Some experts consider the Maine Coon to be America’s favorite cat breed. Others describe them as mysterious and unique. Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of owning a Maine Coon kitten or adult cat.
All too often, people get attached to animals quickly. This can sometimes be due to similarities in personality or because they feel an emotional connection with them.
For example, many people develop relationships with dogs because they are intelligent and playful. Many will say that their dog makes them happy every day, which is one of the main reasons why they keep it.
Similarly, people adopt cats because they believe they make them happier than any other animal. They may perceive feline beauty as attractive or even sexy, making them admirers of cat “beauty”.
Both dogs and cats are known for being loving and loyal companions, but there are differences between the two. Some argue that felines are more socially oriented while some claim that dogs are more dominant.
Maine coons are a hybrid breed of a domestic shorthair and Russian wildcat. Due to this combination, these cats have qualities from both! What this means is that although they share traits with each parent species, they also exhibit characteristics specific to only themselves.
Pro tip: Since most owners eventually lose track of time when looking after their pets, try to organize your work and life ahead of time so you don’t end up running late all the time.
Pros Of Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon cats are a popular breed known for their large size and friendly personalities. They are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their size and temperament. Here are some of the pros of owning a Maine Coon cat:
- Size: Maine Coon cats are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with males weighing up to 18 pounds and females weighing up to 16 pounds. This can make them great companions for people who enjoy the presence of a larger pet.
- Personality: Maine Coon cats are known for being friendly, outgoing, and playful. They are often described as being “dog-like” in their behavior, as they enjoy playing fetch and following their owners around the house.
- Intelligence: Maine Coon cats are known for being intelligent and trainable. They can learn tricks, such as playing fetch or coming when called, and can also be trained to walk on a leash.
- Adaptability: Maine Coon cats are known for being adaptable to different living situations. They are just as happy living in a small apartment as they are living in a large house with a backyard.
- Grooming: Grooming Maine Coon cats have a thick, water-resistant coat that requires minimal grooming. Brushing them once a week is usually enough to keep their coat in good condition.
- Health: Maine Coon cats are generally healthy and have a lifespan of around 12-15 years. They are a hardy breed that is not prone to many genetic health issues.
Beautiful colors
The most popular color for a Maine coon is some sort of rich, warm brown or cream Maine Coon. These cats are known to have very striking markings and patterns that appeal to many people. They tend to have long tails which some owners feel looks good when walking them.
Maine coons also have large, rounded ears that can get quite fluffy. This adds to their cuteness factor as it shows off their pretty fur.
Some say that Maine coons look like big dogs with longer hair and bigger paws. While this is true to an extent, they lose part of the reason why many people love these breeds- because of how beautiful they are.
While some believe that being a strong breed, these animals’ personality comes across more often than not, some think differently. Some say that even though they may be friendly at times, they are still aggressive duelists.
Another downside is that these cats need space to move around and play. If your home does not meet their needs, then perhaps this is a cat you want to consider before investing in one.
If you are looking for a low maintenance pet that requires little attention other than feeding time, then a Maine coon cat may be the right fit for you!
They are loved by many, but just like any other type of cat, they require consistent training and care to live up to their potential.
Big and fluffy
This is one of the main reasons people choose to get a cuddle monster as a pet! Maine coons are known for being very large, loved even more due to their lovable personality.
Maine coon cats can be up to 20 pounds or more at full maturity so they’re not necessarily small when young. However, most mature around 6-8 years old, making them relatively older than some other breeds.
Their size comes from having longer hairs which take longer to grow, thus taking longer to dry. Because of this, they are usually fanciable because you never see all the soft fur that could potentially get wet!
However, although these cats may seem heavy at first, they actually have quite a bit of muscle under their big coats. Many owners claim they are intelligent and playful, just like any other cat breed.
Cons of Maine Coons
Unfortunately, not all owners know how to take care of their cat properly. Some seem more concerned with proving that theirs is the biggest or highest volume fur coat than ensuring that their pet has proper nutrition and health.
Many will feed their cats dry food instead of wet foods, which are better for your feline friend’s health. Thankfully, most cats don’t like dry food so this isn’t too common with them!
