How to distinguish a Maine Coon from an ordinary cat: 5 signs of thoroughbred

Maine Coons are leaders in many respects: size, popularity, friendliness, spectacular appearance. However, not every big cat with tassels and a fluffy long tail is a Maine Coon.

There are aboriginal breeds that were formed in different parts of the Earth and are so similar - Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest and Siberian cats. And if not for the short tail of the Kuril Bobtail, then it is also similar to the breeds in external characteristics.

With mestizos things are more complicated. The traits of the breed are present, so the question of how to distinguish a Maine Coon from an ordinary kitten remains relevant.

Choice of kitten and price

When choosing a kitten, it is important to pay attention not only to the baby and parents, but also to the breeder and his nursery, to the environment in which the animals are kept.
If the cats live clean, look healthy, there is no overcrowding of 5 tails per square meter, in general, after the visit there is a pleasant impression, then this is wonderful. If it seemed that you visited a farm, then most likely you came to the wrong address. If it seemed that you visited a farm, then most likely you came to the wrong address.

The kitten must be healthy. You can list a lot of signs by which this is determined, but first of all, this is the condition of the coat, eyes, nose and ears. The coat should be soft and shiny. There should be no discharge on the face, and the butt should be clean. Your baby should smell nice like a cat baby.

The kitten should be picked up no earlier than 2.5-3 months. A one and a half month old baby is a creature that needs maternal care, and not a new family. At 3-4 months, the kitten is already more or less independent, accustomed to all hygiene procedures, and socialized. His individuality and the beginning of the formation of his own character are already noticeable. In addition, at this age, one of the most dangerous age stages in terms of health has already passed. The baby will easily enter the new home.

If a breeder gives away kittens under the age of 2 months, you should seriously think about purchasing them. It becomes more difficult to feed and raise babies, so they want to get rid of them early, without thinking about the consequences. Most likely, these kittens are not vaccinated. And they are definitely not ready to say goodbye to their mother, either physically or psychologically.

How to distinguish a Maine Coon kitten

Adult Maine Coons differ from ordinary domestic cats and many other breeds primarily in size and, of course, appearance features. It is much more difficult to determine the breed in kittens, but, nevertheless, it is possible even for a layman.

Maine Coon kittens already weigh 120-170 grams at birth. (for comparison: regular kittens 80-120 gr.). At 3 months, babies have already gained significant size and weigh from 1.5 to 2.3 kg. By 4 months, their weight reaches 3 kg or more. That is, in size they can be compared to a small domestic cat.

Maine Coon babies are characterized by massive fluffy paws and a relatively long, powerful, well-furred tail. Tufts of fur begin to grow between the toes.

As for purebredness, which is often mentioned in advertisements, it is determined solely by pedigree. In the absence of such, it is difficult to distinguish an unexpressed mestizo at a young age. A general idea of ​​what the kittens will look like can be formed by assessing the appearance of the parents.

“When will his tassels grow?” future owners often ask when choosing a kitten. If a kitten does not have clearly defined tufts of hair by 3 months, then they will never grow, even if the seller (not the breeder) assures otherwise. It is worth recalling that tassels on the ears are desirable, but not required, according to the standard.

Tips for choosing

Meikoons are especially loved for their impressive size: cats reach up to 8 and even 10 kilograms. Cats are smaller. Like any other animals, Maine Coon kittens differ from each other in character, breed quality, and color. The most important thing is to choose an honest breeder and correctly identify the breed, without accidentally buying a mixed breed. Maine Coon is a native breed; they are not crossed with other species, which means that purebred kittens are expensive and are of interest to scammers.

If an animal is purchased for exhibitions, then purebredness is one of the most important qualities; a cat will simply be disqualified for being a crossbreed.

