Since ancient times, it has been ingrained that absolutely all cats cannot tolerate water, or rather, swimming in it. At the same time, there is evidence that wild representatives of the cat family, such as jaguars and tigers, on the contrary, love to swim in their free time from hunting.
Most domestic cats do not like water or any water procedures, but there are breeds of small whiskered predators that are not only tolerant of water, but are also able to lie down with their owner in a bath of water to soak themselves.
Brief characteristics of the breed
- Maine Coons are significantly larger than other cats. The weight of a male, for example, can vary from 7 to 12 kilograms. Females reach 7.5 kilograms.
- Owners of representatives of this breed often call their charges simply “coons.”
- Despite the fact that cats have very fluffy and lush hair, they do not require grooming using special equipment. Regular brushing at home is enough for them.
- These animals are not too phlegmatic. They will support any game without any problems, especially if it starts in the morning or evening. During the day they prefer to sleep.
- These cats are ideal for keeping in a family. They feel good both at home and in an apartment. In addition, they do not fight with other furry inhabitants of the home, without intending to claim their rights to the territory.
- As cats grow up, they acquire a strong sense of self-esteem. They love to lie proudly on sofas, in armchairs, and so on. Moreover, they take very interesting poses.
- Maine Coons are very smart, they easily adapt to new living conditions, even if they change too dramatically.
- Maine Coons are not at all afraid of the cold due to their special coat.
- Despite the fact that cats look independent, they do not cope well with loneliness. They cannot be left unattended for long; they begin to wither and worry.
- Representatives of this breed mature quite slowly. In fact, they remain kittens for up to three years. Not all breeders like this feature, and it should be taken into account.
How to make friends between a cat and a dog in an apartment or house - is it possible?
Among people there are lovers of cats and dogs at the same time. And these animals, by their nature, do not get along very well with each other. But this is only at first glance: in fact, there are dogs that easily get along with mustachioed neighbors in the same apartment.
But their owners helped them take the first steps towards friendship. A lot depends on a person’s behavior, especially at the beginning of a meeting. You need to be patient and follow simple recommendations that will help make friends with animals and avoid outright conflicts.
History of the origin of the Maine Coon breed
The whole planet learned about the Maine Coon breed thanks to cat lovers from America.
Translated, the name means “Manx raccoon.” The first word is quite understandable and means the homeland of the animals, but the second is due to the fact that they had an unusual striped color and very fluffy tails, as a result of which people thought that the breed arose as a result of crossing cats with raccoons. Of course, this is not true. But such a fairy tale still stuck to this breed. There are several versions of the origin of Maine Coons. The most beautiful of them is associated with the legend of the unsuccessful flight of Queen Marie Antoinette. The woman knew that the French revolutionaries would not stand on ceremony with her, and therefore she decided to hide in America. To be on the safe side, she sent a ship ahead of her, which was supposed to transport all the things that were important to her, including her beloved cats with long and fluffy hair. The ship reached the New England coast without any problems. And the queen’s favorite pets began to crossbreed with representatives of other breeds, as a result of which new representatives of the cat kingdom emerged. These animals have filled a vast area.
Modern experts are of the opinion that the history of the Maine Coon is much less mysterious and romantic. Cats were brought to the States quite a long time ago, but mostly they were individuals with short hair. Representatives with long hair came to the continent much later, along with settlers from the Old World. The animals received ideal conditions for active crossing. This is how a new breed emerged, which developed at an impressive speed.
A cat named Captain Jenks from the Marine Cavalry had a great influence on the development of Maine Coons.
.
He simply amazed people with his size and amount of fluffy fur. In 1861
he was seen at his first shows in Boston and New York. Unfortunately, by the 20th century, representatives of this breed ceased to be so popular, losing the palm to the Persians and Siamese.
At the end of World War II, the Coons were remembered again, but only in America. The breed club appeared only in 1953, and in 1968 the first association of its lovers appeared
. Cats reached European countries only in the seventies. By the way, in some sources this breed is still called the “Manx raccoon”.
Maine Coon appearance standards
The Maine Coon's appearance is determined by the climate of its state of origin.
Maine Coons were forced to adapt to cold and snowy winters, so it was necessary to build up a dense undercoat. Their limbs are wide and have additional woolen “protection”. Thanks to this, they can calmly walk straight on the ice without falling through. Large size helps to hunt small animals. Of course, modern Maine Coons have been influenced by the work of specialists, so they are even larger and have muzzles that look longer. Their ears also grew larger. Head and neck
Very large and massive. Elongated, has a clearly defined profile. Nose of moderate length. It is worth noting that the ancestors of the representatives of this breed were engaged in catching rodents, and therefore they often had to penetrate into the burrows of these animals. That’s why their skulls changed so much, becoming stretched. The neck is dense and muscular, of moderate length. It has long fur on it. Breeders are especially sensitive to animals that have a neck “collar” that reaches the ear flaps.
