Maine Coon Cats Breed information:What you need to know in 2023?

The Maine Coons are the most original and native cats of the USA since the 1800s. It is a large-sized domestic cat breed. The Maine Coon originated in the state of Maine, USA, and Maine’s State cat.

The Species became popular in the cat show in 1895, held in Madison Square Garden, USA. A baby Maine Coon won first place, named Cosey.

It is famous for its large size, shaggy coats, long and athletic, large and well-tufted ears, intelligence, high adaptation power, and calm and gentle behavior. It is also known as Coon Cat, Maine Shag, American longhair, American Coon Cat, and American forest cat. Its nickname is Gentle giant.

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Breed Speciality of Maine Coons:

Other names

Gentle Giants, Mini Lions, Dog of the cat world, therapy cats.

Origin

Norwegian wild cats, Siberian wild cats, and Ragdoll cats.

Nature:

Gentle, amiable, and dog-like.

Weight:

9- 18 pounds. Male cats could be up to 20 pounds.

Length:

19 to 30 inches. Big, almost like a dog.

Coat:

Heavy, shaggy, and silky.

Coat Color:

Available in various colors such as White, Orange, Blue, Red, Cream, Blue and White, Black and White, Red and White, Cream and White, Tortiosshell, Blue-cream, Calico, Tortoiseshell and White, Blue cream and White, Shaded and smoke, Shaded/smoked and White.

Life expectancy:

12 to 15 years.

Hypoallergenic:

No.

Place of Origin:

USA

Origin of the Maine Coon Breed:

Maine Coons Ancestors were ship’s cats. In 1850, the Norwegian traders brought them. After that, they came close to the native wild cats and bred the modern Maine Coon Cats.

There are some myths about the cat. One relates to The French Queen Marie Antoinette, who wanted to run away from France.

So she loaded all her belonging with Siberian Cats. So her cats reached the shore of Wizcassette. But she didn’t try to make the trip to the USA.

Then how the Siberian Wild Cats could be the ancestors of the Maine Coon Cats.

Another myth is- The Maine Coons are cross-breeds of Raccoons, but Raccoons are different animals. How can they interbreed?

The known and clear history is that the Maine Coons have been recognized since 1895 when they went to the cat show held at Madison Square Garden, New York, USA. Since then, It has been the most popular and familiar to North Americans.

Appearance Of Maine Coon:

• Body attribute is muscular and broad-chested, and length is large in maximum cases. The full body is well-structured, well-balanced, and rectangular. There is no exaggerated part visible in the body.
• The head is Medium in width and slightly longer. Cheekbones are high; the muzzle is square, Medium, and blunt-ended. It seems to be a rectangle but not to be pointed or tapering. The whole head area is proportionate in length and width, which makes a pleasant look. The head is medium but looks big because of the long hair. The chins are firm and maintain alignment with the lips and nose. The head and face may look a little concave in the pics.
• The ears are large, well-tufted, and wide from the base.
• Eyes are big, expressive, and oval and situated in the holes. The colors are Green, Gold, Green-gold, copper, and Blue, and some are odd-eyed.
• Legs and paws are big enough and well-matched with the body. The forelegs and backklegs are straight. Five fingers are in the forelegs each, and 4 fingers are in the back legs each.
• The tail is just like the Squirrels’ tail – long and weaving position.
• Long, heavy, shaggy coats and furs are long enough from the stomach and shorter from the shoulder.
• Available in various colors such as White, Orange, Blue, Red, Cream, Blue and White, Black and White, Red and White, Cream and White, Tortoiseshell, Blue-cream, Calico, Tortoiseshell and White, Blue cream and White, Shaded and smoke, Shaded/smoked and White.

Temperament and nature of Maine Coon:

The Maincoons are well-mannered and friendly with the human family, children, and other animals in the household.

Though its ancestors are hunters, they’re fully domestic now.

They behave reserved at first, but when you make them sure you’re trustworthy, they will be loyal and devoted.

They like to stay around you but not always in your lap. Like to play with appropriate toys.

They rarely get violent and angry like people and are very sociable.

Sometimes they swim into your bathtub or stand at the edge of the bathtub and touch the water with curious paws.

They don’t meow; they chirp. A very smart cat breed.

Caring for Your Maine Coon :

The Maine Coons have special features in their coat that can repel in water and snow.

So, keep their coats dry and clean regularly.

Take them to the bath once a week with a mild shampoo and scrub them gently as the breed likes to swim.

Trim their nails regularly, and wash their teeth and ears with appropriate pet cleanser.

Brush their coats once a week as they shed their clothes in the winter, but not excessively.

They’re very fond of playing. So, you should engage them in playing to keep them both physically and mentally simulated.

Give them feather teasers or other favorite toys. Make sure that your pet scratch in the right place. Set up vertical (cat trees) and horizontal (cardboard or sisal) scratches at your house.

