Final Thoughts About The Maine Coon Cat Breed
My Maine Coon cat, much like my Savannah, is one of the lights of my life. This adorable feline is truly a delight to have in your home. Theyre extremely loving and affectionate although they dont mind solitude from time to time. Though large, Maine Coons are gentle giants that are always there to cheer you up when youre feeling down. Youre sure to fall in love with the sound of your Maine Coons sweet chirp.
How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get
Male Maine Coons weigh from 13-18 pounds. However, some can weigh up to 20 pounds or more. Female cats are slightly smaller and usually, weigh from 8-12 pounds. Generally, Maine Coons donât reach their full size until they are 3 to 5 years old.
While they are clearly large cats by nature, it is important to watch their weight as this breed is at a high risk of obesity. Because of their size, Maine Coons need to eat high-protein cat food. Keep your cat exercised and active to maintain itâs ideal weight.
Are Maine Coon Cats Adaptable To New Surroundings
The Maine Coon is a highly adaptable breed. These cats adjust well to many different lifestyles and personalities and can be ideal companions for both city and country living.
This moderately active cat likes to play. It is a good idea to invest in a cat teaser or other similar toys to get your cat moving and burning off those calories!
To keep your cat in great shape, play with him for at least 15 minutes every day. You can also get your cat a scratching post to encourage some stretching.
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Maine Coon Cat Size Comparison: The Largest Cat
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When you think of domesticated cats, you probably dont think about them as large animals. After all, theyre smaller than many other types of house pets, and they definitely dont compare to their wild ancestors. However, while this may be true for other breeds of cats, a Maine Coon cat size comparison will show theyre like no other cat you may encounter daily.
Maine Coons may be your typical housecat, but theyre definitely anything but average. Known for their aloof personality and unmistakable appearance, these furry felines tend to outweigh even the largest of other domestic cat breeds. However, when it comes down to the exact size of an average housecat, a dog, and even a bobcat, just how does the Maine Coon measure up?
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Why Do Cats Carry Their Coons
In most cats, the cat is the equivalent of a humans tail and helps keep them secure. Theirs is the only tail that can wag like a dog. The cats tail, however, is less efficient as a form of protection. While the cats tail moves more slowly, it still produces a high amount of energy, and thus can be dangerous for the cat. In addition, the cats tail moves with each step the cat takes, making it more efficient. This leads to the characteristic form of a cat: it walks like a dog, but wags its tail like a lion. The primary function of a cats tail is to provide balance and balance while in motion. If a cat loses its tail, it will usually be replaced with another tail. Sometimes, however, the tail will grow back. The tails of different breeds vary in thickness, length and color.
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History Of The Maine Coon
However they arrived on our shores, theyve been with us for a very long time. The first mention of the Maine Coon in writing is in 1861s The Book of the Cat, referencing a feline going by the extremely long name of Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines . The author, F.R. Pierce, writing about the breeds history in the region, notes, As to how and when they came, I would say They just growed, for their advent reaches far back beyond the memory of the oldest inhabitant.
Maine Coons were historically a favorite breed in the Northeastern corner of the United States because of their robust and hearty build that is perfect for colder northern climates. They were also popular for being great mousers and prized for their beauty. The breed was winning cat shows in cities like Boston and New York as early as 1895. In fact, a Maine Coon cat named Cosi won the first major cat show in America.
What This Means To You
The reality is that there is so little difference between a breeding cat and a cat for companionship that the untrained eye could not tell the difference.
Italy has a strong heritage in breeding Main Coons and has a consistently high standard and presence in cat shows. I myself have had my humble successes too. Ruffians Big Boy was nominated at the 2016 World Cat Show in Vienna.
So what does this mean for you? It means you will probably be going home with a finely bred, competitive Maine Coon
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Do Maine Coon Cats Like Water
Many Maine Coon cats are quite fond of water, at least in comparison to most other cat breeds. They seem to enjoy splashing around and playing in puddles, ponds, and swimming pools.
As long as the water isnt too hot, they should adapt to it quite well. As a result, they are generally regarded as good sea companions. So, if you have your own boat, this is the breed you want to take with you on it.
What Do Maine Coon Cats Look Like
Maine Coons were named for their resemblance to raccoons. They generally have brown tabby coats and furry ringed tails. While brown tabby is the classic Maine Coon appearance, they can come in any coat color.
