For cat enthusiasts, it can be exciting when you see Maine Coon kittens for sale around your area. Maine Coon cats are incredibly gorgeous and a highly desired bread to add to the family dynamic. They are also the largest domestic cat and the oldest natural breed within North America. Aside from their historical traits, these felines are extremely loyal, affectionate, and loving animals. However, before jumping in and buying Maine Coon kittens, make sure you understand what  responsibility entails and that you are adequately prepared to bring your furry friend(s) home. 

Basic Care of Maine Coon cats

Though Maine Coon cats are generally good at grooming themselves, you should be prepared to help them along with certain aspects, such as cleaning their ears, which are prone to getting dirty and waxy frequently. If left untreated, it could develop into some undesirable infections. Other things to be mindful of basic care wise include:

• They are prone to dental issues (tooth decay and periodontal disease), so make sure you brush your cat's teeth and gums regularly using feline-friendly toothpaste to prevent this from becoming a problem.

• Maine Coon's claws are long and curved, ideal for hunting. However, in homes, it can be a problem for them, such as getting stuck on clothes, or  carpets, or accidentally scratching someone. Because of this, you will need to trim them to avoid this from occurring.

• You should give your Maine Coon cat a proper bath once every month or two if you notice their coat getting stringy or greasy. Though cats and water do not generally coincide with each other, you can be assured that Maine Coon cats are fascinated by and love water! Keep in mind that their specific fur is water repellent, so scrub well because their fur will not soak up the water as well as it should. 

• Along with bathing, invest in a good, sturdy grooming brush that can handle all three layers of your cat's fur (undercoat, middle coat, and topcoat). It should be able to de-tangle, de-shed (Maine Coon cats shed a lot), and de-matt all in one.

• Many cats tend to lack exercise, so part of their primary care is to keep them active and stimulated often. You can achieve this by playing or even going for a nice walk. Maine Coon cats love going for walks outside, so get a leash to have on standby so you can both enjoy some fresh air together.

European Maine Coons VS American Maine Coons

European Maine Coons have larger ears with prominent tufts (similar to lynx), longer, bushier tails, and higher cheekbones. They also have a more majestic look, while American Maine Coons have softer, milder features that better resemble average house cats. American Maine Coons have oblique-shaped eyes, while European cats have almond-shaped ones.

European Maine Coon cat size and weight.

European Maine Coons are significantly larger than other cat breeds. Their length ranges anywhere from 19–30 in, while the height is about 9–15 in. The weight of European Maine Coons ranges from 8 to 24 lb, with males being larger than females.

European Maine Coon builds and shapes.

Unlike American Maine Coons, European gentle giants have rectangular, big-boned, and muscular bodies. Their large rounded paws set them apart from most other breeds. They have a well-proportioned physique, which makes them gorgeous.

Prepping Your Home

Cats don’t need too much to be happy in a home, but there are things you cannot avoid, such as a litter box, scratching posts, and of course, food and water. Before buying the first items you see, make sure that the litter box, for example, is large enough for your Maine Coon cat to fit in. Those breeds get significantly large, so getting a litter box or two that is too small for them can be a messy disaster. Furthermore, setting up scratching posts throughout the house is a great way to deter your cat from using furniture or another home décor as a way to curb its urge to shed its claws.  Again, your cat will be big and full-grown, so the more durable the posts are, the better.

Common Personality Characteristics of Maine Coon cats

• Vocals - Something that you may notice relatively soon after you bring your Maine Coon cat home is its distinct vocal sounds. Don't be alarmed when your cat starts making strange chirping or trilling noises. These cats are known to be very frank and take this sounds as a positive thing because, generally, they make it when they are happy or excited (like purring).

• Neutering or Spaying - One thing that you will want to consider is neutering or spaying. This is because male and female cats who are not will have many different characteristics than those that do. For instance, male cats will be hard to keep inside, be more aggressive, and may spray around your house. Females will be desperate to go outside whenever they can and could go to intense lengths to escape the house. With this reality, it is suggested you talk to your vet about neutering or spaying soon after you bring them home so you can avoid these unwanted situations and behaviors.

• Never Let Them Get Lonely - Something else to note is that Maine Coon cats hate being lonely or isolated. They crave attention and need it to feel emotionally balanced and stable, just like humans do. So always be aware that your cat needs this and carve out some time each day to dedicate to them, such as talking, cuddling, playing, etc. so they feel involved and loved. While on the topic, something else to consider, especially if you work a lot during the day and are not home often, is to get two Maine Coon cats instead of just one so they can keep each other company. It will be a double expense for you, but it could be an ideal solution to ensure proper emotional health.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are some considerations that you need to be mindful of before bringing home or buying a Maine Coon cat. Yes, they are wonderful animals, but they also need to be taken care of respectfully so you both can have a quality life together. With that being said, if you have read through all of the necessary information above and still have determined you are ready to own a Maine Coon cat, then, by all means, go for it! Enjoy the company of your new friend(s), and though it takes a lot of commitment, it is undoubtedly a rewarding and fun journey.