Living needs of your Maine Coon:

Maine coons can’t live in a small place. They need a big house so that they can run all over the house.

They also need exercise, cat trees, and purchases, also like interactive toys and playing partners.

Maine Coons are high-maintenance breeds. They need daily coat brushing as their coats are long.

Health and problems of Maine Coon:

Like other animals, Maine Coon has some health issues as the following:

Obesity

Obesity is the most common health problem among pet animals because they’re stuck at home and eat food because of their owner’s adoration.

Exaggerated weight causes diabetes, heart disease, and other life-threatening problems.

Some owners are careless about their pet’s fat bodies. So, be careful about their weight.

Don’t leave free food all day long. Maintain a routine to feed your pets.

Dental diseases:

Dental disease is another common problem among pet animals.

Because. Animals can’t brush their teeth daily, and it’d not possible for you to brush their teeth daily because of your busy life.

So, brush their teeth at least 3 times a week.

Vaccine-preventable infections:

Your Maine Coon suffers from bacterial and viral infections such as Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis, and Rebis. So, keep your Maine Coon safe by injecting them with `core` vaccines.

Parasites:

Many kinds of worms and bugs invade your pet’s body. So, ensure your pet can’t drink unclean water, walk on contaminated soil, and keep aloof from infected mosquitos.

Spay or Neutering:

Sexually transmitted diseases are very dangerous. So, keeping your pet spayed or neutered is the best way to prevent transmission of those diseases.

Heart diseases:

Cardiomyopathy is a series problem in Maine Coons and other pet animals as well.

Heart disease is in the medical terms Cardiomyopathy. When the heart muscles get thick, then the problem calls Cardiomyopathy.

Another example is dilated Cardiomyopathy. It causes laziness, problems with breathing, and inactivity as the cats hide their problems, so you should catch the signs in the early stage.

Feed them Taurin-reached foods and take them to the Veterinarian twice a year.

Patellar Luxation and Hip Dysplasia:

The first occurs in the knees and the second in the hip joints.

It increases with the advanced age of the Maine Coons.

Renal failure:

Your cat’s Kidney can be affected by being overweight and dehydrated.

So, be careful about that. Give your pets special nutrition from the very beginning.

Rare blood type:

B and AB-typed blood are the rare types. It is a very common problem in Maine Coon cats.

Deafness:

Blue-eyed cats can be deaf in most cases. This problem can be genetic.

So, if you notice that your Coon’s hearing is not as keen as it supposes to be, immediately take it to the doctor.

Food and nutrition tips for Maine Coon:

All cats are carnivorous. The Maine Coons need 41 different and specific types of nutrients in their bowl daily. Feed them 2 times the adult cats, 3 times the young cats, and a maximum of 4 times the kittens. So, choose your Coons diet very carefully.

There are so many animal foods available in the market. Follow the breeder’s guidelines.

You need to know about your Maine Coon:

• Very much suitable for first-time pet owners.
• Very active and loves to play.
• Sociable and dependent.
• A slight talkative by nature.
• Large type of breed.
• They like to be well-groomed as their fur is so long.
• They will pay gratitude as you take care of them.
• They Like to go outside.
• A very good family member can be left alone for long hours and cope with the household’s busyness.

Fun facts about Maine Coon:

• Maine Coon cats don’t meow; they chip like they’re talking.
• They’re the official state cat of Maine state. Maine Coons cloning was very successful.
• You can walk with Maine Coons, just like the dogs.
• Some Maine Coons have become social media superstars.
• They’ll listen to you the whole night about your relationship.
• A Maine Coon was successfully cloned.
• They’ll join you in the movies.
• You’ll forget all your debit card expenses having a Maine Coon.
• They’ll throw their paws to celebrate your success.
• They’ll help you to practice Yoga.
• They will pay gratitude as you take care of them.
• Maine Coons help you in your study because they don’t want that you become senior to them.
• They can massage your foot very excellently.
• They keep an eye on your house just like the dogs to alert you of burglars.
• Maine Coons are excellent bathmats.

Maine Coon Breed Overview:

Maine Coons are wonderful companions with friendly, kind, and steady temperaments. They’re sociable and have been certified as therapy cats. That means you can take them to doctor’s appointments and senior care facilities.

They want to be near you but not clingy or lap cats. They entertain you by getting busy with antics and trying to get anything.

One of the largest cats breeds Maine coons look like mini lions and they take almost 4 years to achieve their actual weight.

Adopting a Maine Coon cat:

Maine Coon is the most popular pedigree in the USA. there are so many excellent breeders from whom you can get your desirable kitties.

The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) published a list of those breeders. Besides, if you want to adopt from a shelter or a rescue group or get a mixed breed then you also can do it.

Cons of Maine Coon cats:

• They’re not suitable for carrying or taking to the lap because of their big sizes.
• High maintenance cat- that means you have to spend time daily for their grooming.
• They need a big house and a place to live.

Can’t be left alone for long hours.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Question