How old do Maine Coons live and how to extend their lifespan?

Maine Coon is a cat breed bred in North-East America. The large size of the animal has led to some misconceptions. Kittens are bought reluctantly for fear that they will not live long. Those who turned out to be bolder and bought them suffer from the unknown, fearing the early death of the cat. But not everything is so scary.

Of all the cat breeds, the Maine Coon is special. She stands out among other representatives of the feline giant size, memorable appearance and intelligence. Cats have a large woolly head. The cheekbones are high, the mustache is long, and there are tassels on the ears, making the animals look like a lynx. Although the physique of the Maine Coons is developed, they are graceful creatures. Their paws are long, ending in tattered "felt boots". They have a long and fluffy tail.

At the exhibitions you will not see cats with lavender, chocolate or Himalayan colors. This color is prohibited in the standard: they are not bred. Maine Coons have an unusual and harmonious voice. They do not meow, begging for food, but hum a request to the owner.

The life expectancy of all cats, not just Maine Coons, depends on the conditions, care and health status. As they say, Maine Coons live 4, 5 or 6 years, but this is not true. At this age, breeders simply withdraw them from breeding for the flow of new blood, and not because of imminent death.

The large size does not shorten the pet's eyelids. Critics are mistaken when drawing an analogy with giant and large dog breeds. Maine Coon's lifespan does not depend on size. Maine Coon cats live for 14-16 years, and cats for 12-15 years.

How long the pet will live depends on the quality of life of the pet. If he is loved, then the conditions of detention should be ideal. Maine Coon is the most unpretentious cat breed.

There will be no particular hassle with leaving. The cat will take care of itself, and the owner is required only once a week:

• comb the coat;
• hygiene of ears, teeth, eyes and mouth;
• take care of the claws.

Performing the procedures from the above list is a guarantee that there are no health problems for the cat. Excessive caring for cats is useless. Some breeders are not against games, walks in the fresh air.

When it is not possible to walk animals, they buy or make a play complex with their own hands. Their training in the constructed "town" is subsequently watched with interest: cats not only show tricks, jumping from one place to another, but also get into funny stories.

Caring for a proper and balanced diet is what a caring owner thinks about first of all. He feeds the pet on time and does not allow overeating: he does not need hunger and excess weight.

Food from their table is given only if it does not contain sugar, spices, salt, dyes and preservatives. Do not feed your cat until after consulting your veterinarian. The doctor will prescribe supplements, micronutrients, guided by the age and health of the cat.

By their nature, cats of this breed have good health and excellent immunity. Rarely, offspring with genetic abnormalities are born. Often, breeders are at a loss and hesitate to notice alarming symptoms.

Going to the vet will save the owner's nerves and finances. He will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment, minimizing harm to health and the development of serious problems with the cardiovascular system and joints. Preventive vaccinations are given on time. The four-legged animal is given antihelminthic and antiparasitic drugs.

Novice breeders do not welcome affectionate treatment. They do not see a cat as a social animal and do not think that she should feel cared for and well treated. Maine Coons are “talked to” and stroked, but at the same time they are not imposed.

They will not land on their paws by falling from a windowsill or jumping from a table to a sofa. At the same time, one careless step will lead to a fall, which is not excluded for this dimensional pet. He may be the last one. Even if the cat is grouped and successfully lands, it can be hit by a car or become a victim of stray dogs. To prevent the death of a pet, the owner takes the following measures:

• installs and fixes furniture and other items in the apartment (figurines, desktop photo frames);
• covers and installs grids with a medium-sized lattice on the windows so that the Maine Coons do not climb on them and do not jump;
• removes medicine bottles, shampoo bottles, pesticides for country pests from shelves, cabinets and tables so that the pet does not eat them or get injured by shrapnel during games.

Maine Coons are curious cats. Everything that they see on the table or on the floor, they will try on the tooth, having previously sniffed. They often "feast on" the hostess's ornaments, stale bread and small details from the designer. With the same success, they eat the poison, walking on the street. Therefore, walking alone is prohibited for them.

Maine Coon is not capricious and eats everything that is given to him, but feeding with low-quality food will backfire in the future.

Because of this, urolithiasis, renal failure and other ailments that can shorten the life of a pet develop.

Buying a Maine Coon cat from the hands, the breeder runs the risk of buying a sick kitten. Subsequently, he will find out that he is sick with hereditary diseases from the list below:

• renal polycystic disease;
• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
• dysplasia of the hip joint;
• spinal muscular atrophy.

It is difficult to change something if the kitten is sick. To protect oneself from such situations and to receive healthy offspring in the future, the animal is bought in the nursery.

With proper feeding and maintenance, many problems can be avoided. If your pet is sick, a timely visit to the veterinarian will save his life and reduce the risk of complications.

For information on how to keep a Maine Coon at home, see the video below.