Eyes
Round, located at a great distance from each other, slightly slanted. The color of the iris can be either green or yellow. It must be combined with the color of the pet itself.
Ears
They are large, have a wide base and are slightly inclined forward. A characteristic feature is tassels, like those of a lynx. There are also so-called “brushes” inside. The ears are impressive in size, which is why cats are better at catching mice than other breeds. The organ is covered with thick and dense skin, on which there is thick hair. The cartilage is moderately dense. To ensure that their ears are always warm and not damaged, coons use a technique that has been known for a long time: they press them tightly into their heads, as if folding them. Due to this, heat is retained, and cold air cannot penetrate into the auditory organ.
Frame
Elongated and visually similar to a rectangle. Very well developed muscles. The chest is wide, but looks proportional. The back is horizontal in shape.
Paws
The limbs are strong and tall, very muscular.
Placed at a great distance from each other. The paws are also impressive and have a round shape. Tail
Quite long, commensurate with body length. The base is quite wide. No breaks are allowed. It has a dense and thick coat, under which there is an undercoat that has water-repellent properties. In life-threatening conditions, the tail is used as a natural heater. The cat covers its body with it to protect itself from freezing.
Fur
The coat is quite long, can reach 15 centimeters. At the same time, it is not at all homogeneous; its volume increases from the shoulders to the stomach. The fluffiest fur is in the area of the so-called “panties”. In the area of the back there are many guard hairs, as a result of which it is quite hard to the touch. There is a particularly soft undercoat on the belly and sides. It is designed to warm the body.
Colors
Maine Coons have a lot of color variations, making it difficult to single out a single standard. Experts have recently argued that individuals with any coat tone can be accepted for exhibitions, excluding points, lilac and chocolate variations.
Probable defects
If a Maine Coon does not meet accepted standards, it will be immediately excluded from the exhibition.
The following defects are viewed negatively:
- Too uniform coat on the body.
- Depression on the bridge of the nose.
- The tail is too short or crooked.
- Small size of the animal.
- Specks and stains.
- In the belly area the fur is not too fluffy.
- Extra toes.
- Ears set too wide apart.
Characteristics of the Maine Coon
Maine Coons have a very pleasant personality, making them considered ideal companions.
They are absolutely calm and friendly, but at the same time they value their personal space. They don’t like to sit in their arms too much; they prefer to sit next to their owner or at his side. To some, representatives of this breed resemble dogs in their behavior. Coons settle into families without problems. It is worth noting that they will definitely find a person whom they will follow on an ongoing basis. It is he who they will begin to follow and study what he does. Moreover, the leader for them will not be the one who is stronger or more authoritative, but the one who devotes a lot of time to Kun and also feeds him. He will learn to feel the mood of this person, distracting him from his sorrows at the most opportune moment. He will also always wait for the leader from school or work, and when meeting him, be sure to tell him about how you spent the day.
Representatives of the breed are incredibly patient with children. Some even call them wonderful nannies. Even if a child accidentally hurts a cat, he will not fight or bite in response. He will simply try to disappear and hide where they cannot reach him.
An interesting feature of cats is their thin voice, which is not at all associated with their impressive and solid appearance. Often because of this, they become the heroes of funny videos on social networks. At the same time, coons rarely meow. But you can often hear interesting sounds from them, reminiscent of purring.
If we talk about typical pranks for the breed, it can be noted that due to their large size, they can become an incredible destructive force. Cats stomp terribly loudly, destroy everything in their path, and often smash and break fragile things. Unfortunately, such surprises cannot be avoided. Of course, the whole apartment won’t be turned upside down, because representatives of the breed have a calm character, and they also really like to sleep during the day. Some individuals have a great love for having fun in the water, so the bathroom will have to be carefully protected from them.
Animals, in general, are not intrusive. You could even say that they are independent and respect their personal space. This character trait is especially pronounced in females. Tactile contact is normal for them, but squeezing them all the time won't work. Rather, they themselves will come for affection when they want it.
During the first five years, Kuhn remains active and cheerful and is easy to engage in activities. Then the cats begin to become lazy and refuse noisy games. They prefer to lie quietly and relax.
The habits of the owner are perceived calmly by representatives of this breed. They adapt easily and are happy to help. For example, if the owner is engaged in programming, the cat will sit and watch the monitor. And they will gladly give the athlete some of his equipment.
Males are amazingly caring parents who surround their kittens with love and care from an early age. They take an active part in raising children.
