Maine Coon in the house
ATTENTION !!!!!
THIS SECTION RELATES IN FULLY TO OWNERS OF ANY CATS, INCLUDING A RARE NOBLE BREED! REMEMBER: ANY CAT HAS THE RIGHT TO PROPER CARE AND DECENT CONTENT !!!
THE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION IS RECOMMENDED AND DOES NOT CLAIM ABSOLUTELY TRUTH.
THIS SECTION RELATES IN FULLY TO OWNERS OF ANY CATS, INCLUDING A RARE NOBLE BREED! REMEMBER: ANY CAT HAS THE RIGHT TO PROPER CARE AND DECENT CONTENT !!!
THE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION IS RECOMMENDED AND DOES NOT CLAIM ABSOLUTELY TRUTH.
About breed
WCF breed standards
Maintenance and care
Feeding and vitamins
Health
WCF breed standards
Maintenance and care
Feeding and vitamins
Health
ABOUT THE BREED
Maine Coons are one of those rare cat breeds, when meeting with which few people can remain indifferent. Even dog lovers pay tribute to the looks and personality of these amazing animals.
Maine Coons are the aboriginal cats of America, its national treasure and pride. The history of the breed is shrouded in numerous secrets and myths,
which is quite understandable: coons are so unusual that they involuntarily evoke mystical associations and moods in those around them, a desire to create a fairy tale about a giant cat. That is why some versions of the origin of the breed do not stand up to criticism.
which is quite understandable: coons are so unusual that they involuntarily evoke mystical associations and moods in those around them, a desire to create a fairy tale about a giant cat. That is why some versions of the origin of the breed do not stand up to criticism.
For example, the well-known theory that coons are descendants of a raccoon and a cat, therefore they have such a “wild” color,
a huge fluffy tail and, in fact, the second part of the breed’s name (from the English “raccoon” – “raccoon”). However, any zoologist in no time will refute this theory: canine raccoons cannot interbreed with representatives of the feline family.
a huge fluffy tail and, in fact, the second part of the breed’s name (from the English “raccoon” – “raccoon”). However, any zoologist in no time will refute this theory: canine raccoons cannot interbreed with representatives of the feline family.
Another common version, which involuntarily arises even among connoisseurs when looking at the muzzle
, ears and paws of a coon: this is the “child” of a lynx and a domestic cat. This is possible theoretically and from the point of view of zoology, and because the lynx still lives in Maine – the original habitat of Maine Coons. However, how then to explain the presence of such a gorgeous tail?
Another legend: Maine
Coon is a descendant of aboriginal shorthair cats and magnificent Angora cats, which Queen Marie Antoinette, who fled from France, took with her to New England. The queen herself did not make it to America, but her lovely pets successfully swam to the coast of Maine and contributed to the emergence of an unusual breed. Not a bad legend.
But among breeders, the following version is most popular: Maine Coons are the descendants of Scandinavian long-haired breeds, brought to America by the Vikings in the 11th century and intermarried with local short-haired cats. Quite a competent version, especially if you remember the forest cats of Norway.
, ears and paws of a coon: this is the “child” of a lynx and a domestic cat. This is possible theoretically and from the point of view of zoology, and because the lynx still lives in Maine – the original habitat of Maine Coons. However, how then to explain the presence of such a gorgeous tail?
Another legend: Maine
Coon is a descendant of aboriginal shorthair cats and magnificent Angora cats, which Queen Marie Antoinette, who fled from France, took with her to New England. The queen herself did not make it to America, but her lovely pets successfully swam to the coast of Maine and contributed to the emergence of an unusual breed. Not a bad legend.
But among breeders, the following version is most popular: Maine Coons are the descendants of Scandinavian long-haired breeds, brought to America by the Vikings in the 11th century and intermarried with local short-haired cats. Quite a competent version, especially if you remember the forest cats of Norway.
All of the above assumptions have something in common: no matter who the first coon was born from, the further development of the breed was due to natural selection. Only the strongest, largest, hairy and able to cooperate with humans could survive in the almost Siberian climate of the snowy state of Maine. Hence the incredible size, lynx paws-
“Snowmobiles”, brushes and brushes on the ears (so that the snow does not get clogged), a wide chest (for example, to “plow” the same snow), a “plaid” tail the size of the body itself, thick wool of a strong texture and other features that distinguish Coons …
“Snowmobiles”, brushes and brushes on the ears (so that the snow does not get clogged), a wide chest (for example, to “plow” the same snow), a “plaid” tail the size of the body itself, thick wool of a strong texture and other features that distinguish Coons …
In the 19th century, Maine Coons began to be bred, cultivated, and later spread around the world.
