Maine Coon or American raccoon cat is one of the largest breeds of domestic cats, inferior in weight and size to only breed savannah. The weight of adult male coons can reach 10 kilogram with a height of up to 41 cm and a total length with a tail of up to 120 cm (tail – up to 36 cm).
A characteristic feature is high volumetric ears with tassels like a lynx, a wide oval eye, a slightly elongated shape of the head and high cheekbones. And, of course, a special striped color thick and fairly long coat, due to which this breed and received the prefix “raccoon”.
History
There are two versions of the origin of the breed. In accordance with the first legend, Maine Coons came from crossing a cat with a female raccoon. The only evidence here is the similarity of color. But, given the fact that we are talking about representatives of two different suborders of the order of predatory mammals – dog-like (where includes a family of raccoons) and cat-like, this legend is far from reality.
The second, more believable, legend is the cross of a cat and lynxes. The similarity of color, size, and shape speaks in favor of this. Maine Coon’s ears. But this version is not supported by serious researchers, most likely this amazing breed is the result of evolution without exotic crosses.
The breed got its name thanks to the American state of Maine, and its first representative, who received world fame, became Captain Jenks cat shown in Boston in 1861. One time interest in this breed faded, more popular in the late 19th – early The 20th century were representatives of the Persian breed. But she succeeded keep thanks to the interest of American farmers who I liked the size and hunting qualities of Maine Coon cats. Today this the breed is popular in many countries of the world, is unchanged participant of various shows and competitions.
Key Features and Appearance
From the mixed breeds of the present, purebred Maine Coon, you can distinguish by some basic features:
- Slightly elongated head shape with uneven profile and high cheekbones.
- Characteristic brushes on sharp, bulky ears.
- Wide oval eyes.
- Large muscular body, commensurate with the torso of the paws.
- Thick long hair, fluffy tail.
- The average length of the order of 90-100 cm., Weight 7-9 kg (average) males, up to 6 kg in females.
See more about Maine Coon weight for months.
Character and habits
Maine Coon cats and cats are famous for their balanced, complaisant character, sociability and not selfishness. They are happy spend time with people, like active games. This breed grudge is practically not peculiar, if excessively scolding a sorrowful cat, it will not take revenge on the owners damage to curtains or other things.
One cannot fail to note both excellent learning ability and awareness. acts in cats of this breed. They don’t need to learn anything. open the door by pressing the handle, they are easily accustomed to the toilet, they can be taught various tricks. A characteristic feature is high curiosity, attention to everything that moves and publishes sounds.
Another feature rarely seen in cats is their interest in water. Maines love to splash water on their paws, rinse pieces of food with using claws, and even get into the water and drink straight from under crane. Specialists explain this interest to their original environment. habitat, a large number of reservoirs in the state of Maine.
Health and Disease
American raccoon cat is among the healthy and hardy breeds adapted for living in northern climates. According to statistics, about 74% of the registered cats live more than 12 years, and more than 50% survived their 16th birthday.
The most common are genetic diseases, in particular dysplasia of one or both hip joints characteristic of cats of large breeds (including Persian). Most often it manifested with age in the form of lameness. Most serious by the consequences is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCMP) – cardiovascular disease common to cats and person. The result may be sudden hind limb paralysis, pulmonary edema and death. Less dangerous is atrophy of the back muscles, which expressed by swaying the back of the torso while walking and difficulties with jumping. But it does not interfere with long life in quality pet.
Maintenance and care
Maine Coon cat grooming is primarily about caring for him health, timely visit to the veterinarian and the availability of all necessary vaccinations. Tick vaccine recommended, regular prophylactic administration of antiparasitic drugs, administration essential vitamins. Like any cat with a thick coat, use of special paste to empty the stomach from woolen lumps, it is useful and growing grass that helps in digestion. It is advisable to comb the hair at least 1-2 times a week.
For food, you can use special feeds developed for large cats or natural products. With any choice you need to remember about quality and variety. You can feed lean meat (beef, rabbit, chicken) or boiled lean fish without small bones. It is advisable to supplement the diet with vitamin and mineral complexes, vegetables mixed with meat, kefir, low-fat cream and cheese.
Relations with children and pets
Maine Coon gets along well with children, this is one of the most calm and unforgettable breeds, loving active games. Of course should not play with the animal for too long and provoke him to active actions. After the games you need rest.
Another nice characteristic of cats of this breed is normal relationships with other animals. He gets along great with another cat or dog, large dimensions and weight allow them not to be wary of many domestic dog breeds. As for the little ones birds, hamsters, rats and other rodents, then a similar coexistence undesirable and requires special precautions. Yet the hunting instincts of cats can play an evil role here.
The cost of kittens
The minimum cost of a kitten on an ad is 15-16 thousand roubles. But if you buy a kitten with a pedigree, then the cost starts from 45 thousand rubles. The most expensive are kittens, suitable for the requirements of specialized exhibitions. Their cost reaches 100-120 thousand rubles.
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