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Maine Coon cat comparison. Features of caring for a Maine Coon cat. Difficulties and possible illnesses

These largest pets always attract attention. Maine Coon cats at first glance amaze with a combination of restrained power and external nobility. This incredibly attractive majestic cat has a powerful body with a long fluffy wool, with tassels on the ears, like a lynx, with a long and beautifully pubescent tail. The breed is not the result of artificial selection, people have nothing to do with its appearance: Maine Coons remain the same as nature itself once created them.

These largest pets always attract attention.

The Maine Coon cat breed is large, long-haired animals, their average weight is 4-8 kg in females and 8-12 kg in males, body length can be more than 1 m. Distinctive features of this large breed are ears with peculiar tassels and a beautiful long fluffy, often striped, like a raccoon's tail.

Maine Coon cat lives on average 12-15 years, cat - 15-18. There are also centenarians living for more than 20 years.

The breed standard characterizes the Maine Coon cat body as elongated, close to a rectangle, rib cage wide, neck middle length. The characteristic parameters of the breed listed by the standard:

  • strong paws of medium length;
  • massive large head;
  • upright pointed ears;
  • long hair with a thick undercoat, short on the head and shoulders;
  • allowed colors: black, white, red, tortie, cream, blue and blue-cream.

Maine Coon: the origin of the breed

The similarity with the lynx and the raccoon gave rise to many different versions about the origin of the Maine Coon breed, including genetically impossible ones: supposedly there was a crossing of semi-wild cats - the ancestors of modern Maine Coons with a lynx or a raccoon. This widespread misconception about the origin of the breed has remained in its name. V North America, the birthplace of this breed, large pets were called the Manx raccoon cats. Maine - the name of the state of Maine (Maine), considered the birthplace of the breed, coon - a particle from the English name of the raccoon - raccoon.

The breed standard characterizes the Maine Coon cat's body as elongated, close to a rectangle, the chest is wide, the neck is of medium length

First big domestic cat in New England farms helped owners to protect harvested crop from pests, catching various rodents. The owners of these unusual animals began organizing exhibitions of their pets in the mid-1850s. Representatives of the breed began to settle from farms in the houses of large cities in America, competing in popularity with the Angora and Persian cat breeds.

By the beginning of the last century, the excitement around exotic breed began to decline. Purposeful selection and breeding of Maine Coons started only in the mid-1950s. In 1953, the Central Breeders' Club was opened, later the Maine Coon Breeders Association appeared. Official kennels of the breed began to open in virtually all countries of the world. Since then, the Maine Coon breed has attracted great and unrelenting interest.

Maine Coon cats: breed features (video)

Gallery: Maine Coon cat (25 photos)









Maine Coon character and behavior

Cats that seem outwardly ponderous are actually very mobile, energetic and active. For a normal existence, they need room for games, active image cat life.

This is not a couch cat. She, obeying natural hunting instincts, with pleasure will tirelessly track and catch a toy mouse or ball. Playing with the Maine Coon is always exciting, it brings pleasure to both the cat and the owner.

Maine Coons have a docile nature, get along well with the owner's family, other pets. Aggressiveness is not inherent in this breed, but cats identify strangers unmistakably and maintain a distance of distrust in their relation.

Cats that look heavy on the outside are actually very agile, energetic and active.

Maine Coons are different developed intelligence... They memorize not only a person's words and intonation, but also their correspondence to certain situations. From the outside it seems that the cat understands the owner, not just from one word - from one glance. The Maine Coon cat is happy to learn a variety of tricks, especially if the training itself takes place in a playful way.

These cats have a very sensitive hearing: being somewhere in the opposite end of the house or even in the yard, the cat will instantly rush to the owner's call, whether it be a quiet command or a conventional sound.

The sounds that Maine Coons make are never like the shrill screams of cats of other breeds. This is a quiet musical purr, unexpected for such a large animal. Moreover, this purr has a very individual tone, it is almost impossible to find 2 Maine Coons purring with the same voices. They publish not only the characteristic cat purr- may sound something similar to a bird chirp, squeak or trill.

Usually Maine Coon chooses a secluded place in which he will not be disturbed. At the same time, they always remain somewhere near the owner. If the owner is busy with some kind of work, the Maine Coon sits next to the person, for hours closely following what the owner is doing. Maine Coons are capable of falling asleep in the very unexpected place, in the apparent uncomfortable posture, but in fact both the place itself and the sleeping position are very comfortable for the cat.