For over a century, benevolent giants have won the hearts of animal lovers.
But not only (and sometimes not so much) the unique appearance determines the uniqueness of the breed. The character of the Coons is the subject of endless surprise and admiration. They are smart, playful until old age, inquisitive and amazingly communicative. Maine
Coon is always close to a person, helping him to do all the things, as well as constantly talking in his “Maine Coon” language.
Talkativeness is a distinctive feature of the breed. The melodic “murr-meow”, which has an unimaginable variety of intonations and shades, sounds absolutely unobtrusive in your house all day long. The cat asks and answers
calls and responds to the call, comments on everything that happens around. Americans call Maine Coons “singing cats” – singing cats.
It’s hard to find a more outgoing creature! Cats of this breed communicate easily and with interest with other animals, including dogs. And their attitude towards children is worthy of a separate discussion. Maine
kun adores children and plays real circus performances with them with pleasure. This smartest and most delicate cat will humbly and patiently endure all obsessive manifestations of delight and love from a child, but will never allow itself to release its claws,
let alone bite a baby – this is out of the question! Unless it will hiss in exceptional cases.
But not only (and sometimes not so much) the unique appearance determines the uniqueness of the breed. The character of the Coons is the subject of endless surprise and admiration. They are smart, playful until old age, inquisitive and amazingly communicative. Maine
Coon is always close to a person, helping him to do all the things, as well as constantly talking in his “Maine Coon” language.
Talkativeness is a distinctive feature of the breed. The melodic “murr-meow”, which has an unimaginable variety of intonations and shades, sounds absolutely unobtrusive in your house all day long. The cat asks and answers
calls and responds to the call, comments on everything that happens around. Americans call Maine Coons “singing cats” – singing cats.
It’s hard to find a more outgoing creature! Cats of this breed communicate easily and with interest with other animals, including dogs. And their attitude towards children is worthy of a separate discussion. Maine
kun adores children and plays real circus performances with them with pleasure. This smartest and most delicate cat will humbly and patiently endure all obsessive manifestations of delight and love from a child, but will never allow itself to release its claws,
let alone bite a baby – this is out of the question! Unless it will hiss in exceptional cases.
Thus, families with children or families where one of the spouses wants a cat and the other wants a dog, or where there are already dogs – the ideal place for a Maine Coon. You won’t have a problem!
You can talk about the merits of Maine Coon for hours,
because they have “the only drawback – one Maine Coon is always not enough.” We are happy to assure this phrase: the more cheerful coons in the house, the happier this house.
You can talk about the merits of Maine Coon for hours,
because they have “the only drawback – one Maine Coon is always not enough.” We are happy to assure this phrase: the more cheerful coons in the house, the happier this house.
One of the most popular questions that breeders have to answer at shows: “How much does the Maine Coon weigh?” There is data
that cats of this breed can reach 15 kg. However, most often the weight of an uncastrated cat is 7-9 kg, and that of a cat is 5-7 kg. Castrates weigh more. It should be borne in mind that the Maine Coon does not have a single gram of excess fat: the weight is achieved by body length, bone strength and well-developed muscles.
Now let’s talk about standards …
that cats of this breed can reach 15 kg. However, most often the weight of an uncastrated cat is 7-9 kg, and that of a cat is 5-7 kg. Castrates weigh more. It should be borne in mind that the Maine Coon does not have a single gram of excess fat: the weight is achieved by body length, bone strength and well-developed muscles.
Now let’s talk about standards …
BREED STANDARDS WCF
Body : large to very large, muscular, big-boned and stretched in length. Muscular neck is of medium length, broad chest. Limbs of medium length,strong, muscular. Paws are large and round, with bundles of hair between his fingers. The tail is long and should reach at least to the shoulder, broad at the base, tapering towards the tip, covered with flowing fur.
Head: the head is Large, massive, with straight contours. High cheekbones. The nose is of medium length. The profile with the transition. The muzzle is massive, angular and well defined. The chin is massive, strong, is in line with the upper lip and nose.
Ears: the Ears are very large, broad at the base, sharply ending, high (almost vertically) is supplied. The distance between the ears than the width of one ear. Brush stand for the edge of the ears, tassels desirable.
The eyes are large, oval, set well apart and at a slight angle. The color should be uniform and conform to the coat color.
The eyes are large, oval, set well apart and at a slight angle. The color should be uniform and conform to the coat color.
