The Maine Coon breed, quite rare in our country, has American roots. She came from cats living on farmland in Maine, which is located in the northeastern United States.
In a literal translation, the name of the breed means "Maine (Manx) raccoon". You are probably wondering why this cute animal was named. First of all, because the size and color of Maine Coon is very similar to this cute animal. It is believed that these animals can reach a huge mass (more than 15 kg). This is not entirely true. Nevertheless, today they are the largest (of the currently known) domestic cats.
Breed description
Large Maine Coons have a large trunk, a wide neck and chest. The tail length of an adult animal is half the length of the body. It is covered with long and thick hair. The head of this animal is large, the ears and cheekbones are high, the chin is pronounced, often there are tassels on the ears.
The Maine Coon breed compares favorably with other feline representatives with large and very expressive round eyes. Their color may be yellow, amber, green or golden. Blue or blue is acceptable, but only for white cats.
Cats have a thick, flowing coat along the body, longer on the back, sides and abdomen. On the head and shoulders it is much shorter. Color is any. Breeders managed to bring out various shades and combinations of colors.
As already mentioned, there is an erroneous opinion that these handsome men can reach gigantic sizes (up to 15 kg, and some indicate a weight of 25 kg). In fact, the weight of a healthy animal of this breed is no more than 12 for cats, and about 8 kg weigh cats. The growth of cats is usually measured not in height, as in other animals, but in length. It reaches an average of 100 cm.
Kittens
There are many characteristic features by which Maine Coon animals can be distinguished. Kittens are born much larger than babies of other species. For example, a newborn of this breed weighs 120-170 g, while kittens, for example, “Persians” (not the smallest) are born with a maximum weight of 120 g.
If we take the average figures, then the weight of Maine Coon kittens at the time of birth is 120-140 g. An important factor affecting the weight of the baby is the size of the litter in which he was born. For example, if 5 babies appeared, then the average weight will be 125 g. If only one baby was born, then the weight of the kitten will significantly exceed the average. Such a baby can weigh 145-160 g.
It is important to know that the growth and development of a kitten is influenced by different aspects - both natural, which we cannot influence, and household, which the owner can adjust. Let's consider them further.
Genetic factors
Once again, we make a reservation that this is a rather unusual cat - Maine Coon. Kittens grow and develop depending on the mass determined by the characteristics of the breed. The more pedigree the weight, the greater the growth rate of the animal.
The second reason why Maine Coon's weight changes over the months is gender. For example, by 3 months males gain much more weight than females.
The third factor can be called the weight of a mom cat. This parameter depends on the genotypes of the parents. The larger and healthier the cat in the physical sense, the faster the kittens will grow.
Individual genetic characteristics. Any combination of parental genotypes leads to the emergence of a unique, new organism. This is manifested in the features of the development of muscular and skeletal systems, as well as in the growth rate of kittens.
Hormonal factors. This implies the use of various hormonal drugs prescribed for therapeutic purposes. With the uncontrolled intake of funds of this group or a change in the prescribed dosages, an imbalance in the kitten’s endocrine system may be disturbed, which will subsequently negatively affect its growth and development.
External factors
- Sanitary and hygienic condition of the nest where kittens live.
- Stress factors. They are produced under the influence of stress. Hormones have a negative effect on the endocrine system of the baby, as a result, there is a violation of growth. Therefore, a nursing cat and kittens should be carefully protected from stress.
- Cat food. The development and growth of babies depends on the full and balanced feeding of the cat during pregnancy. Newborn Maine Coon per day should add at least 10 g. Slight weight loss is possible only in the first days of life. If the calf does not gain weight within 48 hours, you should seek help from a specialist.
It is not necessary to artificially feed the kitten up to the transition to normal nutrition, it is likely that he will need only a few days of feeding to restore lost weight.
Maine Coon kittens are charming and very interesting soft balls that amaze with their beauty, confidence, restraint and strong character, despite their tender age. Although, most likely, even one beauty is enough to fall in love with this breed.
Many owners of these animals know how rapidly the weight of Maine Coon changes by month. Very quickly, fluffy lumps turn into smart, strong, loving animals and games of fun. They very easily get used to the new environment, get along well with their owners (especially with children), do not require complicated care.
Development periods
This factor largely determines how much the Maine Coon weight will change by month.
- Neonatal period. Its duration is only four days. Weight gain at this time is different and primarily depends on the course of childbirth.
- The suction period lasts four weeks. At this time, you can observe a stable and uniform weight gain (on average - 35 g / day). For four weeks, the kitten should gain 500-800 g.
- From the fourth to the eighth week, a transitional period lasts. The feeding of the kitten changes . Weight gain is slightly inhibited by 5 weeks. This is due to the transition to solid feed. But by the seventh week, weight begins to grow.
- The post-sucking period lasts from 8 weeks to the complete completion of cat growth.
Maine Coon Monthly Weight
1 week - 200-260 g (cats), 180-230 g (cats).
1 month - 650-750 g (cats), 560-660 g (cats).
2 months - 1.25 kg (cats), 1.15-1.4 kg (cats).
3 months - 1.8 kg (cats), 2 kg (cats).
4 months - 3 kg (cats), 2.7 kg (cats).
5 months - 5.6 kg (cats), 3.9 kg (cats).
6 months - 6.2 kg (cats), 4.3 kg (cats).
8 months - 6.9 kg (cats), 4.3 kg (cats).
9 months - 7 kg (cats), 5 kg (cats).
10 months - 7.7 (cats), 5.6 kg (cats).
11 months - 5.7-8 kg (cats), 6 kg (cats).
12 months - 9.0 kg (cats), 6.4 kg (cats).
18 months - 9.5 kg (cats), 6.5 kg (cats).
24 months - 10 kg (cats), 7 kg (cats).
30 months - 12 kg (cats), 7.5 (cats).
At 3 years, the weight of the cat can be 12 kg, and cats - within 8 kg.
Thus, the weight of an adult Maine Coon should not exceed 12 kg. You should not be too happy if your pet gains this weight by the age of one. Your pet may have problems with the heart and blood vessels, joints. The nurseries very strictly monitor the weight of the animals, we advise you not to let this thing go by its own accord.
Kitten Care
Most experts believe that Maine Coon, whose price is quite high, needs high-quality food. It is advisable to choose dry food. However, they must be of high quality.
Most cats of this breed can eat well and do not become overweight at the same time. Middle-aged animals may have some overweight problems that can be controlled by transferring pets to a low-calorie diet.
Cats of this breed need a plentiful drink. Therefore, you need to ensure your pet free access to fresh water. It should be defended, without chlorine. Do not forget that kittens of this breed need to do all preventive vaccinations.
Care and maintenance
Caring for an adult animal is not difficult - you need to comb your pet once a week. Only during molting (once a year) should this be done more often. Maine Coon should be bathed in proportion to pollution.
An adult animal has a body length of 135 cm (with a tail) and a height at the withers of 45 cm.
Where to buy a kitten
Probably, it is not necessary to say that buying a kitten of such a rare breed is by no means worth it on the market. To purchase a charming Maine Coon baby, the price of which is from 25 to 40 thousand rubles, is necessary only in a specialized nursery.
Today we introduced you to a fairly rare breed of cats in our country. We learned how Maine Coon's weight changes over the months, what kind of care this animal needs. We hope that the information will be useful to you, and you will get such a beautiful and very kind pet.