Sources

• https://ProKat40.ru/poroda-i-cvet/kak-opredelit-kotenka-mejn-kuna.html
• https://vplate.ru/mejn-kun/metis/
• https://MoiKoty.ru/porody/mejn-kuny/kak-otlichit-ot-obychnogo-kotenka
• https://KoshkaMurka.ru/299-mejn-kun-i-obychnaya-koshka.html
• https://vplate.ru/mejn-kun/sravnenie-s-obychnymi/
• https://NashaKoshka.ru/poleznoe/kak-otlichit-kotenka-mejn-kuna-ot-obychnogo.html
• https://litbro.ru/porody-koshek/mejn-kun/kak-otlichit-kotenka-mejn-kuna
• https://68koshek.ru/porody/kak-otlichit-mejn-kuna
• https://ZooDoma.com/koshki/mejn-kun/pro-kotyat.html

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Why does a Maine Coon kitten not gain weight?

As soon as the owner notices a discrepancy with the body weight table, it is worth seeking help from veterinarians. Insufficient recruitment can be caused by a number of reasons:

• lack of vitamins;
• non-compliance with energy balance;
• the kitten is stressed;
• genetic or acquired diseases of the kitten.

If a cat gives birth to small newborn kittens, they may develop more slowly and take longer to reach the required weight and body size. Larger ones develop much faster than their smaller peers. Small size is often due to genetics.

Sometimes there are situations when just small kittens are born. This can be called a genetic failure; it cannot be corrected. You should not give your kitten any supplements that affect growth on your own. All drugs should be prescribed only by a veterinarian and if there are compelling reasons for their use.

Coat and color

American cats have a rather thick undercoat, medium-long coat with a silky structure. There is no covering hair resembling a cloak on the lower part of the body. The Siberian breed has wool that feels elastic to the touch, the fluff is denser, and the coat is thick and long. Otherwise the parameters are the same.

Acceptable colors are the same, with the exception of color-point Neva Masquerade cats, which are essentially Siberian cats. This coincidence in standards is natural. The preferred colors for these cats include the tabby pattern common in the wild. After all, coons and Siberians developed independently, learned to hunt in forests, snow-covered fields and remain unnoticed by prey, large predators.

Prohibited colors:

• chocolate;
• lilac;
• faun;
• cinnamon;
• acromelanic (changing due to ambient temperature).

The latter includes color point. This color is accompanied by blue eyes and characteristic darkening on the face and other parts of the body in cats.

Both types of coat are easy to care for, but the Maine Coon needs regular brushing. The shedding of Siberians is pronounced; during this period the animal sheds most of its fur, which is noticeable by the sparse undercoat. Before the cold weather they grow again.

How to distinguish a Maine Coon by external data

Without practical experience, it is difficult to distinguish a purebred cat from a Maine Coon mestizo, so it is better to seek help from a specialist who knows the little-known nuances of the breed. But there are a number of obvious signs for comparing kittens with and without pedigree.

These include the length and color of the coat, eye color, size, weight of the baby and other developmental features of the animal.

By length, quality and color of coat

A Maine Coon kitten's fur is soft and pleasant to the touch. There are no adult attributes in the form of a fluffy mane and panties on the hind legs yet, but even in childhood, the cover on these parts of the body is more pronounced than in ordinary cats.

It is also possible to determine whether a Maine Coon is a real Maine Coon or not by the color of a kitten’s fur at a young age. Colors unacceptable for these animals: chocolate and cinnamon (cinnamon), rich lilac colors and lightened shade of coastal sea sand (fawn).

This breed does not have color-point or acromelanic colors.

By weight and size

The next distinguishing feature is the difference in weight and size of an ordinary cat and a purebred Maine Coon.

By the age of three months, the body weight of an ordinary cat, in comparison with a Maine Coon, is approximately 2 times less.

By physique

The following characteristics will help determine the characteristics of the breed characteristics of Maine Coon kittens by constitution (structure):

1. The body is long, elongated, rectangular in shape, the front and hind limbs are of the same height.
2. The paws (especially the front ones) are powerful and straight.
3. The long, even tail reaches the shoulder blades.

According to general indicators, a Maine Coon next to an ordinary cat of the same age looks like Gulliver in the land of Lilliput.

If you have doubts about the purebred kitten, you need to pay attention to the animal’s head - a real Maine Coon has the following external signs:

1. The ears are large, located almost vertically, with a slight tilt forward.
2. Box-shaped muzzle with high cheekbones.
3. In profile, a “hall” is clearly visible between the bridge of the nose and the forehead, which can be formed with varying degrees of bending.