Some won’t let their animals play outside or go into open spaces due to fear-of-cat tendencies. This can be very frustrating for an owner who wants to bring up these issues in order to learn something about sheltering or understanding animal behavior, you name it!
On top of that, some owners may get jealous when they see other people’s coos, especially if those people don’t have a lot of money spending on them.
Here are some cons of Maine Coon that are common
They can be pricey
Although Maine coons are popular, they can cost quite a bit! An average-sized Maine Coons price around 1,000 to 2,000 dollars when purchased as an adult.
This is due in part to their expensive food requirements and large amounts of fur that must be groomed and/or replaced constantly.
The price difference between low-cost and non-low-cost breeds depends on what qualities you want your kitten to have. Some may consider them more aesthetically pleasing while others prefer shorter hair. It also depends on how much maintenance each individual cat requires.
There is no clear reason why Maine cats are so expensive; it just kind of happened along time.
They require a lot of attention
The number one complaint about owning a Maine coon cat is that they are too demanding. These cats want to be top cats, and they make it known!
They expect to get your full attention when they need something done or want to be petted. This can be annoying for some, but it is also very rewarding since they kitten so beautifully while being touched.
For example, if you take out the trash at night, then come back in the morning, what do you find? You find a beautiful black cat with its nose stuck inside the garbage bag looking for food!
This may sound funny, but it takes quite an amount of work to train your own internal balance as a person, let alone as a owner of a large animal.
Cats have been around long enough to know when someone does not give them their space and they try to win people’s love, eventually they will stop trying. Your best bet is to figure out how to prioritize your life and learn to say “no” to things that cannot be helped.
They can get aggressive
Although most people love Maine coons, there are some issues that need to be addressed. One major complaint is their perceived aggressiveness. Some say they are territorial and want to defend their space or toys.
This perception comes mostly from other cats around them! When you compare how many cat owners have Maine coons as pets, it becomes clear that not everyone likes this breed.
There are also reports of aggression towards cats and even humans. If these things make you uncomfortable, then maybe this cat isn’t the one for you.
However, let me tell you something about Maine coons – if a cat bothers yours, your Maine coon will take care of it!
Maine coons are known for being very protective of those close to them. This includes family members, friends, and even strangers who enter their territory.
It may sound scary at first, but when used in appropriate situations, this trait can save lives!
If you are thinking about getting a Maine coon, do your research first! Make sure you check out potentials together so you can get a feel for each individual animal.
They can have health problems
One major downside to owning any kind of cat is that they cannot always be guaranteed a peaceful death. Most notably, some versions of pure-bred cats are designed to live very long.
Maine coons are one such breed. Due to their large size, many people believe that these cats will eventually “slow down” and relax after spending all day eating and sleeping.
However, there are times when this doesn’t happen. Sometimes, even if a cat seems like it is relaxing, it may actually be in pain or suffering from internal illness.
For example, every time your cat sneezes, she may also be scratching herself or trying to get rid of mucus. This could indicate an infection or perhaps just poor grooming habits.
They can shed a lot
If you are looking to adopt a cat, make sure you research about which type of cats they are before bringing them home. A cuddly, warm fuzzy kitty is indeed cute to look at, but some breeds need more attention and grooming than others!
Maine coons are known for their long, thick fur that comes in various colors. This makes it very difficult to keep these cats clean as everything gets covered in lots of saliva and drool.
Since this is natural skin secretion, most people don’t require much brushing or washing under normal circumstances.
However, if you do plan to take care of your new buddy properly, there are several things you should be aware of.
Producers suggest getting the hair off of your new pet early by using a comb or brush and having her/him sit on a vacuum cleaner gurney pack every few days. This will help minimize matting and hairs left over from grooming.
You can take your Maine Coon out on a leash
Yes, it is possible to walk a Maine Coon cat on a leash. However, not all cats are comfortable with this and it may require patience and training. It is important to ensure the safety of the cat while on a leash and to supervise them at all times.
Conclusion
Overall, Maine Coon cats are a great choice for those looking for a large, friendly companion. They are adaptable, intelligent, and easy to care for, making them a great pet for families and individuals alike.
