Maine Coon Cat Behavior, Facts and Health Care Problem

The Maine Coon originated in Maine in the eighteen hundreds and is descended from the healthy and sturdy gene pool of farm cats. Being one of the most popular breeds of cat, the Maine Coon has a loving personality and a unique look that makes him a perfect candidate as a beloved family pet. Based on the principal that all cats behave in the same way, you’re sure to be surprised when your Maine Coon decides to take a refreshing dip in the family’s available wading pool.

Appearance
The Maine Coon hosts a wonderful display of physical characteristics. His incredible girth and size has earned him the reputation of being a gentle giant. Surprisingly, these cats can weigh anywhere from nine to an amazing twenty-two pounds. In addition to their massive size, the Maine Coon also has a muscular body, thick neck, large ears and a square face that features large round eyes. The tail is another impressive element of this breed as it is quite large and bushy.

The Maine Coon’s most distinctive physical trait of a thick, bushy coat was most likely developed to fend off the chill of the brisk and unforgiving chill of the famous Maine winter seasons. Upon its origination, the Maine Coon was only recognized in the brown tabby color. This distinct coloring along with its enormous bushy tail, often made this breed a mirror image to the raccoon, which is essentially believed to be how it earned its name.

However, over the years, this breed has developed a wide array of colors recognized today, including black, blue, cream, red, tortoiseshell, blue tortoiseshell, white, smoke, silver tabby, brown tabby, red tabby, blue tabby, cream tabby, and bi-colors. The Maine Coon is known for having either green or gold colored eyes, however, if the cat is white, then the eyes are always blue or a mismatch of colors.

Behavior and Characteristics
A Maine Coon’s personality is quite remarkable. Known for being a family loving cat, this breed of cat is happy to interact with anyone and any animal that comes along except for one; Mice. It is not surprising with its muscular body that the Maine Coon has earned a respected reputation as a skilled and mighty hunter. If the Maine Coon is the only animal in a quiet, docile homestead, he will most assuredly, be just as happy.

In addition to this cat’s already unique personality and physical traits, this breed offers another endearing quality. Anyone looking for a quiet cat breed should consider something else. While the Maine Coon is not boisterous in his vocalization, he does like to talk. However, his distinct, chirp like mewling is not overbearing or annoying. Many people enjoy a nice conversation with a friendly Maine Coon.

Health Problems and Grooming
As with any other longhaired cat breed, the Maine Coon does require an extensive grooming regiment. Twice a week is typically recommended, however, if you start to notice that even after keeping to this grooming regiment that your Maine Coon starts to develop gnarls and tangles, an extra couple of days grooming may be necessary to keep his coat soft and healthy.

In addition to the longhair grooming regiment, cats will also groom themselves, and in this case, the Maine Coon is noted for an occasional occurrence of hairballs. In order to alleviate this problem, keep to the grooming schedule as well as consult your veterinarian on the perfect brand of cat food specially formulated to prevent hairballs.

A strong, healthy breed of cat, the Maine Coon is a perfect match for anyone looking for a cat with a distinct look and an entertaining and loving personality.

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