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Q:
I was told that the Maine Coon was breed for people
who have allergies to cats. Is this true?
A: Even though some say that the MCO is suited for allergic
people, this can never be guaranteed. I have a mother and a brother
which is severely allergic to cats, and unfortunately they react
when just entering our house. On the contrary we also have
friends claiming to be allergic to cats which never reacts, even
when petting our cats. So I would, based on our experience, say that
this is very individual.
Q:
Do Maine Coon sheed?
A: Yes, Maine Coon does indeed shed. As any other fur-bearing
animal they also needs to adjust to the variation in terms of
seasons, temperature, and so on
Q:
How many kittens is normal for a Mainecoon?
A: The average litter size for a Maine Coon is between 5-7
kittens. Naturally there can be more, or less. In Norway there has
been registered 9 kittens in one litter at maximum. All survived.
Q: For how long
are the females pregnant?
A: The general average pregnancy periode for a normal cat (includes
maine coon) is 65 days. (Births after 63-70 days pregnancy is
condidered normal)
Q: What is the
normal size of the Maine Coon cat? How big can they grow?
A: This is very individual. An average male weighs approx.
6-9 kg. The female is normally smaller, with an average weight of
approx. 4-6 kg.
Q: What about
their temperament?
A: While Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats, they
are not overly-dependent. They do not constantly pester you for
attention, but prefer to "hang out" with their owners,
investigating whatever activity you're involved in and "helping"
when they can. They are not, as a general rule, known as "lap
cats" but as with any personality trait there are a few Maine
Coons that prefer laps. Most Maine Coons will stay close by,
probably occupying the chair next to yours instead. Maines will
follow you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you
to emerge. A Maine Coon will be your companion, your buddy, your
pal, but hardly ever your baby.
Maine Coons are relaxed and
easy-going in just about everything they do. The males tend to be
the clowns while the females retain more dignity, but both remain
playful throughout their lives. They generally get along well with
kids and dogs, as well as other cats. They are not as
vertically-oriented as some other breeds, prefering to chase objects
on the ground and grasping them in their large paws -- no doubt
instincts developed as professional mousers. Many Maine Coons will
play "fetch" with their owners.
Q: What about care and
training?
A: Most breeders recommend a high-quality dry food. Most
cats can free feed without becoming overweight. Middle-aged cats
(5-10) are most likely to have weight problems which can usually be
controlled by switching to a low-calorie food. Many Maine Coons love
water. Keep a good supply of clean, fresh water available at all
times.
Most Maine Coons can be trained to
accept a leash. Maine Coons are creatures of habit and they train
easily if they associate the activity with something they want (they
train humans easily too!).
Q:What diseases are most
common on the Maine Coon cats?
A: In the Maine Coon, the most common inherited health
problems are hip dysplasia, which can produce lameness in a severely
affected cat, and cardiomyopathy, which can produce anything from a
minor heart murmur to severe heart trouble. Any breeder you talk to
should be willing to discuss whether they've had any problems with
these diseases in their breeding stock, or in kittens they've
produced; how much screening they're doing, and why.
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