Maine Coons have lots of different coat colors and patterns. They can have a single color, a mix of two or more hues, tortoiseshell, tabby, tabby and white, and other combinations.
The first written record of the first Maine Coon cat, Captain Jenks, dates back to 1861. A brown tabby Maine Coon took home the Best Cat title at the Madison Square Garden Show 34 years later. Prior to that, there were rumors that Maine Coons were crossed with Norwegian forest cats or raccoons, which is not possible biologically. But wherever they originated or how they got there, Maine Coons are still incredibly beloved and well-liked.
While we’re talking about appearances, all cats may be susceptible to periodontal disease. Make sure your Maine Coon receives regular professional dental cleanings in addition to weekly brushings at home to maintain the healthiest possible appearance.
Friendly, furry, and intelligent are general attributes of many cat breeds, but Maine Coon cats are especially friendly, furry, and intelligent. In fact, they’re quite adaptable and seem to get along with everyone (kids, dogs, and other cats included). They also have one of the longest and most beautiful coats out there and even enjoy playing fetch and walking on a leash! For these reasons and more, Maine Coon cats are among the top three cats registered by the Cat Fanciers Association.
Despite having a longer coat than other cat breeds, they usually do not mat But weekly maintenance is necessary to achieve their renowned silky coat.
History of the Maine Coon Cat
One of the earliest native breeds of cats in North America is the Maine Coon. Because of this, there are many conflicting origin stories. The most plausible of these tales states that American shorthair and foreign longhair cats crossed to produce Maine Coon cats. According to some theories, these longhair cats were brought over by Vikings on ships. The Maine Coon cat is the product of the longhair cats’ subsequent mating with the local shorthair population.
In their home state of Maine, Maine Coon cats have a tradition of being barn cats. In the late 1860s, farmers regularly entered these cats in regional competitions. The 1890s saw more competitive success for the Maine Coon cats in Boston and New York. However, the popularity of Maine Coon cats declined in the 20th century, and in the 1950s, there were rumors that they were going extinct.
Breeders persisted in raising Maine Coon cats, and in 1976 the breed was recognized as a championship by the Cat Fanciers Association. Following this elevation in stature and several competitive wins, the Maine Coon gained popularity. Â.
The Maine Coon has been the official State Cat of Maine since 1985 and is still a popular breed of cat today.
Health Problems to Watch for With a Maine Coon Cat
The native Maine Coon cat breed evolved organically over time. Nevertheless, there are still certain genetic health risks to be aware of.
Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyÂ
A gene that raises the chance of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease, is carried by about 20-30% of Maine Coon cats. The thickening of the heart’s muscle walls in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy eventually results in heart failure or other complications.
Given that cats with heart disease typically don’t exhibit any symptoms or pain until their heart fails, it may be challenging to diagnose this condition. But vets can detect this disease through specialized diagnostic equipment. As a symptom of heart disease, veterinarians may also detect anomalous cardiac rhythms and heart murmurs in Maine Coon cats.
Treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually involves oral medication. When a cat has severe heart failure, euthanasia might be the best course of action. On medication, some cats can live for years, while others might pass away suddenly.
There are genetic screenings and tests available to help Maine Coon cats avoid hypertrophic cardiomyopathy health problems. Early gene detection stops reproduction, which keeps the mutation from spreading to other cats.
Hip DysplasiaÂ
While hip dysplasia is uncommon in cats, it may be more common in certain breeds, like Maine Coons. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary physical condition that results in misaligned and loose hip joints in affected individuals. This can eventually result in problems walking and other health problems like osteoarthritis. Because obesity puts additional weight on the body, it can exacerbate this condition.
Limping, avoiding physical activity, and persistent licking of the hip region are signs of hip dysplasia. Veterinarians can use x-rays of the affected joint to diagnose hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and connective tissue-strengthening supplements. In cases of hip dysplasia that are severe, surgery might be the best option.
Spinal Muscular AtrophyÂ
Maine Coon cats may also have spinal muscular atrophy. This is a hereditary condition causing spinal abnormalities that impact the cat’s posture and gait. Symptoms include:
- Muscle tremors
- Muscle weakness
- Abnormal posture
- Physical instability
This health problem typically appears in 3 to 4 month old Maine Coon cats, and it can get worse over time. Since spinal muscular atrophy is not painful or lethal for cats, there is no need for treatment. But it does interfere with their everyday life and movement. Therefore, Main Coon cats who have spinal muscular atrophy ought to remain inside.
Veterinarians can check for spinal muscular atrophy in Main Coon cats through genetic testing. This may stop further reproduction and the genetic health problem from being passed on.