Maine Coon health and nutrition

Features of development

The weight of the Maine Coon is on average two and sometimes three times the weight of other domestic cats. The reason for this is a powerful musculoskeletal skeleton, which is formed for a long 9-12 months against 6-8 months in other breeds. The final size of the Maine Coon develops only by three or four years, and before that, the cats continue to grow, albeit not as actively as in the first year of life. 

Possible diseases of Maine Coon cats

The most vulnerable organ in the body of Maine cats is the heart. They are genetically predisposed to dysfunction of the heart muscle – cardiomyopathy. Also, Maine Coons are predisposed to the development of urolithiasis and impaired joint development – hip dysplasia. However, regular visits to the veterinarian from a very early age, moderate exercise and a balanced diet can prevent possible diseases of the Maine Coon breed.

Vaccination

Maine Coons need to be vaccinated not only for the sake of walking in the fresh air: a veterinary passport is necessary for Maine Coon mating, participation in exhibitions and travel. The first vaccination is given to a two-month-old kitten, the second – at the age of three months, and the third – to a one-year-old pet. Further vaccination is carried out annually. Deworming must be done 10 days prior to each vaccination.

Professional approach to nutrition

Proper nutrition of the Maine Coon must be selected with the help of a veterinarian, since the diet is made taking into account age, gender, and special needs of the body. First of all, food for a growing Maine Coon should saturate the animal’s body with protein in order to ensure the full development of its large bones and powerful muscles. Another indispensable condition for a healthy diet is the balance of trace elements. Both their deficiency and excess can lead to violations of the formation of the skeleton.

That is why the health of these big cats, like most breeding breeds, depends on the right diet. First of all, they are recommended premium professional feeds – they contain a high percentage of meat, they do not have flavor enhancers, and the composition is balanced and thought out taking into account the physical characteristics of the animal and its lifestyle. In addition, the use of dry food helps to cleanse the teeth and strengthen the gums.

Maine Coon is a cat that likes to drink a lot and often. She should always have access to water – fresh and clean, preferably not from the tap, but filtered.

Maine Coons get sick less often than all other breeds, and a balanced proper diet, attentive care, regular preventive trips to the veterinarian, timely vaccinations are a guarantee that Maine Coon health problems will not affect you at all.