Maine Coon

If you are a movie buff, that too a Potterhead, you would probably know what a Maine coon looks like. Yes, the famed Mrs Norris of Harry Potter is a Maine coon and probably the most famous cat of its breed.

Maine coon fur kiddos can be easily distinguished by their larger size and longhaired coat. Generally regarded as a native of Maine, currently, the Maine coon breed finds home in countries all over the world. Despite being the biggest domesticated cat breed, Maine coon kitties have a calm, sweet nature. They enjoy human company and can make good friends with other domestic pets. Maine coon fur babies are good-natured and are therefore a popular pet in households with children. 

The thick, long coats of Maine coon munchkins are responsible for keeping them warm, even in extremely cold temperatures. So, the Maine Coon munchkins can withstand almost freezing temperatures and survive rain and snow.

Maine coons typically belong to the family Felidae, which consist of almost all domestic and wild cats. Furthermore, genetic testing of Maine coon cats has revealed that they have descended from the Norwegian forest cats and another mysterious, extinct longhaired breed of domestic cats.

Key Pointers:

• Weight - Around 8 to 18 pounds
• Height – 10 to 16 inches. Some fully grown Maine coon felines can grow to 40 inches in length.
• Lifespan – 12.5 to 15 years
• Coat – Long hair with a smooth and silky texture

Ratings:

• Friendliness – Very friendly
• Ability to adapt – Very adaptable
• Behaviour towards other pets – Very accommodating
• Behaviour towards humans – Very loving
• Playfulness – Laid-back
• Tendency to obesity – Very high
• Overall health - Good
• Life expectancy – Average
• Easy to train - Yes
• Advisable for first-time owners - Yes

Physical Appearance

The Maine coon furries are popularly known for their larger size and distinguished long coat, silky coats, but the texture can vary depending on their colours.

The other physical characteristic that sets the Maine coon breed apart is their shorter head and shoulders and long towards the flank and stomach. Some Maine coon furries have a leonine ruff around their neck, followed by a high-density undercoat. Though Maine coon kitties generally have the same colours and patterns as most cats, crossbreeding has allowed Maine coon cats to retain colours like chocolate and lavender.

Health 

Maine coon fur kids are well-known for being extremely adaptable. Though the Maine coon breed has a higher resistance to most cat diseases, they are susceptible to diseases that are specific to Maine coons, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, stomatitis, obesity, and spinal muscular atrophy. If you own a Maine coon fur baby, it is a wise idea to check your Maine coon for symptoms and manifestations of the following diseases:

1. Hip Dysplasia

   Maine coons are more susceptible to hip dysplasia because of their larger sizes. Hip dysplasia is a condition common in cats and manifests when the hip joints of the cat do not develop in an expected way and can result in ball and socket dislocation. Hip dysplasia in Maine coon kitties can lead to the gradual deterioration or complete loss of joint functions. Fortunately, the condition does not pose any fatal risk to your Maine coon baby and can be detected through symptoms like:

   • Hip joint pain
   • Looseness around hip joints
   • Reduced thigh muscle mass
   • Reluctance to jump or climb
   • Grating noise when the cat moves

2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

   Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition characterized by the thickening of the muscular walls around the cat’s heart. HCM is often believed to be a genetically induced condition that can adversely impact the functioning of the heart. It is a common cardiac condition diagnosed in Maine coons. While the severity of HCM can be variable, several medical treatments can be adopted to ensure a better quality of life for your Maine coon cat. HCM symptoms in Maine coon cats include:

   • Lethargy
   • Open-mouthed or laboured breathing
   • Rapid breathing
   • Weak pulse
   • Rapid heartbeat

   Seeking immediate medical attention for your Maine coon cat can be beneficial in avoiding life-threatening conditions.

3. Obesity

   As one of the largest breeds of cats, Maine coon fur babies are always facing the threats of obesity. As compared to their larger body frame, Maine coon kitties have a slower growth rate. So, overfeeding without sufficient workouts can cause your Maine coon baby to grow obese, leading to subsequent diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and heart diseases. Obesity can also significantly affect the lifespan of a Maine coon cat.

Grooming 

Cats with longer coats require frequent grooming to avoid the coats from getting matted. And though regularly grooming your Maine coon baby can be exhaustive, the friendly nature of the Maine coon breed of kitties can be worth your time and efforts.

Maine coons are better introduced to grooming while they are still young. You can use a brush with soft bristles to brush your fur baby’s long coat to avoid skin irritations and excessive shedding. Clipping excessive hairs around the paws and joints can prove effective against hair matting. It is also a good idea to bathe your Maine coon cat to help with shedding and keep up the quality of their coats. Clipping the claws of your furry little munchkin can help accidental scratches and germ build-up. Special claw clippers are widely available in pet shops for the same.

Playing

Cats are curious animals and react well to stimulations. Playing with your fur kid is also a good way to develop a lifelong bond. Maine coons are intelligent, and introducing new toys can significantly boost their moods. Catnip toys, scratcher toys, pet tunnels, cat wands are some of the popularly purchased toys for Maine coon cats. In addition, playing with your Maine coon is a great way of keeping up with their physical exercises and helping them stay healthy.

Maine Coon FAQ