Wool: the head and shoulders of the coat is short, with the exception of the collar, clearly extends along the back, sides and belly. The undercoat is thick, soft and thin, covered over a hard thick hair. Thick, flowing water-repellent guard hairs extends to the back, side and top of the tail. The lower part of the body and the inner surface of the hind paws have no covering of hair. Frill desirable, but a full collar is not required.
Colors: Chocolate, cinnamon and relevant weakened colors (lilac and fawn) are not recognized in any combinations (bicolour, tricolour, tabby). Acromelanic colors are also not recognized. All other colours are permitted. There can be any amount of white.
Disadvantages: the Coat of equal length all over the body. Refined teloslozeneije the awarding of the title.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
SAFETY KITTY.
Before the arrival of a new kitten in the family should properly prepare your home. In urban environments the greatest danger is the window and balcony. As the Maine Coon is a large and strong animals, a common mosquito net on the Windows is not suitable for your pet. It is better to use a special reinforced mesh with reliable fasteners. Firms engaged in installation of Windows, I suggest this option.
If you have Windows, in any case, do not leave them in the airing mode when you leave the house. Coons is a very active and curious: seeing a bird fly or other “interesting” object, the cat may try to get out through the crack and get stuck, which can lead to injuries and even death of the animal.
If you have not glazed balcony, the cat can’t go in there to release absolutely! But how, without fresh air? Two options: either glaze a balcony, or surround it very durable mesh to your pet is not able to “pop up hunting.”
Also note that your pet does not have access to poisonous plants, medicines, household chemicals, cutting-piercing and any small items that he can chew. Typically, these items are only removed surgically. There have been cases when the stomach of cats extracted sewing needle and thread, buttons, chains with pendants, pieces of foam rubber, etc.
A serious danger to cats represent the wires from the electrical appliances. The kitten will try to play with “rope” and try it on the tooth. Perfect protection — special organizer for wires that you can buy, for example, in the store” the Other option is to follow some time for a kitten, and as soon as he starts to hunt the wires strictly proiznesti the word “No!” and “No!” Cats are incredibly intelligent and very quickly understand the rules of behavior. In your absence, the appliance should be turned off and to those who can not be disconnected from the network to restrict access by any means.
If you have Windows, in any case, do not leave them in the airing mode when you leave the house. Coons is a very active and curious: seeing a bird fly or other “interesting” object, the cat may try to get out through the crack and get stuck, which can lead to injuries and even death of the animal.
If you have not glazed balcony, the cat can’t go in there to release absolutely! But how, without fresh air? Two options: either glaze a balcony, or surround it very durable mesh to your pet is not able to “pop up hunting.”
Also note that your pet does not have access to poisonous plants, medicines, household chemicals, cutting-piercing and any small items that he can chew. Typically, these items are only removed surgically. There have been cases when the stomach of cats extracted sewing needle and thread, buttons, chains with pendants, pieces of foam rubber, etc.
A serious danger to cats represent the wires from the electrical appliances. The kitten will try to play with “rope” and try it on the tooth. Perfect protection — special organizer for wires that you can buy, for example, in the store” the Other option is to follow some time for a kitten, and as soon as he starts to hunt the wires strictly proiznesti the word “No!” and “No!” Cats are incredibly intelligent and very quickly understand the rules of behavior. In your absence, the appliance should be turned off and to those who can not be disconnected from the network to restrict access by any means.
ACCESSORIES.
You should buy a pair of stable, non-slip BOWLS for food and water — the best stainless steel with rubber base or ceramic.
If you do not want to Manenok tore your furniture and Wallpaper, to insure the KITTENS. The best are scratching with a stable base, shelves for observation and post wrapped with rope from sisal. You need to put it in the corner of the room where you spend the most time, as Maine coons we always try to be around people. Never even think about surgery to remove the claws!!! It is a brutal, extremely painful and absolutely inhumane procedure that is equivalent to amputation in humans, the first phalanges of the fingers and making the cat disability for life! In the contract, drawn up by buying a Maine Coon in our cattery, a strict ban this operation specified. Kittens are just the first steps we are accustomed to scratching posts, so in the new house, they immediately recognize the device and use it for other purposes. Of course, Manenok may be nervous and confused. Then you need to help him to bring the scratching post and, after he sharpened claws to treat a favorite treat.