As for the attitude of pets towards strangers, they usually do not notice them. But if they get used to them, they will communicate in a friendly and warm manner. The most important thing is not to force them to cuddle or force them to sit on your hands.
Cats need walks in the fresh air. They are calm about harnesses, and leashes do not cause negative emotions in them. You should not take your ward out onto noisy streets; it is best to go to a quiet park or forest; a summer cottage is also ideal.
Vindictiveness and touchiness are not typical for representatives of the breed. Even if they are scolded for self-indulgence, they will listen to all complaints and take note. Cats will not shit in shoes. Even if someone steps on their tail, they will take it calmly. Although, of course, you will have to apologize.
Tips for raising and training a Maine Coon Maine Coons are inquisitive, so no problems with raising and training will arise. They can easily learn to press door handles to open them, know how to use toilets, and also carry certain objects in their teeth. They also really like to play with water - for example, catching water from the tap.
The genes of wild ancestors will periodically remind themselves. Consequently, the owner will have to discipline not only his pet, but also himself in order to control the ward.
In general, owners note that training is never difficult. Cats have incredible memory. They are able to quickly assimilate commands and repeat them. There will be no problems with training to a tray or scratching post. Even at a very early age, animals understand well why these devices are needed.
From time to time, Maine Coons need to “discharge” their hunting instincts. So you need to play with them, and take part in activities. A special ball, toy mouse or laser pointer will do.
Learn to swim
Is it possible to train a Maine Coon to bathe? Yes it is possible. In order to teach your pet to be in the water and to swim, you need his favorite toy and treat.
Pour some water into the bath. We show the cat a toy and throw it into the water in front of his eyes. We take the pet in our arms, put it in the water, and start playing with the toy. Is the cat interested in the game? We treat him, praise him and continue playing.
Parsley will grow early. Germinating seeds with aloe juice
A little butter and the taste is completely different. Bright vegetable side dish
Namesakes Serduchka and Brezhnev became hosts in the anniversary season of “Heads and Tails”
When the pet gets used to being in water, its amount can be gradually increased. Eventually the Maine Coon will want to swim and will begin to take the necessary actions to do so.
Maintenance and care of the Maine Coon
Representatives of this breed feel best in nature, so it is advisable to keep them in a country house.
There the animal will be able to take a walk and realize its hunting instincts. True, if you really want to, you can adapt your ward to an apartment. You just need to take him for a walk using a harness. If you can’t do this often, you can buy a high-quality gaming complex with a lot of entertainment. Hygiene
Breeders will definitely be pleased that the Maine Coon's coat does not have to be carefully groomed every day. You will only need to use a comb with rounded teeth a couple of times a week. Most attention should be paid to areas on the sides and abdomen. There the undercoat is much thicker, which can cause tangles. At the same time, these areas of the body in animals are particularly sensitive, as a result of which manipulations must be carried out carefully so as not to make the pet suffer.
Water procedures are carried out once every three weeks. There will be no problems, because representatives of this breed are calm about these procedures.
The inside of the cat's ears should be pink. Sometimes they should be wiped with a soft cloth. If necessary, you can use antiseptics, but very carefully.
Nails are trimmed once a week. If the animal grinds them well on the scratching post, then the procedure can be performed less frequently.
Toilet
In terms of hygiene, coons are very careful. They are attentive to their own hygiene. It is worth noting that a standard tray will not work. You need to take a larger product, even if the kitten seems very small. It must have optimal capacity and depth.
Feeding
It is best to give Maine Coons food that is high in protein. This is explained by their dimensions. It is worth noting that a special diet is not required, so any high-quality food is suitable - both dry and canned. Preference should be given to premium products. The main component should be meat, and not its substitutes or wheat. It is allowed to offer wards boiled meat - chicken or beef, as well as fish.
Eggs and fermented milk products (cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt) are acceptable. Any human dishes are prohibited, especially those with a high content of spices and sauces. In addition, fatty meat and bones should not be given. Milk and sweets are also prohibited.
The bowl should be quite deep and of large diameter. The best material for dishes is glass (hypoallergenic) or stainless steel. Plastic is undesirable because it can provoke a negative reaction from the animal. It is worth noting that your pet should always have water, preferably bottled. It should be changed twice a day.
In what cases should you not take risks?
Sometimes there are situations when it is better not to bring together individuals from different families. For example, some hunting and guard dog breeds, especially in adulthood, have almost zero probability of accepting a kitten. In this case, attacks of aggression and attempts to bite the baby are inevitable. There are known situations when a hunter, under the influence of instincts, tried to kill a helpless kitten.