Maine Coon: maintenance and care

When it is planned that the little Maine Coon cat will soon settle in the house, by this moment his future place of residence should be equipped for him and prepared:

  1. A lounger with dimensions of at least 90x60x20 cm (factory-made or self-built).
  2. A spacious litter box (for a kitten, the cat litter box should not have very high sides).
  3. It is advisable to choose the litter for the toilet that was in the nursery for easier adaptation of the animal.
  4. The scratching post is large, corresponding to the size of the breed.
  5. Toys for a kitten must be safe, soft (mice, balls), without small parts (buttons, feathers) that can be torn off and swallowed during play.
  6. Bowls (ceramic, glass or steel) are hygienically safe and large enough.

Maine Coons need regular walking outside. It's good when it happens on the territory suburban area... Cats walk calmly, not trying to get out of the fenced area. In an urban setting, you need to find safe place for a walk and take the pet out on a harness. Leaving the apartment is allowed only when everything is done necessary vaccinations.

Caring for a gorgeous Maine Coon coat is easier than it might seem at first glance. It is necessary to comb out the wool 1-2 times a week, and during the shedding - daily. For bathing Maine Coons use special shampoos for long hair. Unique wool is capable of self-cleaning, for this reason, the bathing procedure is not carried out very often - 4-5 times a year.

The cat's eyes need care: they are wiped with a dampened boiled water swab. Dental care is performed with a special brush and paste, and the ear wax is carefully removed with the help of pharmacy cotton swabs.

Comparison of cats, cats and Maine Coon kittens (video)

What and how to feed Maine Coon

First of all, you need to assimilate information about what categorically cannot be given to a pet:

  • chicken and fish bones;
  • raw pork, fatty meat;
  • spicy, salty, fried, fatty, smoked and any foods with spices, sausages;
  • potatoes and legumes;
  • human vitamins and medicines.

Maine Coon food can be organized with natural or prepared industrial food. The finished food is selected according to the age and weight of the pet. Extra premium feed is preferred for large breeds cats, they contain at least 50% meat in their composition.

Natural food does not imply that this breed of cats eats from the human table - it is unacceptable and dangerous for the pet's health. Healthy eating cat consists of:

  • a daily portion of meat: chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef (for disinfection, the meat is pre-boiled or frozen for 5-7 days);
  • vegetables: zucchini, carrots, broccoli, beets, pumpkin;
  • greens: parsley, lettuce, dill;
  • bran;
  • fish (frozen sea ​​fish give no more than 2 times a week raw or boiled).

Sour milk products of medium fat content: kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese and cereals (rice and buckwheat) are alternated instead of vegetables and bran as an addition to meat or fish. Cereals and dairy products are not included in daily diet- it can cause obesity in Maine Coon, they are given 2-3 times a week.

The diet must contain vitamins and minerals, which ones and in what proportions are prescribed by the veterinarian. And drinking water should be boiled or filtered, change it 1-2 times a day.

To feed kittens, use one type of food, for adult cats - another. The kitten needs more in the first 9-12 months nutrients for rapid growth... After reaching one year old they are transferred to adult cat food. For feeding pregnant and lactating cats, kitten food is used.

Health, disease and vaccinations

Is different good health, but they often have a hereditary predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dysplasia hip joints and spinal muscular atrophy.

The cat is not in the mood, it can react to weather changes. But it must be shown to the doctor if it is observed:

Vaccination of Maine Coon cats is similar to the vaccination schedule for dogs. The first vaccination is given at 2 months, the second at 3, the third at 1 year, then annually. Antihelminthic drugs are given 10 days before vaccination. In some cases, you need to provide confirmation (a note about it is entered in a special column of the veterinary passport): transportation of the animal, mating, participation in an exhibition, accommodation in a hotel for pets.

Interesting facts about Maine Coon cats

  • A newborn Maine Coon cat weighs 120-170 g, kittens of other breeds - 70-120 g.
  • Previously, there were up to 12 kittens in litters, now usually no more than 5-7.
  • Maine Coon is a unique animal, adapted by nature itself to live in severe frosts. This is confirmed and appearance: specially designed paws for walking on snow, thick fluffy tail, in which the cat can wrap himself, as if in a scarf, dense water-repellent wool that reliably protects from the cold.
  • Maine Coon loves water. Other cats stay away from water bodies, and the Maine Coon cat is able to voluntarily arrange a bath for itself.

Attention, only TODAY!

Highlights of how to distinguish a Maine Coon from a Siberian cat. Both breeds belong to the so-called forest type. This image was formed due to the semi-long coat with an undercoat, color options, tassels on the ears, as well as the considerable size of cats. There are plenty of differences in appearance between them.

