Alice White
Maine Coon is an aboriginal breed of American cats, characterized by large size and impressive bodyweight. Representatives of the breed are reliable friends and companions who can quickly win the love of the whole family.
Description
Maine Coon is the largest cat breed in the world. The body is powerful, rectangular, with a wide chest and massive head. These animals finish their growth only at 3-5 years old, although they cannot be called the slowest growing breed. A distinctive feature of the exterior is the tassels on the ears, reminiscent of lynxes, and a huge fluffy “raccoon” tail. Cats are significantly smaller than cats, not only in adulthood but also at birth. On average, the difference in weight between females and males is a quarter. The Maine Coon coat is seasonal, as is the case with many aboriginal breeds. In summer it is thick and short, while in winter it turns into a chic fur coat.
Character
A distinctive feature of cats of this breed is independence. They can keep people away from them, not allow themselves to be stroked, and generally impose their will on the inhabitants of the apartment.
They note that while these cats are very touching and learn to older children.
Maine Coons are very intelligent and remember commands well, like dogs. They also very clearly capture the intonations and changes in the owner’s mood, while showing tact and understanding unusual for animals. Maine Coon will not bother with communication or demand attention if the owner is not in the mood.
In general, the definition of “a cat that walks by itself” is fully consistent with the nature of this breed. Although with undisguised suspicion and coldness, they behave friendly.
Care
The main problem for many cat owners is the organization of special places where their pets can sharpen their claws. Often cats use wallpaper, upholstered furniture, or other objects for these purposes – in general, everything that, according to the owners, cannot be used as a scratching post. With Maine Coons, the problem does not recede, but it acquires a new sound. Cats of this breed do not sharpen their claws in a vertical position, as usual, in a horizontal position. That is, in this case, carpets, rugs, and other floor coverings suffer.
These cats love water and enjoy swimming. Therefore, with washing, as a rule, the owners have no problems.
Many concerns are usually associated with the maintenance of the Maine Coon’s coat – it is quite thick and long. But at the same time, it does not roll into mats and does not fall off, it does not need to be combed out for several hours every day. Once a week is enough. But in addition to the usual comb, purchase a slicker coat – cats of this breed have a very thick undercoat that needs attention.
Conditions of detention
Maine Coons are excellent hunters. Moreover, they catch not only birds and rodents, but also fish. Therefore, if you are going to buy a cat of this breed, and there are small animals in the house, we can say with a high degree of probability that such a neighborhood will not end well for the latter.
Although they get along well with other cats and even dogs. Moreover, it does not matter whether the second animal appeared at the same time as the cat (that is, they grew up together) or was taken when the cat was already the full owner of the house.
It is very important that the Maine Coon has its own territory – a space where you can hide from the attention of people and relax. In addition, a large walking area is important for these cats – they do not like to sit still and will walk, play and hunt for a long time.
How to choose a kitten
Maine Coon kittens are recommended to be taken to a family at the age of 12-15 weeks. By this time, the little creature knows how to use the toilet and has already received the necessary vaccinations. The best choice is on an active kitten who is curious and willing to make contact. Lethargy and apathy are signs of a tired, unhealthy animal.
If you want to know what type of temperament the inherited little creature is, ask the nursery staff to introduce you to its mother. If the adult seems too agitated and aggressive, it is better not to take risks and choose a kitten from other, more friendly parents. Pay close attention to the fur of the animal: it should be smooth, clean, and silky. Do not forget to check with the breeder about the brand of food, treated to your ward, and the type of litter used in the litter boxes of the cattery. The adaptation process of a little Maine Coon.
Feeding
The ideal food for Maine Coons is food with a high protein content (remember the size of the animal). At the same time, this breed does not need a special diet, which means that you can regale your pet with both dry food and canned food. Preference should be given to premium food, in which the main ingredient is meat, not soy and wheat. Sometimes it is not forbidden to treat cats with boiled chicken and beef, fish (boiled, low-fat and better seafood), eggs, and fermented milk products. Under a strict ban: pork, chicken and any other bones, sweet and salty dishes, potatoes.
