Maine Coon

Health

Overall, Maine Coon cats are muscular and healthy. This breed's health problems are mostly a result of its size. After all, Maine Coons are usually 100 centimeters long and 41 centimeters tall, something not so common for pets in the feline world. The main problem affecting these felines is hip dysplasia, which can cause painful lameness and later arthritis. This is a common medical problem in large pets, such as medium, large and giant breed dogs. In addition, spinal muscular atrophy, which is a genetic problem, is also common in Maine Coon cats. The disease affects the skeletal muscles, compromising their movement. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - which is an inherited heart disease - and polycystic kidney disease, which is hereditary and can result in kidney failure, are also health issues that can strike this breed.

Curiosities

The Maine Coon is a cat that will have no problem bathing: this breed loves water. Even playing with water is a great form of entertainment for them. This breed was officially recognized in the US state of Maine, in the north of the country. That's where its name comes from.

Intelligence

The Maine Coon cat is considered one of the smartest cats in the world. And this fame is not for nothing. They, in addition to easily adapting to new environments, can learn new tricks very easily. Skilled, the Maine Coon cat can pick up food with its paws, as if it were a raccoon. Even with some effort, they can also use their paws to open doors. Being quite independent, they don't usually like being held as much, but they enjoy being by their family's side, showing themselves to be very devoted to the family. Despite their independence, they are loving and gentle cats, they like to help their owners in their activities and learn new things, being considered a very easy cat to train. They are obedient and learn rules and restrictions very easily.

Temperament

The temperament of Maine Coon cats is described as balanced and calm. They are cats considered sociable, companions and gentle, who like to show affection and are very attached to their humans. They get along well with children, but avoid contact with strangers. They are quite independent cats and adapt to new places with ease.

Lifetime

The life expectancy of the Maine Coon cat breed is 9 to 15 years. This is a breed that is generally healthy and athletic. However, many Maine Coon cats have problems with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is the heart disease with the highest incidence in felines, and kidney disease.