A pet parent must provide extra care for their large cat breed, the Maine Coon. This post offers great care advice for your Maine Coon cat, from grooming to feeding them a premium diet.
Since the early 1800s, the tabby breed of cat known as the Maine Coon has existed. Maine Coons are active, adventurous, and possess similar features to other cat species, yet they are also incredibly loving and affectionate. They need special care and attention to live peacefully indoors or outdoors because of their big size and lengthy fur. Professional cat groomers have provided some pointers on how to properly care for your Maine Coon.
Let a Maine Coon Have His Cathood
It might surprise you to hear that Maine Coons are extremely self-sufficient felines. They enjoy socializing, are playful, and are intelligent. They don’t require a lot of your attention and aren’t timid or hostile. The misconception that Maine Coons require a lot of upkeep because of their size is easily created, however, this is untrue. It’s well known that the Maine Coon cat breed is among the easiest to raise.
Because they adore the water, Maine Coons can easily maintain their cleanliness even if they become muddy while exploring your lawn or playing outside. Additionally, since they won’t leave any unpleasant oils on their fur (as some breeds may), cleaning up after them may be simpler for you. The majority of Maine Coon owners only require assistance with litter box cleaning once every two weeks because of their independence. Therefore, don’t stress too much about having them around all the time; instead, just let them be themselves, provide them with lots of interactive cat toys, and show them lots of affection when needed.
Ensure that Your Kitties Get Along
It is crucial to keep in mind that cats are naturally territorial animals and may become hostile when their surroundings shift. You have to make sure your cats get along if you own more than one. Before bringing a new cat into an already-existing home, keep them apart for a few weeks. Additionally, you should never try to make two cats become friends if they don’t want to; if they feel threatened, your cat will probably become even more protective.
Prepare your cats’ response in advance if you’re welcoming a new child or infant into the family. Keeping the infant away from the cat while she adjusts to her environment and her furry neighbors is one way to go about things. Additionally, babies and youngsters younger than three years old may entirely ignore one another in addition to not interacting at all with Maine Coons.
Get Your Maine Coon Brushed Previously
Although the Maine Coon breed enjoys being brushed, it can be easier for both you and your cat if your cat is accustomed to the routine from an early age. Using a gentle brush such as one made of horsehair or dog hair, begin by stroking your cat’s fur in the direction that it grows. When grooming your cat, it’s also critical to make sure they’re at ease and relaxed. Try playing with them with some toys if they don’t seem to appreciate it at first, rather than trying again later.
Try using freeze-dried worms or Temptations cat treats in place of brushing if brushing isn’t working for you both. After adjusting to these new (hopefully moderate) goodies, they return and attempt brushing once more.
Coons from Maine Love to Be Touched and Groomed
Being a breed that values affection, Maine Coons take pleasure in being groomed. They enjoy having their fur brushed, and they will gladly tolerate hours of this behavior as long as you can keep them from dozing off. Additionally, they will love playing and touching them, particularly if it is done with affection. This is due to the sociable nature of Maine Coons, who like receiving attention from both people and other animals.
It should be mentioned that despite their enjoyment of grooming, Maine Coons might occasionally take longer than anticipated due to the size of their coat, which can grow up to 16 inches.
Give Your Cat a Healthier Diet
Feeding your Maine Coon a high-quality diet should be your first step in providing him with care. Avoid giving your cat cheap cat food that contains artificial flavors or fillers since they require a balanced, high-protein diet to maintain a healthy weight and coat. It is generally recommended that your cat’s diet consist primarily of grains, vegetables, and fruits, with at least one-third coming from meat protein sources (such as turkey, chicken, or fish).
Give Sweets in Moderation
Although treats are necessary for your cat, just sometimes provide them. It is never appropriate to give treats to overweight cats or to use them as a meal replacement. Give your Maine Coon treats only when they have earned them if you want to use them as a special treat or a reward for good behavior. Done correctly, this will make your cat even more devoted to you.
When giving your cat a treat, make sure it’s tiny enough for them to consume without difficulty. You want them to look forward to eating their treat so that they don’t feel pressured to finish it right away.
Ensure Water Accessibility at All Times
It’s important to make sure your cat always has access to water. In addition to keeping them hydrated, it can be used to gauge your pet’s health. A cat that drinks less water than normal may be suffering from one of several illnesses or urinary tract issues.
It may indicate that your Maine Coon has a urinary tract infection (UTI) if you observe that they are not drinking more than usual. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the bladder and urethra in cats. It may result in painful urination as well as frequent urine in certain instances. Antibiotics given by veterinarians can be used to treat the majority of UTIs. If the problem is not addressed for an extended period, it may result in renal damage. This disorder can be lethal if untreated over an extended period.
Give Your Cat a Place to Play
Giving your Maine Coon lots of room to play and exercise is crucial to their happiness and well-being. Because cats enjoy scaling trees, you should make sure your cat has access to one. One can be made or purchased by using screws or brackets to fasten various platforms to the wall or ceiling. If you’d rather not construct your own, there are plenty of cat trees accessible on the internet.
Another fantastic tool for cats to sharpen their claws, unwind after a nap or game, and flaunt their independence from people is a scratching post. A good scratching post should be at the right height for your Maine Coon’s rear legs—not too high, so that when they climb up and down it to scratch themselves, it becomes unstable for them.
