About Maine Coon Cats

Before you purchase a Maine Coon, we want you to know as much as you can about them. It is very important to research Maine Coons so that you are able to give the cat the care that they deserve. It is interesting to read about their origin, appearance and personality so that you will know what to expect from your pet. One would also want to consider the health needs and grooming required to insure a safe and healthy life for a Maine Coon. It is always better to be well informed before you purchase a pet. They become one of the family and you want to ensure that this particular breed of cat is compatible with your life style and the life style of your family.

Origin of the Maine Coon

It was the first longhaired breed to have emerged naturally in North America. As the name suggests, the breed originated on the east coast, in the vicinity of Maine. The cats are very affectionate, but enjoy the freedom of the out doors. They enjoy playing with water and shed in summer to lose extra heat. Maine Coons come in a broad spectrum of colors.

Ideal Appearance

Maine Coons are usually large, often 12 to 18 pounds. They have a medium-wide head, medium-long nose, and large, tuffed, tall ears. High cheekbones accent large, wide-set, slightly oblique eyes. They have a muscular and broad-chest with substantial, wide-set legs and large, round, well tuffed paws. Flowing fur on a long, tapering tail is often - according to climate conditions - the single factor signifying that the Maine Coon is a longhair breed. Their characteristic heavy, shaggy coat falls smoothly. The coat is short on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and breeches. Frontal ruff is desirable. Maine Coons are best known for the brown tabby variety.

Personality

Amiable, hardy, outgoing, have a casual, easygoing attitude. Self-assured demeanor. Likes to be in control of most situations. Adapts to other animals. Thrives in a family environment. Great hunter. Enjoys retrieval games. Tiny voice; squeaks, chirps, and trills.

Health issues

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. Onset of clinical symptoms usually occurs in middle age however, cats as young as one have been diagnosed. Cats with severe HCM and heart failure usually only live a few months. It is important to note that there are many forms and causes of HCM. HCM leads to a thickening of the heart wall, particularly on the left side. This in turn, can lead to heart failure, embolism and death.

Another health concern with Maine Coons is hip dysphasia - when the hip joint develops improperly, and results in a loose fitting and malformed ball-and-socket joint. It eventually develops into arthritis. There are no current cures for hip dysphasia.The only true way to know if your coon has hip dysphasia is to visit your vet. An X-ray is required to make a definite diagnosis.

Care and Grooming

Comb your Maine Coon weekly and bathe as is required. You should check teeth regularly for tartar. Gums should be healthy pink without red lines or spots. Pay careful attention to tangles in your cat's hair which can quickly become mats. If you do find a knot or mat, be sure to hold the hair between the skin and the comb as close to the skin as possible in order to deaden the nerves. Finish the session with a soft brush. Clip the tips of the nails whenever needed.

Kittens

An average litter for a Maine Coon is 4 kittens, but 6 to 8 is not uncommon. Maine Coons are slow to mature; their full size is not usually reached until 4 to 5 years old. Every kitten in the litter may be different in coat, color, and pattern.