Maine coon cat

History of origin

Some “experts” claim that the progenitors of the breed appeared as a result of crossing a domestic cat and a raccoon, hence the long fluffy tail and characteristic color. Others believe that it was not without the participation of a lynx – hence the tassels on the ears, however, both versions have not been scientifically confirmed by specialists. The official version is simple: Maine Coons appeared as a result of natural evolution, and the distinctive features of the breed, such as impressive size and thick long hair, are a natural necessity for survival in the harsh northern winters.

Initially, Maine Coons lived on farms, where they hunted rodents and guarded crops. Giant cats were a huge success at the 1885 Maine Country Fair, and soon spread throughout America, exhibited at exhibitions in Boston and New York, and later became popular all over the world.

Breed description

The Maine Coon is significantly different from other felines in its gigantic size. He has a massive fluffy head with high cheekbones and very long whiskers, and wide ears are crowned with tassels, like a lynx. Despite the developed muscles of the cat, they are very graceful, their paws are long with shaggy “boots”. The tail is elongated and very fluffy.

Maine Coons are characterized by increased shaggyness, the coat is long, thick and silky. As for colors, they are the most diverse: solid, spotted, variegated, brindle and smoky. The only prohibition in the breed standard for chocolate, lavender and Himalayan colors: animals with such colors are not bred and do not participate in exhibitions.

A feature of the breed is an unusual melodic voice. The Maine Coon will not meow heart-rendingly throughout the apartment when he is hungry, but will purr his request directly to the owner.

Photos

Character

Despite their stern appearance, Maine Coons are very sociable and affectionate animals. They are very attached to their owners, while being completely unobtrusive and calmly endure loneliness. Cats get along well with children, taking part in their active games and not showing aggression if they tug at them and pull their tail. Cats get along well with other pets, with the exception of small birds and rodents. Their hunting instinct is highly developed, so the Maine Coon will happily launch its clawed paw into the aquarium for fish or try to get the hamster out of the cage. Like all cats, Maine Coons love outdoor games, especially if you need to hunt or chase someone, so make sure that your pet is not bored.

It is ideal to start a Maine Coon, living in a private house, in the yard of which the cat can walk and hunt. But if you live in an apartment, walk your pet on a leash more often. Also, do not forget to close the window, because cats are very curious and can fall out from a height, looking at a dove on the ledge.

Care and maintenance

And although the Maine Coon is perfectly adapted to the harsh realities of life like frosty winters, it requires careful care. First of all, it concerns the hair of the animal. To avoid tangles, the cat should be combed every day (or at least every other day) with a comb with blunt teeth. If mats still form, it is better to contact a professional groomer than to cut them yourself. Once every six months, you should bathe your cat using special detangling shampoos for long-haired breeds. Many people imagine with horror the picture of how to keep a hefty cat fleeing in horror from the bathroom. Calm down: Maine Coons simply love water procedures, especially playing with a trickle of water from a tap.

Do not forget to regularly wipe your eyes with a cotton swab dipped in boiled water and clean your ears from accumulated dirt and sulfur. If you are prone to tartar formation, clean your pet’s mouth with a special brush and paste, which can be purchased at any veterinarian. As for cutting the nails, you need to cut the very tips so as not to damage the blood vessels, or get a high comfortable scratching post.

Also, do not forget about the cleanliness of the tray: be sure to use a filler, preferably wood, and for the best elimination of odors, buy a special cat deodorant in a veterinary pharmacy.

As for the nutrition of Maine Coons, you can, together with a veterinarian or breeder, choose professional super-premium food for a cat, or stop at a “natural food”. Raw and boiled beef, boiled chicken, rabbit and turkey are suitable, but it is better to refuse pork, goose or duck meat, as well as sausages and smoked meats. Fish should be chosen from sea, low-fat, also include fermented milk products, boiled yolk or quail eggs in the pet’s diet. To satisfy the cat’s need for fiber and vitamins, give her cereal, germinated grains. Always make sure your pet has a bowl of clean, boiled water.

Education and training

Maine Coons are highly intelligent and quick-witted. They quickly memorize intonations, so they understand what the owner wants and understand him from the first word or gesture. After you accustom the kitten to the tray and hygiene procedures, you can start training it. Maine Coons can perform simple commands, for example, bring some object, circle around themselves, give a paw or meow at the request of the owner. The main thing is not to force the cat, not to raise her voice at her and not to forget to treat her with delicious treats for every success.

Health and disease

And although Maine Coons are distinguished by good health and endurance, they are prone to some dangerous diseases, for example, polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (fraught with paralysis of the hind limbs or sudden death), spinal muscular atrophy and hip dysplasia, from which the animal begins to limp. All of these diseases are difficult to treat, so it remains only to maintain a stable condition of the cat, prolonging its life. Always contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet becomes lethargic, lethargic, has a change in gait, or has digestive problems.

Starting from an early age, Maine Coons need to be vaccinated, as well as regularly prevent helminths. If you do not plan to breed kittens, it is better to spay or castrate the animal, this will increase its life expectancy and protect it from many health problems.

Popular questions and answers

Maine Coon answered questions about the popular breed of cats leading veterinary surgeon of the European Veterinary Center EVC from Moscow, endoscopist surgeon Marina Sengmani.