Maine Coon Cats Size, Care and More | The American Coon Cat, more commonly known as the Maine Coon cat, is a large domestic cat breed. They are famous for their long fur that covers their entire body and gives them a cuddly appearance.
These cats have been around since the late 1800s and are one of the few breeds developed in New England. It was first recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1970s. In this article, we will explore the unique qualities of this cat breed, including its size and weight, grooming needs, and essential care tips.
Maine Coon Cat
The Maine Coon cat is a breed native to New England. It was first developed from longhaired domestic cats found in the barns of Maine shipbuilders. It is a large breed of domestic cat famous for its long fur.
There are many theories about the origin of the name “coon,” with the most accepted one being that it’s a shortened version of the word “raccoon.” This is because they have the same colors and markings, with a thick and long coat on their back and tail.
Maine Coons are popular because of their wonderful personality and their ideal size which makes them suitable for families with children. They are a great choice for families with allergies because they have a very short and low-maintenance coat.
How Big is a Full-Grown Maine Coon?
The size of an average Maine coon comes in at 10–16 inches tall and up to an impressive 40 inches in length.
Mass:5.9 – 8.2 kg (Male, Adult), 3.6 – 5.4 kg (Female, Adult)
Length:48 – 100 cm (Adult, Nose to tail)
Maine Coons are bigger than typical cats, reaching a length of 40 inches and weighing up to 25 pounds. They stand 16 inches tall. Regular cats typically weigh around 10 pounds, stand 10 inches tall, and measure around 30 inches in total length, including their tail.
Maine Coons are known for being a large and robust cat breed. They are generally known for having a long body, long legs, and a long tail. Other things to keep in mind when it comes to size are that the males are generally larger than the females, and Maine Coons may mature at different rates.
This means that some kittens could be almost full-grown while others would be only halfway there. It is important to know how big a full-grown Maine Coon cat is so you know what type of furniture and house you should prepare for the new addition to your family.
Temperament of Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon cats are known to be intelligent, affectionate, and very friendly. They love to be with their family and are quite sociable. They also tend to have a curious personality and can sometimes get into trouble when exploring the house.
They are known for being a playful cat breed, but they do require a lot of attention. If you are not home or able to spend much time with them, this is not the cat for you.
They also tend to live longer than other cat breeds which is great if you want a companion for your children as they grow up.
Maine Coon Cat Lifespan
The life expectancy for a Maine Coon can be up to 20 years or more if well cared for and healthy. Some could live as long as 22 years old, but this is not a common occurrence. Most people find that their cat lives anywhere between 15-20 years old, which is still quite long when you think about it!
Grooming Needs of the Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coons have a very long coat without any undercoat and are therefore very high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. This means that you will have to spend time on weekly brushing and combing to prevent knots and mats from developing in the coat.
The following are the grooming requirements for the Main coon cat:
1. Brushing:
Brushing the coat is essential for removing dirt and keeping the coat shiny and healthy. Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week.
2. Trimming:
You will also need to trim their nails regularly, as long nails can be uncomfortable for them.
3. Bathing:
This breed tends to have a strong odor, so it’s important that they get bathed on a regular basis. A couple of times a year should be sufficient, but if you notice that they have an odor more often than that, then you may want to bathe them more often as well.
4. Nail clipping:
You should trim the nails every week or two depending on how fast they grow.
5. Ear cleaning:
The ears of the Maine Coon Cat can be prone to infection if they are not cleaned regularly
6. Ears:
The ears need to be cleaned at least twice a month
7. Eyes cleaning:
The eyes need to be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth
8. Teeth brushing:
Brushing your cat’s teeth is important because it helps prevent plaque buildup that can lead to periodontal disease
Essential Care for the Maine Coon Cat
Veterinary care
As is the case with any other breed of cat, you should get your Maine Coon vaccinated every year. They are known for having a very strong immune system, but yearly vaccinations are important for keeping them healthy.
Other things that you should keep in mind are intestinal worms, feline infectious peritonitis, and feline immunodeficiency virus.
Healthy Diet
You should talk to your veterinarian about the healthiest diet for your Maine Coon, but you can also keep an eye on their weight. You can recognize obesity by looking at the curves of their body, and you can also feel it by pressing your fingers against their skin. You should also be careful not to feed them too much, especially if you are feeding them an unhealthy diet.
Grooming
As we have seen above, grooming a Maine Coon is a long and tiresome process. You should brush their coat at least once a week, and comb it daily. This is the only way to prevent knots from forming and to remove loose fur from their coat. In addition, you should trim their nails every three to four weeks, and clean their teeth once a week.
Care of the Adult Maine Coon
As your Maine Coon ages, you should keep an eye on a few things. Their diet should be high in proteins and low in fats, and you should be careful of the treats that you feed them.
You should also inspect their teeth regularly for dental issues. You should also keep an eye on their coat as it starts to change with age. It will become thinner and shorter, which means that brushing it will be less effective.
In addition, you should be careful not to cause them any pain while grooming them. As they age, your cat’s hearing and vision start to degenerate. This means that you should be extra careful around them while they’re eating, and you should lower the volume of the TV while they’re in the room.
Health Issues with Maine Coons
There are many health issues that can affect Maine Coons. Some of these include:
Hip Dysplasia
This is a genetic condition where the hip joint fails to develop properly during development in the womb due to poor nutrition or other environmental factors that could cause this condition. The hip joint will become deformed which can cause pain and arthritis in cats as they grow older.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
This is an issue that affects male cats more than females where crystals form in the bladder or urethra causing inflammation, pain, and difficulty urinating or defecating due to blockage of urine flow from the bladder. It is important that you know how big your Maine Coon cat will grow so you know what type of furniture and house you should prepare for them when it comes time for their move to the new home.
Conclusion: Maine Coon Cats Size
The Maine Coon cat is a large breed of domestic cat that is famous for its long fur. They are a great choice for families with allergies because they have a very short and low-maintenance coat. Maine Coons are known for being a large and robust cat breed. They are generally known for having a long body, long legs, and a long tail. Maine Coons have a very long coat without any undercoat and are therefore very high-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
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