.

Maine Coons also have solidity. This view of the wool has a drawing, but rather blurry in nature. Solid colors appeared due to artificial selection. Cats can be of the following tones:

• smoky;
• blue;
• the black;
• white;
• red;
• cream.

Maine-coons of color smoke will have an uneven color with a certain overflow of shades. In this case, there are several color variations of the fur coat, depending on the color of the pile.

White spots can adorn the fur of cats, while the color is divided into the following types:

• gloves
• the tuxedo;
• van;
• bicolor;
• harlequin;
• white buttons
• medallion.

There are also colorful animals, they are characterized by an arbitrary arrangement of spots and blotches.

Each animal breed has its own strengths and weaknesses. As for Maine Coons, the following qualities of individuals should be attributed to the advantages of these animals.

• Despite the severe appearance, cats are distinguished by such features as tenderness and devotion towards humans. A friendly attitude is also shown in relation to other pets present in the house.
• Big cats are distinguished by developed intelligence.
• Pets very quickly adapt to new conditions, willingly learn new things.
• Maine Coons love walking, and also behave well when walking on a harness.
• Large domestic cats will not assert themselves and dominate the society of their owners. Maine Coons also rarely release their claws.
• Pets of this breed live long.
• Animals willingly make contact with children, which is important for most families.

Animals also have some disadvantages:

• purebred animals stand out for their high cost;
• due to the long hair, when keeping the animal at home, it will take more time to devote to cleaning;
• animals do not tolerate heat very well.

To make a purchase of such a pet should be exclusively in specialized nurseries or from professional breeders of this breed. Since only these options will allow you to get purebred animals, in addition, there will be the opportunity to get competent advice on further care for Maine Coon.

Wait for this age will also be correct, since the kitten will have time to acquire some skills from the mother, including going to the tray.

When choosing a pet, one should be guided by the following rules:

• the price of a purebred and thoroughbred animal will always be high, therefore, offers with a symbolic value for a kitten should not be considered;
• Together with the newly made pet, the breeder must pass the veterinary passport to the new owner, as well as the metric and pedigree;
• if Maine Coon is acquired as an exhibition animal, special attention should be paid to the nursery where the kitten was raised, as well as its affiliation with any clubs;
• it is important to assess the animal’s health status - a shiny indicator and individual activity will be a good indicator.

Despite the fact that this breed of cats tolerates the harsh climate, the owner of large animals will need to give them a lot of attention. The main nuance of the content is the care of Maine Coon wool. Since it is quite a lot, in addition, it stands out for its length, in order to prevent the cat's tangles, it will be necessary to comb it regularly. A suitable comb is a comb with blunt teeth. Such procedures are recommended to be performed every other day. Long-haired breeds are also recommended once every 6 months to bathe with shampoo.

Claws of the animal require attention. As they grow, you should trim the ends, avoiding the removal of the living part where the capillaries are located.

In the process of growing up, the kitten’s teeth change, however, caring for the oral cavity of an animal is mandatory at any time. For these purposes, use a special toothpaste and brush.

Hygiene measures will also concern the ears. Auricles are subject to regular inspection, if they detect different types of contamination, they are cleaned with a damp cotton sponge. The use of sticks or matches with cotton should be abandoned. The eyes of cats should be wiped with a wet swab, using boiled water for this.

Big cats themselves stand out for their cleanliness, so they constantly lick their hair. To help the pet get rid of woolen lumps in the stomach, animals are sold specialized pastes to help cleanse the inside. Neglect of such agents can lead to constipation and coughing in a cat. In addition, Maine Coon owners are encouraged to grow a “cat garden” at home, which will help them cleanse their bodies on their own.

Cats of any age will be interested in entertainment, in addition to hanging out in the hands of the owner. For these purposes, it is worth installing at home. claws, labyrinths and short flight of stairs, as well as shelves, deck chairs and other interesting devices designed for active pet games. Otherwise, Maine Coon will use curtains, wardrobes and sofas as a “sports equipment”.

For cat litter can be purchased special filler or sand, however, cleaning the tray should be regular in light of the large size and smell of feces from both the boy and the Maine Coon girl.

The nutrition of cats should be approached thoroughly. It is best to, together with the veterinarian or breeder, individually select dry food for Maine Coon. However, the animal will also actively and correctly develop on natural food. In the feed of the superclass, the necessary vitamins for the representative of the cat family will already be present. When choosing a different type of feeding, you should include raw and boiled beef, chicken, and turkey in the pet's diet. Fatty meats should be discarded.

Also, the animal must be given low-fat fish, dairy and sour-milk products, boiled eggs. It will be possible to replenish the supply of necessary trace elements by including germinated grains in the diet. Vegetables and cheese can also be given to pets. Maine Coon will need clean and fresh water. To select the optimal portion of food, you can be guided by a special plate where the weight of the kitten and its approximate menu will be indicated.

For mating, the optimal age is one and a half years. Maine Coons usually give birth to 1 to 6 kittens in one litter per year. Cats have very developed maternal instincts, so they show amazing care for newborns. If for some reason the breeder does not want to breed cats, then castration is performed for males. It is best to castrate an animal under the age of one year. Cats are sterilized.

Since animals stand out for their mental abilities, even a breeder with minimal experience will be able to raise and train a pet.Maine Coons can easily cope with teams, they can be taught to bring various objects, give a paw and even meow at the command of the owner. Training and training should be carried out with the obligatory promotion of the animal in the form of something edible.

Despite their size and endurance, cats of this breed in some cases suffer from some diseases. Among the common ailments, it is worth highlighting:

• hip dysplasia;
• polycystic kidney disease.

As a rule, with the timely detection of the disease, it is possible to improve the health status of the animal, but the treatment of such ailments is very difficult. To prevent such situations, all kittens undergo mandatory vaccination. Both adult and small animals need regular helminth prophylaxis.

The feedback from Maine Coon breeders is mostly positive. Owners of such cats separately note their friendly disposition and supportive attitude towards all family members, including other pets.

Interesting facts about Maine Coons see below.