Keeping a Maine Coon – the difficulties of raising big cats
It is difficult not to appreciate the beauty of “domestic lynxes”, as this cat breed is sometimes called. A similar nickname is given to Maine Coons for charming tassels on their ears, unable to leave anyone indifferent. It is not surprising that soon the fashion for these cats swept the whole world, flooding the Internet with touching photos and numerous videos from happy owners.
List of difficulties in keeping a Maine Coon
However, we must not forget that any animal has its own difficulties, and Maine Coons are no exception. Some of their shortcomings are “general cat”, while others are purely their individual trait. However, it is worth noting several of the most common problems, some of which the owners for the time being may not be aware of at all.
- Maine Coons are a very expensive breed. Of course, you can always try to buy a kitten from hands or from ads, but there is a high chance that, apart from tassels on the ears, the grown pet has nothing in common with representatives of this breed. Therefore, the first expense will be the acquisition of a baby from a good nursery, and then many other expenses will follow: for high-quality good food (which, however, is necessary for any cat), care products and much more.
- Maine Coons are not the healthiest breed, they often get sick, especially during childhood, and they have many features that should be taken into account. In this regard, there may be a problem with the choice of a veterinary clinic, the doctor of which must take into account the specifics of these fluffy giants.
- The next disadvantage can hardly be called a disadvantage, rather, a feature that is important to remember. Maine Coons are a very friendly and sociable breed, which in the end can turn into the fact that the pet will demand attention at the most inopportune moment. In addition, this breed of cats is considered the owner of the highest intelligence among all, which, coupled with the curiosity of Maine Coons, can bring many surprises to the owners.
- It is worth preparing for the fact that much more cleaning is ahead for a big cat than for others. More frequent toilet changes, more hair during shedding – all this may not be the most pleasant surprise for those who like this breed.
Due to the nature and dimensions of the future owner, it is worth considering that the mess will become an invariable feature of his house. Therefore, it is worth removing fragile and valuable items – the Maine Coon sometimes simply does not calculate its size if it desperately needs to climb somewhere or drag something away.