The mewing pets, which differ in appearance, are certainly similar in one quality: all cats are extremely graceful.
Among the numerous breeds there are miniature representatives and real giants. Among the giants come across real champions. The largest Maine Coon in the world is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
Breed history
There are at least three versions of the origin of Maine Coons.
The most unexpected legend is the assumption that the breed came from wild raccoons. The proof of veracity is the original coloring of both animals and a predatory muzzle.
The second explanation is the opinion of the appearance of the breed from cats that lived at the court of the French Queen Marie Antoinette. The great French war forced the reigning lady to flee to America. The Queen was saved not alone, but in the company of six beloved cats. Pets subsequently became the ancestors of the first Maine Coons.
The third version resembles a romantic fairy tale. Once upon a time there lived a brave captain named Kun. Flying the ocean in his ship, Kun did not forget about the life pleasures of his faithful purring companions, sharing with him the difficult ups and downs of wanderings. During each berth to the shore, the captain let out a cat and a cat, and they arranged their personal happiness with numerous aborigines of their kind. So appeared Maine Coon kittens.
The most realistic and reliable version of the origin of the breed is the appearance of offspring as a result of crossbreeding between American Shorthair and foreign long-haired purts that were brought to America by sailors or Vikings. No wonder the first mention of the Maine Coon breed dates back to 1861. Before the appearance in 1900 of the breed of Persian cats, giants were extremely popular.
In 1963, the Central Club of Breed Lovers was established in the United States. Maine Coons are becoming popular again, which led to the founding of the Mena Raccoon Cat Breeders Association. The name of the breed probably came from the American state of Maine, which, in fact, was the birthplace of Maine Coons.
Breed description
The unusual appearance of cats gives rise to great interest in these animals. In the photo of the largest Maine Coon in the world, you can see the extraordinary beauty and grace of a pet. Huge size is a characteristic feature of the breed. In addition to their impressive size, giants are distinguished by tassels at the tips of their ears, a long fluffy tail and an unusual expression on their faces.
According to accepted standards, a purebred Maine Coon should have:
- Strong muscular body with a wide chest.
- Medium fluffy limbs.
- Head with high cheekbones, which ends with a square muzzle.
- Oval eyes, the color of which is in harmony with the color of the coat.
- Strong neck of medium length.
- Thick hair, shorter on the shoulder part of the body and long on the stomach and legs.
- The weight of the animal is very impressive. The largest Maine Coon in the world weighs about 15 kilograms. And the record holder, included in the Guinness Book of Records, grew to 123 centimeters in length.
- The color of the animal’s hair can vary from chocolate, cinnamon, purple to red and gray. Combinations of colors are also allowed - tabby, bicolor or tricolor.
Maine Coon Care
The long and silky coat of Maine Coon has a wonderful quality: it does not fall and get tangled like in cats of other long-haired breeds. But this does not mean that pets should not be looked after. The pet needs careful care and maintenance. Maine Coon must be combed at least 2-3 times a week.
Bathing the animal and regular clipping of the claws is also among the mandatory procedures.
In the home, it is recommended to equip a personal corner for the cat, where Maine Coon can be alone and have a good rest from the bustle.
When establishing Maine Coon, owners should also purchase the following items to properly care for him:
- Tray for basic needs.
- Scarlet point.
- Toys that do not have small parts.
- Bowls for food and water.
Although cats are animals that are in the house most of the time, Maine Coon needs to be able to breathe fresh air. It is recommended that domestic cats be let out from time to time. Pets are very attached to their territory, so the risk that the animal gets lost, is practically reduced to zero. If Maine Coon resides in a high-rise building, he should be walked on a leash like a dog.
Do not forget about vaccinating your pet. Even cats that do not come in contact with other animals need timely vaccinations. The procedure is best carried out in a veterinary clinic under the supervision of a specialist.
How to feed the giants
The weight gain of the largest Maine Coon in the world probably depended on the proper and balanced nutrition of the animal. The diet for this breed can include both natural and industrial feed. When offering a pet homemade food, it should be remembered that at least 50% of meat should be included in it. Vitamins, macro and micronutrients should help build muscle mass of the animal.
When choosing production feeds, it is recommended to give preference to premium food. Only such dishes are endowed with all the necessary elements that Maine Coon needs.
Maine Coon Character
Unlike many relatives, cats from the state of Maine have a friendly character. They are not at all bothered by the harassment of young children. If Maine Coon gets tired of active communication, he will simply proudly move away from the source of inconvenience.
Cats get along well with other pets. They like to have fun with them, which really touches the owners.
Maine Coons are unpretentious in content.
And these cats can make funny sounds instead of the usual meow. In addition to a light disposition, Maine Coon also has a remarkable intellect. In mind, they can compare with dogs. Cats are distrustful of strangers, while their households are simply adored.
Among the unusual habits, one can distinguish the manner of standing on one's hind legs in order to make out an object of interest and to rake water before drinking with a paw. Perhaps the last habit was passed on to modern cats from their wild relatives, who had to clean up water from debris.
Common Maine Coon Disease
Cats of this breed are practically not susceptible to disease. The biggest Maine Coon in the world (Guinness record) died in 2013, being in perfect health. The average lifespan of raccoon cats is about 12-15 years.
Common Maine Coon diseases include hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a progressive heart disease), and spinal muscular atrophy. The best way to prevent ailments is an active lifestyle of the pet and the right diet. And although Maine Coon diseases are, as a rule, of a genetic nature, careful care will help pets survive to a very old age.
Where the biggest maine coon in the world lives
The Australian city of Melbourne is famous for many attractions: the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Philip Island Nature Park, Captain Cook's Cottage, and the National Museum are the most interesting places in the Megapolis.
And in Melbourne lives the largest Maine Coon in Australia and the world. The giant lives in the Hearst family. A kitten named Omar weighs about 14 kilograms. Maine Coon became a record holder due to its length - 120 centimeters. This is at least two centimeters larger than the size of the previous giant from Wakefield (Yorkshire). Grown mainly on raw kangaroo, Omar, according to the owner Stefi, continues to grow.
For some time now he has been looking for a quiet place, away from annoying journalists. The latter have recently become interested in the life of a potential champion, and since then the animal has not had a moment of rest. Photoshoots, television shoots, all kinds of commissions to establish uniqueness are extremely disliked by the restive Maine Coon. According to Stephy Hurst, Omar wants to again become a regular domestic cat without the consequences of popularity.
Other giant cats
In addition to Omar, other giant purrs are also known. For example, the record for the largest Maine Coon in the world belongs to New Yorker Samson, who weighs 13 kilograms. The large size of the animal requires impressive nutrition. At one time, the giant is able to eat 5-6 cans of canned food for cats. In addition to its large size, Samson also has high intelligence: he is happy to move a lot and actively, plays with the owner and brings him a variety of objects.
The largest domestic cat in the world is a cross between a tigress and a lion Hercules. The pet weighs 408 kilograms, the body length of the animal is 3.6 meters. Hercules is very attached to his master Bhagavan and follows him like a dog on his heels.