Maine Coon - breed description and cat character

Maine-coon (from the English. MaineCoon) - a mysterious cat breed, whose origin is overgrown with a variety of stories, myths and fables. Here we will provide you with a lot of interesting facts that are not found on Wikipedia, about what are the features of Maine Coons.

The origin of the breed: historical background

Maine Coon cats are considered to be the homeland of Maine, which is located in the northwestern United States. It was the name of the place native to these animals that formed the basis for the name of the breed. Despite the fact that the history of the appearance of this breed is already known to everyone, we can mention a number of exciting and extraordinary legends.

According to one of them, such an unusual breed appeared after two species of animals were crossed between themselves: an ordinary adult cat and a raccoon. As evidence of this point of view, attention is usually paid to the external features of cats of this breed, with an emphasis on the tail and color similar to that of the raccoon.

Another version assures us that after an ordinary cat and a North American lynx crossed, kittens of this breed were born. Proponents of the theory cite as a main argument the tassels that adorned the ears of these cats. The brushes actually resemble the same “attributes” of the lynx mother.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, the first Boston exhibition was held, which showed cats. There it was possible to meet more than 10 representatives belonging to this magnificent and majestic breed. Publications of that period contained the following definition of Maine Coons: "gentle giants." Subsequently, the breeders made a lot of efforts in order not to change the features of these amazing cats in order to preserve the natural beauty of cats.

Those who have long and hard been engaged in breeding and studying the history of the appearance of these animals are sure that in their origin there are absolutely no secrets or oddities. The appearance of the breed was the result of the evolutionary process known to all. Dense and thick cat hair appeared due to the need to survive harsh winters, characterized by abundant snowfall. The same is true for their fluffy and large tails, with which cats can wrap themselves in extremely frosty evenings and nights.

Once upon a time, Maine Coons were excellent hunters, but now they do not need to demonstrate hunting qualities. But it is precisely such talents that determine that cats have a peculiar gentle disposition and a number of specific features. Currently, such large cats are in great demand not only in their homeland, but also in Moscow, Minsk or Kiev.

Description of the cat breed: standards

The appearance of feline individuals is notable for unusual details not only in adult Maine Coon cats, but also in kittens.Cats can have different colors, have unusually thick hair on the tail and body, a pretty face and a very impressive size. This is what distinguishes the Maine Coon cat from a number of other animals belonging to the same family.

To fully understand what are the features of the appearance of Maine Coon, you can familiarize yourself with the general description of this unique breed. The history of the origin and development of the breed did not contain any restrictions on the color of the color, so you can meet almost every one of them, with the exception, perhaps, of a chocolate color, lilac or color point. Most often you can find the black-marble color of the coat or the color “black tiger”.

So, we will consider in more detail the standards of appearance of Maine Coon. Common external characteristics inherent in these cats:

1. The head is more elongated, not in width, but in length. The profile is curved, the skull is very massive. The head has raised cheekbones and ears of a triangular shape, which are crowned with tassels.
2. The shape of the eyes is oval, with wide apart eyes. Cat eyes in color certainly coincide with the color of the coat of the animal.
3. Maine Coon cats have a medium neck.
4. The body is often quite large, sometimes even impressive, so adult cats are much larger in size than their "brothers". The body is quite long, muscular.
5. Maine Coon's paws are disproportionately large compared to the body, and are also strong and strong. Between the fingers on the limbs, cats have small tufts of hair.
6. The tail is strewn with thick hair, quite large. The cat can reach with its tail to its own shoulders or even more.
7. The coat of cats of this breed is fluffy and high density. The hair on the head and neck is not very long, which cannot be said about the mane, hair on the stomach and limbs.
8. Color can vary - from red to white or black.
9. The mass of an adult cat can be in the range of 15 kg, and such cats live usually for a very long time - about 15-18 years.

The nature of the character and character of Maine Coon

Outwardly, Maine Coons are very different from other cats, which usually encourages people to get a kitten of this breed.

Adult cats not only amaze with their own beauty, stunning appearance, muscular body and expressive look, but also have an unusual and interesting character. Many details can be heard from the owners of Maine Coons, whose reviews and remarks about their pets are saturated with love and respect. It is by listening to the enthusiastic words about Maine Coons from their owners that a person begins even more to desire to have the same touching kitten. But what is the main difference between the nature of cats of this breed from all others?

These large cats have funny and funny habits - and this is what touches their owners very much, since every gameplay with a cat becomes exciting and hilarious. Regardless of your employment, the Maine Coon cat will go to your aid at any time. In a large and massive body hides a curious and cute animal.

Many people believe that these cats can easily harm people, but this belief does not border on the truth. Maine Coons do not use their own claws, unless the situation requires it, and by nature they are courteous, affectionate, caring and kind.

Maine Coon cats do not immediately reveal themselves to the owner, showing him sincere charm and disposition. Initially, people cautiously approach and pull their hand toward a large animal, which has impressive dimensions and a look full of severity. But under such an impregnable appearance is a creature that loves people, fun and affection.