âThey have an uneven two-layered coat with longer guard hairs over a silky undercoat and a prominent crest along their chest much like a lion’s mane,â Frenden-Tarant says. âBuilt for the unforgiving Maine climate, Maine Coons have lots of long, thick, shaggy â but easily manageable â fur.â
These cats are easily distinguished by their size, often tipping the scales at 20 pounds or more. According to Frenden-Tarant, Maine Coons have robust bone structure and a rectangular body. Their large paws support a muscular body and their dense two-layered coat keeps them warm and dry, all traits that originally helped Maine Coonsâ hunting skills and adaptability.
Itâs important to note that, as with all cats, Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic, so fur and other allergens in their saliva, skin and dander can cause allergic reactions in some people.
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Cat Shows And Popularity
The first mention of Maine Coon cats in a literary work was in 1861, in Frances Simpson’s The Book of the Cat . F.R. Pierce, who owned several Maine Coons, wrote a chapter about the breed. During the late 1860s, farmers located in Maine told stories about their cats and held the “Maine State Champion Coon Cat” contest at the local Skowhegan Fair.
In 1895, a dozen Maine Coons were entered into a show in Boston. On 8 May 1895, the first North American cat show was hosted at Madison Square Garden in New York City. A female Maine Coon brown tabby, named Cosey, was entered into the show. Owned by Mrs. Fred Brown, Cosey won the silver collar and medal and was named Best in Show. The silver collar was purchased by the Cat Fanciers’ Association Foundation with the help of a donation from the National Capital Cat Show. The collar is housed at the CFA Central Office in the Jean Baker Rose Memorial Library.
Maine Coon Cat Behavior
Nicknamed the âgentle giantâ, the Maine Coon is one of the friendliest cat breeds, and often the best choice for first-time cat owners.
Although behavioral issues are rarely seen in this breed, they can happen if a cat is neglected or left alone to fend for itself.
A Maine Coon may become aggressive if left alone for longer periods of time. So, if your cat is going to spend a lot of time alone, consider getting two cats from the start.
This way they will keep each other company, and you will prevent any behavioral problems from arising.
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Maine Coons And Raccoons
There is a myth that Maine Coon cats are the result of breeding domestic cats with raccoons! Raccoons are medium-sized animals, weighing between 7.7-20 pounds . This myth has been dispelled with DNA testing, but its fun to think about when you compare the look and weight of a Maine Coon cat with a raccoon!
Choosing A Maine Coon Breeder
You want your Maine Coon to be happy and healthy so you can enjoy your time with him, so do your homework before you bring him home. For more information on the history, personality and looks of the Maine Coon, as well as breeder recommendations, visit the websites of the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association, Maine Coon Cat Breed Council, The International Cat Association, American Cat Fanciers Association and the Fanciers Breeder Referral List. A reputable breeder will abide by a code of ethics, such as the one developed by the MCBFA, which prohibits sales to pet stores and wholesalers.
A reputable breeder will abide by a code of ethics that prohibits sales to pet stores and wholesalers and outlines the breeders responsibilities to their cats and to buyers. Choose a breeder who has performed the health certifications necessary to screen out genetic health problems to the extent that is possible, as well as one who raises kittens in the home. Kittens who are isolated can become fearful and skittish and may be difficult to socialize later in life.
Lots of reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell whos good and whos not? Red flags include kittens always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any kitten, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders.
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How Can I Tell If My Kitten Is A Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds, and it is not difficult to see why. These cats are big, fluffy, and intelligent. They also make excellent pets for families with children.
Some people believe that the Maine Coon has a natural instinct for acting as a hunter, but this has been disputed by many experts in the field. The only thing that you can be sure of is that they are very good at catching mice and rats just as most cats are.
What Is A Maine Coon
Maine Coons are a breed of domesticated cats that originated in Maine. They are known for their intelligence, gentle demeanor, and fluffy fur.
The Maine Coon is a large breed of domestic cat native to the state of Maine in the United States. They are known for their intelligence and gentle temperament as well as their long, shaggy coat.
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How Do You Care For A Maine Coon Cat
This is a working cat. Maine farmers definitely werent bringing their barn mousers to the groomer. Maine Coon cats are easy to maintain, unlike some longhaired breeds.
Luckily, a Maine Coons luxurious locks dont mat easily. A weekly or bi-weekly brushing should suffice. Get a grooming rake for the undercoat and a stainless steel comb for tangles. This cat loves attention so grooming should not be a fuss.