By the eyes

The Maine Coon's eyes are large and slanted. There are no specific requirements for the color of the iris - it can be green, amber, golden, blue, even heterochromia (eyes of different colors) is allowed.

By growth and development rate

At three months of age, you can easily distinguish a Maine Coon by its size - it will be 2 times larger than a regular cat. By 6 months, the cat will be the same size and weight as a normal adult cat.

If we are talking about mestizos, then the problem becomes more complicated. Depending on the parental qualities inherited, such cats sometimes grow as actively as their purebred relatives.

Ragdoll (weight up to 9 kg)

The translation of the name of the breed sounds unusual - “rag doll”. This is due to the phlegmatic nature of the cat and its ability to relax its muscles as much as possible. As soon as you hold it in your hands, you will understand what we are talking about. Height is the enemy - a cat cannot fall onto its paws from a height due to muscle relaxation.

Due to its nature, the Ragdoll is a friendly, obedient and trusting pet that cannot stand being alone. A long separation can even cause depression! So take your pet with you on your trip. He will not cause unnecessary trouble, but will remain in a stable emotional state.

The cat is afraid of water, so water procedures will be a test for both the pet and its owner.

Comparison of mestizos and purebred kittens

6 interesting reasons why you should get a Maine Coon

To compare the characteristics of purebred representatives and half-bloods, it is worth considering the following table.

Head and muzzle

These body parts deserve special attention. The look and the shape of the eyes are the calling cards of the breeds. Every Maine Coon has a friendly and sometimes predatory look.

Other characteristics of Americans:

• long muzzle;
• pointed wedge shape;
• slightly convex forehead;
• prominent cheekbones with a high waist;
• prominent pads with vibrissae;
• there is a transition;
• strong chin.

If you outline the profile of a Coon with conditional lines, you can see the angles where the nose meets the forehead, near the chin and mouth. Siberians have smooth, rounded outlines.

The eyes in the Maine Coon breed are oval, slightly slanted, the degree of expression depends on the intrabreed type and breeding lines. The look is usually friendly, but sometimes the animal looks proud. The eyes of the Siberian cat are round, set wide at a barely noticeable angle.

The ears of Maine cats are large and almost vertical. In the second case, the shape is round, the dimensions are smaller, and the shells are tilted forward. Both breeds prefer tassels on the tips. The distance between the ears of Siberians is greater than that of Maine Coon Cats.

Maine Coon kitten size

Maine raccoon cats are born quite large in size and weigh an order of magnitude more than kittens of other breeds. For example, if the weight of a newborn Persian breed varies between 125-150 g, then a Maine Coon kitten is born weighing 125-170 g. According to average statistical data, the weight of a newborn Maine Coon is significantly influenced by the number of kittens in the litter, therefore , the fewer kittens, the greater their weight.

The rate of growth processes and weight gain in a newborn directly depends on its gender, as well as the characteristics of the parental genotype. As a rule, kittens born from a physically healthy and massive cat grow and develop faster. The kitten's growth can be negatively affected by the cat's use of hormonal drugs that can provoke a pronounced endocrine imbalance.

In order for a Maine Coon kitten to gain height and weight correctly, it is necessary to comply with a number of requirements, including ensuring optimal sanitary and hygienic conditions in the place where the animals live, preventing stressful situations in the form of noise and temperature changes, and proper and balanced nutrition for the nursing cat and kittens.

The suckling period lasts from birth until four weeks, and is also characterized by constant and stable growth. In the first ten days, the kitten’s body weight doubles, and by a month the weight becomes approximately four times greater.

Character and behavior

The external distinctive features of the Maine Coon are immediately noticeable. But in order to avoid deception, you need to know about the behavior of purebred cats. The Maine Coon breed is characterized by the following habits:

1. Passion for cleanliness. Maine Coons, unlike other felines, are not afraid of water. And they enjoy water procedures.
2. Mainly living in one favorite place in the house. Cats of this breed love comfort and prefer to spend most of their time in their favorite corner.
3. Good attitude towards children. A large cat can often be found frolicking and playing with a child. At the same time, the pet will never harm the baby.
4. High physical activity - love for active games, pranks, and performing various tricks.
5. Singling out only one person as the master and recognizing his full authority.

