About Maine Coons
Maine Coons are one of the largest breeds of domestic cat. Males weigh from 15 to 25 lb (6.8 to 11 kg) with females weighing from 10 to 15 lb (4.5 to 6.8 kg). The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm) and they can reach a length of up to 40 in (100 cm), including the tail, which can reach a length of 14 in (36 cm) and is long, tapering, and heavily furred, almost resembling a raccoon's tail. The body is solid and muscular, which is necessary for supporting their own weight, and the chest is broad. Maine Coons possess a rectangular body shape and are slow to physically mature; their full potential size is normally not reached until they are three to five years old, while other cats take about only one year.
Maine Coons have several physical adaptations for survival in harsh winter climates. Their dense water-resistant fur is longer and shaggier on their underside and rear for extra protection when they are walking or sitting on top of wet surfaces of snow or ice. Their long and bushy raccoon-like tail is resistant to sinking in snow, and can be curled around their face and shoulders for warmth and protection from wind and blowing snow and it can even be curled around their backside like a insulated seat cushion when sitting down on a snow or ice surface. Large paws, and especially the extra-large paws of polydactyl Maine Coons, facilitate walking on snow and are often compared to snowshoes.Polydactylism is rarely, if ever, seen in Maine Coons in the show ring since it is unacceptable by competition standards. Long tufts of fur growing between their toes help keep the toes warm and further aid walking on snow by giving the paws additional structure without significant extra weight. Heavily furred ears with extra long tufts of fur growing from inside help keep their ears warm.
Maine Coons are known as the "gentle giants"and possess above-average intelligence, making them relatively easy to train.They are known for being loyal to their family and cautious—but not mean—around strangers, but are independent and not clingy.The Maine Coon is generally not known for being a "lap cat" but their gentle disposition makes the breed relaxed around dogs, other cats, and children. They are playful throughout their lives, with males tending to be more clownish and females generally possessing more dignity, yet both are equally affectionate.
Food/Feeding your Maine Coon
The Maine Coon should eat dry food (kibble). This food can be given in a bowl, refilling several times a day. Most cats won't eat more kibble than they need, therefore you don't need to remove the bowl after they have eaten. Some people give their Maine Coons also wet food for variation, but this is not really suitable as the main food. It is okay to be given as a reward, but the Maine Coon will love the wet food and therefore not eat the dry kibble, and in some cases (quite a few actually) the wet food causes diarrhea, then it would be advisable not to feed this any longer to your Maine Coon. Also it is wise to feed your Maine Coon a high premium dry kibble as this is better for there coat, health, digestive system, and obviously less waste comes out which means more savings on cat litter to you!
Difference between Female/Male Maine Coon
FEMALE: The female Maine Coon cats usually are good mothers, and therefore more alert then males. They are a bit more reserved and due to their hormones can sometimes be a bit moody. They clean themselves better, thus resulting in less assistance in their fur care.
MALE: The male Maine Coon's are usually more in action and therefore more naughty. Also they are often more relaxed and nicer than females. As a result they are more huggable, also because they're a lot bigger. Because of their size and character they are more tougher looking. The disadvantage is that they clean themselves less and you need to help more with there coat care.
Spay/Neuter:
It is highly advisable that the female gets Spayed before she is 6 months old in order to prevent her going into heat and attracting every Tom in your neighborhood. Not to mention the yowling (mating call) that you will endear if not spayed. Female cats are different then dogs and they will and can go into heat every COUPLE of weeks until they are spayed. It is highly advisable that the males get Neutered before 6 months of age in order to prevent them from spraying all over your home. A unaltered male will become very vocal and can become destructive to find a way out of your home in order to get to the female in heat. Also proven statistics show that whether male/female fixed cats live a much longer and healthier life!
Thank you so much for allowing TTCATS Cattery the opportunity to fulfill your request for a Maine Coon cat. I ALWAYS welcome pictures, updates, and as a friendly reminder I am here for YOU to give you a lifetime of support as well as friendship. Welcome aboard our furry family!