Discovering the Secrets of the Purebred Maine Coon, the Largest Domestic Cat Breed

The Maine Coon breed of cats may not be well-known to many people in Vietnam, including cat lovers. This is mainly because the breed is not widely bred and there are only a few of them in the country. However, if you are a cat lover or have heard about this breed, then you have come to the right place! In this article, you will find information on the price of owning a Maine Coon, the history of the breed, tips for taking care of them, and other useful information. Don’t hesitate any longer, let’s dive into the content!

Overview of the Maine Coon Cat Breed The Maine Coon is a natural breed and one of the largest domesticated cats. They weigh between 4-8kg and have a body length of 91-101cm. Their fur is long and thick and comes in over 75 different colors. Their eyes can be green, yellow, blue, or copper. The average lifespan of this breed is between 9-15 years. Maine Coons have a large, muscular body with a wide chest and a rectangular shape. Their heavy and shaggy coat is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the belly and neck. The fur around their neck forms a distinct ruff that gives them an imposing appearance. Their ears, paws, and tail are adorned with tufts of hair, adding to their regal look. Despite their size and grandeur, Maine Coon cats are known for being friendly and are suitable for households with children and elderly people. It’s no surprise that they are the third most popular cat breed in the United States. History of the Maine Coon Cat Breed The origin of the Maine Coon is still a mystery. Some speculate that it was a crossbreed between domestic cats and North American raccoons due to similar fur color and a bushy tail. However, this theory was quickly debunked. Another theory suggests that Maine Coons share ancestry with Norwegian Forest Cats, an ancient breed of Viking tribes. Others claim that Maine Coons were created by breeding American domestic cats with long-haired breeds, such as Angoras, brought over by settlers or traders. Nevertheless, there is no concrete evidence to support any of these claims. These large, shaggy cats with lynx-like tufted ears and paws were well adapted to the harsh climate of New England. They served as barn cats, keeping rodents at bay. The first Maine Coon cat show was held in Maine in the late 1860s. In 1895, a Maine Coon named Cosey, owned by Mrs. Fred Brown, won Best in Show at the North American Cat Show in New York City. Despite being overshadowed by Persian cats for a time, the Maine Coon breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1976 as a distinct breed. In 1985, it was declared the official state cat of Maine. A typical Maine Coon has a brown Tabby coat, but the CFA allows for a wide range of colors and patterns, including dilute colors and patricolors. However, any cat with Siamese or chocolate coloring is considered a hybrid. Fun Fact: The world’s largest Maine Coon cat on record measured 120cm from nose to tail tip and was recognized by Guinness World Records as the “longest cat in the world.”

Maine Coon cats are known for their long and fluffy coats, and it takes them around 3 to 4 years to reach their full size. Despite being affectionate and loyal, these cats have an independent personality and do not cling to their owners all the time. They have unique and charming traits that will surely capture your heart in their own way. They are generally calm and observant, silently watching your every move without bothering you too much. These cats are intelligent, and it is recommended to provide them with interactive toys to help them develop their skills. You can also train Maine Coon cats by playing laser chase games with them, as they are great climbers and love to play. Maine Coon cats can get along well with most other cats and even dogs. However, if you plan to keep both a cat and a dog, make sure that the breed of dog you want to keep is compatible with cats; otherwise, it could lead to some problems. You can refer to articles on friendly dog breeds that can be kept together with cats. It is important to note that Maine Coon cats have some wild instincts and are good at hunting mice or rodents. Therefore, if you have any pet hamsters, it is advisable to be cautious. These cats can also adapt well to living with children, but they should be taught not to disturb or annoy the cat as most cats find this unpleasant. Maine Coon cats can thrive in cold and harsh climates, but it is best to keep them indoors to protect them from various illnesses, fights with other cats, attacks by other animals such as dogs, or accidents involving vehicles. Note that since Maine Coon cats originate from a temperate zone, if you plan to keep them in Vietnam, ensure that the conditions are spacious and well-ventilated, with continuous air conditioning, and shave their fur if they show any signs of overheating (such as panting).

Basic Care for Maine Coon Cats Although Maine Coon cats have thick, dense fur, you don’t need to groom them too often. Brushing them once or twice a week is enough to remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming. Trimming their nails regularly is also important to ensure they can move around comfortably without damaging their nails or causing bleeding and bacterial buildup. You can also provide a scratching post to prevent them from damaging your furniture. Other care practices to keep in mind include trimming their fur during hot weather, cleaning their ears to prevent bacterial buildup, and brushing their teeth regularly as instructed by a veterinarian. As for diet and nutrition, Maine Coon cats don’t require any special diets. Just make sure they have all the necessary nutrients in their food. Some experts recommend feeding them dry or wet food, but it’s not a major concern. Mix in both dry and wet food to prevent picky eating habits. Maine Coon cats take longer to mature, so you can maintain their kitten diet for up to nine months before transitioning to adult food. Keep an eye on their weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to heart and respiratory problems and shorten their lifespan. If you’re unsure about the best food for your Maine Coon cat, consult with a veterinarian as different regions may have different food brands available.

Common Health Issues in Maine Coon Cats The most important aspect of raising any kitten is ensuring they receive the necessary vaccinations as prescribed by a veterinarian around 2-3 months of age. This will help prevent common illnesses. Some distinctive health issues that are common in this breed include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition that causes an enlarged heart leading to heart failure and blood clots, spinal muscular atrophy leading to weakness and muscle wasting, and hip dysplasia or joint degeneration. Additionally, in New England, it is not uncommon to find Maine Coon cats with an extra toe on their paws. This condition, known as polydactylism, is considered a cosmetic issue and does not typically affect the cat’s health.

What is the cost of buying a Maine Coon cat? The price of purebred Maine Coon cats born in Vietnam Unlike most other cat breeds, the Maine Coon has only recently been imported into Vietnam, and the number of cats imported can be counted on one hand. Therefore, it is quite difficult to purchase high-quality, purebred kittens in Vietnam. However, you can still search for them from reputable individuals on Facebook, with prices ranging from 13-17 million VND (note that if purchasing from an individual, ask for photos and documents of the kitten’s parents). Prices for imported Maine Coon cats from Thailand and Europe Importing is undoubtedly the best way to obtain the highest quality Maine Coon kittens because they are relatively new and difficult to breed. Most Maine Coon lovers choose to import their kittens because of this. Like other cat breeds, Maine Coons are imported mainly from Thailand and Europe. A Thai-imported Maine Coon kitten usually costs around $1000 or more, while a good quality purebred European-imported kitten is typically priced between $2000-3000. To import a Maine Coon cat from abroad, you can contact large pet stores or breeding farms with experience in importing to ensure the safe arrival of your new kitten. However, this is a significant amount of money, so make sure you have certification or a contract when making a deposit.

So there you have it, I’ve shared some useful information about Maine Coon cats with you. If you notice any mistakes in this article, please feel free to leave a comment and give me some feedback so that I can improve the quality of my writing.