We present to you one of the cats that have caused the most expectations since the species was known: the Maine Coon.
Join us in this review of its characteristics and most important oddities. We hope you like what we tell you.
Maine Coon cat, a very special cat
And you’ll realize it at first sight, as the Maine Coon has been revealed to be one of the biggest cat species.
At the popular level, they are even considered the largest domestic cats.
Keep in mind that males weigh between 7 and 10 kilograms and females can weigh between 5 and 9 kilograms.
Learn to identify Maine Coon cats
We have already told you about the greatness of the Maine Coon cat, but it is interesting to take into account some of the other physical traits of these little kittens.
This way, you will be able to get to know them better, and sometimes they can be confused with the Norwegian Forest cat or the Siberian cat.
They have a square head and symmetrical eyes, so their beautiful gaze has become one of their distinguishing features. His eyes are large and his ears are long and pointed.
As for the body, remember that it is a particularly strong and muscular breed. Their fur can change, and as we will tell you later, they can have fur of different colors.
Maine Coon and his social skills
On the other hand, they are affectionate cats. They will regularly sit near you, looking for your closeness, but at the same time, they are independent cats, loving calm.
They get used to active families very quickly and even those with other pets, such as dogs.
It is not surprising that they are very social animals and try to communicate through different types of meows.
How does a Maine Coon cat eat?
We remind you that cats need caloric amounts (especially kittens) related to their size.
In this aspect, a Maine Coon should be fed high-quality nutritious foods that are low in grains, if possible, which provide proteins of high biological strength, such as the Barf diet or naturally dried foods.
However, when they grow up (a Maine Coon cat can live up to about sixteen years), they will have to eat low-calorie foods.
Otherwise, since they won’t burn as much fat anymore, they may be tempted to gain weight.
Maine Cone cat hygiene
You don’t need to bathe it regularly. If the cat lives indoors, it will not need frequent washing.
So there’s less of a problem…However, we recommend using natural oils and shampoos, especially for cats, if you do.
And also remember that hydrating her body is more than enough. Always have fresh and clean water.
Maine Coon cat characteristics
Maine easily adapts to harsh climates. Its lustrous fur is thick, elegant, and has a silky collar like that of lions which gives it a wild and fierce vibe.
They are longer in the neck, abdomen and hind leg regions, which protects them from snow and water, and shorter in the back to glide easily through vegetation.
Their ears are long and pointed, and they usually end in a distinctive brush.
Its head and snout have a square shape which makes it easy for it to hunt its prey with its large eyes.
Its tail is long and has abundant fur, very similar to the tail of a raccoon. This may have been the reason for its name “Main Coon”, as the English name for the raccoon is “Raccoon”.
Maine Coon cats origin Where did they come from?
According to The Cat Fanciers Association, the Maine Coon is the first native cat breed in the United States.
It is partly justified by doubts about its provenance. Nothing, in this aspect, has been precisely determined, except that its trace began to follow in Maine (USA) at the end of the nineteenth century.
But among these first public manifestations, we have documented data.
More diverse are the theories about the origin of these cats: from Marie Antoinette’s traveling companions to mouse hunters on Viking ships from the Norwegian forests.
Going through the collection of sailor Thomas Coon and the impossible mating between a cat and a raccoon (due to its resemblance to these animals and the fact that the word raccoon means raccoon in English).
In short, all of these versions (not now counting interbreeding) agree that the Maine Coon appeared in the northeastern United States because someone took them there. from where? It’s a puzzle.
A theory is gaining strength and says that its origin could be in the crossing of Angora cats, from Turkey and one of the first long-haired breeds, with domestic cats in Maine.
Maine Coon cat character
Maine Coons are very affectionate cats, but they are not overly dependent. He will be a good companion and friend, but do not expect to carry him often in your arms.
He adapts well to active families and even with other animals such as dogs around him, as mentioned earlier.
They are calm, but at the same time, they show their agility when you least expect it despite being quite large.
For example, when a mouse passes in front of them and they are preparing to chase it as if there is no tomorrow.
And it is he who kept it, and in the instinct of these animals, the origin of hunting is still found.
Maine Coon cat breeding
It is very important to monitor the Maine Coon’s diet, so that they are of quality and ensure a certain daily activity, and to play with them so that they have access to large spaces to encourage movement.
Another factor to consider in this breed is their long hair which requires daily brushing to remove dead hair routinely.
It is preferable to use the appropriate comb due to its high density, as well as providing it with barley to facilitate the expulsion of swallowed hair when licking.
Additionally, as with any healthy lifestyle plan, they will need to do some moderate physical exercise per day.
It is very good if they play with rails or interactive toys, to stimulate their “want” to find and release that vital energy that the Maine Coon Cat possesses.
Regarding the bathroom, it’s not something that needs to be done more frequently and more if they don’t have access to the outside.
If this is done, it is sufficient to use a specific shampoo for long-haired cats and then dry it with a suitable towel or dryer and never directly.
And another important point is that she is always well hydrated, encourage her to drink water, for example from the fountains.
Water is essential to maintain the pH and natural oils in their fur, as well as to regulate the urinary system in these big cats.
All Maine Coon cat colors
If you hope to identify these cats with a special color, you are out of luck.
Among the characteristics that make these animals unique, we must highlight the diversity of colors that you can find in them.
Therefore, you will see Maine Coon in colors such as black, white, and cream. Likewise, specimens in tabby and Carey tones also stand out.
An unusual trait you might not know about a Maine Coon cat
In keeping with the surprises this breed offers, there is a physical characteristic that you weren’t expecting.
It is not an individual trait, but rather an exceptional trait. We refer to polydactyly. We explain that this word means to have one toe more than the common toes in other cats.
The origin of this mutation is the presence of a dominant gene in one of the parents. On the other hand, this trait occurs in 40% of the samples.
Toed specimens are more ineligible for competitions, so breeders prefer those with the same toes as the rest of the cats.
Recommended accessories for the Maine Coon cat
You will also wonder what toys and accessories your Maine Coon cat prefers. They will need those that are measured according to their large dimensions.
Bigger sandboxes
There are large sandboxes especially the size of Maine Coon, which are usually larger than usual and easier to move indoors.
Scratched poles in length
Since it is a large cat breed (in fact, it is the largest), the furniture we put it on to scratch has to be sturdy and strong.
private bed
As in the case of scratching posts, the most suitable is a strong, spacious, and comfortable bed. At QITATI you can find original beds for them.
Maine Coon cat for sale
These cats, like all cats, are also abandoned, but if you are thinking of sharing your life with Maine Coon cats, it will be difficult for you to do so because they are cats that mostly come from specialized breeding farms.
These are concerned with maintaining the breed with all the health guarantees and characteristics of these precious cats.
We are always in favor of adoption, but if you want to get a Maine Coon, we always recommend that you do so in an official kennel with all health guarantees, up-to-date vaccination records, and pedigree pointing to us, a kennel with reliable and recognized.
They should advise and accompany you in all your doubts.
Well, we already know more about this particular breed and they are very big and special cats. Do you share your life with a Maine Coon cat? Tell us and if you like the article share it and explore it with the world.