Maine Coon overview
The Maine Coon is a native breed of the north-eastern United States that formed naturally on farms in the state of Maine. Harsh winters selected for cats with a dense water-repellent coat, heavy bone, wide “snowshoe” paws and a bushy tail the animal wraps around itself in sleep.
It is the largest domestic breed: males weigh 7–12 kg, females 5–8 kg, and the length from nose to tail tip reaches a metre. The Maine Coon matures slowly — it only reaches its final size and shape at three or four years, so judging a three-month-old kitten's “type” by its size is pointless.
The recognisable features are the ear tufts, pronounced cheekbones, a square muzzle and a ruff on the chest. Almost any colour is allowed except colourpoint; the classic of the breed is black marble tabby.
Temperament
For its character the Maine Coon is called a “dog-cat”. It follows its owner around the flat, meets them at the door, easily learns to fetch a toy and accepts a harness calmly. At the same time it is not clingy: it prefers to be nearby rather than on your lap.
The breed's voice is quiet and high — instead of loud meowing the Maine Coon produces characteristic trills and chirps, which is surprising for its size. It treats strangers with curiosity rather than aggression and gets on well with dogs and other cats.
Maine Coons adore water: a dripping tap, the bath, a water bowl on the floor are all standard entertainment. Many deliberately put toys in the water bowl — normal behaviour for the breed.
Care and health
The coat is combed two or three times a week with a metal comb, with special attention to the britches, the ruff and the armpits, where mats form most often. During the moult combing is daily. Bathing three or four times a year.
The main hereditary risk is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). At a responsible breeder the breeding cats have an annual echocardiogram and a genetic test for the MyBPC3 mutation. Hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) also occur — there is a DNA test for the latter.
Because of its size the Maine Coon needs a large litter tray (at least 60 cm), a sturdy cat tree and raised bowls. The diet is quality food for large breeds with weight control: obesity increases the load on the heart and joints.
Living in an apartment
The Maine Coon lives perfectly well in a flat, but it needs vertical space: tall cat trees, shelves, vantage points. A cat this size without play exercise puts on weight quickly.
Cat-proof window screens are essential: the breed's curiosity and weight make a fall from a balcony a real threat. Walking on a harness is possible — Maine Coons accept one more calmly than most cats.
Price in Moldova
A Maine Coon kitten in Moldova costs 5,000–14,000 MDL. Pet class (for the home, with mandatory neutering) — 5,000–8,000 MDL; breed and show class with WCF/FIFe papers and parental testing — 10,000–14,000 MDL.
At a responsible breeder the price includes the registration, the vet passport with vaccinations, parasite treatment and a contract. Kittens leave no earlier than three months — after the second vaccination.
