Maine Coon - description of the breed and character of the cat

Maine Coon (from the English. MaineCoon) - a mysterious cat breed, whose origins are overgrown with a variety of tales, myths and tales. Here we will provide you with many interesting facts that are not found in Wikipedia, about what the features of the Maine Coons are.

The origin of the breed: historical background

Maine-Coon is considered the birthplace of Maine-Coon cats, which is located in the northwest United States. It is the name of the native place for 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 all, we can mention a number of exciting and extraordinary legends.

If you believe one of them, such an unusual breed appeared after crossing between two types of animals: a normal adult cat and a raccoon.As proof of this point of view, attention is usually drawn to the external features of cats of a given breed, with an emphasis on the tail and color, similar to the color of a raccoon.

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

In the second half of the nineteenth century, the first Boston exhibition was held, at which cats were shown. It was possible to meet there more than 10 representatives belonging to this magnificent and majestic breed. The publications of that period contained the following definition of Maine Coon: “gentle giants”. Subsequently, the breeders put a lot of effort in order to try not to change the characteristics of these amazing cats, in order to preserve the natural beauty of cats.

Those who have long been persistently engaged in breeding and studying the history of the appearance of these animals are sure that there are absolutely no secrets or oddities in their origin. 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 the harsh winters, characterized by abundant snowfall. The same is true for their fluffy and large tails, which cats can wrap themselves in extremely frosty evenings and nights.

Once upon a time, the Maine Coons were great hunters, but now they do not have the need to demonstrate the hunting qualities. But it is these talents that determine the fact 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.

Cat breed description: standards

The appearance of cat species is distinguished by unusual details not only in adult Maine Coon cats, but also in kittens. Cats can have a different color, have an unusually thick coat on the tail and body, a lovely face and a very impressive size. This is what distinguishes a 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 the Maine Coon, you can find a 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 find almost every one of them, with the exception, perhaps, of chocolate, lilac or color-color. Most often you can find black and marble color of wool or color "black tiger".

So, let us consider in more detail the standards of the appearance of a Maine Coon. The general external signs inherent in these cats:

1. The head is more extended not in width, but in length. The profile is curved, the skull is very massive. The head has raised cheekbones and triangular-shaped ears, which are topped with tassels.
2. The shape of the eyes is oval; eyes are very wide apart. Cat's eyes in color certainly coincide with the color of the animal's coat.
3. The neck of Maine Coon cats is average.
4. The body is often quite large, sometimes even impressive, so adult cats are much larger in size than their “brothers”. The body is rather long and muscular.
5. The paws of the Maine Coon are disproportionately large in comparison with the body, also strong and strong. Between the fingers on the limbs, cats have small tufts of wool.
6. The tail is covered with thick hair, rather large. A 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, wool on the abdomen and limbs.
8. Color can vary - from red, to white or black.
9. The mass of an adult cat can be within 15 kg, and such cats usually live for a very long time - about 15-18 years.

Specific character and character of the Maine Coon

Externally, the Maine Coons are very different from other cats, which usually pushes people to have a kitten of this breed.

Adult cats not only amaze with their own beauty, stunning appearance, muscular body and expressive eyes, but also have an extraordinary and interesting character. Many details can be heard from the owners of Maine Coons, whose reviews and remarks about their pets are imbued with love and respect. Just listening to the enthusiastic words about the Maine-Coon from their owners, a person begins to desire even more to get a similarly touching kitten. But what is the main difference in the character of this breed of cats from all the others?

These big cats have funny and funny habits - and this is something that touches their owners very much, as each game process with a cat becomes exciting and hilarious. Regardless of your employment, a Maine-coon cat will go to your aid at any time. In a large and massive body hides an inquisitive 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, if the situation does not require it, and by nature they are courteous, affectionate, caring and kind.

Cats Maine Coons are not immediately disclosed to the owner, showing him sincere charm and character. Initially, people cautiously approach and pull a hand toward a large animal, which has impressive dimensions and a look full of severity. But under such an unapproachable appearance lies a creature who loves people, fun and affection.

Being in the apartment, cats prefer to sleep for a long time, but will gladly accept an offer to have fun. Maine-coons are not too fond of sitting down on their knees, because their long and thick hair, as well as their massive size, make it difficult to get comfortable in the hands of a person, and the cat suffers from heat.

Fact! Unlike cats, females are very careful if they have to get into a situation that is unfamiliar and alien to them. The same applies to new people. Females are less likely to communicate with humans and show greater timidity and restraint.

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

Cats are characterized by an increased ability to adapt - in any place he masters quickly enough and begins to feel comfortable.

When do Maine Coons grow?

The animal finally matures at about 4-5 years. Kittens Maine Coons, being very active, playful and restless, will always be able to cheer you, as well as easily brought up.

These animals love 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 is to take into account when buying, what is the weight of the cat, and the design itself must stand firmly, not falling, and have a place to sleep and rest, to sharpen claws.

Growing up, the Maine Coon cats begin to be lazy, humbly and meekly watching what happens 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 plate, they will not steal food from the table, and will not beg, making a plaintive look, an extra piece.

It is worth noting the following extraordinary feature: the Maine Coons have a stunning and unusual "conversation." Yes, yes, they can not only habitually meow, but also make some sounds similar to those produced by man. Speech of the Maine-Coon has a whole range of expressive and unique intonations.

Maine Coon cat care

It is quite simple to care for these animals, because even with all the thickness of wool, somehow it is not necessary to follow it especially. Therefore, it all comes down to easy procedures. The hair of cats has a silkiness, not tangling and not coiling into clumps, so it is very easy to comb the cat. This procedure should be carried out at least once every seven days, and you should always remember about their tail, which also needs some attention.

Show love to your pet, take care of your pet as if it were you, remember its claws, ears, regular water procedures and combing, and then Maine Coon will be near you for many years.

If you have a desire, then the Maine Coon will be able to walk.This will require the use of a harness to which almost any cat of this breed will get used easily and quickly. In principle, coons are generally easily trained.

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

Maine Coon Meals

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

With a more mature age - about 6-9 years - cats can suffer from overweight. In such a situation, you will need to transfer the cat to a low-calorie diet. But it is much more important than nutrition to take into account the fact that Kunam requires the constant availability of fresh and clean water.Also, the liquid must be sufficiently long to stand.

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, the kittens face difficulties in moving and jumping, their gait is different swaying, but at the same time animals do not feel pain.

The second disease can turn a limp for a pet, they move with difficulty. Pets may experience pain, which prevents them from playing games, jumping and actively living. Treatment of the disease is quite expensive, surgery is required.

In the third case, the cat experiences a disease of the heart system. It is possible to diagnose a disease using echocardiography.

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

How many eat such cats

Most often, if dry food belonging to the “super” or “premium” class is used in the diet, then the volume of food is calculated based on the following formula: for every 3 kilograms of animal weight, 50 g of food is used.

Animal cost

The average price for the purchase of a Maine Coon kitten is in the range from 25,000 to 85,000 rubles.

Where can I buy Maine Coon?

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

When choosing a Maine Coon as a pet, a person should understand that now an unusual pet will appear in his apartment who will change the usual cat lover’s idea of ​​what this animal should be.He will not be an introvert to whom a person is not interested - on the contrary, Maine Coon will strive for lively and constant communication.

Video: 10 interesting facts about Maine Coon