The Maine Coon cat: the giant, affectionate feline
The Maine Coon is a native giant cat with semi-long hair that comes from Maine, a state in the U.S. In fact, Maine Coon means Maine Raccoon.
It is the official cat of Maine and is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America.
Despite the many legends surrounding it, however, when and how this breed was born is still a debated topic today.
One thing is certain: among giant cats, the Maine Coon holds a prominent place.
What is the world’s largest cat breed: Maine Coon beats Ragdoll
Speaking of size, the Maine Coon is frequently considered the largest cat breed in the world.
Although there are other breeds known for their size, such as the Ragdoll, none can compete with the majesty of the Maine cat.
Some exceptional specimens have reached astonishing size, making this breed one of the most fascinating in the feline landscape.
The official recognition of the breed
It was first reported back in 1861 in The Book of the Cat but was officially recognized as a feline breed in the early 1980s.
The International Feline Federation (FIFe) and the National Cat Association (CFA) are among the organizations that have confirmed its status.
In Italy, giant Maine Coons made their first appearance in a trade magazine in 1986.
Certainly today these majestic felines, besides being among the largest in the world, are also known and loved for their unique character as they are extremely affectionate and sociable.
What is the character of the Maine Coon
The nickname of the gentle giant goes hand in hand with his other nickname: the dog-cat.
Unlike many other cat breeds, Maine Coons love to interact with humans with whom they form symbiotic relationships on par with dogs.
Playful, curious and receptive to children and other pets, Maine Coons are friendly and highly communicative.
However, their meowing, faint and delicate, is quite different from that of European cats.
How Maine Coons differ from the rest of the cats
Maine Coons are known for their imposing size-they can reach impressive proportions, both in length and height.
They reach their full growth around age 3 to 5 years: an adult male weighs between 6 and 13 kg, while females usually weigh between 4 and 8 kg.
Another physical characteristic that makes Maine Coons special: these super cats are polydactyls-that is, they have more fingers than other cats,
In addition to their extraordinary size, these superb felines are also distinguished by their physical appearance.
The muzzle is square, with high cheekbones and oval, slanted eyes.
They have large pointed ears, a long and thick otter-like tail, waterproof fur and love water.
The long fur needs regular brushing to avoid tangles and knots.
How many types of Maine Coons are there
Oddly enough, there are no real “types” but only variations in coat colors.
The only colors that exist in nature are red and black: all the variations of tigratures, solid colors, dilutions and any additions of white then give rise to a great many shades, each with its own name.
Dilution is an aspect of the coat in which the original color is less intense, instead of being black or red it becomes blue (gray) and cream (light red), respectively.
In short, each cat can have a unique appearance, which adds a bit of magic to their already fascinating appearance.
Female kittens can take color from both daddy and mommy; male kittens, on the other hand, take color only from mommy.
Pathologies
Like any breed, the Maine Coon can be prone to specific diseases.
Common conditions include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart disorder, and hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia, moreover, can be aggravated by obesity, and proper nutrition plays a key role in growth.
The Maine Coon has different dietary needs than other felines both because of its size but also because it completes its development around age three,
It is important to monitor your Maine Coon’s health and take him to the vet for regular checkups from puppyhood.
To refer your Maine Coon for a checkup, vaccine prophylaxis and a personalized feeding plan, contact the veterinary doctors on our staff who are always available to you.
We would also like to remind you that Clinica La Veterinaria is always open h24 every day including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.
