Short-haired and smooth-haired Maine Coons: description and features of care

The appearance of the Maine Coon is largely related to their habitat and initial origin. However, in the modern world, few people think about it; breeders simply breed kittens that are in great demand among fans of large domestic cats and cats. In this article we will take a closer look at the representatives of felines with printed wool from the Maine Coon breed, we will learn their description and some nuances in home maintenance. And also consider whether there are in nature short-haired and sleek-haired Maine Coons.

To date, felinologists know several variants of the origin of the Maine Coon breed. Some believe that the ancestors of today's Maine Coons were ordinary feline or raccoon. Others believe that the main ancestor is a wild reed cat. But so far no one has confirmed these speculations.

The most plausible history of the origin of the Maine Coon is considered to be their birth from a simple cat living in North America. Many experts agree that the kittens inherited special genetic traits from their parents, thereby successfully adapted to their environment.

And also nobody excludes some gene mutations that led to the origin of this breed. Over time, such initial signs as tassels on the ears, large muzzle and eyes, fluffy and thick hair began to be expressed even stronger. Until the pure breed was formed. Special selection for the Maine Coon has not been made, or there are no reliable facts about it that are known to specialists.

Looking at photographs or pictures of purebred Maine Coons, it is worth understanding that smooth-haired individuals simply do not exist in nature. All individuals have a rather long and padded coat. So if the breeders offer a short-haired kitten with smooth hair, then most likely it is not a pure breed. And this is either deliberately silent, or simply do not know.

• Short hair in this breed can be observed only on the head and on the legs. On the rest of the body it is printed and elongated, with a very thick undercoat.
• The standard of the breed Maine Coon - always a lot of weight and abundant wool throughout the body of the animal.
• The head of individuals is usually extended, on wide ears there are characteristic eye-catching tassels. Ears inside have good pubescence.
• All the limbs of females and males are rather muscular. The tail is stuffed, is located on a par with the body. The tail is a special pride of this breed.
• The collar of wool is also very lush. On the sides and on the paws, the fur is slightly shorter than on the belly and tail.
• Maine Coon colors can be very diverse. Black, red, white, gray and others. The most common are solid and tortoise. The latter are found mainly in cats and are considered more rare.
• The weight of the Maine Coon can reach up to 11 kilograms, and the tail length - up to 70 cm.
• Mature cats and cats are considered to be 5 years of their life. Life expectancy is no more than 17 years with proper care, sometimes longer, it all depends on the specific characteristics of the animal.

It is worth noting once again that, having considered the breed standard, every sane person should understand that purebred, short-haired and short-haired Maine Coons do not exist. However, in addition to knowing the standards of the Maine Coon breed, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with its pros and cons.

Let's start with the pros:

• dedication to their owners, good attitude in the house to the kids;
• special unobtrusive behavior;
• high learning ability, especially from early childhood.

Small minuses include the fact that thoroughbred Maine Coons are very important to be balanced to feed, and it is best to use specialized premium food for this. And they come out quite expensive. And also it is worth mentioning that the consumption of filler for such large cats is several times more than with the content of ordinary. Wool should also be constantly looked after, because it is very often confused and confused. Usually a week of care is made at least 3-4 times.

In order for Maine-Coon to live a long life and not be ill, it should be properly looked after. Maine-coons are considered special choices in nutrition, and therefore they will not eat anything. It is difficult to feed them balanced, serving only homemade food. That is why preference is given to ready balanced feed in dry and liquid form. But with dry feeding, you can sometimes add boiled chicken to the diet, and sometimes lean meat, such as rabbit, turkey, or young lamb.

It is undesirable to feed Maine Coons with pork and fat sheep, as well as duck and goose. Fish is also contraindicated, especially to castrated and sterilized individuals, since fish can provoke urolithiasis in an animal. Any chocolates, flour products and food from the table should not be given to animals. If the cat or cat manufacturers, then their diet is best discussed with a veterinarian.

Do not forget about bathing pets, they love to swim very much, but only if they are taught to be still small. Bathe too often not worth enough just 1-2 times a year, but washing the paws after the street is always important. And also for the summer period it is recommended to wear cats and cats special flea and tick collars. So you can easily protect animals from annoying insects.

For the full maintenance of cats and cats it is very important for them to have their own place in a house or apartment. The best option could be a big house for pets, on which claws are immediately located. If the kittens from small do not teach sharpen claws, then they are likely to spoil the furniture. In addition, once a month (or as you grow), the claws should be carefully trimmed with a special clipper.

It is known that the Maine Coons favorably tolerate both summer and winter walks due to their printed wool. If for one reason or another it is not possible to bring a cat or a cat for a walk, then it is advisable to ventilate the room containing the cats as often as possible.

Maine-coons are real hunters, and therefore at home they will easily catch a mouse, and on the street they will not be afraid to hunt for a sparrow. Nevertheless, pets are best to walk under the supervision or on a leash.

It is also easy to care for small kittens. The main thing is to start teaching them to a balanced meal, a tray and a place where they will live. It is also recommended to play with kittens, because babies always have a lot of energy. In general, there is nothing difficult in raising Maine Coon babies, they are very unpretentious in this.

Once a year, routine vaccinations are recommended for kittens and adults.which includes rabies vaccination and other complex vaccine against the most famous feline diseases. Before vaccination, cats are given pills or suspensions for parasites.

Representatives of the Maine Coon breed are real beauties, they have a moderate character, and they always warmly refer to their masters. Also, the Maine Coons have an excellent appearance, which can not be compared to any breed of feline. If there is a desire to purchase a Maine Coon baby, preference should be given only to proven and professional nurseries, who in no case will offer to purchase short-haired Maine Coon, which does not exist in nature.

Elite thoroughbred kittens will cost much, but their kindness and warmth to the owners, they probably instantly justify the money spent on them.

All about breed Maine Coon, see below.