Maine Coons have a high level of intelligence compared to other cats. Representatives of this breed are easy to train and are able to carry out simple commands (come to me, give me a paw, sit, lie down).

Despite their menacing appearance, Maine Coon cats have a soft character. They are considered family pets. Pets of this breed are affectionate, have a stable attachment to family members, willingly make contact, and allow themselves to be petted. Maine Coons enjoy spending time with people. Unlike mongrel cats, they do not like loneliness and prefer to be in the company of family members.

Maine Coon cats are also very curious. Pets are constantly interested in what is happening around them, climb into secluded corners of the house, and come up with new activities. Therefore, their owners need to be extremely vigilant. Representatives of this breed land poorly when falling from a height and often get injured or even die while exploring the world around them.

Breed standards

The standards were introduced to control the breeding work of breeders, since the purity of the breed can only be preserved if the parents meet the criteria for pure breeding in all key parameters.

The Maine Coon breed has the following strict standards:

• the size of males and females should differ significantly (males are larger);
• the body is large with a wide chest;
• the paws are muscular and rounded, with tufts of hair between the toes;
• the wide tail reaches the shoulder;
• the fur on the tail flows;
• large square skull;
• the profile of the muzzle is curved;
• the eyes are large, slightly slanted, widely set;
• eye color is harmonious with coat color;
• the ears are wide at the base, tapering to the tips with tassels and abundant feathering, set close together;
• the coat is dense, waterproof, and has different lengths (longer on the belly and hind legs);
• undercoat without main hair on the belly and “pants”;
• the mane is optional, but adds points for the overall appearance of the animal.

Maine Coon individuals grow up to the age of three years, but after the first year of life they already look like adults, weight gain and growth slow down noticeably, and sometimes jumps in development can be observed. Participation in exhibitions is allowed from the age of three months, but the awarding of titles begins at ten months.

There are three rating systems for this breed.

WCF (Russia) – the animal is examined at an open exhibition in the presence of the owner. One rating is given per day. Evaluation criteria: body that meets the standard is estimated at 35 points, head - 40 points, coat color and quality - 25 points, eye color - 5 points, general appearance - 5 points. They are disqualified for hybrid colors: chocolate, lilac, Siamese, etc., as well as for long hair on the belly.

Breed standard

Color: Chocolate, cinnamon and corresponding weakened colors (lilac and fawn) are not accepted in any combination (including tabby, bicolor, tricolor); acromelanic colors are also not recognized. All other colors are recognized.

Head: The head is large, massive, straight, sharp in outline. High cheekbones, medium length nose. The muzzle is massive, angular, clearly defined. The chin is strong, massive, in line with the nose and upper lip. The profile is curved.

Coat: The undercoat is soft and fine, covered with coarser, dense hair. The thick, free-flowing, water-repellent topcoat extends to the back, sides and top of the tail. The lower part of the body and the inner surface of the hind legs do not have integumentary hair. A frill is preferred, but a full collar is not necessary.

Body: Large to very large cat, muscular, elongated and broad-boned rectangular body. The muscular neck is of medium length, the chest is wide. The limbs are of medium length, strong, muscular, the paws are large, round, with tufts of hair between the toes. The tail is long, at least to the shoulder, wide at the base, tapering to a pointed tip, covered with flowing hair.

Ears: The ears are very large, wide at the base, pointing sharply, set high, almost vertically. The distance between the ears is no more than the width of one ear. Brushes protrude beyond the edge of the ears; tassels are desirable.

Eyes: The eyes are large, oval, set wide and at a slight angle; the color should be uniform and harmonize with the color of the coat.

All systems of standards for assessing Maine Coons are uniform in the criteria of origin and temperament: parents must be titled, the character must be friendly and balanced.

