The verdict is in. According to this report, Main Coons are some of the most-loved cat breeds in America. The reasons are obvious: they have stunning looks, love to play, have gentle personalities, and are cuddly. But, perhaps the most compelling reason why cat-lovers prefer Maine Coons is that they are friendly cats. One could almost say they are puppies that purr. This post is all about Maine Coon tips for good health.
Here are five tips to help keep your buddy in purrfect health and great shape.
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5 Maine Coon tips for good health
1. Feed her nutritious food
You are what you eat, and so is your cat. Maine Coons have big bodies. Adult males can weigh up to 25 pounds, and females about 20 pounds. That’s a whole lot of cat appetite for anyone to handle.
Due to their large size, Maine Coons require more food than the average cat. However, this does not mean you can feed them on anything that you can toss their way. Provide both quantity and high-quality food.
Give her nutritious meals containing the essential elements: protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. She needs the protein to grow. Foods like chicken and fish are excellent sources of protein, and cats love the taste. Maine Coons are also incredibly active, and they need plenty of carbohydrates. Dry cat foods are an excellent way to supply calories. A good supply of vitamins A, B, K, and Niacin is a must for the cat to maintain healthy body functions.
If you’ve been feeding your Maine Coon on high-quality food, yet she behaves like she is ever hungry, consult with a vet. Several issues could be affecting her. Check for the following:
- Boredom – Yes, your Maine Coon will eat when bored.
- The quantities could be too little – Partner with your vet and learn the right amount for her age and activity levels.
- She scarfs and barfs – Ensure the feeding schedule is consistent and there is no threat or exciting distractions during meal times.
- She is struggling with furballs in her mouth – Groom her regularly and correctly.
- Underlying health or psychological issues – Regular visits to the vet and consulting with animal behavior specialists will help unearth and nip these issues at the bud.
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Don’t forget to supply plenty of clean water. Maine Coons love to drink – it helps to cool off those big bodies. She could drink straight from the faucet if you forget to replenish her water bowl. Don’t let that happen.
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2. Make play and exercise be part of her day
Maine Coons will not lie around on the couch all day. They love to play. It is in part why they have such great appetites.
At KritterKommunity.com we love the outdoors, and we know that your Maine Coon would have fun outdoors. She would love chasing little rodents and birds, climbing up and down trees. But we also understand that not everyone would like to play outdoors with their Maine Coon, especially if the neighborhood has plenty of traffic or not-so-friendly pets.
There are plenty of indoor fun activities that you could prepare for your Maine Coon. Consider purchasing a large cat tower. It’s great exercise and loads of fun too! Also, fill her space with plenty of cat toys and a scratching post (or two). If you have a yard, consider cat-proofing the garden and let her roam around freely.
Play and exercise will help your Maine Coon stay fit and healthy.
3. Groom your Maine Coon regularly
Maine Coons have luxuriant and impressive fur covering their bodies. This striking feature is their beauty and bane. It’s why owners love to cuddle and play. But it also means that Maine Coons require meticulous and regular grooming.
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If you have a busy schedule, consider hiring a professional to do it on your behalf. But if you would like to spend some bonding time with your Maine Coon, expect to brush her hair no less than twice a week. It will prevent matting and tangling. Brush her hair more frequently during winter – the damp weather will cause havoc in her fur if you don’t. On the other hand, consider trimming her hair as summer approaches.
As for her claws, sturdy scratching posts will help the cat to keep them in check. However, consider occasional clipping. The same goes for her teeth and ears. The cat will self-groom, but visits from a professional groomer are beneficial.
4. Maintain high standards of hygiene and bathe her
Maine Coons are big cats with big appetites. That also means that they doo-doo more than the average cat.
What should you do?
Arm yourself with a large litter box (preferably self-cleaning type) or two. If you don’t have the self-cleaning litter tray, plan to empty it no less than once a day. Where possible, tidy up the litter tray whenever the cat does her thing.
Cats love clean environments, and your Maine Coon is not any different. Otherwise, she would be distressed and may contract diseases.
Also, bathe her at least once a month. Bathing should not be too difficult because Maine Coons love water. Don’t be surprised if she follows you to the shower or enjoys a nice swim in the tub. However, if you don’t know how to bathe her, consider hiring a pro.
5. Don’t skimp on vet visits
Maine Coons are hardy. They can withstand harsh weather and other extremes. However, they are vulnerable to some ailments, allergies, and conditions. It is vital to be observant of their behavior and maintain regular health checks.
Some of the health issues that affect Maine Coons include:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Obesity.
- Heart disease.
- Ear and skin infections.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Plus, the cat, due to his energetic nature, could have some hidden injuries. If left untreated, the wounds could lead to health complications. So, ensure that regular health checks are part of the kitty’s schedule.
Conclusion
These tips will help to keep your Maine Coon in good health. But you have to practice regularly and get help from professionals. Start early while your kitty is still young. This way, she will have a long and happy life. For more tips on Maine Coon cats and kittens in general, see these posts.
Arthritis In Maine Coons: Your Complete Guide For Help
Do Maine Coon Cats Get Along With Dogs?
Important Ways To Prepare Your Home For A New Kitten
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