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Contact
us if you are interested (please, serious enquiries
only)
Tel : 603-9059 3191
Fax: 603-9059 3190
HP : 019-2424 636
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©
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. Felis Wonder
Maine Coon. |
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| What
are the characteristics of Maine Coon? |
Everything about
the Maine Coon points to its adaptation
to a harsh climate.
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Its
glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant,
is like that of no other breed, and must
be felt to be appreciated.
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It
is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches
to protect against wet and snow, and shorter
on the back and neck to guard against
tangling in the underbrush.
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The
coat falls smoothly, and is almost maintenance-free:
a weekly combing is all that is usually
required to keep it in top condition.
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The
long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around
himself when he curls up to sleep can
protect him from cold winters.
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His
ears are more heavily furred (both inside
and on the tips) than many breeds for
protection from the cold, and have a large
range of movement.
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Big,
round, tufted feet serve as 'snow shoes.'
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Their
large eyes and ears are also survival
traits, serving as they do increase sight
and hearing.
- The relatively long,
square muzzle facilitates grasping prey
and lapping water from streams and puddles.
Although the Yankee myth
of 30-pound cats is just that, a myth (unless
the cat is grossly overweight!), these are indeed
tall, muscular, big-boned cats; males commonly
reach 13 to 18 pounds, with females normally
weighing about 9 to 12 pounds. Add to that two
or three inches of winter coat, and people will
swear that they're looking at one big cat.
Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve
their full size until they are three to five
years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish
throughout their lives; they are big, gentle,
good-natured goofs. Even their voices set them
apart from other cats; they have a distinctive,
chirping trill which they use for everything
from courting to cajoling their people into
playing with them. (Maine Coons love to play,
and many will joyfully retrieve small items.)
They rarely meow, and when they do, that soft,
tiny voice doesn't fit their size!
Maine Coon owners enjoy the breed's characteristic
clown-like personality, affectionate nature,
amusing habits and tricks, willingness to 'help'
with any activity, and easily groomed coat.
They
make excellent companions for large, active
families that also enjoy having dogs and other
animals around. Their hardiness and ease of
kittening make them a satisfying first breed
for the novice breeder. For owners wishing to
show, the Maine Coon has reclaimed its original
glory in the show ring. |
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| How
big do they get? |
A full-grown female
typically weighs between 9-12 pounds and
males tend to be in the 13 to 18 pound range.
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| Do
they need much grooming? |
Maine Coons do not
need much grooming and a weekly combing
is all that is usually required to keep
the coat in top condition.
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| But
I thought Maine Coons had extra toes...? |
Some "original"
Maine Coons were polydactyls (had extra
toes). However, modern purebred Maine Coons
are rarely polydactyls. This is because
all cat associations automatically disqualify
polydactyls from competition in the purebred
classes. Because of this, most polydactyls
were culled from the Maine Coon breed decades
ago, and only a few breeders continue to
work with them. Since the polydactyl gene
is dominant, you can't get a polydactyl
kitten unless at least one of the parents
is also a polydactyl.
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| I
think my cat is part Maine Coon. How do I tell? |
The Maine Coon is
America's native longhair cat; it evolved
naturally in response to the New England
climate. Your cat's ancestors might be similar
to the cats that founded the Maine Coon
breed. However, it's impossible to tell
from just looking at your cat if it is related
to the Maine Coon or to any other breed.
Because the Maine Coon is a natural breed
and hasn't been bred to extremes, there
are cats all over the world that resemble
the Maine Coon. The only way to tell for
sure if your cat is a Maine Coon is to look
at the pedigree.
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| Is
that a Maine Coon? I thought all Maine Coons were
brown. |
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| What
are the cares & trainings for maine coon? |
Most breeders recommend a high-quality
dry food. Most cats can free feed without
becoming overweight. Middle-aged cats (5-10)
are most likely to have weight problems
which can usually be controlled by switching
to a low-calorie food. Many Maine Coons
love water. Keep a good supply of clean,
fresh water available at all times.
Most Maine Coons can be trained to accept
a leash. Maine Coons are creatures of habit
and they train easily if they associate
the activity with something they want (they
train humans easily too!).
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| How
do I find out about Maine Coons? |
Well this is a good start. There are many
Web sites; both breeder and governing body
orientated; which provide a lot of information
for the interested party. We have a number
of links on our own pages. We suggest a
crawl through these pages will not only
increase your phone bill but will get you
hooked on the Maine Coon. The next step
is pick a few unsuspecting breeders close
to home and contact them - the personal
touch is always the best - do not rely solely
on the internet. Most breeders will be happy
to chat to you for hours about their hobby.
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