Body structure with dimensions

The Maine Coon body standards describe the body as follows:

• rectangular format;
• elongated shape;
• high legs;
• wide chest;
• neck of medium length;
• muscular limbs;
• size from large to very large.

In the Siberian cat:

• legs of medium length;
• medium to large size;
• the neck is short;
• the chest is deep;
• the format is triangular, but the body is shorter;
• wide croup, back.

In addition, among them there are often massive individuals, especially males.
The main difference is in size, but Siberians have shorter legs and a deeper and slightly wider chest. This will make an adult Maine Coon appear much taller. Their tail tapers towards the end, but in other breeds it is rounded. For Coons it should reach the shoulder blades, and for Siberians it should reach the shoulder. Many experts talk about the slightly convex back of Siberians, although this is not visible under the fur and in movement. The overall impression is different. A one-year-old Maine Coon of a stretched size, with high and strong legs. Cats look more graceful than cats. Siberians are dense, muscular with a wide body. The average weight of coons is 9-11 kg, and their opponents in comparison rarely exceed 8 kg. Cats weigh even less; there are specimens up to 4 kg that fit the standard.

Description

In specialized nurseries it is prohibited to buy culled individuals for breeding, but they can be purchased as a pet. The main condition when purchasing such a baby is mandatory castration or sterilization of the kitten in the future. A mixed breed cat and a purebred cat are completely different.

The appearance of a half-breed can be very diverse, it all depends on what genes were passed on from the parents.

A purebred breed has the following qualities:

• goodwill;
• ease of communication with people and other cats;
• devotion;
• lack of aggression;
• loyalty;
• prudence.

When mating with an ordinary cat, the listed traits change and sometimes disappear altogether. It is quite simple to distinguish a purebred Maine Coon: representatives of this breed have slanted eyes, wide cheekbones, an elongated head shape, tufts on the ears, an unusually fluffy and long tail, and massive paws. Babies at 3 months weigh at least 2.5 kg (an ordinary cat at this age weighs no more than 1 kg). Adult males reach a length of about 1 meter and a weight of about 11 kg, with a height at the withers of up to 40 cm (females are somewhat smaller).

Pixie bob (weight up to 7 kg)

Pixie-Bob cats are prohibited from being exported from the United States. Still an American national treasure.

Externally, pixie bobs are miniature copies of lynx. Cat owners compare them to dogs because they are loyal, affectionate and great with children. Pixie bobs also love to talk - they can meow tirelessly, talking about their day.

The cat does not bite or release its claws, although it feels like the master of the house. But if other pets appear, they will definitely obey the domestic lynx.

Description of the breed

The Maine Coon is often called a wild cat for its menacing and majestic appearance. Felinologists are still arguing about the history of the origin of these animals, which differ from ordinary cats in their size and appearance. It is generally accepted that Maine Coons first appeared in the northwestern United States, in Maine, which partly explains the name of the breed.

The Maine Coon is called the Maine raccoon cat; it appeared at the end of the 19th century and is a long-haired breed of cat. Its life expectancy is on average about 12-15 years. Height at the withers varies from 25 to 45 cm, and the length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail in some cases reaches 1 m or more. There are cases when the length of males reached 135 cm.

The Maine Coon has a large head, massive and high legs, and a powerful chest. It cannot be confused with ordinary cats due to its unusual appearance. The coon's ears have tufts, like those of a lynx. In addition, he has prominent cheekbones and an oval head shape, elongated upward. There are long horizontal hairs in the ears, and there are tassels between the claws of the paws.

Maine Coon eyes are different from the eyes of ordinary cats. They are not round, but rather oval, seeming half-closed. Perhaps this is why the animal’s gaze is imperious or even regal. Such a pet is always self-confident; its weight can reach 13-15 kg. Kittens grow very quickly, acquiring all the external characteristics of the breed by 3 months.

The Maine raccoon cat with well-developed muscles is very graceful; unlike outbred cats, it has a very long and fluffy tail. As for the coat, it is incredibly thick and dense, but at the same time silky. The color of the animal can be different, for example, plain smoky, spotted or brindle.