While in the apartment, cats prefer to sleep for a long time, but will gladly accept the offer to have fun.Maine Coons do not really like to sit on their knees, because their long and thick coat, as well as their massive size, make it difficult to sit comfortably on the hands of a person, and the cat suffers from heat.

Fact! Unlike cats, females are very careful if they have to get into an environment that is unfamiliar and alien to them. The same goes for new people. Females are less likely to communicate with humans and are more timid and restrained.

Representatives of the breed are able to cause a smile and joy among the owners and other people in any situation. Sometimes, a cat can sleep in an unusual position, which will easily make you smile. And the coons often sleep in strange poses and in the most unexpected places.

Cats are characterized by an increased ability to adapt - in any place, it is mastered quickly enough and begins to feel comfortable.

When do Maine Coons grow up?

The animal finally grows up at about 4-5 years old. Maine Coon kittens, being very active, playful and restless, will always be able to cheer you up and are also easy to raise.

These animals really like to be located somewhere on a hill, so you need to recreate comfortable conditions in your apartment by buying something like a tall tree (or you can do it yourself). The main thing - when acquiring, take into account the mass of the cat, and the design itself must firmly stand, not falling, and have a place for sleep and rest, for sharpening claws.

Having grown up, Maine Coon cats begin to be more lazy, humbly and docilely observe what is happening in the house. The curiosity of cats knows no bounds, and sometimes it may seem that they know even more than you what is happening in the house.

Cats are very educated, they have a sense of pride in themselves and dignity. They will not eat from someone else's saucer, they will not steal food from the table, and they will not beg, making a mournful appearance, an extra piece.

It is worth noting the following unusual feature: Maine Coons have an amazing and unusual "conversation". Yes, yes, they can not only meow habitually, but also make some sounds similar to those made by a person. Maine Coon's speech has a whole range of expressive and unique intonations.

Maine Coon Cat Care

Caring for these animals is quite simple, because even with all the density of the coat, somehow you don’t have to watch it especially. Therefore, it comes down to easy procedures. The hair of cats has a silky texture, without tangling or wobbling into lumps, so combing a cat is very simple. This procedure should be performed at least once every seven days, and at the same time you should always remember about their tail, which also needs to be paid some attention.

Show love for your pet, look after your pet as if by yourself, remember its claws, ears, regular water procedures and combing, and then Maine Coon will be with you for many years.

If you have a desire, then Maine Coon will be able to walk. To do this, you need to use a harness, to which almost any cat of this breed will get used to it quickly and easily. In principle, coons are generally easy to learn.

If we talk about bathing animals, then they easily tolerate this procedure. After bathing, the coat of animals becomes much lighter, softer, and you can immediately see how much easier it is for the cat. You can wash your pet in the same way as human hair - degrease the coat, rinse, apply shampoo and rinse.

Maine Coon food

The food for these feline representatives can be exactly the same as that fed by other thoroughbred cats. What exactly to choose as food is for the owner to decide, but you should remember a number of requirements that apply to any nutrition of cats: pay attention to a balanced diet, the content of vitamins in food and the overall usefulness of food.

With a more mature age - of the order of 6-9 years - cats can be overweight. In such a situation, you will need to transfer the cat to low-calorie food. But much more important than nutrition, one should take into account the fact that the coons require the constant availability of fresh and clean water. Also, the liquid should stand for a long time.

Health

From a genetic point of view, the breed of these cats is distinguished by excellent health and resistance to various diseases. Kittens get strong immunity through mother's milk.

At the same time, there are a number of diseases that most often occur in animals of this breed:

• Spinal muscle atrophy.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

In the first case, kittens encounter difficulties in moving and jumping, their gait is characterized by wiggle, but the animals do not experience pain.

The second disease can result in a limp for the pet, they move with difficulty. Pets can experience pain, which prevents them from playing games, jumping and living actively. The treatment of the disease is quite expensive, surgical intervention will be required.

In the third case, the cat experiences a disease of the heart system. You can diagnose the disease using echocardiography.

In all cases, it is advisable to ask the breeder for the results of the analysis of the parents and any procedures that are carried out at the age of two before purchasing a pet.

How much do these cats eat?

Most often, if the diet uses dry feed belonging to the class “super” or “premium”, then the calculation of the amount of food is based on the following formula: for every 3 kilograms of the animal’s weight, 50 g of feed.

Cost of animals

The average price to purchase a Maine Coon kitten ranges from 25,000 to 85,000 rubles.

Where can I get Maine Coon?

Of course, if you want to become the owner of a thoroughbred animal, you should not go to the markets. It is best to contact one of the nurseries, whose address and phone number can always be found on the Internet or through relatives and friends.

Choosing a Maine Coon as a pet, a person should understand that now in his apartment an extraordinary pet will appear that will turn the usual idea of ​​a cat lover about how this animal should be. It will not be an introvert to which a person is not interested - on the contrary, Maine Coon will strive for lively and constant communication.

Video: 10 interesting facts about Maine Coon