Being the proud cat parent of a Maine Coon is both rewarding and fun. This breed is playful and generally healthy so fairly easy to look after. Like us mere humans, there are a few things you need to know about caring for them so they can have the best life possible.
Here are the most important care tips you need to know.
Groom your cat to keep its hair shiny and healthy
We all like to look and feel our best and your cat is no different. This breed has long hair so it’s essential you brush it daily to keep it mat-free. It’s much easier to prevent tangles than having to try and remove them later.
Your cat will also need a haircut in the summer so it doesn’t get too hot and bothered. This is an active breed and all that exercise (and hair!) makes them prone to overheating. You’ll also need to cut the hair in between their toes on a regular basis using small scissors.
Give your cat a bath at least every two months. Yes, you read that right! Don’t worry, this breed usually loves water and will consider this a little mini-vacation each time it takes a dip.
Go easy on the food and opt for quality over quantity
Don’t overfeed your cat because this can lead to health issues in the future. Buy high-quality cat food that is certified by AAFCO and make sure it’s a combination of dry and wet food for variety.
Proteins in the form of meat are crucial because cats are carnivorous. Plus, your cat’s going to give you a lot more snuggles to show its gratitude.
Unlike food, it’s important to give your cat an abundance of water to drink. This breed loves drinking water as much as they treasure bath time. If they were a human they’d no doubt be an Olympic swimmer or scuba diver, possibly both!
Give these bouncy cats plenty of stimulation
This care tip really comes as a playful (but very real) warning. Your cat will have lots of energy and need plenty of exercise and stimulation. If you don’t provide these, you will likely be replacing your sofa more frequently than you planned!
Luckily, this is an easy task with these cats. Naturally energetic, they will happily zoom around the house. It’s your job to make it fun and add some challenges for them. Two items you and your cat cannot live without are a cat scratcher and a cat tree.
This adventurous breed often likes to go for walks with its favorite owner too. That’s right, you just need a cat lead and it will happily go for a stroll around the block with you just like a dog. Best of all, this will help keep you and your cat fit and healthy.
Take your cat for regular health checks
Visit your vet once a year to make sure your cat is in good shape. Even if your cat looks healthy the vet could catch an underlying health problem. This breed is at risk of developing obesity, hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and spinal muscular atrophy.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your vet about screening your cat for hereditary or breed-specific issues. This could identify any potential problems so the vet can monitor these and start treatment sooner.
Enjoy looking after your cat and you will be rewarded. Not only will your cat be happy with all of the attention but you will keep it healthy so it can entertain you and cuddle you on your lovely (and long-lasting) sofa.