The Maine Coon never makes the heart-rending sounds that barn cats are famous for. Whatever he needs, he will melodiously say about it, purring his request to the owner or mistress of the home.

How is it different from the usual one?

The Maine Coon has a number of its own characteristics that distinguish it from its ordinary relative. The appearance of this cat is more similar to that of the wild. Their muzzle vaguely resembles the muzzle of a panther; their look is quite predatory and confident. This cat is respectable, large, and often has a rather stern look. At the same time, the eyes of a wild cat are slightly slanted, which is not the case with a domestic pet: its eyes are round.

At first glance, it immediately seems that this is a cat on an enlarged scale. Despite the fact that female Maine Coons are smaller than males, the length of the cat can reach about 1 meter. The average weight is 8-9 kg, neutered cats weigh up to 10-12 kg.

Compared to an ordinary cat, the Maine Coon has an elongated muzzle, with its lower part moving forward. The chin itself is located in a single line with the nose, it is quite powerful and well developed. Unlike domestic cats, the Maine Coon looks like an athlete: individuals of this breed are characterized by a strong and even muscular physique. Their skeleton is large, their paws are more powerful, wider and longer.

The Maine Coon can boast of thick hair, and it is not just dense and thick, but very soft. This cat has a fluffy frill collar that covers not only his neck, but also his chest. Longer hair grows on the tail, hind legs and belly. In addition, it is also present between the claws.

The position of the ears is also different: in a Maine Coon they are located higher than in a regular cat. The ears themselves are wider and have long tufts of hair on the inside, which are located horizontally to the floor. The key difference between a large cat is the presence of tufts on the ears, characteristic of a lynx.

It is difficult to distinguish a Maine Coon from a mixed breed. Experts can recognize this by examining the animal’s face. They note that in the purebred Maine coon cat, the box formed by means of whisker pads is geometrically flawless. In addition, they are distinguished by a more distinct transition to the zygomatic part. The weight of the mestizo also differs: as a rule, mature individuals do not exceed 7 kg in weight.

Cat or cat?

To begin with, of course, you need to decide - is it a cat or is it a cat?

In fact, most often people choose a cat and there is an explanation for this. Firstly, they grow larger than cats. Secondly, cats have a softer character. This does not mean that cats are angry and aggressive, it’s just that cats are calmer and after three to four years they prefer to lazily lie on the sofa as a beautiful decoration.

Cats, on the other hand, are active, playful and need physical activity throughout their entire lives. When choosing the sex of an animal, you should take into account what you want to get - a beautiful couch potato or an active toy.

In addition, according to some beliefs, cats take energy, and cats, on the contrary, heal. Here, of course, it is difficult to refute or, conversely, to assert, since these are just beliefs without any evidence. Although, if a person is superstitious, perhaps this argument will play a decisive role in choosing the sex of the furry.

British cat (weight up to 10 kg)

The British cat is strong-willed and independent, like a real Briton! Copper-colored eyes combined with a gray fur coat add grace and nobility.

Representatives of the breed are excellent guards. They will not let a stranger get closer than 2 meters to their owner. And whoever sees these burning eyes in the dark will experience real fear.

The British take the love of their owners for granted, although they love to caress. The cat is reserved and intelligent, so you will rarely hear her meow.

The British are independent and will definitely not be sad alone if the owner is busy with business. That’s why people call them “cats for businessmen.” The downside of independence is poor training.

Remember the Whiskas ad? The face of their brand is a British tabby.

Features and risks of breeding Maine Coon mixes

1. In interbreeding, the breed's traits degenerate very quickly, and it is impossible to achieve a stable result. Uncontrolled matings with representatives of other breeds can lead to the appearance of genetic deformities, and this may not appear immediately, but only in subsequent generations of such mestizos.
2. If a Maine Coon cat is paired with a female of a different breed, there is a high risk that the babies will be born too large; perhaps their mother simply will not be able to give birth. In this case, it is better not to risk the life and health of your pet.
3. With a high probability, mestizos may not inherit the main qualities for which representatives of this breed are valued: friendliness, devotion to people, sociability.
4. If a grown-up mestizo does not look exactly like a Maine Coon, there is often a high chance that he will disappoint the owner, will not live up to his expectations and will end up on the street.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of half-breeds is their moderate cost. And mestizos are also very flexible and friendly. Despite their origin, such pets will be devoted and loyal friends. Another positive quality is the loving and sociable nature of cats.

