PROFILE
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Origin And Breed History
The Maine Coon is a domestic cat breed from the USA. Since it originates from the northeast of the USA, the state Maine, to be more exact, it is actually obvious to think that the name can be traced back to its origin. But this is only conditionally the case. The “coon” probably comes from “racoon”, the English name for raccoon. Because both the fur length, as well as the strong stature lets probably remind of a raccoon, which are native in North America.
In addition, there are some curious rumors about the origin of the fluffy cat. Some legends claim that the Maine Coon is a hybrid form of cat and raccoon. Others believe that the cat originated from the breeding of the French queen Marie Antoinette.
However, since their ancestry is not yet completely clear, it is assumed so far that the Maine Coon was brought by emigrants from Europe or Asia Minor, since they often landed with their ships in the northeast of the United States. Their ancestors have adapted to the climatic conditions, which is why they are considered a very robust cat. Due to its semi-long, dense and above all water-repellent coat, it is well protected against uncomfortable weather conditions.
Systematic breeding has been known again since the 1960s. in 1983, the Maine Coon was also recognized by FIFe as an independent breed.
Breed Description
With its long coat, bushy tail and size, the Maine Coon leaves a lasting impression. But also a gentle, balanced character and the quiet purring distinguishes them from other cat breeds.
Appearance Of The Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats have almost every coat and eye color. According to the established breed standard, the color of the eyes should be clear and visually match the coat. Accordingly, the colors black, white, red, blue or cream are recognized, only gold is not.
The Maine Coon is basically distinguished from other cats by two characteristics. This is on the one hand the bushy coat, and on the other hand the striking body size. The coat of the Maine Coon is not only long and very luxuriant. It is also very dense and hardly allows water to seep through to the cats’ skin. Due to the warming undercoat and the water-repellent outer coat, the animals are well protected for the winter.
In principle, there is no color that does not occur in the Maine Coon. This cat breed has an enormous variety of colors and shades. However, the color of the cat changes with age. Accordingly, a small kitten can have different colors than an adult cat.
Character And Temperament
The appearance of the Maine Coon contributes strongly to the fact that the cats are assumed to have a wild character. But this is wrong! The Maine Coon is known for its strong bond with people, not for its unruly behavior. They are very sociable, friendly and sociable animals. Because of their contrasting appearance and behavior, they are also affectionately called the “Gentle Giants”. The Maine Coon is also characterized by an intelligent and playful behavior. Aggressive behavior is practically foreign to her.
Husbandry And Diet
Free range or not? The Maine Coon is ideally suited as a house cat for the apartment. However, she loves to explore, so you should make sure that she gets enough exercise. In addition, your darling should have a scratching post and enough cat toys to be kept busy.
Pay attention to the quality. Too sharp edges or easily detachable material can lead to injuries or be swallowed.
Is the Maine Coon happy alone or does it need a companion? It is a fact that the Maine Coon is a very sociable animal. So if you are not often at home due to work, you could think about whether a playmate for your cat might not be the right thing. After all, two cats can keep each other busy and thus bridge the time without you. Two also means that they are most likely to get into mischief.
If you prefer to keep your cat in solitary confinement, it should not be left alone for too long. If you are not at home, this is not a problem. It is only important that she has enough activity, and enough food and water.
But you should always take time to pet her in between, because as I said, the Maine Coon is very affectionate and in need of cuddles.
Maine Coon cats are among the larger cat breeds, which can bring up to 9 kilograms on the wagons. In individual cases even more. Therefore, you should definitely pay attention to a suitable amount of energy in the food. Otherwise they can reach their final weight too early and thus an unstable bone structure can occur. The cat has already by nature a strong physique with a firm musculature. Therefore, it needs enough exercise and employment. Because of the wrong diet and too little exercise, it can already tend to overweight at a young age.
Basically Main Coons also need the food, what all other cats eat. It is only to be noted that you should pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet of your cat. Because also the nutrition contributes a part to how high the life expectancy is.
High-quality food you can recognize from a meat content of about 60 percent, as well as enough included vegetables. You should avoid sugar, dyes or additives when buying food. But also here applies, expensive is not always equal to good. But it should also not be too cheap. Because here the meat content is simply too low, or it can even occur in the form of slaughterhouse waste.
Education And Care
Maybe you know the claim, cats can not be educated! Yes you can, you just have to know how. The education of the Maine Coon is not very complicated. Since she is very intelligent and strongly oriented to humans, it is no problem for her to stick to the person she cares for. However, the education is different if you get a small kitten or an adult cat. You may have to be a little more patient in the second case.
Because of their wild mane you might think that Maine Coons need a lot of care. But this is not the case. With a regular coat care you do everything right. If the cat is kept indoors, it is enough to brush it once or twice a week. However, if it is more often in the nature, the coat needs a little more care.
Health And Typical Diseases
Originally, the Maine Coon has a robust health. However, breeding has made it more susceptible to (hereditary) diseases. With a healthy diet and good husbandry you can counteract this in many respects.
Maine Coons can suffer from different hereditary diseases. Some suffer from heart muscle diseases, which can lead to shortness of breath. Common diseases are also deformities of the hip joint, elbow or kneecaps. Genetic predisposition can lead to different kidney diseases.
As soon as you notice any abnormality, you should contact a veterinarian.
Life Expectancy Of The Maine Coon
Of course you want your little darling to stay with you as long as possible. The life expectancy of all animals depends on certain factors. On the one hand, a healthy and balanced diet is important. But also the environment plays a big role. Hereditary diseases or lack of exercise can also lead to a shortened life expectancy.
Although diseases can occur unexpectedly, you can do something to counteract this. As mentioned earlier, your cat needs a healthy, balanced diet that provides plenty of energy. However, you should also make sure that your cat gets enough exercise, otherwise it can quickly become overweight. This would also shorten the life expectancy.
Under good conditions a Maine Coon can live up to 15 years.
Buying A Maine Coon
If you want to get a Maine Coon, you can either look around at the breeder or at the animal shelter. At the breeder you should pay attention that there are no or hardly any hereditary diseases in the pedigree. Parents and puppies should grow up in good conditions, especially with a close relationship to humans.
Another option would be the animal shelter. There can be many different reasons why an animal ended up here. You can offer the animals a chance for a nice, comfortable home.
As for the cost, you should expect about 350-700 euros. The costs for breeding cats are about 1000 Euro upwards.
Decision Support
The Maine Coon is especially suitable for those people who like to spend a lot of time with their pet. The sociable, affectionate nature of the cats is therefore super suitable for a family. It has no problem with other pets, and is also child-friendly.
Also the education of the cats turns out problem-free. With a little patience you can even teach her a few tricks. It is only important that you start with the education from an early age and be as consistent as possible.
Sources
https://www.royal-canin.de/stories/maine-coon/
https://www.zooroyal.de/magazin/katzen/katzenrassen/maine-coon/
https://www.fressnapf.de/ratgeber/katze/rasseportraits/maine-coon
https://mainecoon-abc.de/haltung-und-pflege/maine-coon-alleine-halten/
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