Large single cats behave no better, especially in relation to small breed dogs. Thus, an adult mustache will never stop trying to scratch or bite a toy terrier. Such frequent attacks of aggression will make life unbearable for a smaller creature.
Health and possible diseases of the Maine Coon
Among all cats, Maine Coons stand out, first of all, for their impressive size.
Maine Coons are in excellent health, and illnesses are extremely rare. Estimated life expectancy is 12 years. But some individuals reach 16 years of age. The most common ailments characteristic of this breed are the following:
- Hip dysplasia. This disease causes hip dislocation and can also cause the animal to suffer terrible pain. Not fatal, of course, but problematic.
- Spinal muscular atrophy. A very serious illness due to which the pet will not be able to lead the desired lifestyle. He will not have the opportunity to play, hunt, and so on. Causes early death.
- Thickening of the heart wall. Causes sudden death. There are no symptoms. It is necessary to trace the likelihood of pathology occurring based on the animal’s pedigree.
- Damage by parasites or infections. This problem will not be relevant if the owner helps the pet maintain hygiene and also feeds it correctly.
- Joint diseases. They usually appear in pets that move a lot and eat little. You need to constantly load your ward, play with him and entertain him.
- Oral diseases. To avoid serious pathologies, you need to periodically take your pet for a preventive examination to the veterinarian.
- Urolithiasis disease. Quite a common disease. It is provoked by too hard water, poor diet with a lack of meat and excess fish.
- Digestive problems. They appear due to the fact that the kuna is fed human food and is offered salted and smoked foods. As a result, stomach or intestinal disorders occur, which is very dangerous.
Polydactyly is especially worth noting. Extra fingers do not affect the life of the animal in any way, but are grounds for disqualification from exhibitions. Previously, this problem was generally typical for representatives of the breed, but now it occurs less and less often.
Also, some individuals may experience abscesses, bald spots and bald patches, as well as increased dry skin. They are mainly characteristic of animals that are given water treatments too often or have the wrong shampoo. They are mostly solved by choosing the right care.
How to choose the right Maine Coon kitten
If you want to have a representative of this breed, then you should know how to choose the right Maine Coon kitten.
It is necessary to constantly visit exhibitions and nurseries. This is especially true for people who need a show-class baby. It is also very important to study all the standards relevant to the Coons. Before buying, first of all, you should understand what gender the pet is needed, and also choose its type and class. Females are amazingly smart animals, and they have their own character, which not every person can cope with. Males show more playfulness and spontaneity, they are kinder and more open. So you should choose a companion based on your own character and needs.
At the moment, Maine Coons have two branches: classic American
and
European
. The first option is ideal for people who want a charismatic friend with large dimensions. Representatives of the second branch are more elegant, they have an elongated body and outwardly resemble robbers. They are not so fluffy, but they have a long tail and beautiful tufts on their ears.
It is important to remember that a baby can be adopted into a family if its age is more than 12 weeks.
. By this time, he will have learned to use the litter box, and he should also have all the necessary vaccinations. It is best to choose an animal that is very active, curious and plays with its fellows. It must make contact. A child who is too lethargic or apathetic is most likely sick with something. Aggression is also undesirable.
If you need to find out what kind of temperament a kitten has, you should ask the breeders to introduce him to his parents. If they seem too aggressive or angry, do not take the risk. It is best to choose a baby from more friendly parents. Particular attention should be paid to the appearance of the pet, and especially to its coat. It should be well-groomed, smooth, pleasant to the touch. It is recommended to ask the breeder what kind of food the kitten is accustomed to, and also find out what type of litter he prefers. This will make it easier to adapt to your new home.
How much does a Maine Coon cost?
Many people wonder how much a Maine Coon costs. First of all, you should be aware that if an animal is sold at too low a price, then most likely it is not a purebred. At the moment, you can find a kitten at a cost of 30 to 50 thousand rubles
.
of the breed class from 55,000 rubles are the most highly valued
. They can be used for breeding. In addition, individuals with fashionable or rare colors will not be cheap. As for sterilized animals belonging to the pet class, females are cheaper than males.
Experts advise purchasing a kitten only in trusted places. You should definitely study reviews about a specific breeder or nursery. Not everywhere are children kept in normal conditions and fed with high-quality food. Some do not even receive the necessary veterinary care. It is highly not recommended to go to the poultry market for a purebred Maine Coon or look for it on the Internet on message boards. Most likely, they will sell you a mongrel cat.
The Maine Coon can be a wonderful friend for anyone. He treats his owner with special trepidation, following him everywhere and waiting for him to return home from work or school. It is not difficult to find an approach to your pet due to his friendliness and openness. The most important thing is not to force your attention on him and respect his desire to be alone sometimes.