They can be compared to small children, because they love affection and attention very much, they gladly reciprocate their feelings to their owner.

Developed intelligence allows you to carry out various commands, and easy receptivity to information will help you quickly accustom the kitten to the litter box. Mestizos have strong immunity, they get sick less. In terms of appearance, they are in no way inferior to purebred cats. Their unusual color and fluffy tail can charm anyone. To avoid surprises, before purchasing such a pet, you should carefully study information about its parents.

Disadvantages include the lack of pedigree and the inability to participate in exhibitions.

It is undesirable for mestizos to reproduce, as there is a huge risk of the cat dying during childbirth due to the large size of the kittens.

Factors influencing growth

Factors that influence the growth and development of the Maine Coon can be divided into two types - internal and external. Internal ones include:

• The growth rate of a kitten depends on the breed and its purebred. The higher your birth weight, the more you will gain weight in the future.
• Gender of the kitten. Boys grow faster and gain weight.
• Genetic predisposition. With a high degree of probability, parents of large sizes will have kittens of corresponding sizes.
• The combination of mom and dad's genotypes creates the kitten's own genotype. This is a unique organism that can have its own individuality.
• Hormones. The use of medications can affect the animal's body weight.

There are also external factors that have a significant impact on weight gain and growth of the Maine Coon. These factors include the hygiene of the animal and the conditions in which it lives. The attitude of the mother cat towards him greatly influences the growth of a kitten; sometimes a cat may deprive one of its cubs of attention and care. A newborn kitten should gain 10 grams in weight. in a day.

Head and muzzle

These body parts deserve special attention. The look and the shape of the eyes are the calling cards of the breeds. Every Maine Coon has a friendly and sometimes predatory look.

Other characteristics of Americans:

• long muzzle;
• pointed wedge shape;
• slightly convex forehead;
• prominent cheekbones with a high waist;
• prominent pads with vibrissae;
• there is a transition;
• strong chin.

If you outline the profile of a Coon with conditional lines, you can see the angles where the nose meets the forehead, near the chin and mouth. Siberians have smooth, rounded outlines.

The eyes in the Maine Coon breed are oval, slightly slanted, the degree of expression depends on the intrabreed type and breeding lines. The look is usually friendly, but sometimes the animal looks proud. The eyes of the Siberian cat are round, set wide at a barely noticeable angle.

The ears of Maine cats are large and almost vertical. In the second case, the shape is round, the dimensions are smaller, and the shells are tilted forward. Both breeds prefer tassels on the tips. The distance between the ears of Siberians is greater than that of Maine Coon Cats.

Useful to read: How to distinguish a Maine Coon from an ordinary cat

Maintenance and care

Artificial ways to grow, enlarge, make tassels more voluminous:

• Correction of the amount of hair on the upper tip of the ear;
• Periodic thinning, coinciding with molting;
• Gentle hair treatment with medicinal ointments and oils.

Timely, regular examination of the cat, necessary vaccinations, provision of a vitamin complex to maintain immunity, protection from parasites and infections are the key to good health of the pet and, accordingly, lush, beautiful hair tails. Combing the fur every 1-2 days prevents the formation of lumps and reduces the amount of hair eaten by the cat when licking. Knowledgeable breeders recommend bathing Maine Coons once a month or as needed. The process is turned into a fun game, rewarding the animal with tasty treats for good behavior.

Exterior of an adult cat

• foldable, muscular body and powerful chest;
• long bulky paws with hair between the claws;
• a large and fluffy tail that reaches to the shoulder blades of Maine Coon cats, and sometimes to the neck;
• long mustache;
• eyes large, oblong;
• the ears are large, set high, with large tufts;
• the gap between the ears is equal to the width of 1 ear;
• the head is shaped like a square, and the lower part of the muzzle with a mustache and chin is called a “box”;
• a well-developed chin that is in line with the nose;
• smooth and thick hair, varying in length on different parts of the body;
• the hair on the chest creates a fluffy collar, a “spectacular mane”;
• All colors are recognized except chocolate and color point.

