Despite their imposing size, Maine coons are soft and gentle giants. They love to be around people and aren’t happy if they are left alone for long periods.
Responsible breeders will screen their adult cats for genetically linked health issues like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and spinal muscular atrophy. They may also test their litters for polydactylism.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
Generally speaking, reputable breeders will have one or a few focus areas for their breeding. They strive to make their breed shine in those areas. They are usually active in their kennel club and provide extensive health testing and other important information for the breed.
Responsible breeders do not contribute to the problem of homeless pets. They support breed rescue efforts and often help transport, foster, and place rescued dogs. They take the standards set by USDA for a breeder extremely seriously.
They do not breed for traits that contradict good health – like extremely flat faces that cause breathing problems. They do not create ‘designer breeds’ for profit or to fill in gaps in their breeding stock – this practice can take years off your pet’s life, even if it makes them look pretty. These breeders also socialize their kittens very early, exposing them to grooming, bathing, noise, trash bag blowing, loud games, and much more.
Choosing a Kitten
The most important thing to consider before you adopt a kitten is whether or not you can give it the home it deserves. Maine Coon kittens require lots of attention from their humans to thrive. They need to be fed, played with, and groomed regularly. If you can’t give them the time they need, it is better to choose an adult cat instead.
When choosing a kitten, look for bright eyes free of discharge and a shiny coat. You should also check if the kitten is healthy by looking at its skin and mucous membranes. You can also ask the breeder to show you other kittens in the litter to see if they are healthy. Remember that the kitten you choose will be a part of your family for the rest of its life. Choose a kitty who will fit in with your lifestyle and enjoy spending time with you.
Taking Care of Your Kitten
Caring for your furry friend will ensure they enjoy many healthy and happy years with you. This includes providing them a safe place to hide when they feel anxious, plenty of exercise, and a nutritious diet.
Cats can be mischievous and get into things they shouldn’t, so it is important to pet-proof your home and supervise them when outside. This is especially true when they are young and will explore anything they can see. Keep string, ribbons, paper clips, pins, plastic milk jug rings, dental floss, and other temptations away from them.
Regular vet visits will ensure that your kitten gets all the preventative care they need to stay healthy. This includes a physical exam, blood work, and immunizations. A microchip will also help you find your pet if they should lose their collar. This is a good way to ensure that you can always reunite with them, regardless of how they are found.
Taking Care of Your Maine Coon
Affectionate and people-oriented, Maine Coons thrive in larger families with children and will bond closely with their owners. They’re calm and easy-going, but they also love to follow their owners from room to room, playfully chasing after them or simply sitting at their feet.
These cats are prone to gum disease, so daily brushing is important. They may also develop polycystic kidney disease (PKD), where cysts form in the kidney and eventually cause irreversible damage. Ask your breeder whether their breeding parents have been genetically tested for these conditions.
As with all purebred cats, Maine Coons are predisposed to certain hereditary health problems. The good news is that responsible Maine Coon breeders will screen their adult cats for these conditions and ensure they are healthy before breeding them. This includes checking for hereditary heart diseases like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and spinal muscular atrophy. PKD can be detected with an at-home DNA test, so it’s important to find out if your potential puppy has the gene for this disease before committing.
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