Read in the article:

As the name suggests, the Siberian breed emerged in a harsh climate. Her ancestors were brought to Siberia from the European part of the continent. The conditions of the region caused a change in the genotype of cats. They became larger, more powerful, overgrown with thick hair, learned to survive in the cold.

The situation is similar with coons. Although it is not known for certain how they appeared in America, the climate and living conditions are very similar. The standard one has the same length of wool, tassels on the ears, and in size is much larger than other domesticated relatives. The rich edge of the tail, its size, the mane adorning the hair on the paws are additional similarities.

If the Maine Coon is already a fully formed breed, then cats from Europe long time were very diverse. This is due to the fact that cat breeders for a long time could not come to consensus about the characteristics of the livestock. Besides, the breed is young.

Body structure with dimensions

In Maine Coon standards, the body is described as follows:

  • rectangular format;
  • elongated shape;
  • high legs;
  • wide chest;
  • neck of medium length;
  • the limbs are muscular;
  • size from large to very large.

In a Siberian cat:

  • legs of medium length;
  • medium to large size;
  • the neck is short;
  • deep chest;
  • the format is triangular, but the body is shorter;
  • wide croup, back.

In addition, massive individuals, especially males, are often found among them. The main difference is in size, but the Siberians have shorter legs, and the ribcage is deeper and slightly wider. Because of this, an adult Maine Coon will appear much taller. Their tail tapers towards the end, but in another breed it is rounded. In coons, it should reach the shoulder blades, and in Siberians, up to the shoulder. Many experts talk about a slightly convex back of Siberians, although this is not visible under the coat and in movement.

The general impression is different. One-year-old Maine Coon cat of an extended format, with high and strong legs... Cats look sleeker than cats. Siberians are dense, muscular with a wide body. The average weight of coons is 9-11 kg, and their opponents in comparison rarely exceed 8 kg. Cats weigh even less, there are specimens up to 4 kg that fit the standard.

Head and muzzle

These body parts deserve special attention... The look, the slits of the eyes are business cards rocks. Every Maine Coon has a friendly and sometimes predatory look.

Other characteristics of Americans:

  • long muzzle;
  • pointed wedge shape;
  • slightly convex forehead;
  • protruding cheekbones with a high rise;
  • eye-catching pads with vibrissae;
  • there is a transition;
  • strong chin.

If you outline the profile of the coons with conventional lines, then you can see the angles at the transition from the nose to the forehead, near the chin and mouth. Siberians have smooth, rounded outlines.

The eyes in the Maine Coon breed are oval, slightly slanted, the degree of expression depends on the intra-breed type, breeding lines. The look is usually friendly, but sometimes the animal looks proudly. Eyes siberian cat round, set wide at a barely noticeable angle.

The ears of Maine cats are large and almost vertical. In the second case, the shape is rounded, the size is smaller, and the shells are inclined forward. Tipped brushes are preferred in both breeds. The distance between the ears of Siberians is greater than that of Maine raccoon cats.

Wool and color

American cats have a fairly dense undercoat, medium length awn with a silky texture. There is no cover hair resembling a cloak on the lower part of the body. Have Siberian breed the wool is elastic to the touch, the down is denser, the cloak is thick, long. The rest of the parameters converge.

Acceptable colors are the same, with the exception of the color-point of the Neva Masquerade, which in fact are Siberian cats... Such a coincidence in the standards is natural. Preferred colors for these cats are tabby patterns common to wildlife... After all, coons and Siberians developed independently, learned to hunt in forests, snow-covered fields and remain unnoticed for prey, large predators.

Prohibited colors:

  • chocolate;
  • lilac;
  • faun;
  • cinnamon;
  • acromelanic (changing due to ambient temperature).

The latter includes color-point. This color is accompanied by blue eyes and the characteristic darkening on the face and other parts of the body in cats.

In terms of grooming, both types of wool are undemanding, but the Maine Coon needs regular combing. Shedding in Siberians is pronounced; during this period, the animal sheds most of its wool, which is noticeable by the sparse undercoat. Before the cold weather, they overgrow.

The nature, temperament and features of the content

Both giants and average cats are friendly. Many note the similarity in character and temperament. Cats from overseas have innate devotion to their owner, just like their distant relatives from the forest group. TO common features you can add poise, playfulness and developed intelligence.

Siberian breeders claim that their pets can be suitable for people suffering from animal allergies. In this case, the modern Maine Coon is equated with other brethren from the feline family. By the way, sexually mature cats are more likely to cause allergic reactions than females. Cats from Siberia and American forests grow up slowly, they get admissions late due to large sizes... But the former enter the age of puberty earlier and are able to bear offspring as early as six months.