Differences between adults and ordinary people

Among other representatives of the cat family, the Maine Coon stands out, first of all, for its size. These are large cats, they have powerful paws, a strong musculoskeletal system, and even a larger muzzle than other members of the cat family. Secondly, his habits give him away - self-esteem, pride. Taken together, these features resemble wild royalty. What to pay attention to when in doubt:

1. The purebred pet has a “box” muzzle and slanted eyes. Simple cats have round eyes, their muzzle is either triangular or round, and there is no characteristic shape.
2. Another feature is that the ears are pointed and topped with original tassels. Domestic cats cannot boast of such an appearance.
3. Maine Coons reach a weight of 8 to 10 kilograms. An ordinary adult cat will weigh no more than 5 - 6 kilograms. An adult cat of noble blood, even at first glance, will seem large, heavy, and impressive.
4. You can distinguish a domestic cat by the degree of vegetation. The fur on the face and paws of pedigree cats will be thick and short, becoming longer towards the back and sides, forming a fluffy collar and a kind of mane, and there are pronounced “pants” on the hind legs. In simple cats, the hair is usually uniform - either short or elongated - with undercoat.
5. Another sign of pride for feline aristocrats is a luxurious tail. It is unusually (unlike all other breeds) fluffy, spreading, reaching a length of 45 to 60 cm. In simple animals, tails usually do not grow longer than thirty centimeters.

To be sure to understand where an adult Maine Coon is and where an ordinary cat is, you must study the breed from photographs. When the eye is “observed”, the differences will immediately catch the eye.

Maine Coons are distinguished by their character and habits. These are independent, humane animals. They resemble dogs in character. They love to play with water, splashing it out of a bowl or with a stream from the tap, and bathe with pleasure. They have a high level of intelligence and are easy to train. The owners of these cats constantly hear their voice - they purr, meow, purr, rumble, and accompany their actions with sounds. Moreover, their high tone does not at all correspond to their respectable appearance. Maine Coons have a melodic and even squeaky voice.

Maine - Coon cats will be larger than cats as adults.

Price

The price for a kitten of this breed depends on its status . There are three groups of animals that differ in cost:

1. Show class.
2. Brit class.
3. Pet class.

The first category is animals intended for participation in exhibitions.
They cost more than all the others. The price can reach 100 thousand rubles.

The future owner of a Maine Coon pays this amount for a quality animal that meets the breed standards.

It has a purebred pedigree and will be able to exhibit and receive awards. It is used for mating.

The second group are female kittens suitable for breeding. They can produce show class offspring. They cost 30-35 thousand rubles. These cats have slight deviations from the standards, for example, too long or short hair, incorrect color or eye color. This does not affect their ability to exhibit and receive awards at shows.

The third group is exclusively pets for the home . They are the cheapest - 15-20 thousand rubles. They have many deviations from the breed standard and therefore cannot participate in exhibitions. They will not be used for mating either. But they possess all the other advantages of the breed - appearance, character - and therefore will become wonderful pets.

What else affects the price?

1. The most expensive will be a kitten under 4 months of age.
2. Cats are more expensive than cats.
3. Unusual colors are more expensive.
4. Mental abilities of the breed.

The intelligence of Maine Coons is absolutely consistent with their appearance and size.
These cats are considered real philosophers.

They think well, learn easily, and are capable of contemplation.

Their actions are logical, they are able to perform conscious actions (the same qualities are attributed to some types of dogs, for example, border collies and Labradors). Maine Coons have a very good memory, they can remember many words and commands.

They are well versed in intonation, distinguish human speech, its nuances, gestures and even understand glances. Maine Coons are called thinkers because they are able to remain in a state of peace and observation for a long time. Cats are not isolated from kittens even in the first minutes of their birth. Male Maine Coons actively participate in the life of their offspring, in raising and playing with kittens.