You also need to purchase for cats comfortable TOILET. Large a Maine Coon is better to buy the largest pan: konata grow very quickly! The filler our kittens prefer clumping clay (Pi-Pi-Bent, Ever Clean, №1). The higher the class of the filler, the better he crumpled, smell more and more is spent. The tray should be placed in a safe place, because cats do not like when they are being watched while making such an intimate procedure. To remove lumps, you need every day, and wash the tray once in 2-3 weeks.
When you go to pick up the kitten, make sure you bring a pet CARRIER. Kittens from our cattery, we give only when it is available. To make a pet without carrying or harness is extremely dangerous: a cat on the street could get scared of every sound and break out of your hands. In this case, a high probability of loss, injury or death to the Maine Coon. Carrier must be strong, warm, with secure locks.
Your pet needs TOYS. The pet industry offers a wide selection of cat toys. Our coons prefer mice (better from safe rabbit fur), balls of plastic (preferably with something rattling inside) all kinds of that swing. About them — a special conversation. With mahalkari cat should only play with your participation or in your presence, otherwise he might bite off a piece of plastic or bell and swallow it!
EDUCATION.
Training a cat is not the training that domestic cats, in the apt words of Kipling, “walk in itself”, it is absolutely don’t respond. They do not obey the commands and do not always respond to his name.
The greatest commandment in the education of the cat SEQUENCE. Prohibitions on certain actions must be permanent and not short-term, depending on your mood. Strictly enough to say “No!” or “you can Not!” and clever cat will understand what caused your disapproval.
Beatings, deprivation of food or toys totally unacceptable!!! Cats in such cases, do not understand why they were punished, and often do not perceive such actions as a punishment.
Remember that cats need our proximity, they are looking for it, but always retain their own will and natural independence. This is why cats don’t like everything associated with coercion, freedom and especially violence.
Maine coons, for example, prefer to sit or lie next to you, taking their share of affection, but can’t stand it when they grab hands and roughly hold. This is possibly related to the solid “size” coons and their perceptions of security: it’s like they’re afraid to hurt a human, especially a child.
Sincere love, a reasonable mandatory rigor and consistency will allow you to bring up worthy and intelligent Maine Coon.
The greatest commandment in the education of the cat SEQUENCE. Prohibitions on certain actions must be permanent and not short-term, depending on your mood. Strictly enough to say “No!” or “you can Not!” and clever cat will understand what caused your disapproval.
Beatings, deprivation of food or toys totally unacceptable!!! Cats in such cases, do not understand why they were punished, and often do not perceive such actions as a punishment.
Remember that cats need our proximity, they are looking for it, but always retain their own will and natural independence. This is why cats don’t like everything associated with coercion, freedom and especially violence.
Maine coons, for example, prefer to sit or lie next to you, taking their share of affection, but can’t stand it when they grab hands and roughly hold. This is possibly related to the solid “size” coons and their perceptions of security: it’s like they’re afraid to hurt a human, especially a child.
Sincere love, a reasonable mandatory rigor and consistency will allow you to bring up worthy and intelligent Maine Coon.
CARING FOR CLAWS.
If the claws had grown excessively, they must be cut. All kittens from our cattery is already accustomed to this procedure. If you are a regular and competent to do the “cat nails”, then it is possible that the cat instead of the negative emotions, you will start to feel only pleasure.
Once in 2-3 weeks need to trim the tip of the claws (1-2 mm!) special tweezers. Scissors can not be used: they cause the claw damage in the form of longitudinal cracks and burrs. Forceps should be kept perpendicular to cut the claw. Be careful not to harm the blood vessel, which is visible to the light as the dark period. It is very painful and can also cause bleeding and even inflammation. Therefore, measure from the tip of the claw is not more than 2 mm!
It’s convenient to perform the procedure safely and with affection to put the cat on your knees, take your foot slightly to put pressure on the “thumb” — the claw will immediately appear before your eyes.
Once in 2-3 weeks need to trim the tip of the claws (1-2 mm!) special tweezers. Scissors can not be used: they cause the claw damage in the form of longitudinal cracks and burrs. Forceps should be kept perpendicular to cut the claw. Be careful not to harm the blood vessel, which is visible to the light as the dark period. It is very painful and can also cause bleeding and even inflammation. Therefore, measure from the tip of the claw is not more than 2 mm!
It’s convenient to perform the procedure safely and with affection to put the cat on your knees, take your foot slightly to put pressure on the “thumb” — the claw will immediately appear before your eyes.
GROOMING.
The coat Maine Coon of such high quality that never falls down, not a “wrinkled”, does not require much effort to care and continually looks great! Besides cats — extremely clean animals — do an excellent job with personal hygiene.