Indications of Heatstroke and Dehydration in Cats
Your cat has a few more cooling systems even though it cannot sweat. Your Maine Coon should probably drink some water and cool down if you notice them panting. Maine Coon has several health problems.
Dehydration and heatstroke can affect certain cats, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and know how to handle them when they do. Seizures, brain enlargement (encephalitis), renal failure (renal failure), shock, and even death are all possible outcomes of heatstroke. In both people and animals, dehydration can result in seizures and reductions in blood pressure.
General Health of Maine Coon Cat
Weight Control
Obesity is a serious condition that causes a startlingly high number of illnesses and fatalities in cats. Even though this discovery has gained increasing recognition and understanding in recent years, far too many pet owners continue to disregard the risks associated with obesity in their animals. One of the biggest contributing causes of the onset of diabetes, arthritis, and other serious illnesses is being overweight.
Excess weight can shorten a pet’s life by up to two years and accelerate the onset of arthritis by two years, according to research. Overweight dogs are far more likely to acquire diabetes, a genetic disease that may never affect a healthy-weight cat. A cat’s likelihood of developing diabetes increases with its level of obesity. When an overweight cat stops eating for any reason, hepatic lipidosis, often known as fatty liver, can develop in as little as 48 hours and is another potentially fatal illness in overweight pets.
Dental Conditions of Maine Coon Cat
When pets don’t have their teeth washed regularly, dental disease is one of the most prevalent chronic issues. Regretfully, the majority of cats—likely your Maine Cat included—don’t take proper care of their teeth. Your cat may experience potentially dangerous dental issues if you don’t provide them with further assistance and care. Food particles are the first sign of dental disease. They solidify into tartar, which forms on the tooth’s visible surface and ultimately causes gum and tooth root infections. Removing food residue from your cat’s teeth regularly will help shield them against dental disease and postpone the need for more intensive treatment. Proactive care is advantageous for both you and your cat, as this treatment may cause stress to them. In extreme situations involving a persistent dental infection, your pet can experience tooth loss or internal organ damage.
Infections Preventable by Vaccination
Like all cats, Maine Coons can contract rabies, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and other bacterial and viral diseases that can be avoided by vaccination. Since there is a significant chance that your cat will get certain illnesses, the accompanying vaccinations are known as “core” vaccinations and are strongly advised for all cats. Furthermore, vaccinations against additional serious illnesses as the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are accessible. We will take your cat’s age, lifestyle-specific risk factors, and the frequency of these diseases in the Cat Care Centre of Baton Rouge area into account when recommending vaccinations.
How to Take Care of Your Maine Coon?
Much of what you can do on your own to keep your cat happy and healthy at home is common sense, just like it is for people: pay attention to her diet, make sure she gets enough exercise, brush her teeth and coat frequently, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems out of the ordinary (see “What to Watch For” below). Don’t forget to follow the recommended vaccination and examination schedule for your pet.
We will do the required “check-ups” on your cat throughout her examinations, including testing for illnesses and ailments that are typical of Maine cats. Enrolling your pet in pet health insurance is a crucial step in providing for her needs. Throughout her life, she will undoubtedly require medical exams and operations, and pet health insurance will assist you in paying for those.
Exercise, Diet, and Typical Care
Incorporate routine pet care into your schedule to help your Coon Cat live a longer, healthier, and happier life. The significance of your pet following a healthy diet and exercise regimen cannot be overstated.
As with a small child, keep an eye on your pet. As needed, close doors, clean up after yourself and divide rooms. This will assist in keeping her out of trouble, off unsuitable jumping surfaces, and away from things she shouldn’t eat.
- She needs to brush her long hair every day.
- Maine Coons typically have healthy teeth, but you can maintain that by cleaning them twice a week at the very least!
- Every week, check her ears for wax buildup, debris, or infection symptoms. Clean them if needed. Fear not—we’ll demonstrate!
- She needs regular playtime that satisfies her innate need to hunt and explore. Keep her body and mind busy to prevent behavioral problems.
- Cats require a clean litter box because they are very clean animals. Make sure every cat has a box of their own and that excrement is regularly scooped.
- Your cat must consume enough water. If she refuses to drink from her dish, try adding a fountain or ice cubes.
- Give her a premium cat food that is suitable for her age.
- Give your cat frequent exercise by giving her toys with lots of movement.
Conclusion
Caring for your Maine Coon cat involves a commitment to their overall well-being and happiness. These majestic cats, known for their large size and friendly temperament, thrive with regular grooming, proper nutrition, and routine veterinary care. By dedicating time to brushing their long, luxurious fur, you can prevent matting and reduce shedding. Providing a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs will help maintain their health and vitality. Additionally, routine vet check-ups are crucial for early detection of health issues and ensuring your Maine Coon receives necessary vaccinations. Engaging your Maine Coon in interactive play will not only stimulate their mind but also help keep them physically active. By following these easy steps, you can ensure that your Maine Coon enjoys a long, healthy, and fulfilling life as a beloved member of your family.
FAQs
Groom your Maine Coon at least once a week to prevent matting and keep their coat shiny.
Feed your Maine Coon high-quality cat food with balanced nutrients, tailored to their age and activity level.
Yes, regular vet visits are essential for monitoring health, vaccinations, and early detection of any issues.
Provide toys, scratching posts, and interactive playtime to keep your Maine Coon engaged and physically active.
