Maine Coons are famous for their friendly manner, big frame, pointed ears, and their long, smooth coat. The fur of Maine Coons is thick and silky that one could be able to refer to them as “mane” Coons! It is among the biggest domestic cats breeds (along along Siberians along with Ragdolls) widely referred to for being the “gentle massive.”
If you’re considering adopting the Maine Coon, you should be aware of the breed to ensure that you take care of your pet in the most effective way. Through this post, discover information about Maine Coon’s characteristics, temperament as well as common health issues and the nutritional requirements.
Common Maine Coon characteristics
Maine Coon cats are so beloved by pet parents because of their character. The breed is very playful and extremely friendly. They are considered to be pets that are friendly to household members due to their love for elderly, children, other cats and cats.
While they’re usually an active and active kind of dog, Maine Coons still like to nap a lot and can be found sleeping up to 16 hours per day. They’re typically active between dawn and the dusk.
The benefits of adopting the Maine Coon
Maine Coons are great indoor cats since they are:
Flexible–Maine Coons are simple to manage since they’re super capable of adapting to any surroundings
They are a little chatty and meow more frequently than other cats, which makes it simpler to gauge their mood and react accordingly.
Family loving–Because they are extremely and friendly, Maine Coons are great to keep in the household because they are able to enjoy the company of any family member and pet
Smart – Being able to control and train your cat will simplify your life. Due to their ability to learn, Maine Coons are easy to train. All you require is an understanding of basic feline behaviour patterns and delicious snacks
Loyal: Maine Coons exhibit a number of characteristic traits that are similar to dogs, like loyalty. The gentle giants are known to be loyal to the entire family
Although Maine Coons aren’t easy to care for however, there are some crucial things to take into consideration to ensure that your pet is happy.
Things to be aware of
Affiliating an Maine Coon comes with specific issues mainly due to the fact that this breed:
Are extremely curious–Maine Coons tend to roam around and this could cause them to be in dangerous circumstances (for instance, they might take a poisonous bite or be lost). To stay safe is a good idea to keep their surroundings as secure as you can (e.g. ensure that all dangerous substances are kept in a safe place) and monitor them when they’re outside.
Dependency is a possibility. This is the most negative aspect of Maine Coons sociable nature. They can’t be left alone for long periods of time. They are social animals and, if your work schedule prevents you from going to your home, adopting a new pet could be the answer.
It requires regular grooming. The magnificent Maine Coon fur needs to be regularly groomed. As with all house cats, these gentle giants suffer from a degree of shed all through the year It is essential to take extra care of their fur in order to avoid chaos and the hairballs. Expect more shed in the spring and fall as well, and that’s when you’ll likely need to groom them regularly
You must be outside, and since they are curious and active, Maine Coons love large open spaces in which they are free to roam. If you own a garden and a lawn, this should not be a problem but if you reside inside an apartment take your cat on an outing at least once every day.
Cats have a strong prey drive. are naturally predators and this breed isn’t an exception. Maine Coons like to chase small animals such as mice, birds, frogs, and even insects. Hunting could be hazardous for your cat due to the different bacteria that their prey can carry. If you’re looking for an active cat and fun like Maine Coons You must ensure that their food and time with their friends are in line with their needs so that they do not be compelled to hunt.
Are susceptible to certain health issues. Despite being a robust breed Maine Coons may be susceptible to particular health issues
What health problems Do Maine Coons suffer from?
Maine Coons can suffer from different hereditary diseases and health problems that are a result of lifestyle.
Genetic disorders
Maine Coons have a genetic predisposition to suffer from
Heart disease – Maine Coons may develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is a disease which causes expansion of the heart’s walls. The signs of warning include weak breathing as well as coughing. It can also cause significant weight loss
Hip dysplasia – These gentle giants and other cat breeds with large sizes can suffer from hip dysplasia. This is a genetic disorder that leads to the abnormal formation that occurs in hip joints. It may lead to arthritis.
The hereditary condition known as spinal muscular atrophy results in Maine Coons to have an abnormal posture and unstable movements
The disease is known as polycystic kidney (PKD)–Maine Coons with PKD have pockets of liquid (cysts) within their kidneys. Although the cysts aren’t large in the beginning but they may expand and cause kidney failure. The signs of this disease include an increase in thirst, frequent urination and a loss of appetite.
Health problems related to lifestyle
If they’re not offered the right diet, exercise and medical attention, Maine Coons can suffer from:
Dental issues are result of inadequate oral hygiene and poor nutrition , and are typically accompanied by bad breath and discomfort. To avoid these issues, it is important to clean your Maine Coon’s dental teeth at least every week with special cat-friendly brushes. It is also recommended to feed your cat a diet that is dental to boost their oral health. Also, make sure that their meals do not contain artificial colours, sugar as well as other harmful substances.
Obesity: Cats that eat a high-calorie, carb-rich diet are more likely to put on excessive weight. While cute chubby cats look adorable overweight felines may develop numerous health issues and mobility problems that make their lives difficult
Diabetes–Obese cats are often suffering from insulin resistance, which usually causes diabetes mellitus. The most common symptoms are increased appetite as well as frequent urination, and abrupt weight reduction.
The best method to ensure that your Maine Coon is happy, healthy, and active is to give them a balanced, meat-based diet that meets their nutritional requirements and ensure they are getting enough exercise.
What is the ideal feline diet? take on?
Your Maine Coon’s meals on a regular basis should contain the following essential ingredients:
Animal proteins comprise chains of amino acids (such such as taurine) essential for the development of strong muscle tissue and protecting organ health and creating antibodies. Cats should be fed only protein from animals since plant proteins do not meet their nutritional needs and aren’t easy to digest.
Fatty acids are vital for maintaining the coat and skin of cats. The food your cat eats should have up to 20% of animal fat, as excessive consumption could result in obesity and health problems.
In nature, animals receive enough water through the consumption of fresh-killed prey. Felines have a lower thirst, and therefore do not feel the need to drink to make up for the absence of moisture from their meals. Dehydration can cause a variety of ailments, such as crystals of struvite. This is the reason every cat, not just Maine Coons, should be fed food that has a high moisture content in order to keep them hydrated.
Are Maine Coons need carbs?
Carbohydrates aren’t essential in the diet of cats because they do not have the enzymes needed to digest simple carbohydrates. Their primary source of energy is animal protein.
The excessive consumption of carbohydrates could lead to excess weight, and may be associated with obesity problems. A little bit of fiber is beneficial if your cat is suffering from digestive problems, but ensure that carbs do not exceed 3percent of their food intake.
Do Maine Coons be fed dry food or wet?
Although dry cat food may be easier in storage. However, most kibbles contain less than 10% moisture and are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates and filler ingredients that can be harmful for cats over the long term. Regular consumption of quality wet food can keep your cat well-nourished and hydrated as the majority of wet foods contain more than 70% moisture, and high levels of animal protein and bio-available nutrients.
You can give to your Maine Coon to cat kibbles periodically to keep them entertained, but make sure that their diet is built in wet meals.
Cats can be picky eaters so the food you serve them must be tasty and nutritious.
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