These amazing creatures cause genuine awe when they purr. It is more like singing, whose harmonious sound sinks deep into the hearts. We are talking about the largest representative of domestic cat breeds - Maine Coon.

Maine Coon description and features

This animal is considered a national treasure of North America, it is there that their homeland. Maine Coon cat breed characterized by enough unusual shape head and body, as well as an outstanding coat.

Their head is slightly longer than the rest, medium-length ears with tassels seem to stand on it, thanks to this feature, you will never confuse Maine Coon with other cats.

Their unusually wide eyes are also noticeable, they seem to squint a little, but their expressive look cannot be compared with anything. The color is different, with the exception of the pronounced Siamese. The body is long, the neck is powerful, the tail is proportional to the structure of the body.

Maine Coon in the photo sometimes causes inimitable delight. The cat has a soft docile nature, although its appearance can frighten an unknowing person, because its dimensions sometimes go beyond the possible. They love to play with their master, they are sociable enough, so you can safely invite guests, your pet will quickly make friends with them.

Maine Coon just loves to run and have fun, taking down everything that comes across on its way, therefore it is believed that these cats are better for people who have private house and enough space for games.

By the way, if mice venture into the house, they won't have to live long, these cats do an excellent job of catching rodents. Maine Coon breed it is also characterized as neat and tidy, they will never get into the dirt and will not mess around in the house.

In addition to spiritual kindness, Maine Coons have incredible pride, they will never tolerate rudeness and violence, anyone who tries to humiliate or offend them will receive what they deserve. Training also will not cause any inconvenience, these cats have phenomenal memory and quickly memorize commands, this is how he is, Maine Coon.

Maine Coon breed price

These are very expensive breeds. Average maine coon cattery will offer you kittens at a price of 25,000 rubles and above, the maximum level can reach almost 150-200 thousand rubles.

Maine Coon kitten

Such price spacing depends on the pedigree of the cat, its litter, documents, results medical examination and the breeder himself. However, do not think that they are trying to cash in on your wallet.

Just imagine, nurseries buy them in America, and for this you need to make an expensive flight, hire an interpreter, pay for accommodation and a permit to transport the animal.

Maine Coon, price which at first may seem high, in fact deserves such a cost. Be aware that in the bird markets you will never buy a purebred representative of this breed, no matter what you are told, it will always be a mixed representative.

Maine Coon at home

Since birth Maine Coon kittens require a special soft spot, it can be soft house, which now abound in stores, or a fluffy blanket. Be sure to arrange a place for him to sharpen his claws. If you do not, then your upholstered furniture will have to suffer.

Maine Coon cat it will be best to go to the tray that you put in the bathroom, remember, these are smart animals and they perfectly understand why their owner walks into this room, and therefore he will follow the example.

Buy a few for your pet soft toys, it is best without hard small parts, as they like to pull them in their teeth like dogs and can accidentally bite off buttons or buttons.

In addition, you need to take care of the safety in the apartment, Maine Coon cat curious as a child, so she can easily fall out the window, lick the medicine and taste washing powder.

Maine Coon breed care

The coat of this breed is quite thick, it requires careful combing during molting. To do this, buy a special brush with wide teeth, which your Maine Coon will be very happy with. The forum of his fans can tell about many subtleties and nuances of combing, so be sure to check it out.

As for nutrition, this is how the rule of healthy natural products, with a full complement of minerals and vitamins. No food on the table and cheap - meat, cottage cheese, sour cream and vegetable food. The Maine Coon breed is expensive both in value and in content, so when buying, think about the future.

Maine Coon red color

V regular care also includes clipping the nails as they grow, cleaning the ears and bathing with special shampoos. Maine Coon, which is difficult for most Russians to buy, justifies all the money spent. This is an extraordinary creature, which can easily be called a miracle of nature.


The largest cat breed in the world today is. Cats were bred in North America, due to the peculiarities of the climate, the animal acquired powerful muscles, a huge tail and impressive size. A big cat looks like a giant, but how much can it actually weigh? So, Maine Coon weight and height.

How much does an adult cat weigh

By the age of 15 months, the Maine Coon's growth ends, up to three years old domestic cats are gaining muscle mass. The weight of an adult Maine Coon male is 9-10 kg, a Meikun girl weighs 7-8 kg. it average weight mei kuna. Males are most often larger than females, but some cats may weigh more than one-year-old males. Maine Coon weight may change after castration, as they have no hesitation hormonal background... And the castrates may have excess weight therefore it is important to provide pets with maximum motor activity and choose the right food.

It is interesting! Information is often found that the height and weight of Maine Coons can reach 20-25 kg. This myth is very persistent, but it is not true. If someone claims that his cat weighs more than 12 kg, then the animal has problems with overweight, and hence health.

