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The Maine Coon is one of the most popular and special cats that are popular for its great size, attractive appearance, and friendly characters. This breed has fascinated all the populace of cat lovers all over the world and has a history that goes back centuries. This article shall give you a brief history of the Maine Coon cat and general information for cat lovers interested in this breed. From breed history to physical characteristics and their personality, health, and treatment, we will know all.
Maine Coon: The breed’s history
Early Background of the Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is an ancient and undoubtedly one of the most easily recognized breeds and, whether the story behind its name is factual or not, it originated in Maine, USA. It is believed to have originated from the state of Maine, USA, and is for this reason, probably believed to be called the Maine Coons. Nevertheless the facts about the initial progenitor of the Maine Coon remain an enigma to this present day.
More theories have tried to be used to explain the development of the breed. There is one of the most widely spread theories that place the origin of the Maine in that country, claiming that the breed was bred from long-haired cats brought by the first settlers. We may assume that those cats were crossed with the local feral stock, which provided the Maine with its characteristic features including a long and dense coat and a robust body. Some historians who have attempted to establish the origin of the breed believe that they may have been crossbred with cats that the Vikings brought to North America while on their explorations.
One of the legends link the Maine Coon with the queen of France –Marie Antoinette. And so the story goes she tried to flee from the French Revolution and with her were her favorite – cats. Despite never reaching the shores of America, some reports state that the cats bred with local cats in Maine in which they evolved to create the Maine breed.
The Breed’s Recognition
Maine Coon only began to gain formal recognition at the end of the nineteenth century, though the first recorded cat show of the breed was in 1861. The breed remained favored: The breed remained favorite: The Cat Fanciers’ Association accepted the breed as a championship as early as in 1976. The Maine is believed to be one of the most numerous and popular kitten kinds in the whole world at the moment.
The Maine Coons Physical Attributes
Size and Build
Maine Coon does boast some very unique characteristics; one of them being its great size. It is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, despite that it is like a small dog. Adult males range from 13 to 18 pounds while the females are slightly smaller taking up to 8 to 12 pounds. More specifically, some specimens can be significantly larger, reaching the measure of even 20 pounds. In terms of physical characteristics the Maine is a large and powerful cat with a rectangular body shape, muscular structure and a long bushy tail.
Coat and Grooming
Maine Coon is also known for its beautiful, long hair. Their coat is thick and fouled mostly to provide a waterproof coat that is required in New England geographical locations due to winter. It has a smooth coat to touch though might need to be taken for grooming to be put in its ideal condition. Maine have a moderate undercoat and are known to shed throughout the year, albeit more profusely in the spring and the autumn.
This cat breed has two traits, which set it apart from other felines: tufted ears and a fluffy tail. The breed is available in almost every colour and pattern, but tabby spotting is most frequent and widespread. While Maine coat can be just solid-coloured, bicolor or multicoloured, the fur is undeniably stunning.
Eyes and Face
The **Maine Coon’s** eyes are large and shining and they contribute to the cat’s kindly-wise features. They have green, yellow gold and copper colored eyes. Broad and round in shape with clearly defined muzzle that may be described as square or slightly rectangular shaped.
Character of the Maine Coon
Friendly and Social
Probably, the most suitable description of the Maine Coon breed, which anyone could come up with, is that it is a friendly cat. Hence they are referred to as ‘gentle giants since they are giant cats with gentle personalities. Maine Coon are friendly cats and get along well with children, other cats and do not mind the company of dogs either.
But in contrast to other breeds of cats Maine Coon can not be clingy or too meticulous in their needs. It’s fun for them to be with their ‘owners,’ but only on the condition that they give them the space and freedom to roam. Compared to some of the other breeds, Maine Coon are not clingy and will happily play on their own while the owners are occupied.
Playful and Curious
Maine Coon is a playful cat breed that is also active, which means that it will get curious and move around frequently. They are playful cats and for this will play games such as the, throw and catch or chase games. They also prove responsive to training, and you can teach tricks, commands or even how to walk on a leash. Because of their curiosity, a dog is constantly seeking new ways to engage his or her surroundings, making an owner’s amusement a very probable outcome.
Communication and Vocalization
But campionic Maine are not as talkative as other breeds for real but they do have their own way of speaking. It is characterized by quite soft calls that researchers have described variously as trilling. This type of vocalization is therefore soft and is not as loud as those heard in other cats but these are indications that the cat is asking for attention or interacting with objects.
Care & Treatment of the Maine Coon
Common Health Issues
Like all cat breeds, Maine Coon is susceptible to some diseases even if they are considered to be one of the healthiest cats. Some of the more common health issues in Maine Coon include:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): This is a condition that originates in the family causing defects to the heart muscles and results in heart failure. The Maine needs to have a minimal vet check-up and get screened for heart issues.
- Hip Dysplasia: Maine are also prone to hip dysplasia because of their size, being a malformation of the hip joint. This often results in arthritis and in turn pain.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A genetic disorder of the spinal cord, SMA as aiel results in muscle wasting and may be fatal in some instances.
While the above health problems are prevalent among the breed, good breeding can lower the incidences of these diseases.
Grooming and Maintenance
To avoid getting into contact with bacteria and other pathogens, Maine Coon’s have to be cleaned frequently and a good way is to clean the coat. Maine cats have long hair and this exposes them to tangles or matted especially to the extended undercoat. The hairs on the cat’s fur have to be brushed at least once per week in order to prevent matting and to save from a high amount of shedding.
Moreover, daily ear and mouth hygiene or at least their weekly cleaning should also become a part of the grooming procedure of your Maine Coon. It will also help to have your cat undergo routine examinations by the vet from the time it is young, so that it is well checked throughout the timeline of its life.
Diet and Nutrition
An example of this is the diet for your Maine and healthy diet is as follows; Because of their size they require a lot of food full of nutrients to support muscular mass and their active lifestyle. Desirable foods are quality commercial cat foods, especially foods specially designed for large breed cats. That is why owners should regulate their cat’s food intake in order to prevent its obesity that leads to other diseases.
Conclusion
The Maine Coon is a beautiful breed and has a lot to bring to the table for any lovers of cats. Being beautiful to look at, friendly and so playful they are great pets for those living alone or those / a family with children. Despite the fact that these cats will need some tender loving care, owning a Maine Coon is well worth it.
If you are fascinated with their regal look, their wise or gentle disposition, then the Maine Coon wonders never cease. If you are planning to have a Maine Coon, then be ready to welcome a wonderful friend for the rest of your lives.
FAQs
1. What is the size of Maine Coon?
Maine Coon are large domestic cats and are also some of the largest too. Adult males usually range in weight from 13 to 18 pounds, with larger specimens over 20 pounds now and then. Females are often smaller and the breed typically ranges from 8 to 12 pounds.
2. How are Maine Coon with children?
Yes, Maine are friendly and gentle cats and will make great pets for children. They are also known to be friendly with other animals including other pets cats have with them dogs.
3. How do you groom a Maine Coon?
To groom a Maine Coon, you should even brush the coat at least once a week to avoid tangles and mats. There are specific regions of your body that have high density fur and you should pay special attention to them , especially around the abdominal region and on the back of the ears. Daily or occasional ear washing and proper dental hygiene are advised to.
4. How much do Maine Coon shed?
Yes, as for the Maine they shed constantly, although it is much worse during spring and autumn. It is also important to brush the pet often in order to minimize shedding since loose fur will be found within and around the house.