If your Maine Coon does not show, then you only need a little to help him in the care of this magnificent coat. It is possible from an early age to teach a kitten to washing and brushing. It is recommended to brush at least 1-2 times a week or even more often if the cat likes it. First, use metallic brush with a few teeth, then more frequent.
Wash the cat is recommended 1 time in 2-3 months or more often if the fur coat is something dirty. For washing, use special shampoos and conditioners (Jerob, Bio groom). They spared acid-lipid layer of the skin and hair. Detergents for people too aggressive for cats and can harm them.
If your Maine Coon does not show, then you only need a little to help him in the care of this magnificent coat. It is possible from an early age to teach a kitten to washing and brushing. It is recommended to brush at least 1-2 times a week or even more often if the cat likes it. First, use metallic brush with a few teeth, then more frequent.
Wash the cat is recommended 1 time in 2-3 months or more often if the fur coat is something dirty. For washing, use special shampoos and conditioners (Jerob, Bio groom). They spared acid-lipid layer of the skin and hair. Detergents for people too aggressive for cats and can harm them.
DENTAL CARE.
Tooth decay in cats is very rare, but often, formation of Tartar, leading to gingivitis and non-animal food. To care for teeth you can buy a special toothbrush and toothpaste. To unpleasant procedure of a kitten should be taught from a young age. If your Maine Coon does not make friends with a brush, you can buy special treats that are simultaneously brushing my teeth.
CARING FOR THE EARS AND EYES.
A healthy cat’s ears and eyes are usually clean. If you think that they are still dirty, use for treatments cotton pads soaked in a special solution (e.g., Excel, Ear Cleaning Pads).
FEEDING AND VITAMINS.
About proper nutrition cats there are many opinions: someone is a supporter of the natural food someone — industrial foods, some people prefer a mixed type of feeding. It mixed feeding is practiced in our nursery. According to many breeders of Maine coons, without adding to the diet of feed industry is hard enough to balance all the ingredients needed for the cat. Even more difficult to get a cat to eat is properly balanced with natural dish.
Is it POSSIBLE to FEED the cat? Pre-frozen beef; cooked chicken or Turkey; rabbit of any kind; cheese and other dairy products; meat baby food.
In limited quantities — raw and boiled the ocean, river and lake fish; shrimp and other seafood; boiled chicken and boiled and raw quail eggs; frozen pre-cooked heart and liver.
What you can NOT FEED a cat? Pork, veal, raw river and lake fish, fresh chicken eggs, cod liver in any form, meats, sweets, low forage quality (Whiskas, Frescas, Katycat, etc.) and any food from the table.
The recommended INDUSTRIAL FOOD: dry food super-premium for cats (NOW!!!, Felidae,1st Choice, Acana, Orijen, Innova. Almo Nature) and canned food of high quality (Innova, Merrick. Almo Nature).
The main rule when mixed type of feeding: in between the industrial foods and natural food must undergo 2-3 hours, and between dry and canned food. All the while dry food may be in a free access. Near the food should always have clean water, boiled or bottled drinking, but not the mineral. Food should be at room temperature. Bowls and dining area should be thoroughly washed as often as possible.
Our kittens in addition to the dry and canned food (they prefer baby food “Theme”) , every day, I eat meat and boiled chicken. Fish, eggs and cheese, we give not more than 2 times a week. Boiled beef liver — not more than 2 times per month.
Also, our cats get the VITAMINS. Should not be bought in pet stores treats disguised as vitamins’t do no good they would not bring, but can harm. Out of these vitamins is recommended vitamins brand “8in1”, vitamins brand Canina. Remember that any vitamins and food supplements should be used only as directed veterinarian.
HEALTH
It is wrong to think that the parasites infected only stray or neglected cats. Homemade Maine coons, which are carefully taken care of, too, can accidentally purchase the “intruders”.
Against fleas and ticks, we recommend that the FRONT LIGHT COMBO or ADVANTAGE, but in any case, no bars! They can be used only with detection of parasites! Enough to let the cat on the withers.
As a preventive measure 1 time in 3-6 months spend deworming using CESTAL CAT, PRAZITSID, etc.
At the age of 8-9 weeks cats be VACCINATED against infections (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia). 3-4 weeks is the booster. Further vaccination is repeated every year 1 time. Rabies vaccination is best done in the age of 10-12 months once, if the animal is not in the free range and not in contact with other animals in the range. If your Maine Coon goes out, then the vaccination is done at the age of 10-15 weeks. Rabies vaccination is repeated annually.