Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds in Russia. It was bred over 100 years ago in the US state of Maine. Maine Coon cats are distinguished by their impressive size and unusually long hair, which requires special care. Today there is a whole range of recommendations for the care of cats of this breed.
Maine Coon cats are distinguished by their original appearance and surprisingly peaceful character. Their weight can reach 15 kilograms, and the length of the wool is 10-15 cm. Such large animals require special care. Therefore, if you nevertheless decide to get a Maine Coon kitten, you should know the basic rules for keeping it in an apartment.
Maine Coon maintenance
First of all, it is necessary to organize a balanced diet for the animal. Maine Coon's diet should include as many vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients as possible. For this purpose, you can buy special dry food for the animal (preferably premium) or cook your own food using natural meat products.
Due to their impressive size, Maine Coons will eat much more food than cats of other breeds.
It is recommended to keep Maine Coons in large apartments so that the animal feels free and is not restricted in movement.
Pet Grooming: Brushing
When it comes to caring for Maine Coons, special attention should be paid to combing these cats. Maine Coon hair is very long, but it is easier to care for it than it might seem at first glance. You need to comb the animal 1-2 times a week with special combs for wool and undercoat.
The maximum length of the Maine Coon coat falls on the sides of the animal. In this zone, mats are most often formed and, therefore, they need to be combed more diligently. It is also necessary to carefully comb out the mane and "pants" of the Maine Coon.
It is better to comb Maine Coons in several stages: first the tail, then the sides and back, then the chest and "pants", and only after that the most inaccessible area is the stomach. The tail must be combed very carefully so as not to injure the hair, because the hair in this area grows slowly.
Bathing
Maine Coons, like any other cats, do not need to be bathed often. However, if the animal is very dirty or you are preparing it for an exhibition, you cannot do without this procedure.
To get started, get a special Maine Coon shampoo at the pet store. Moisten the animal's fur and apply shampoo to its skin and hair. If the shampoo is too concentrated, dilute it with water before applying. Rub in the shampoo until a thick lather appears. It should be evenly distributed over the entire length of the coat. Then rinse off the foam thoroughly with warm water, avoiding contact with the animal's eyes and ears.
Maine Coon bathing water temperature should not exceed 38 ° С.
After bathing, make sure that the animal is in a warm room and does not get into drafts.
Eye and Ear Care
If Maine Coon's eyes turn sour, rinse them with plain black tea or chamomile tea. After a few days, the mucus in the corners of the cat's eyes will stop accumulating. Otherwise, the animal should be shown to the veterinarian.
Also, do not forget to wipe the Maine Coon ears from the sulfur accumulating in them. It is better to do this with cotton swabs, having previously moistened them with miramistin. During this procedure, be extremely careful not to damage the ear of the animal.
Dental care
Maine Coons' teeth can be brushed with a cat toothpaste (sold in major pet stores) and a children's toothbrush. Part the cat's lips with one hand, and with the other brush her teeth and massage her gums.
Make sure that harsh foods are present in your pet's diet. They will also help to clean the teeth of the animal. For the same purpose, you can purchase a special plastic chewing gum for cats at the pet store.