The biggest size

Some of the largest coons in the world have been recorded. The largest Maine Coon that was seen at the shows was 15 kg in weight. But the organizers of the exhibitions canceled the nomination "the most fat cat". Occasionally, the owners overfeed their pets, which led to a shortening of the life of the cats.

It is interesting! The most big cat in length hit the Guinness Book. The size of the Maine Coon from Nevada was 132.2 cm long.Today this record has not yet been broken, so for now this is the most big cat in the world. The length is also fixed at 122 cm.

How much do kittens weigh

How much do Maine Coons weigh after birth? Kittens of this breed have more weight after birth than other breeds. So, kittens of the Persian species have an average weight of about 85-120 grams. The birth weight of a Coon is from 120 grams to 140. Breeders take into account that the weight of Maine Coon kittens depends on the size of the litter. Large kittens will be in a litter of 1-2 coons. And if there are 4-5 kittens in a litter, then the average weight of a Maine Coon baby will be 125 grams.

From birth to three years of age

  • First week. Girl - 240-260 grams. Boy - 240-280 grams.
  • Second week. Maine Coon cat weighs 340-400 grams. Maine Coon cat - 350 - 420 grams.
  • Fourth week. A boy weighs about 640-820 grams and a girl about 550-740 grams.
  • Eight weeks. A cat - 1.150 kg to 1.450, and a cat - 1.230 - 1550 kg.
  • Three months. Male weight - from 1.800 to 2.300 kg, female - from 1.700 to 2.300 kg.
  • Four months. A cat weighs from 2.700 to 3.600 kg, and a cat weighs from 3 to 3.800 kg.
  • Five months. The male has weights from 3.200 to 5.500 kg, and the female - from 2.900 to 4.300 kg.
  • Six months. A cat is in the range from 3.200 to 4.500 kg, and cats - from 3.900 to 6 kg.
  • Seven months. Girl - from 3.550 to 4.900 kg, boy - from 4.200 to 6.500 kg.
  • Eight months. A cat has weights from 3.800 to 5.200 kg, a cat - from 4.500 to 6.900 kg.
  • Nine month. Male - from 5 to 7 kilograms, female - from 4 to 5.500 kilograms.
  • Ten months. The cat reaches weights from 4,200 to 5,800 kg, and the seal - from 5,300 to 7,700 kg.
  • Eleven months. The girl weighs approximately 4,300 - 6,100 kg, and the boy 5,700 - 8 kg.
  • One year. The female is from 4.500 to 6.800 kg, and the male is from 5.700 to 9 kg.
  • Two years. A cat weighs approximately 4,600 - 7,200 kg, and a meikoon cat can weigh up to 10 kg.
  • Three years. The weight of a cat reaches values ​​from 9 to 12 kg, and of a cat - from 4.5 to 8 kg.

What affects growth and development

In order to grow and achieve maximum performance, Maine Coons must be kept in a certain favorable environment... A number of factors can influence the development of a kitten, the largest domestic cat depends on the following circumstances:

  1. Genetic features. If the kitten's mother is in good shape, she is large and has a strong the physical state, then the growth rate of kittens will be much higher.
  2. Floor. The difference in height and weight depends on gender, the male grows faster than the female, therefore the cat is heavier than Maine Coon cats.
  3. Usage hormonal drugs negatively affects weight gain and height.
  4. The hygienic conditions in which the kittens are.
  5. Impact of stress. If the animal is regularly stressed, then the influence of stress hormones negatively affects the endocrine system. Such exposure adversely affects growth. Kittens should have a full range of activities and should be protected from temperature extremes and noise.
  6. The mother cat's diet should be balanced. Compliance with this condition will allow you to grow healthy kittens with a good set masses.

Breed data of parents is the main factor determining the size of kittens

Summarizing

So, the largest cat can reach a weight of 12-13 kg. But the optimal weight of an adult animal will be 10 kg. Most coons have such a weight parameter. The majestic Maine Coon has an impressive look that is characteristic of the entire breed.

If the weight indicators of a young cat exceed 10 kg, then you need to think about his health, since this is the weight of an adult animal.

The largest coon will not be an achievement, all over the world veterinarians do not recommend overfeeding animals. Excess fat is the cause of heart and joint problems. It is not for nothing that they say that "many animals die from fat." If the coon has unhealthy jumps in body weight, then you need to contact a professional. Healthy cats are not obese.

It is interesting! There is a film with huge cats called "Red Forest". Among the many characters, there is a giant Maine Coon with a very bright color. The film is set in Australia, and the cat is constantly competing with the dog.