Bathe this cat only if his fur looks greasy or stringy.
Other than that, this cat requires the kind of care all cats need: brush her teeth to prevent dental disease and keep her nails trimmed with a a good nail clipper and she’s good to go!
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What Does The Maine Coon Cat Look Like
The Maine Coon is the largest cat breed, and easily recognizable due to its impressive size. It has a rectangular, muscular body, a broad chest, and medium-length legs.
They also have large, round paws and long furry tails. Maine Coons have a head which is slightly longer than its wide and a square muzzle. Their large, well-tufted ears which are wide at the base and big, eloquent eyes complete the look.
The eyes can be green, gold or copper. However, white, and bi-colored Maine Coons may have blue or odd-colored eyes. The shaggy looking medium-long coat comes in many different colors and rounds the breedâs appearance.
According to size standards, the Maine Coon should be large, although some cats can be medium in size. All parts of its long body should be in proportion and create a well-balanced rectangular appearance.
How Do You Keep A Maine Coon Cat Safe
Maine Coon cats are a large, heavy breed of cat. Maine coons can weigh more than 30 pounds and have a thick, short fur. They can have distinctive dark or reddish-brown fur with a black collar around their neck and sometimes a large white S on their chests. Maine Coons are often very affectionate and playful and are a great choice for first-time cat owners. They can have a strong personality and are typically very curious. However, they are also very independent and often keep to themselves. Because of their size, a Maine Coon cat can climb up to the top of a kitchen cabinet. However, you can put a stool next to the top of the cabinet to prevent your cat from getting up there. The best way to keep your cat from getting out is to use a cat door. Cat doors are simple plastic windows that can be slipped into the bottom of your door. Cats cant pull them out, but they can also slide them open. When you close your door, the cat should have enough space to stretch out its body and paws. However, if you dont want to leave your cat home alone, you can set up an automatic feeder that will only open when your cat goes to eat.
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Breeds Like The Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the biggest domestic cat breeds, although several others contest it for the crown. The list of breeds above is littered with large cats, breeds that have a similarly wild look to the Maine Coon, and those that inject themselves into daily family life in the same way as the loving and affectionate Maine Coon does.
Why Do Maine Coons Make Weird Noises
Maine Coons are known for their distinctive and loud meowing. This breed is a very vocal cat, often making noises to get attention and demand food. Though the noise may seem strange to humans, its a perfectly natural behavior for Maine Coons.
What color should I expect my Maine Coons coat to be?
Maine Coons are typically brown, but there are other colors that they can be. These colors include black and cream. There are also some rare colors Maine Coons can have.
Typically, however, a Maine Coons coat will range in color from a light brown to a dark black. The color of the coat will change with age, as the fur will darken.
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Theyve Been Cloned Successfully
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Via Pixabay
In 2004, a Maine coon kitten named Little Nicky went down in history as the first known sale of a cloned pet.
A Texas woman paid $50,000 to commission a California-based biotech company to clone her dead cat. Despite the ensuing controversy, Little Nickys owner claims the clone was identical to the original Nicky.
Maine Coon Cat Shedding
This breed sheds moderately all year round. However, some Maine Coons may shed heavily during the shedding season, and youâll have to brush this cat more often.
In these situations, use a dematting rake to remove all loose hair. It will remove undercoat and dead hair without causing any irritation to the catâs skin.
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General Health And Potential Risks
Maine Coons are relatively healthy cats. However, some health issues have been observed in this breed. This doesnât mean that your cat is going to develop any of these problems.
But it is always better to learn about potential issues before you bring a cat home.
- Hip Dysplasia: This condition occurs when a part of the hip joint is abnormally developed. This causes dislocation of the ball and socket. Symptoms include decreased activity, difficulty rising and the reluctance to run, jump or climb. Their large size and heavy bones put the Maine Coons at a high risk of this condition. Treatment differs and includes surgery for the most severe cases.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This is one of the most common heart diseases in cats. It causes a thickening of the ventricular wall of the heart. Many cats with this condition are asymptomatic. Abnormal heart sounds can be discovered during a routine vet check-up. A test for this condition is available and it is a good idea to make sure your cat has been tested.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: This is an inherited disease which causes a cat to be born with cysts on his kidneys. As the cat grows, the cysts become larger and eventually result in kidney failure. Treatment for Polycystic Kidney Disease involves reducing the symptoms of kidney failure.