Maine Coon is considered one of the most massive cats. Its name came from the US state of Maine - the place where this breed came from. The popularity of Maine Coons is growing every year. More and more people want to get a creature in their house that resembles a lynx in appearance and a dog in character. Maine Coons are strongly attached to the owners and do not tolerate loneliness.
Can families with small children have this cat breed? What is the relationship between the child and Maine Coon? This and much more can be found in the article.
Maine Coon: description and size of a cat
This animal is quite large. According to the standard, Maine Coon has long strong legs with fluffy pads on its feet, a fluffy fox tail, pointed ears with tassels, like a lynx. The hair of cats of this breed is thick and shaggy. The length of adult Maine Coons is approximately 135 cm. Height at the withers varies from 20 to 25 cm. The weight of cats varies from 5 to 13 kilograms, depending on the sex of the animal.
Maine Coon colors are different. The most common ones are red, black, marble, tortie, blue. White representatives of the breed are very rare. They are considered the most valuable and expensive.
The life expectancy of cats is from 15 to 20 years.
Maine Coon Character
Cats of this breed are not similar to any other representatives of the cat family. These are truly royal creatures in which a serious serious expression is always concentrated on the face. Maine Coon kitten is quite playful and active. Having matured, the animal becomes more serious. Despite some severity, the Maine Coon breed is very affectionate and kind by nature. Pets quickly become attached to their owners. They are unobtrusive and will not be confused underfoot. At the same time, cats are not averse to chatting with humans and playing.
Maine Coon intelligence is recognized as quite high. This allows pets to grasp everything literally on the fly and understand the owner at a glance. They are easy to accustom to the tray and scratching post. And also with them you can easily walk on a leash on the street.
Maine Coons have a small feature - they rarely meow. Only sometimes they make sounds similar to purring.
Care and maintenance
Maine-coon is a royal creature, and the approach to it should be appropriate. Thick hair requires special care, which must be combed thoroughly every day to avoid tangle.
Eyes, ears and nose should be wiped from the discharge with a cotton pad dipped in water.
Maine Coons need to be bathed only when necessary.
By the arrival of the kitten in the house should be the following things:
- bowls for food and drink;
- scratching post;
- Toys
- tray;
- sleeping place - a basket or a special house for cats;
- brush for wool.
Maine Coons are quite expensive cats, and their maintenance will also cost a lot due to their size.
Maine Coon and baby
Is it worth it to start this breed if the family has children? Is there a risk that the animal will be negative about the baby?
First, before acquiring an animal, you need to find out if the child has an allergy to wool, since Maine Coon is a long-haired breed. Secondly, even young children need to be explained that a cat is not a fluffy toy, but a living creature that cannot be in every way slowed down and dragged by the tail. Maine Coons are quite patient, but they will not always forgive leprosy.
In fact, cats of this breed are calm about children and are ready to take part in games. Even if a baby accidentally pulls his mustache or tail, a well-bred animal will not immediately release its claws. If he is uncomfortable, Maine Coon will just get up and go to the side. Just in case, adults should always be present during the game of the cat and its child in order to control what is happening. Even a good-natured cat like Maine Coon is an unpredictable creature that can inadvertently scratch or push away a baby.
Interacting with animals from childhood, children learn to communicate with smaller brothers. Maine Coon and the child will later become best friends.
Opinions of the hosts
Maine Coons are huge fluffy cats that won love due to their beauty and good disposition. Judging by the reviews of the owners, these cats are more like dogs in character because they like to follow the owners on the heels. They are smart, rarely play pranks. Also, these pets are one of those that get along well with children. Maine Coon and the child are quite able to interact peacefully under one roof.