![]() ![]() Maine Coon cats have the longest whiskers of any domestic cat breed, so they prefer extra-wide food and water bowls to prevent whisker fatigue. Pet parents can feed Royal Canin's Maine Coon food for growth to their Maine Coon kittens, followed by the adult maintenance formula when they reach 2 years of age. Maine Coon cats can have a diet similar to other cat breeds, which includes animal protein-rich food labeled with a nutritional adequacy statement for their life stage from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), Savageau says.Īdditionally, Royal Canin offers a diet specially formulated for Maine Coon cats. What To Feed a Maine Coon Photo credit: Maria Moroz/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Brushing your cat's teeth daily and scheduling routine veterinary exams are the most effective ways to prevent oral disease. While all cats are at risk of gingivitis, Maine Coon cats may be at risk of developing feline juvenile gingivitis when they’re as young as 7 months old. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, and it’s considered the earliest stage of periodontal disease. Managing hip dysplasia includes weight management, a joint-healthy diet, and (in severe cases) surgery. ![]() Cats with hip dysplasia have poorly aligned hips that are too loose, which can lead to arthritis. If your Maine Coon is avoiding the stairs, not jumping up to their favorite perch, or no longer squatting in the litter box, they might have hip dysplasia. If you’re working with an experienced Maine Coon breeder, ask if both parents have been genetically tested for the disease. Like HCM, at-home DNA kits can test your cat for PKD before symptoms appear. Cats genetically predisposed to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) develop cysts in the kidneys, which lead to irreversible damage. Like in humans, a cat’s kidneys filter waste from the body regulate the body’s balance of fluids, minerals, and electrolytes and produce essential hormones. While the condition requires special care, a cat with spinal muscular atrophy can live a long, happy life. They likely have decreased muscle tone and weakness, causing a wobbly walk and tremors. Kittens with spinal muscular atrophy typically show signs when they’re 3–4 months old. ![]() Spinal muscular atrophy is a neurological disease that affects a cat’s physical abilities but not their cognitive functions. It’s also useful to ask your Maine Coon breeder if HCM runs in your cat’s lines. The gold standard of preventive medicine for Maine Coon cats is to have an annual echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), Savageau says. At-home DNA tests may have the technology to test for these mutations before your cat shows clinical signs. “Maine Coons can have a mutation in two genes that can cause this disease,” Savageau explains. HCM is a heart disease that, genetically, presents different across breeds. Fortunately, there are a few approaches to getting ahead of the disease:Īt-home feline DNA tests. But as it progresses, cats may have symptoms similar to heart failure, including shortness of breath and lethargy. Many cats don’t show symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. And because they’re prone to inheriting certain diseases from their parents, Savageau recommends purchasing health insurance for Maine Coon kittens. Maine Coon Health IssuesĪt about 13 years, Maine Coon cats have a shorter lifespan than other cat breeds. All in all, they’re a laid-back group of cats that love spending time with their family. And for even greater stability on slippery slopes, many Maine Coons are “polydactyl,” meaning they have extra toes on each paw.Īlong with being big, Maine Coons have some dog-like mannerisms, like their love for water and tendency to play fetch. Maine Coons use their furry paws as fluffy snowshoes, says Savageau. They have longer bodies than most breeds, and much larger heads and paws. They’re also one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Thanks to their big, lovable personalities and pup-like quirks, Maine Coons have settled in as one of the most popular house cats across the U.S. But don’t let their size fool you: These gentle giants have personalities just as soft and fluffy as their fur. There is no such thing as a small lap cat when it comes to Maine Coons: Adult males can weigh up to 25 pounds, with their slightly daintier female counterparts weighing 10–14 pounds. Regardless of their ancestry, there’s no denying they’re a tough breed well-suited to prowl around in the harsh New England winters. Rumor has it they might even be related to the feline companions of Marie Antoinette, says Nicole Savageau, VMD, an Austin-based mobile veterinarian at The Vets. True to their namesake, the massive Maine Coon originated in Maine, where they remain the official state cat. ![]()
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